Racing Royalty: USAC's 2024 Hall of Fame Unveils New Icons

The United States Auto Club (USAC) just dropped a major bombshell by inducting seven titans of the track into its prestigious Hall of Fame. Get ready to tip your caps to Levi Jones, Rickey Hood, Gene Crucean, John Mahoney, Tom Marchese, Jud Phillips, and the speed-racing Hoffman family as they join the elite 105-member club.

The 2024 lineup is an adrenaline-pumped blend of talent, featuring racers who've revved through USAC's ranks and officials who've steered the sport's legacy. They're in good company—names like Jeff Gordon and AJ Foyt remind us these inductees are true trailblazers.

Get the Inside Track on USAC's New Hall of Fame Heroes

  • Levi Jones: Starting at 16, he shifted from rookie to authority, eventually teaming up with Tony Stewart to snag a whopping six USAC championships.
  • Rickey Hood: This speed demon clinched national sprint car glory and pulled a phoenix rise after a nasty crash—an unstoppable force.
  • Gene Crucean: A master behind the lens and the operations, Crucean's snapshots and race strategies have left an indelible mark on the sport.
  • John Mahoney: Crucean's partner in shutter speed and strategy, Mahoney's eye for action made him a USAC staple behind the camera and in the executive room.
  • Tom Marchese: The Milwaukee Mile maestro, Marchese brought roaring engines to the legendary track for over a decade.
  • Jud Philips: Spanning four decades, Philips was a wrench wizard for championship teams, leaving a legacy of innovation in his pit lane path.

Mark your calendars—September 27, 2024, at Speedway, Indiana, the engines will idle and the spotlight will shine on these legends during the Hall of Fame ceremony. It's more than a nod to personal achievements; it’s a green flag tribute to this septet's full-throttle contributions to the racing world.