International Drag Racing Hall of Fame Inducts 10 Ahead of NHRA Gatornationals

The International Drag Racing Hall of Fame welcomed 10 new inductees on March 6 during a ceremony at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center in Gainesville, Florida, ahead of the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals.
Pro Stock Motorcycle legends Terry Vance and Byron Hines, past Top Fuel and Funny Car world champion Gary Scelzi, longtime nitro team owner and driver Jim Head, former racer and race track owner Charlie Allen, drag racing pioneers Jay Howell and Gary Dyer and NHRA National Dragster Editor Phil Burgess. Race track owner/operator Debbie Bader and Summit Racing Equipment's Paul Sergi will also be honored alongside the Class of 2025 inductees into the Hall of Fame, which was established in 1991 by drag racing legend Don Garlits.
Cindy Gibbs, daughter of longtime NHRA Competition Director Steve Gibbs, presented Allen, a lifelong friend, for induction in an emotional introduction followed by the sons of Howell, who passed away late last year, not long after learning of his induction. Jack Beckman was the presenter to the Howell family.
Beckman also introduced Burgess to the stage shortly after Bill Bader Jr. honored Debbie Bader, his late father's wife, who was honored with the Pat Garlits Memorial Award.
Chad Head introduced his famous father, Jim, who recounted his many experiments over the year and they were followed by Dyer, who spoke about his long career.
The evening concluded with Scelzi, who was introduced by 2024 NHRA Funny Car world champ Austin Prock, a longtime family friend of the Scelzis.
For more information, visit nhra.com.
Photos by Alex Owens/Auto Imagery, courtesy of NHRA