Hoosier Racing Tire Reveals 2026 Hoosier Heroes

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Hoosier Tire


Hoosier Racing Tire revealed its class of 2026 Hoosier Heroes today at a special announcement during the PRI Show.

Launched in 2022, the Hoosier Hero program celebrates racers who live out Hoosier's spirit of passion, pride and success both on and off the track, company representatives said. This year's process kicked off with fans nominating more than 400 racers over the summer. From there, the field was narrowed to 25 finalists, who went through a combined fan, industry and media vote with more than 17,000 votes cast.

2026 Hoosier Heroes

  • Victoria Beaner – Pro Jr. Dragster, Micro Sprint, Pro Late Model
  • Emily Billings – INEX Bandolero
  • Vito Cancilla – Pro Late Model, Super Late Model, CARS Tour
  • Joey Coulter – SMART Modified Tour, WHELEN Modified Tour
  • Callum and Ryan Crowe – Sidecar, Isle of Man TT
  • Jimmy Dale – Drag Racing
  • Morgan Grosz – WISSOTA Late Model
  • Andy Jankowiak – ARCA, Modifieds
  • Ryan Kisner – MWEDT/Pro, Pro-AM
  • Chris Morris – IMCA Modified
  • Mitch Thomas – UMP Modified, Late Model
  • Westin Workman – GR Cup North America


"The Hoosier Hero program is our way of celebrating the people who make racing what it is," said Joerg Burfien, president and CEO, Hoosier Racing Tire. "The Class of 2026 reflects the heart of this community, its leaders, competitors, and mentors who have lifted the sport in meaningful ways. Their induction as Hoosier Heroes is not just a recognition of past success, but a tribute to the positive influence they've had on everyone around them."

In addition to honoring active racers through the annual Hoosier Hero class, Hoosier also names a Hoosier Hero Legend each year. Presented alongside the Hero program, this distinction recognizes an individual whose influence and achievements have left a lasting mark on motorsports.

Frank Kimmel was named the 2026 Hoosier Hero Legend, honoring his extraordinary contribution to motorsports. Kimmel is the winningest driver in ARCA history with 80 wins, 10 championship titles and more than 10,000 laps completed across 191 races. His remarkable consistency, skill and dedication to the sport have left an incredible mark on the racing community.

"Frank Kimmel has long embodied the spirit, excellence and integrity that define a Hoosier Hero," said Nic Moncher, head of marketing, Hoosier Tire. "His decades of achievement on and off the track have left an unmistakable mark on our sport and on the racing community. Being named a Hoosier Hero Legend in 2026 is not only a fitting honor, but a formal recognition of the standard he has set for competitors, teams and fans alike. Frank's legacy continues to influence every corner of the industry, and this distinction reflects the impact he's made throughout an extraordinary career."

The Hoosier Hero campaign will air on Racer+ as a 12-part series with each episode highlighting a different member of the 2026 class. Racer+ is a direct-to-consumer streaming app available on iOS, Android-connected devices, Roku, Amazon Fire TV and online at racerplus.com.

For more information, visit hoosiertire.com.

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