News : 20th Hogan Memorial brings racers, fans, community together

In the summer of 1995, former Vinton newspaper publisher and dirt track racing enthusiast Dick Hogan died while watching his son, Scott, race in Independence.

A few weeks later Scott Hogan won the first annual Hogan Memorial event, which honors Dick and Janet (who died in 2006) for their commitment to racing and the Vinton community.

Every year since then, racers have gathered in Vinton for a mid-summer tribute to Dick and Janet Hogan. The 20th Hogan Memorial took place last night.

Dozens of racers came to Vinton -- from as far away as California -- to compete in the event, which thanks to many sponsors, offers more prize money than most dirt track races. Fans filled the stands for the event, which included a moment of silence in honor of Dick and Janet Hogan.

"We are overwhelmed with gratitude," says Scott Hogan's wife, Jolyne. "When I looked around last night at all our family , friends , fans and drivers it just makes me think how much Dick and Janet would have loved to be part of this."

Calling the annual event "bittersweet," Jolyne says: "In life as you know I'm sure there are so many ups and downs. So how awesome is it to have a night where people who have a passion for dirt track racing and family can get together and enjoy that passion together."

The Hogans worked longer on this event than usual, seeking more sponsors because of the milestone 20th year, says Jolyne.

This year's winner of the main 40-lap Modified Feature was J.D. Auringer, who led the entire race.

Although Scott Hogan was not able to earn his fifth Hogan Memorial victory, several other local drivers won their features in other divisions.

Vinton driver Justin Stander won his first stock car feature. He had previously raced in the Hobby Stock division, where he earned several wins and even a championship. But Sunday's victory in the Hogan Memorial gave Stander his best night yet on the race track. "This win definitely tops all my other wins," said Stander, who thanked the Hogans for their work in the annual event, as well as his family, crew and sponsors, "and the friends and fans who cheer me on every week." Those friends and fans stood and cheered as Stander passed Shepherd and took the checkered flag by less than half a car length. Vinton native Brian Happel, who won the Hobby Stock feature, said, "It's a big deal to win on on your home track, especially for the Hogan Memorial." Brandon driver Don Erger won the MiniMod Feature.

See more photos HERE.

See race results HERE.

See a previous history of how the Hogan family became involved in dirt track racing HERE.

See a video of Stander's win HERE.