05/01/2026
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May 16th WISSOTA Challenge Series Event at Viking Now Named Jeff Hinkemeyer Memorial
May 1st, 2026
FYE Motorsports
For Immediate Release
The 2026 visit by the Structural Buildings WISSOTA Late Model Challenge Series powered by Momentum Truck Group, Freightliner, Western Star will now officially be known as the inaugural Jeff Hinkemeyer Memorial, honoring the 8-time Viking Speedway Track Champion who passed away on April 26th at the age of 67.
Jeff won 21 overall track titles, including his eight at Viking, also won track titles at Cedar Lake, Proctor, Hibbing, St. Cloud and Fergus Falls and is also a former NASCAR Winston Racing Great Northern Champion. He won the prestigious Silver 1000 twice, went to victory lane at the Thunderbird Open and the Labor Day Shootout among several hundred feature victories across his 30-year racing career.
Jeff, who raced to an incredible 33 wins during his stellar 1981 season, was inducted into the Viking Speedway Hall of Fame, as well as the Gondik Law Speedway, Hibbing Raceway and Proctor Speedway Hall of Fames.
The 2026 edition of the event will pay an increased $4,013 to win, celebrating Jeffβs famous #13 car number, along with his car number that he drove for Joe and Scott Salner and won so many races during the second half of his career before his retirement from racing in 2011.
Viking Speedway Promoter Jeff Crouse said βThe Late Model is one of the most iconic cars to ever circle the high flyinβ half mile, therefore the Viking Speedway Board of Directors and Hall of Fame members are honored to be able to hold the Jeff Hinkemeyer Memorial at Viking. Jeff called Viking his home track for many years and was inducted into the Viking Speedway Hall of Fame in 2013. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, and we will never forget the 4F!β
The event night sponsor is Winning Edge Graphics and the memorial is also being supported by Cory Oberg Real Estate, FYE Motorsports Promotions and Joe Provo Racewear.
Anyone interested in getting involved in supporting this event, please reach out to Challenge Series Director Chris Stepan at (715) 497-8916. Donations will be accepted until race time at as well.
For tickets and more details: www.VikingSpeedwayMN.com.