SONOMA, Calif. — The West Coast Stock Car /Motorsports Hall of Fame celebrated its 2023 induction ceremonies on June 8 before more than 500 inductees, racing industry figures, guests and media members at Sonoma Raceway.
The ceremonies, presented by World Wide Technology (Ill.) Raceway, celebrated the many achievements of 10 members of the Class of 2023.
Inducted in the Class of 2023 are:
• Kurt Busch, the 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion and 34-time premier series winner
• Matt Crafton, a three-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion and winner of 15 NASCAR national series races
• Kevin Harvick, 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion and winner of 60 premier series races
• Brent Kaeding, a 13-time Northern Auto Racing Club (NARC) sprint car champion and World of Outlaws winner
• Lyn St. James, International Motor Sports (IMSA) class winner at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring, Indianapolis 500 rookie of the year and leader in furthering through Women in Racing North America.
2023 Heritage honorees, individuals from an earlier era of motorsport are:
• Don Basile, post-World War II driver, J.C. Agajanian partner and Speedway 117 operator
• Burt Foland, two-time Bay Cities Racing Association midget champion and race winner in four decades
• Fred Gerhardt, engineer, Indianapolis 500 entrant and United States Auto Club championship car winner
• Nick Rescino, six-time San Jose (Calif.) Speedway super modified champion and winner of six of the track’s prestigious Johnny Key Classic events
• Leroy Van Conett, eight-time Northern Auto Racing Club (NARC) champion and National Sprint Car Hall of Fame inductee
The Third Annual Knockin Doorz Down Philanthropist of the Year award, presented by 51FIFTY recognized co-recipients: the Kurt Busch Foundation and the Kevin Harvick Foundation. Busch’s foundation funds a number of initiatives, including women’s health and veteran affairs. Harvick’s foundation focuses on education and youth and college athletics.
Presenters included J. Douglas Boles, president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to Lyn St. James; WCSCMS inductees Ron Hornaday Jr. and Rick Carelli to Kevin Harvick; two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch to his older brother Kurt Busch; and J.C. Agajanian Jr. to the late Don Basile.
Ralph Sheheen, West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports Hall of Fame president and owner and publisher of SPEED SPORT, served as master of ceremonies.