Donald "Don" Connor ( of Shawnee Mission Kansas, was one of the top drivers in Kansas City Stock Car racing history in the 1960’s and 1970’s. His accomplishments at I-70 Speedway were legendary, while he also would have success on the dirt at Lakeside Speedway as well. From the get-go Don Conner was fast at the brand new I-70 Speedway in 1969, when the Late Model division took to the High Banks for the first time Don led the way in his1964 Chevelle, winning the first track championship over Fast Freddie Whisler. Success would continue in 1970 with Conner winning the National Championship race at I-70, after an epic battle with Dave Wall. While taking home $1,500 dollars for his victory. A large sum of money in those days. Teaming with Ralph Suman of Suman Automotive over the years, Conner would have success for years to come. Including winning the 1972, and 1973 track titles at I-70. The 1972-point championship turned out to be an epic one, as Conner and Johnny Prior would battle to the final race of the season. Unfortunately for Conner, a bizarre accident almost ended his chance to compete! The week before the finale, Conner had fallen from his tow rig and hit his head on the asphalt surface below! Conner was unconscious after the incident, before responding to treatment, and making an amazing recovery to be cleared by the doctors for the final night of racing, and the 100 lapper to finish the regular season. Illinois driver Prior fell out early in the feature with engine failure, while Connor, who trailed by 39 points entering the main event would finish 3rd and take the track title once again. That championship would give Connor back-to-back championships at I-70 to capture his third title at the Odessa, Missouri, track in the last 5 years. In an era that made I-70 Speedway one of the top paved short tracks in the nation, Don Conner wrote his name in the record books on several occasions. That over time would also include stalwarts David Wall, Terry Bivens, Freddy Whisler, “Tiger Bob” Wiliam Dick Trickle, Super Joe Wallace, Mark Martin, and Rusty Wallace just to name a few. And now an inductee in the CARB Hall of Fame, class of 2024. )

2024 Inductee