Ray Cunningham (was born in Hutchinson, Kansas, and grew up in a family of racing enthusiasts. His father Vernon competed in motocross and taught his son how to ride a dirt bike. While his mom Loretta competed on occasion in Powder Puff events and kept detailed programs at the racetrack. Both parents documented the racing action with photography that has later been used in periodicals, and books. During his childhood his sister Laura accompanied the family as well at motorsports events across the country and developed her own love for racing that continues to this day. Among Rays favorite venues growing up were Lakeside, Olympic, the Topeka Fairgrounds, and Shawnee, during the golden age of super modified racing. While enjoying the racing exploits of future CARB Hall of Famers, Jon Backlund, Dale McCarty, Ray Lee Goodwin, Junior Parkinson, Jerry Stone, and “Tiger Bob” Williams among others. After studying journalism at HCC and KU, Ray worked in sports and news at a radio station in Pratt, Kansas. And then on to television at Topeka’s ABC affiliate, and Wichita’s NBC station in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. Later in the decade, and into the new millennium, Ray also worked for ESPN doing the KU coach’s shows as a videographer. About 20 years ago, Ray turned his passion for motorsports into working for Hall of Fames that would include BCRA, High Bank’s, and CARB HOF over time. While also writing for Vintage Oval, Flat Out, and Dirt Monthly. As well as an editor for “The Offy Killer” by Donna Wilson. In 2013 Ray joined Ray Boyles promoting racing and its history in the KC area with media coverage for the Allstar Midgets, and the Legends from The Past Series, which included four books of stories about some of open wheel racing’s greatest legends. Over the last ten years Ray became a correspondent for the Racin Boys (RBN), covering racing around KC, as well as the Belleville Nationals. While from 2020 on the Kansas native would take over the role of media director and announcer for the MWRA sprint car series. And would also be on the mic for the Belleville Nationals as lead announcer for the 2023 event. Starting in January of 2019 Ray became a member of the CARB Hall of Fame board joining his good friend since childhood Dave Tyson. And a few years later started writing the “Spotlight” stories for the Ambassador Series under the direction of the “Alphabet Twins” J.D. Cormack and T.O. Ossman. Ray is very grateful for this prestigious honor, “Being inducted into the CARB HOF means the world to me, it’s a special privilege that I appreciate very much, Thank You!” )

2024 Inductee