The Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame inducted five new well deserving off-road legends on Friday, October 4 in Pomona, California.  Reaching its highest attendance yet, the sold-out show consisting of almost 300 guests filled the banquet room and helped in honoring the late Larry Bergquist, Bob Chandler, Frank DeAngelo, Jerry Herbst and Bob “the Weatherman” Steinberger as the Class of 2013.

Bob Chandler is known to many as the creator of the monster truck industry.  His most well-known creation:  Bigfoot #1.  His many years of innovating has led to safety technology and ultimately saving lives. Chandler’s team devotes many efforts to support important causes like Make-A-Wish Foundation, children’s hospitals and the like.

Frank DeAngelo is the first person to be inducted into ORMHOF under the Special Achievement category.  DeAngelo’s efforts in desert and short course racing have lasted 33 years and counting. Beginning as a semi-truck driver for BFGoodrich and working his way up as the executive director of motorsports programs for Jackson Motorsports Group, Frank has left a positive mark on all individuals and organizations he has helped along the way.  His work with the BFGoodrich pit program has set the standard for efficacy, organization and  safety against remarkable adversity.

Larry Bergquist was a prominent figure in the motorcycle racing arena dating back to the first Mexican 1000 and earning himself a reputation of dedication and success.  His commitment to the sport sculpted him into a winning racer, a founder in the Buzzard’s MC and one who selflessly ran groups to help preserve the desert.

Jerry Herbst is the founder and backer of Herbst Motorsports.  Beginning this program for his sons, Jerry also found himself a niche.  Jerry and his team have been a key component to the development of the 37”, 39” and 42” BFGoodrich project tires.  Herbst Motorsports has dominated the SCORE and Best in the Desert race tracks with many class, overall and season championship victories.  Herbst helped in providing assistance for off-road organizations to help keep them safe and progressive.

Bob “the Weatherman” Steinberger found his passion within desert racing in 1972.  This passion stemmed from his frustration from the silence between race vehicle and pit crew.  Since then, the Weatherman  has been driving to the top of the highest mountain for an entire race to ensure every racer has a connection with their pit crew.  He is also the founder of P.C.I. Race Radios, a longtime member of C.O.R.V.A., a past president for F.A.I.R., a race team owner, pit crew member and race retrieval volunteer.

The ORMHOF Annual Silent Auction was held on Saturday, October 5. Many donations were provided by the 2013 Inductees, past Inductees and continuous supporters like Bestop, Best in the Desert, King of the Hammers, Dezert People and more.  Several excellent items are still up for auction online:  Bestop Jeep Soft Top, 2014 Guaranteed Starting Spot for King of the Hammers, 1 of 5 signed James Garner Prints and 2 season passes to Glen Helen Raceway.  These items will be available for bid until Sunday October 13, midnight at  www.32auctions.com/ormhofauction.

ORMHOF would like to say thank the following Corporate Partners for their continued support: Fox Racing Shox, BFGoodrich, Jackson Motorsports Group, Source Interlink Media, Lucas Oil, Rod Hall Events, Family Events, Summit Racing Equipment,  National Automobile Museum.

The Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization whose mission is to honor and recognize those individuals and organizations whose life long contribution to off-road motorsports have set a standard for others to follow.

To find out how to nominate or more information about ORMHOF, please visit www.ormhof.org.