Kenny Vanlaningham becomes the first car owner to be inducted into the Beatrice Speedway Hall of Fame. Kenny had 2 career wins at Beatrice Speedway in the early 1960's. But it was after this, when he became a car owner that he became a common known name at the racetrack.
Throughtout the 1960's, 1970's and into the 1980's this man along with friends and family would provide rides for a variety of drivers among them include John Chapp, Tim Rogge, Rich Rieber, Larry Upton and Roy Abrahms. But perhaps the most succesful combinations was with Hall of Fame member Frank "Zook" Scdoris.
Even though his rides didn't always have the highest budgets or newest parts. It was the person that attracted the drivers.
In his era, if u said the #52 or mentioned the name "Tobe" everyone knew who you were talking about.
Kenny is the foundation of a generation long racing family and was the most nominated name among his peers on the 2006 racer's reunion ballots.