Three to enter Indiana HOF

The Indiana Standardbred Hall of Fame will induct new members Saturday evening, February 3. Dr. George McClarnon, Raymond J. “Steve” Panke and pacing mare Extreme Velocity will be honored during the Indiana Standardbred Awards Banquet. The three honorees make up the Hall of Fame’s 2006 Class, which was determined last October. All three earned at least 70 percent of the vote by the directors, a prerequisite for induction.

Dr. George McClarnon has contributed to the Indiana Standardbred Industry as an owner, breeder and leader. As an owner and breeder he has continued to support this industry by investing and believing in the Indiana Program. As a leader, he worked diligently for the passage of pari-mutuel legislation in Indiana. He has served as President of I.T.P.H.A. and S.O.B.I., and helped to merge the two organizations into the Indiana Standardbred Association.

Nearly all of Steve Panke’s contribution to harness racing took place at the conference table as he worked tirelessly in support of the Indiana State Fairgrounds and in keeping abreast of important gaming information. When assigned a task, Steve did his homework and followed through all with the focus of helping Indiana horse people. He served 36 years as manager of the All Horse Classic National Show in Indianapolis. He also served as project manager of the restoration of the Indiana State Fair’s historic speed barns in 1997. Panke passed away October 9, 2006 at the age of 87.

Extreme Velocity was owned during her racing career by brothers Dave and Merrill Stohler from Markleville, IN. Racing her way out of conditioned races at her “home track” at Hoosier Park, she traveled to the competitive Woodbine circuit as well as New Jersey picking up wins in the 1997 Breeders Crown, the Milton Stakes, and the Roses Are Red. Her lifetime career statistics included 40 wins from 79 starts; earnings of $856,070; and a record of 1:50.3M. (IHRC Release)

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