By Cheryl Licklider Commentary

Troy Gemmill joined the ranks of a select few as he won the coveted National Championship Racing Association (NCRA) modified crown at the 51st annual Hutchinson Nationals July 21.

“Winning the Hutch Nationals is something every stock car racer would like to add to his resume,” said local track promoter Lonnie Colville.

“It is very prestigious to be able to say that you’ve won that event.”

“It has been a long time coming,” said Gemmill.

“I’ve been running modifieds for 19 years, and we’ve run there almost every year. It took my dad a long time, too, before he finally won the Hutch title in ’93.”

The talented driver started on the pole in the 25-lap main event and led from flag to flag. He said it was a fast track and, although his set-up didn’t work at the start, it came around as the track started taking on rubber.

Gemmill has won a number of major events over the years, including Enid Speedway Park’s legendary $10,000 to win Street Stock Nationals in 1997 and the first-ever $10,000 to win race in Amarillo for modifieds.

“I’ve won a lot of big shows over the years, but those two are the most memorable,” said Gemmill.

This Ponca City hot shoe has been a dominant force in modifieds for nearly two decades, claiming championships at the Garfield County Fairgrounds track in 1998 and 2005. Gemmill followed in his father’s footsteps, the legendary Van “The Kirby Man” Gemmill, who chased checkered flags throughout Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri for more than 30 years in the late model and modified divisions.

“I’ve always loved stock car racing,” said Gemmill. “My dad started getting me into the pits when I was only 10 years old, and I grew to be part of the team. Naturally, I always wanted to drive.”

Even though he enjoys racing, this veteran claims he gets the most satisfaction these days from watching his 17-year-old son, Brendon, carry on the family tradition.

“It is a blast racing with Brendon,” said Gemmill. “The worst thing is not being able to watch him race.

“However, three weeks ago I had the best seat in the house when I ran second to him in the ‘A’ feature. I’m still hoping to get my dad out here this season. It would be awesome to have all three of us on the track at once.”

His quick No. 721 is a Skyrocket race car powered by an Allen’s Automotive Machine motor. Sign-It-Signs, Snap-On, ACS Racing Fuels and YES Finance sponsor the sharp ride. Gemmill’s loyal crew members include David Patocka, Chris Hooley, Dick Patocka and Curly Hill.

“Everybody’s help is appreciated,” said Gemmill. “We have a good time and you can’t do it all alone. It takes a lot of work to keep both cars ready.”

The Gemmills are the first local competitors to embrace the Skyrocket cars that are manufactured in Minnesota.

“This car really suits my driving style, and it really helps that both of us are driving the same type of cars,” said Gemmill. “I’ve been able to help Brendon out and he’s giving me some good feedback too.”



Licklider is the motor sports writer for the News & Eagle.