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July 8, 2008

Longtime racer makes run at title

By Cheryl Licklider, Commentary

Ronnie Ramer may be 60 years old, but he proves weekly at Enid Speedway Park he still has all the right stuff when it comes to stock car racing. Ramer has made his way to victory lane three times this season, frequently competing against men less than a third his age.

“I like racing with the young guys,” said Ramer. “My dad asked me when I was going to retire and I told him when I couldn’t compete with them anymore.”

Ramer embarked on his racing career in 1970 in a modified at State Fairgrounds Speedway in Oklahoma City. According to this daredevil, he qualified with the fourth fastest time in a field of 120 cars on his first night out.

“I just enjoy racing,” said Ramer. “I’ve always been competitive. I played football, basketball and track in high school. I still officiate at football, basketball and softball games.”

Racing is a family affair for this dedicated contender. His father, JC Ramer, was a legend during the 1950’s and ’60s in Oklahoma City. Ramer carried on the family legacy winning several hundred ‘A’ features with a career that spans over 26 years competing in super modifieds and modifieds. He finished in the top ten chasing the National Championship Racing Association circuit all over the Southern United States.

“I used to race three nights a week until I got married,” said Ramer. “Then I cut it down to two nights a week until I crashed a super modified here in ’79 and ended up unconscious for over 24 hours. I cut it down to one night a week after that.”

Ramer retired from the sport in 1988. When his sons R.J. and Fred decided to begin racing in 2000, Ramer came out of retirement and tossed his helmet into the ring for a second time.

“I didn’t even plan to race when they started, but I’m glad I did,” said Ramer. “Getting to race with my boys is the highlight of my racing career.”

Ironically, while his sons are currently busy with their young families and rarely find the time or funds to race, Ramer still is out at the track every Saturday night. For the first time, in a run that extends over nearly 26 years, this driver decided to make a run for the crown.

“This is the first time I’ve ever tried to win a championship,” said Ramer. “I’ve never ran for points before, but it hasn’t changed the way I race. When the green flag flies it is hammer down time. Time to go fast, put it to the floor and let her roll. But I have to admit if a guy is running with me and he’s never won, I’ll let him win. I really get a kick out of it.”

He has found success this season, sitting at the top of the overall point standings. Ramer makes the long haul from Omega, where his stable includes several cars, to compete on the track at Garfield County Fairgrounds every week.

“I have two factory stocks, two street stocks and two modifieds,” said Ramer. “I’ve played with all of them, but I really prefer the factory stock division. I run one for two weeks and rotate it with the other one; that way I can keep both cars fresh.”

Ramer’s sponsors include Special Ops, Watonga Butane and NAPA of Watonga. Jerry Coble, who owns the NAPA shop, is Ramer’s lone crew member.

“Jerry is great,” said Ramer. “He is the best sponsor I’ve ever had and helps me out a lot.”

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