Keith’s voice is the one that crackles to life over the radio when the world goes pear-shaped. Akin to ORMHOF Hall of Famer Bob Steinberger, aka The Weatherman, for more than 40 years, he has organized race communications for events such as the Silver State Classic, Whiskey Pete’s Hare and Hound, Vegas to Reno, Parker Dam 500, and Mint 400.
His story began like many others, with him volunteering on a pit crew. But as his penchant for radios evolved, his focus turned to helping race teams stay in communication with organizers and emergency medical services. Day or night, in the pre-dawn morning hour or redeye midnight, it is Keith we reach out to when we need to call in support.
It is said that you can write your own CV, but it will be the words of others that define your legacy. Mint 400 organizers Matt and Josh Martelli shared, “His deep knowledge of radio communications, coupled with his dedication to safety and operational excellence, has made him one of the most respected and relied-upon figures in the industry. He’s the guy everyone listens to when the radios crackle during the chaos of race day. Steady and clear, Keith has become a symbol of safety and order in the unpredictable world of off-road racing.”
Donald Jackson of the Legacy Racing Association commented, “There is nobody in radio communications that has a calmer demeanor and ability to think clearly in life and death situations than Keith Purmal. Never rattled by the circumstance, Keith is steady as a rock.”
Best in the Desert Owner Bryan Folks said, “My history with Keith dates back to the mid-70s when he was a teenager coming to our house and working with my father on race radio communications. I remember as a racer listening to the BITD race communications channel and being enamored by how organized the process was. It seemed to flow with real purpose and no worry. I attribute much of BITD race day success to Keith.”
After volunteering countless hours to various organizations, Keith has never pursued the spotlight, and like most behind-the-scenes members of our community, will never boast a case full of trophies. ORMHOF values much more than podiums and shiny things, and we are delighted to welcome Keith Purmal, one of the unsung heroes of our sport, with our Class of 2025 inductees.
