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Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame wreath

2016 Inductee

Tracy Valenta
RACER

Tracy Valenta

Tracy Valenta began off-road racing in 1971.  One of his many significant impacts on the world of off-road motorsports was his promoting a foundation of a Team concept and a professional image for his drivers and as a team owner.  Tracy and his Party Ice team were considered the premier off-road racing organization of the 1970s and ‘80s by the media, race promoters as well as by his competitors.  He promoted his team to increase publicity to not only put fans in the stands but to help his competitors as well harvest sponsorships and grow the sport.

Tracy’s team consisted of some of the most talented drivers in off-road racing including legendary Malcolm Smith and Bud Feldkamp, Rick and Roger Mears, stunt drivers Bobby Ferro and Kitty O’Neal plus rock legend Ted Nugent.  Also motocross superstars Bob Hannah, Marty Tripes, and Sue Fish.

They achieved victories at all major desert, closed course, and stadium race events from the wilds of Baja and Southern California deserts to stadium races in L. A., Pasadena, San Diego, Anaheim, Pomona and Phoenix.  In addition, Tracy’s team raced and won at venues in Washington, Michigan, New York as well as British Columbia, Montreal, and Quebec, Canada.  Tracy’s achievements in size, scope, and sponsorships were unparalleled during his tenure in the sport.

Learn more about ORMHOF inductee Tracy Valenta in this Conversations with Big Rich podcast:

To keep up with Tracy Valenta, you’re going to need to step up. At 84, Tracy is still the ultimate salesman. He shares highlights covering the racing years with the Party Ice team. Tracy was inducted into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2016. Tracy is why we say; legends live at ORMHOF.org.  

4:20 – I bought a ’32 Ford for 50 bucks and was able to rebuild it in Auto Shop 

12:34 – I went to Scott McKenzie and said, “ If I could get Rick Mears to drive for me, would you put together a car for me?”             

17:01 – There are so many fish in the little bay right at the Bay of LA, I’ve never seen so many fish in my life 

20:26 – I bought 1000 seats altogether and sold them at cost just to help Mickey get people interested

29:33 – I felt like I had made it at the Coliseum, Phoenix was big!

Recorded in 2024.

CLASS OF 2016