James Essex collection

Former racer Ken "Hillbilly" Ogle, a 2011 inductee into the Brownstown (Ind.) Speedway Hall of Fame, died July 3. He was 84.

An Alabama native who moved to Columbus, Ind., in 1958, he began his racing career the next year at Columbus Speedway, then known at "The Hole." Ogle later competed at Brownstown, Twin Cities Speedway in North Vernon, Ind., the 25th Street Fairgrounds Raceway in Columbus and Riverview Speedway in Milton, Ky.

His last season behind the wheel was in 1974.  He was the 1967 Twin Cities track champion.  After he retired as a driver, he worked for 18 years at Brownstown operating the water truck and providing wrecker service.

Ogle drove the popular 8-ball car for several years.  The car was owned by Bill Barnes and his son, Roger and was also driven by “Shorty” Barnes, Bud Seymour, Larry Exner and Gary Herbert. — James Essex