The racing community is mourning the loss of a true legend, Jeff Hinkemeyer, a revered figure in regional dirt track racing and a former champion in the NASCAR Winston Racing Series. Hinkemeyer, 67, of St. Cloud, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Sunday afternoon after a courageous and inspiring battle with lung cancer, according to a heartfelt statement released by his family. His passing marks the loss of an era, but his legacy will undoubtedly live on through the countless lives he touched both on and off the track.
Jeff Hinkemeyer’s name became synonymous with excellence, consistency, and fierce determination over an extraordinary Dirt Late Model career that spanned more than 30 years. Known for his relentless competitiveness and deep passion for racing, he amassed more than 200 feature victories and secured 21 track championships across nine different racing venues. His accomplishments placed him among the most respected and accomplished drivers in the Upper Midwest racing scene, earning admiration from peers, fans, and racing officials alike.
Some of Hinkemeyer’s most notable victories include multiple prestigious wins, such as two Silver 1000 triumphs at Proctor Speedway, a major victory at Hibbing Raceway during the renowned Labor Day Shootout, and the Thunderbird Open at Dodge County Speedway. These victories not only showcased his talent and versatility but also cemented his reputation as a dominant force on the dirt track circuit.
Hinkemeyer’s rise to prominence began early in his career. In 1981, at just 21 years old, he delivered one of the most impressive seasons of his life, capturing an astonishing 33 victories and earning his first Silver 1000 title. Nearly a decade later, he reached another pinnacle in 1990 when he clinched the NASCAR Great Northern Region championship. Driving the Joe Salner-owned No. 4F, Hinkemeyer won 18 of 22 races that season—a staggering feat that underscored his skill, determination, and racing intelligence. That same year, he added to his legacy with one of his eight championships at Viking Speedway.
Throughout his career, Jeff’s dominance extended across numerous tracks, including Cedar Lake Speedway and tracks in Hibbing, Proctor, St. Cloud, and Fergus Falls. His ability to adapt and succeed across various venues made him a fan favorite and a respected competitor in the racing world.
His final victory came on July 2, 2010, at I-94 Speedway. Following the 2011 season, due to multiple spinal surgeries, Jeff chose to retire from active racing. Despite stepping away from competition, he remained deeply appreciative of his journey and the relationships built along the way. Reflecting on his career in a 2020 interview with RaceChaser Blog, Hinkemeyer shared, “I’ve met so many fabulous people. I’ve got more memories than I can count. I had more fun than 10 guys should have.” His words captured the joy, camaraderie, and fulfillment he found in racing—a sport he loved dearly.
In recognition of his many achievements and contributions, Jeff Hinkemeyer was inducted into several track Hall of Fames, including Viking Speedway, Hibbing Raceway, Proctor Speedway, and Gondik Law Speedway in Superior, Wisconsin. These honors reflect not only his competitive success but also the deep respect he earned from peers and fans alike.