#33 Ed Probst of Paden City, WV (Class of 2021): Ed Probst can rightfully claim the first race win in the track's history. After the 1/4 mile track was completed, but before all the construction needed to hold an official race was in place, the fair board held a 'teaser event' to boost anticipation and excitement for the track's eventual opening. Probst was the winner of an impromptu race that followed the advertised demo-derby, thus becoming the first race winner at 'the Bullring'. Probst along with his brothers would begin fielding some of the cleanest and fastest cars in the region soon afterwards. Feature wins and strong runs soon followed. Jumping right into the Late Model division at possibly the most competitive time in that division's nationwide history, the Probst # 33 cars could always be considered a contender wherever they chose to race. Ed took a short hiatus from racing, came back as strong as ever with many more feature wins for the likeable Paden City racer. Ed's son Brian eventually took over the driving duties, and proved to have his father's deft touch behind the wheel. Now a 3rd generation of Probst is set to begin his racing experience, as Ed will coach grandson 'Little Ed' on the intricacies of handling a stock car. With the lineage and counsel availed, the latest generation of racing Probst's will soon be a force to reckon with. Ed Probst not only has been an avid supporter of the Tyler County Speedway thru his participation but most recently could be found helping erect the Bleacher Project at the Speedway with many hours of welding and volunteering with the massive project. For his racing achievements, his long and successful stint as driver and car owner, and his long time behind the scenes support, Ed Probst is considered a most worthy inductee.
#7 Robbie ‘Taz’ Thomas of Alma, WV (Class of 2021): Legends are often created by the local racer who consistently find a way to compete at a high-level season after season. Add to that a dose of genuine joy to compete and you have a snapshot of Alma's Robbie Thomas. Always wearing a smile and a greeting to those who speak, Thomas is a ferocious competitor who raced in nearly every class at the Bullring during his driving years. Feature wins, point championships and likely thousands of laps logged were earned along the way, the result of his unquenchable desire to race. Likewise, Thomas has been a valuable asset to others. Many local young racers went to Thomas for advice, mechanical help and more over his years of involvement. From four-cylinders to the Late Models, Thomas made seldom missed a race and could be counted on to get every ounce that the car would provide. His pure enjoyment to compete was passed onto son Danny, who has found great success in the Stock Car, Hot Mod and Crate LM classes in his own right. The family teams familiar yellow or orange #7 cars continue to be widely known as always being well prepared and a force to reckon with. The Thomas team welcome grandson Cruz into racing, as the youngster carries on a family tradition of nearly a half century by winning a feature of his own in 2020. Robbie has settled into the role of car owner, coach and mentor for many locals, one he seemingly carries with the competitive fires and joy to compete that has always been there. For these reasons and more, Robbie Thomas is welcomed into the Bullring of Honor.
1x1 Ron Conley of New Martinsville, WV (Class of 2021): The late Ron Conley was also a great part of the legacy of Tyler County Speedway. Ron's driving career included successful stints driving for other car owners, but is best remembered for the iconic '1x1' car. The story behind the number supposedly originated when after a particularly rough night at a neighboring track. When it looked like Conley's small crew might be in for an unwelcomed pit reception party by a hostile and much larger group. When asked what they were going to do should that happen, Ron simply said "We'll take 'em one by one". That sage advice turned into a number that is recognized by racers and fans all over the region. Like many fathers, Ron decided after a long and notably successful driving stint to hand the reins over to his son, known by race fans as Sonny Conley. The Porters Falls based '1x1' became even more well known as the family team spread their racing wings as far as Florida, and along the way, becoming one of the cars to beat. The '1x1' seemed to rise to the occasion whenever the bigger money shows were headlined, as some of the Conley families biggest and most dramatic wins involved the 'title' races. Always popular with the fans, the hard charging '1x1' will remain an iconic number no matter the driver. Sadly, Ron Conley earned his angel wings, departing this life August 8th, 2019. His legacy as a driver, car owner and lifetime supporter of the Tyler County Speedway has earned Ron Conley a place in the track's history and Bullring of Honor.
#10 Keith Rush of Pine Grove, WV (Class of 2021): Proving that looks can be deceiving, some of the earliest entries fielded by Pine Grove's Keith Rush may have looked somewhat spartan, but the performance always made up for any shortcomings in the appearance. Fielding the #10, Rush almost immediately became one of the leading contenders in the extremely competitive semi-late division. Seldom sporting much more than his 'Rush Construction' in addition to the number on his car, it truly was 'a wolf in sheep's clothing', as Rush was a regular front runner in the upper Ohio Valley circuits, generally racing and winning his share 2 and 3 nights a weekend. Racing at this time involved much more homebuilt, self-engineered equipment and the Rush team excelled. As the equipment became more professional chassis builder dependent, Rush's team adapted and continued success followed. Before hanging up his helmet the final time, the Rush #10 cars had become some of the sharpest looking in the pits, completing the cycle of change. Keith footsteps now are followed by son Brian, who has fielded some of the best appearing cars, also carrying the family #10, as life's time demands have allowed. A well-known and fiercely competitive driver that was recognized as such by fans and racers alike, Keith Rush joins the 2021 Bullring of Honor class.
#43 Deak Parsons of Wheeling, WV (Class of 2021): Ask older upper MOV race fans if they remember Late Model standout driver Don Hores and you'll quickly separate the casual fan from the racing historian or close friend. Asking the same fans if they remember Deak Parsons will likely provide an affirmative response. You can tell them that the 2 names are the same man. Racing was a rough and tumble sport in the 60's and Hores knew that the required and notarized parental approval that tracks required for underaged perspective racers wasn't even a consideration. Hores adopted the alias of Deak Parsons, and the start of what became a well-known and accomplished racer were born. Parsons active years primarily coincided with the years of home-built cars, and the late model division was packed with plentiful numbers and great competition. Eventually traveling where money was best and competition the toughest, Parsons' team carved out a reputation as being a force to reckon with. The gold painted Fords carrying the #69 won their share of feature races, and when Tyler County first opened, Parsons and crew were front runners. Eventually falling only 2 markers short of Earl Hill for the first late model season championship, Parsons, along with fellow Bullring of Honor inductee Pat Herrick, carried the banner for the TCS Ford fans. When the Late Models eventually became too pricey for a family man, Parsons was
recruited to wheel the powerful Masciarelli Demolition #43 'Cuda street stock. Parsons immediately became one of the dr