By: Rick Staley
Through the years of racing there have always been unique groups, teams, organizations and characters in our sport that define our history. One such is the Jamesport Mafia that has been alive and well for decades passing the torch from generation to generation never missing a beat. From the track in Jamesport, Mo that no longer exist to all the local tracks they are known well for strong competition and comradery second to none. As they arrive at the track, competitors know the competition just got tougher and fans know the show just got better because second place does not fit their vocabulary.
When searching the area for drivers and personalities many great names of our sport and Hall of Famers come to mind. Jamesport can boast “Hollywood” Dean Wray, a mainstay in our sport that is a true Hall of Famer driving anything with wheels, not saying he’s old but he once raced Ben Hur and won in chariots at the Coliseum and has a social security #4. Track Championships, hundreds upon hundreds of feature wins, success on any track he attempts defines what it means to lead the Mafia and pass that tradition to those that follow. Another Jamesport native is the “Mastermind” Darrell Whit that turns the wrenches, drives and coaches the young guns. Darrell now lives in Hamilton, MO but the Jamesport roots run deep, and his racing knowledge spurs the next generation to compete on the highest-level proving races are won in the shop just as on the track. Another Jamesport idle “Precious” Jack Turner is no stranger to the circuit and winning and now coaches both son and daughter in their racing careers. Dean lit the fire in his son Cory, Darrell flipped the switch for his son Jeff and Jack set the stage for both daughter Emily and son CJ as they all have found success carrying the torch.
The torch for the Jamesport Mafia still burns just as bright but with a few new fires to add increasing the brightness. CJ Turner, 2018 Pure Stock Co-Champion and now “Godfather” of the Mafia is a true leader and new patriarch of our sport. Every Mafia need members and fans to make it complete and so is the case in Jamesport. Emily Turner is now graduating to Pure Stock after winning the points title in Powder Puff proving the men have nothing on her and she can mix it up with the very best. Look out for the “Jester” Chester Kaufman as he has tasted Victory at Bethany Speedway and is hungry for more. Chester always has that smile letting you know he’s up to something, we just don’t know what. Jeff Dixon carries a bright torch as he would win a Track Championship in his Stock Car with family always in the stands cheering and supporting. Always bringing a group of fans that can cheer louder than coyotes can howl, Shaun Huston roars to the track and impresses with poise and consistency second to none. Shaun and Chester would always seem to find their way to the front racing side by side, lap after lap with an entertainment value causing fans to come to their feet. Cody King is another of the Jamesport Mafia that is a proven winner, always in the hunt for the front. As the racing family continues to grow let’s introduce you to Conrad Kaufman who burst on the scene in 2018. Conrad did not look like a rookie driver but more like a seasoned veteran on track proving the potential for success is Mafia oriented and runs in the water of Jamesport. Corey Wray now makes his home in Trenton, MO but will always be enshrined as a top-notch Jamesport Mafia member. Upon arrival at any track we expect Cory to be up front battling the greats of our sport and future Hall of Famers for the win and always has an entourage of fans in the bleachers.
I know I have missed many of the greats, know I have left many out and I apologize, but rest assured the Mafia is alive and well in Jamesport, MO as we understand there are a few new additions to the group for 2019. Hats off to the leaders such as Jack, Dean and Darrell who have paved the trail in dirt for the future generations proving hard work, dedication, motivation and a love for the sport will equal success. The Jamesport Mafia take their racing very serious but not to the point of removing what’s important, having fan with family and friends. Each time at the track when we ask for drivers to carry flags, sign autographs, interact with fans Mafia members are first in line and last to leave.
Rest assured race fans the Jamesport Mafia is alive and well and truly in good hands as we move into the future. The torch has been passed but still will burn bright as ever so let’s all bring someone new to the track and introduce them to our racing family in 2019.