Courtesy of Elon Werner, Werner Communications
ENNIS, TX – The Texas Motorplex today announced Olan and Judy Gotcher, long-time race operations and volunteers, and Rosalee Noble, Drag Racing Association of Women board member, have been named Texas Motorplex Legends in advance of the 2024 NHRA Texas Fall Nationals at the Stampede of Speed. The trio has made significant impacts at Texas Motorplex and across the drag racing landscape both on and off the track for decades.
“Olan, Judy and Rosalee are three people who many drag racing fans might not know but they are Legends nonetheless,” said Christie Meyer Johnson, Texas Motorplex co-owner. “They represent the hundreds of volunteers and behind the scenes people who make every drag race happen and support racers in their time of need. They have supported DRAW for decades and their love of drag racing and Texas Motorplex is appreciated beyond words. Calling them Legends is the least we can do to recognize their impact on our sport and Texas Motorplex.”
Noble had a passion for drag racing that goes back over 30 years to her time behind the wheel at Coles County Dragway in her 1982 Buick LeSabre Station wagon, affectionately called the Care Wagon. She was a three-time Coles County Dragway Champion and a runner-up in the Division 3 Race of Champions, earning respect and admiration from her competitors. Noble’s biggest impact on drag racing was her support and passion with the Drag Racing Association of Women (DRAW) since 1986. She became a board member in 1991, vice president in 1992, and president in 1993 and 1994. From 1995 until her passing, she served as the fundraising chair. Rosalee passed away this May, but not before she was informed, she was a Texas Motorplex Legend.
Gotcher and his wife Judy have dedicated their lives to drag racing behind the scenes for over 40 years. Olan and Judy have worked in the tower for Division 4 races, NHRA national events, and weekend races making sure racer data was accurately input and race information stayed on track. There wasn’t a job the Gotchers didn’t tackle in the tower from race results to announcing. Their dedication and professionalism have ensured drag racers at every level of the sport have been able to enjoy a safe and fun environment whether that are a foot brake racer or Top Fuel world champion. Loan also spent time on the track behind the wheel as an avid sportsman and local racer at Texas Motorplex. Their dedication to the sport has been appreciated but largely unnoticed. That has not deterred them from being a positive and critical part of Texas Motorplex’s success as a premier motorsport facility.
Along with his wife Judy, Olan has also been a major supporter the Drag Racing Association of Women (DRAW). He has been on the DRAW board for several years. In that time, he has served as the membership secretary where he edits and publishes the DRAW newsletter.
The Texas Motorplex Legends will be recognized and presented with their one-of-a-kind Legend spurs at separate ceremonies throughout the NHRA Texas Fall Nationals, October 9-13. For tickets to the Stampede of Speed or the NHRA Texas Fall Nationals visit www.stampedeofspeed.com.
