NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

NHRA racing pioneer “Akron Arlen” Vanke, who was instrumental in the foundations of drag racing in Ohio, died June 15.

Vanke, along with brothers Walt and Art Arfons and Otis “Otie” Smith, began racing at the Akron Municipal Airport in the 1950s, which just last year was bestowed an Ohio Historical Marker memorializing their accomplishments. It was the first NHRA sanctioned racetrack east of the Mississippi River.

Vanke went on to compete in a number of NHRA sportsman classes, winning Jr, stock at the 2nd annual NHRA Springnationals in Bristol, Tenn., in 1966 and the prestigious U.S. Nationals in Super Stock in 1968.

Vanke also was among the pioneers in the Pro Stock class when it was instituted into NHRA competition in 1970 and competed in the class for a number of years.

Vanke is survived by wife of 27 years, Fay, son, Craig; and grandchildren.