Ed Arcuri, the driving force behind the Rocky Mountain Superchargers organization has passed.

Ed and his group of racers visited Oahe
a couple times through the years.

Edward Louis Arcuri III

Funeral with reception to follow will be September 6th, 1030 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Littleton, CO.
All are welcome.

Charlie visited Oahe Speedway a few times through the years.

Charles “Charlie” A. Berner, 52, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown, with Pastor Steve Biswell officiating.  The family request that the guest wear comfortable casual attire.

Visitation will be held at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown on Tuesday from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and before the service on Wednesday.

Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown. Honorary pallbearers will be his family and friends.  Ryan Thorson, Dean Seim, Mark Fox, Lance Blinsmon, Kevin Bach, Steve Sears, Culley Lebert, and Mike Robbins. 

Charles “Charlie” Alan Berner was born on December 9, 1971, in Watertown, SD, to Ronald and Verla (Mudgett) Berner. He was raised in Watertown alongside his two sisters and one brother. At an early age, Charlie became fascinated with wheels and motors which quickly turned into a love for speed. Whether it was racing toy cars in the living room or driving go-karts in the alley, Charlie learned to work hard while having fun—an approach he carried throughout his life.

Charlie was baptized at Grace Lutheran Church in Watertown, SD. He attended Roosevelt Elementary, Watertown Middle School, and graduated from Watertown High School in 1989. After graduation, Charlie worked at Custom Fabricators for a short time before striking out on his own.

In 1996, Charlie married Debra Henry, and they were blessed with a baby girl, Morgan Lee. Over the years, Charlie and Morgan enjoyed the simple pleasures of life—watching cartoons, traveling to warmer climates, enjoying theme parks, and sharing laughs. She was his whole world.

Charlie was a successful, self-made man who built his business, Midwest Automotive, from the ground up. Over the years, his business offered a range of services—from detailing and selling used cars to specializing in truck accessories and remote-control cars. Charlie was always eager to try something new, with more business ideas than hours in the day. He expanded his building to accommodate several salons and small businesses including Midwest Race Cabinets. He eventually outgrew the space and acquired another building to further expand his businesses.

Charlie wasn’t just about work. He deeply cared for those around him, always ready to lend a hand or share a word of wisdom. His love for drag racing kept him in the fast lane, but it was his storytelling that truly lit up a room. Charlie had a gift for spinning tales that left everyone in stitches, finding humor in just about anything. His infectious laughter and witty stories will be cherished by all who had the pleasure of hearing them. Charlie was a member of Watertown Drag Racing Association and spent much time at Thunder Valley Dragway and traveling. He also enjoyed renovating homes and restoring cars.

With a tough exterior and a loving heart, Charlie was the kind of guy you couldn’t help but admire. Hardworking, stubborn as a mule, and always chasing a dream, he left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him. 

Charlie is survived by his daughter, Morgan Berner of Watertown; his mother, Verla Berner; sisters Roxy (Jeff) Robinson and Kay (Bill) Shepherd, both of Watertown; his brother Kevin (Dawn) Berner of Watertown; his nieces Kami (Louis) Canfield and Whitney (Tanner) Chilson; nephews Jeremy (Carley) Shepherd, Josh Shepherd, and Wyatt Berner; his great-nephews Carter Canfield, Tysen Canfield, and Camdyn Shepherd; his great-nieces Kynsli Canfield and Ellyson Shepherd; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Berner; and his grandparents, Ralph and Eva Berner, and Harlan and Fern Mudgett.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown, Hayti, De Smet, Bryant, Arlington, Lake Preston, Oldham

Scotty Richardson has lost his battle with a brief illness.
Many will remember Scotty coming to Oahe several years ago for one of
his “Schooled by Scotty” seminars.  The day-long
class was well attended. 

A tribute from Competition Plus:

“Drag racing has lost an iconic figure in the world of sportsman racing.

Scotty Richardson, 54, passed away on August 14, 2024, following a brief illness. 

It is estimated that Richardson won hundreds, if not thousands, of drag races during his storied career. Richardson’s talents shone on big and little stages and behind the wheel of full-bodied and open-wheeled machinery. 

A testimony to his talents, Richardson was voted into the NHRA 50 greatest drivers during the 2003 50th anniversary season. His wins spanned from victories close to home in Kennedale, Texas, to his first NHRA national event crown [Super Gas] at the inaugural [1988] NHRA SuperNationals in Baytown, Texas. 

NHRA National DRAGSTER Sr. Editor Kevin McKenna, who likely wrote more articles on Richardson than anyone in the business, shared one of his memories in a recent article penned on NHRA.com 

“There are more than enough Scotty Richardson stories to fill several volumes, and one of the earliest (and most entertaining) involves the 13-year-old prodigy sneaking off to a local track with the family station wagon, winning a big-bracket race and later having to explain to a Texas State Trooper how the $3,000 cash he was carrying was earned as prize money,” McKenna wrote. 

Richardson amassed 39 national event victories in six different eliminators, starting with the first win at the Houston event. He cemented five NHRA world championships and lost two on tiebreakers. Richardson became the first NHRA driver to secure two series championships in the same season when, in 1994, he won both Super Comp and Super Gas. A year later, he won four of seven events in the Super Street division. 

By 2005, Richardson had moved to the big bucks bracket scene, where he pocketed more than an average share of prize money. 

With Richardson’s passing, drag racing has lost a legend, and he will forever go down in history as one of a kind. “

Robbie “Flying Flea” Klinger
1971-2024

Robert Lee Klinger “the Flying Flea”, 53 years old, of Rapid City, South Dakota, passed away in his home due to medical issues August 4, 2024.

Rob was born April 12, 1971, to Larry and Carol (Jones) Klinger in Pierre, SD. He graduated T.F. Riggs High School in May 1989. From high school he went on to college at Lake Area Vo Tech in Watertown, SD. After college he worked in retail in Pierre for a while. Later he moved to Rapid City where he was a manager for Radio Shack. Rob also worked as a detailer for Mid States Camper and Sales. For a  short time, he worked in the cell phone business at Target until he decided to retire due to medical issues.

Rob enjoyed his years doing motocross, drag racing, pool league, spending time with family and friends as well as being at the dirt track. The last few years he spent time at Black Hills Speedway helping out on a rare night and anything else he could do to be on the track.

Through his years he made many, many friends. He always tried to keep in touch with family and friends. There wasn’t anywhere he went that someone didn’t know him.

In 2010, he fell in love with Donna Simkins. With her she brought three beautiful children, Abigail, Sebastian, and Kasondra Simkins, of whom he took in as his own. Rob was a great dad. He took pride in being their dad. He was at every parent teacher conference, every Saturday morning bowling league and tournament, and every football and basketball game. He taught them how to drive, ride a bike, he taught us all how to ride a motorcycle. He loved his family so much and took pride in our lil family.

Rob is survived by his parents, Larry and Carol (Jones) Klinger, Pierre; brother, Randy (Julie) Klinger, Sioux Falls, SD; sister, Tami (Kris) Herren, Fort Pierre, SD; wife, Donna, Rapid City; daughter, Abigail (Sam) Watkins and grandson, Bruce Watkins, Rapid City; daughter, Kasondra Simkins, Rapid City; son, Sebastian Simkins, Rapid City; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ben Klinger, Eddie and Irene Camin, Robert Jones, Roe and Gladys Grifford; uncle, Bob Leach; cousin, Allen Garber; and a few really great friends.

A celebration of Rob’s life will take place on at 1:00pm, September 7, 2024, at the Pierre American Legion, 520 S. Pierre St in Pierre.

                                                                                   Love, Klinger family

Condolences can be sent to Donna and the kids at 4320 Dolphin Lane, Rapid City, SD 57701.