Oahe Speedway
This website is now dedicated to
preserving the history of the
Dam Fast Track
Permanently Closed
Following the 2020 Racing Season
Oahe Speedway Permanently Closed Following 2020 Season
Michala Rae Huse Passes
Michala Rae Huse
Michala Huse, 73, of Onida, passed away Thursday January 23, 2025 at Avera St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre.
Michala lost her spouse, Chris Huse, several years ago.
Chris was an early supporter and competitor at Oahe Speedway.
She was a sister-in-law to Van Huse.
Michala Rae Huse Obituary
Michala Huse, 73, of Onida, passed away Thursday January 23, 2025 at Avera St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre.
Visitation will be Friday, January 31, 2025 from 9:30am-10:30am at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Onida with a Memorial Service at 10:30am.
Michala Rae Huse was born in Martin, South Dakota, on April 13th, 1951, to Clyde and Shirley McCue. She was a dedicated wife, mother, and friend and known in her family as having a heart of gold. She passed away on January 23rd, 2025, with her loving son, daughter, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law holding her hands.
After moving from Martin to Sturgis, Michala graduated high school in De Smet, SD, in 1969. Michala met the love of her life, Chris Huse, cruising down Euclid Ave in Pierre. She always said it was love at first sight. They married in 1970 at the Chapel In the Hills. Michala and Chris made their home in Onida, SD at the Huse family farm. St. Patrick’s Day always held special meaning for Michala, because on this lucky holiday she and Chris found out that they were having twins. After being flown to Sioux Falls on a small plane for an emergency delivery, Holly and Kenan were born on April 26, 1983, and quickly became the pride and joy of Michala’s life.
Michala wore many professional hats throughout her life. She worked for KKLS radio Station in Rapid City, and she often spoke fondly of her time at the station. She also worked as a secretary in the Onida school and at the Onida bank, and she later helped run family businesses including Videoland and Orchard Creek Cottages. However, her roles as wife, mother, aunt, and friend truly defined her.
Michala always jumped at the opportunity to help friends and family through difficult times. This selflessness was exemplified in her love of hosting and cooking for others in her home and through her work at the Lutheran church in Onida, where she volunteered anywhere needed.
In addition to her homemaking, business ventures, and extracurricular activities, Michala loved to listen to music, read, and bake. One of her favorite hobbies was to travel. Her adventures took her to Ireland, Malibu, Austin, Boston, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Panama. Michala loved sharing stories from her travels.
Preceded in death by her infant sister Helen, brother Clayton, husband Chris, sister Angela, brother Loren, and her parents Clyde and Shirley, Michala leaves behind a legacy of love and generosity. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law Mark and Martha McCue; sister-in-law Karen McCue; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Van and Marla Huse; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Kathy Huse-Wika and Jim Wika; son, daughter-in-law, and grandsons Kenan, Jamie, Curtis, Raymond, and Harrison Huse; daughter, son-in-law, and grandson Holly Huse, Peter Jorth, and Calvin Huse Jorth; and many loving nieces and nephews. Michala’s spirit will live in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.
Visitation will be Friday, January 31, 2025 from 9:30am-10:30am
Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Onida with a Memorial Service at 10:30am.
Things That Make Me Smile
Wayne Baker, Spearfish, SD, wins A/Gas class at 2024 Hot Rod Drag Week
South Dakota’s Wayne Baker, is a multi-time class winner on the annual Hot Rod Magazine Drag Week Tour.
Baker and his ’63 Chevy II Nova have been a perennial contender on the Tour over the past few years.
He brought his newly constructed gasser to Oahe Speedway in 2020 for initial shakedown runs.
The car was built with the intent of competing in the annual tour.
Photo above from Hot Rod Magazine Winter 2024 Issue
Ardys Roseland Images
“The Wayne Baker Collection ~ May 23, 2020 ~ Oahe Speedway”
click here
“I Wasn’t Gonna Lift ’til I Saw Elvis”
We said our farewell to another of our racing family yesterday.
A large gathering of family and friends of Les Horsley gathered in Draper, SD for his memorial service.
Among the items on his memorial table was an award given to him by Oahe Speedway on November 24, 2007.
The 1st Annual “I Wasn’t Gonna Lift ’til I Saw Elvis” Award.
This recognition, an homage to a now legendary quote from Funny Car Champion John Force,
was granted to Les for an out-of-shape, no lift pass down Oahe Speedway during the 2007 race season.
In the words of Leroy Uhrig , Oahe Speedway’s Lead Tech Inspector:
” I remember the day he crashed that car 3 times on one pass and never crashed it – a scrape on the spoiler
‘Right wall – left wall – around at the top end ‘
We talked afterwards and laughed at what happened and what could’ve been and Les said “ Never gonna do THAT again “
Les’s daughter, Shelby, mentioned that he was “pretty proud of that award”… after all these years, it was gratifying to know that we did
do a few things right at Oahe Speedway and made an impact.
Godspeed, Les, Race On!
Les Horsley – 1954 ~ 2024 – Cars, Cows, and Crops
Another of our racing family has passed.
Les Horsley – 1955 ~ 2024
Leslie Wayne “Les” Horsley was born May 15, 1955, in Pierre, South Dakota, the youngest of six children born to Max and Bertha (Smith) Horsley. He grew up in Draper where he attended school, graduating in 1974. After high school, he loaded up everything he had and headed to Jacksonville, Florida, to explore new country. He worked in the shipyards for about six months before returning home. He commented “it was the best feeling he ever had” coming back home. He later moved to Gillette where he worked at NAPA and also in the oil fields. After eight years, he returned to Draper to help on the family farm, with his brother Curt, brother-in-law Gene, and father Max.
Les married Cathy Iwan on May 26, 1985, at the home of Roland and Jean Iwan in White River, with Jean Iwan officiating. To this union three children were born: Ryan, Tryston, and Shelby. Shortly after their marriage, they purchased a farm-ranch 17 miles northeast of White River, where they made their home. Les acquired cattle for the first time at that time, and began the ranching side of the farm-ranch. His one wish was that he never had to retire, but after many years, his body made that decision for him.
In 2008, Les became partners with childhood friend Scott Dowling, farming many acres from Draper to the legendary Diamond Ring Farm north of Midland. In the five years he gained the knowledge and experience of no-till farming.
Les enjoyed drag-racing at the Oahe Speedway, and Baja racing in his younger years. He enjoyed working on cars and liked old school fast cars.
Remaining to cherish Les’ memory are his wife Cathy; children Ryan Horsley (Skyler Green), Tryston Horlsey, and Shelby Horsley (Hunter Iversen); grandchildren Xavier, Luke, Sutton, Emma, Hollzee, Landi, and Wesley; one brother Curt (Kate) Horsley of Draper; two sisters Marcia (Tom) Authier of Vivian and Nancy Tennant of Gettysburg; his mother and father-in-law Jean and Roland Iwan; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Les was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters Carol Cressy and Colleen Anna; nephew Monty Horsley; and three brothers-in-law Bob Tennant, Bob Anna, and Gene Cressy.
Les’s hard work, life lessons, and love for his family will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed but forever cherished.
A celebration of life service will be held 11:00 a.m. CST Thursday, December 5, at the Draper Auditorium.
Private graveside services will be held at the Draper Cemetery at a later date.
Rocky Mountain Superchargers Ed Arcuri Passes
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
November 16, 1943 — August 16, 2024
Funeral with reception to follow will be September 6th, 1030 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Littleton, CO.
All are welcome.
