The slogan for the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum has been “promoting the future by preserving the past.”

Bob Baker was recently appointed executive director of the NSCHoF after longtime executive director Tom Schmeh moved to the newly created position of curator.

The two driving forces behind the current efforts couldn’t be more in touch with the reality of today’s racing and yesterday’s history.
Bob Baker was recently appointed executive director of the NSCHoF after longtime executive director Tom Schmeh moved to the newly created position of curator. Schmeh held the position since 1990 and guided Hall-of-Fame efforts since before the building was even constructed at the Marion County Fairgrounds.
Baker’s racing résumé includes positions as director of motorsports with Weld Racing and marketing director for the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series under Ted Johnson. Baker has also been the GM of both I-70 Speedway (Odessa, Mo.) and Lakeside Speedway (Kansas City, Kan.), and owner/GM of State Fair Speedway (Sedalia, Mo.).
“Curator position was the original intention when I started in 1990, however, I became so involved in the administration side it took until now to finally assume the new position,” stated Schmeh, who will see to more rotating displays and a newly created library on the second floor of the museum.
The 36,000-square-foot facility also includes hospitality suites for viewing action at the famed half-mile Knoxville Raceway, an important part of revenue for the 501(c)(3) national non-profit museum foundation.
The $4 admission price is truly a bargain as countless cars, displays and memorabilia cover the history of sprint-car racing. The gift shop has the largest inventory of open-wheel racing items anywhere in the country, everything from books to videos.  
“When people make their next visit here, they will notice changes, including the expansion of the second floor with the completion of a 42-seat theater and library,” said Baker, who has attended races at the facility since he was 2 years old.
The NSCHoF staff includes seven part-time and full-time employees and a host of volunteers. Craig Agan, the museum’s marketing director, oversees fund-raising and donations, the lifeline that keeps the facility running at full strength.
Recently, the lobby was named in honor of Jimmy Campbell, a former IMCA sprint-car champion, after Campbell’s estate created an endowment fund to the museum.
Schmeh pointed out the many items in storage that have been donated over the years that will now see the “light of day.” The library is expected to be a one-stop source for historians and families to research the history of those involved in sprint-car racing. 
Baker’s short-term focus is to create more awareness for the facility across mainstream sprint-car and open-wheel racing fans. “This place is for everyone in sprint-car racing, whether they are drivers, owners, promoters, fans or officials, winged or non-winged,” he said. “I really want to make sure people realize that the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame is here for everyone in sprint-car racing, and all are welcome.”
Having known both Baker and Schmeh for nearly 20 years, it’s great to see people in these positions who truly care about the history of the sport and yet can work in the current business economy.
The two have racing as their passion and are lucky to be able to spend everyday involved with the sport they truly love. The sport needs more like these two who aren’t worried about working extra hours behind the scenes. Too many today are just worried about their paycheck in the sport.