Jeff Hinkemeyer Obituary St Cloud MN – Legendary Dirt Track Racer Dies at 67 After Cancer Battle – Jeff Hinkemeyer Obituary, Death; The motorsport community is mourning the loss of Jeff Hinkemeyer, a legendary dirt track racer from St. Cloud, who passed away on Sunday afternoon at the age of 67 following a courageous battle with lung cancer.
Hinkemeyer was widely regarded as one of the most accomplished drivers in Midwest dirt track racing history, with a career spanning more than three decades. His name became closely associated with excellence, consistency, and competitive drive across numerous racing circuits.
Competing prominently in the NASCAR Winston Racing Series, he earned regional championship recognition while remaining deeply rooted in Upper Midwest dirt track competition. Over his career, Hinkemeyer recorded more than 200 feature victories and secured 21 track championships across nine different venues, placing him among the sport’s most decorated figures.
Among his most notable achievements were multiple wins at Proctor Speedway, including two Silver 1000 victories, as well as standout performances at events such as the Labor Day Shootout at Hibbing Raceway and the Thunderbird Open at Dodge County Speedway. His career was defined by both versatility and sustained dominance.
Hinkemeyer’s rise in racing began early, highlighted by a remarkable 33-win season in 1981 at just 21 years old. In 1990, he captured the NASCAR Great Northern Region championship driving the Joe Salner-owned No. 4F car, winning 18 of 22 races in one of the most dominant seasons of his career. He also claimed multiple titles at Viking Speedway, one of his most successful tracks.
Beyond his achievements on the track, Jeff Hinkemeyer was deeply respected for his character. Fellow drivers and fans remember him not only as a fierce competitor but also as a humble, supportive figure who mentored younger racers and contributed to the growth of the sport.
His passing marks the end of an era in dirt track racing, but his legacy continues through the countless drivers he inspired and the enduring impact he made on the sport.
Jeff Hinkemeyer will be remembered as a champion, a mentor, and a true icon of American dirt track racing.
