For Mark VonHeeder, Division Champ & U.S. Nationals Semi-Finalist, Drag Racing Brings a Sense of Salvation

VonHeeder now has four Wallys – the most highly-acclaimed trophy in drag racing. Three are pictured above, and the fourth is “parked” at his father-in-law Bob Buckles’ nursing home. “My dad has always been a huge drag racing fan. He’s so proud, because it’s something every drag racer dreams of,” said Mark’s wife, Angie. This display of trophies and photos is in Angie’s office at KBRB.

Mark VonHeeder (center), holding his Division Champion Wally trophy, is pictured with members of his “race family” at the March 2021 wedding of his daughter, Samantha Silsby. Samantha called her father up to the stage at her reception to be recognized and give a speech in lieu of the typical banquet held to honor the Top 10 racers in his Division, which was cancelled due to the pandemic.

VonHeeder’s ‘68 Camaro is pictured above on the Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis over Labor Day Weekend. His Division Championship brought him here to compete at the Dodge SRT U.S. Nationals – the largest, most prestigious drag race in the world.

VonHeeder and his dog Gabby – who hasn’t missed a race since birth – celebrate his Topeka Wally win with some of his closest racing buddies.