- Jim Roepke, Gibsonburg, Ohio, super modified/sprint car driver. Jim "Smiley" Roepke began racing at Fremont Speedway shortly after it opened in 1951. Jim drove the Myers A Station #7A to the track's 1956 championship. He posted 3 career victories at Fremont. Always trying to do something different from all the other teams, Jim bought an Indy 500 roadster and shortened it to race at the local dirt tracks. He later purchased a Nance coupe to compete against the sprint cars. After stepping out of the seat of the familiar #7A, Jim hired drivers like Donnie Miller, Joe Keegan, Jerry Nemire, Al Liskai, Alvin Roepke and Jimmy Leaser to name a few. Jim was regarded by his competitors and fans alike as a true gentleman racer. Jim passed away on May 5, 2003, at the age of 73.