Ray Elder

Six-Time ARCA West Champion

Elder participated primarily in west coast races from 1967-1978 and a winner in the NASCAR Cup Series.

Rooted in the soil of his family’s farm near Caruthers, California, Ray Elder began his career by building and racing stock cars with his brother Richard under the banner of the “Racing Farmers.” Success on California short tracks earned him a full-time ride in the NASCAR Winston West Series — precursor to today’s ARCA Menards Series West — taking the family-run team from local circuits to regional competition.

Elder became the standout driver in the series during the late 1960s and 1970s, capturing six championships and 47 victories, the second-most in series history, while showcasing the talent and competitiveness of West Coast stock car racing. He also set the West Series record for top 10 finishes in a single season with 27 and ranks second in career poles.

In the Cup Series, Elder scored two memorable victories at Riverside International Raceway, proving his success could translate to the national stage.

Beyond the track, Elder’s achievements helped put West Coast stock car racing on the national map and inspired a generation of drivers from the region to pursue NASCAR competition.