In the late 1960's, a 12 year-old boy hides in the darkness of a vehicle as it passes through the gates of Tazewell Speedway. Jim Arnwine, the owner of the vehicle knows the young man was there but drives through the gates after paying admission like a calm government agent.

That young boy was Donnie Noe. He had the racing fever but maybe not the funds to get in or he at least wanted to feel the rush of just sneaking in, maybe both. That same desire may also have just been the fuel for his need for speed. His love of the sport of racing began to show as he frequented the shop of Jim Arnwine. He began doing whatever they would let him do. Mostly, he cleaned the cars, parts and tires for Arnwine and Lewis Epperson. A few years later he had the chance to get in the cars in which he had worked on to help pack the track and occasionally get in a hot lap or two.

In the early 1970's, he drove his own racecar. He drove it for half of the season and had a bad crash one night. The 1965 Dodge was tagged and sent into the turn 4 wall and barrel rolled down the front stretch coming to a rest near the flag stand destroying the car. With the practice he had from fixing other peoples cars and eventually his own he was able to start his own paint-body shop. He mostly did body work but did some mechanic work.

In 1978, he helped Larry Burke build his racecar and in 1979 he built a 1966 Nova. The Nova was his racecar and he drove it to a sportsman of the year award. In 1980 he built a 1978 Camaro and raced it at the Taz until 1982. In his racing career at the Taz he won numerous heat races and secured several top 5's and top 10 finishes. His most memorable moment occurred in 1981. During the Labor Day 100, a car hit the wall in front of him, and then his, demolishing his #40 car during hot laps. Blaine Frazier told him that if he could get the car fixed in time that he would have a spot for him in the feature race. They got the car fixed and was allowed a couple of laps to see if it was safe and ready to race. He started 24th and brought the car up through the field and finished 10th.

Looking back on his racing at the Taz he gives special thanks to; Jim Arnwine, Rick and Jeff Noe, Larry Burke, Bill and Johnny Lakins, Fred Houston and Jerry Parker. Just when his wife Mandalyn thought the racing was over he found a new way to get his kicks. With the help of a great sponsor Gerald Burrelson, he got into karting. From 1989 to 1992 he took over 100 checkered flags from the flagman's hands. He won 2 championships, 1 second in points and 1 third all in those four seasons.

Eventually the equipment began to wear out as well as his back and his racing had to stop.

"The love of racing and working on those cars are probably the reason for my back problems," stated Donnie with a grin on his face as if he would do it over if the chance was given.

To this day Blaine Frazier will see Donnie Noe and ask him for the money to buy that pit-pass. To this day he still owes Blaine. When not working in his body shop he drove a school bus and yes, you guessed it: bus number 40. Donnie's Tazewell Speedway legendary status doesn't necessarily come from his number of wins or championships but does come from the fact that he helped so many of its stars make all that Tazewell Speedway history. He also used that experience to become a success on the karting tracks in the area. Donnie Noe, Tazewell Speedway local legend.

Photos courtesy of family archives.

Donnie Noe looking at the back of his Camaro.

Donnie Noe going down the backstretch at Tazewell.

If you know of a local legend you would like to have featured in the Claiborne Progress contact Allen Earl at pitchadude@hotmail.com or call 423-526-3480.