In a move that feels both inevitable and well deserved, dirt late model superstar Jonathan “Superman” Davenport has officially been nominated for induction into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame. The announcement came early Saturday morning and immediately sent waves through the short track racing community and across social media.
For many fans, this nomination has been years in the making. Davenport’s career, built on dominance, consistency, and a quiet determination, has redefined what modern dirt racing excellence looks like. At 41 years old, the Blairsville, Georgia native has already achieved what most drivers only dream of. He has captured multiple national titles, won some of the sport’s biggest events, and become a symbol of professionalism and commitment in a sport known for its intensity.
Davenport’s story is one of perseverance and grit. He was born into a working-class family with a passion for racing. Long before the grandstands chanted his nickname, he was turning wrenches and competing on local dirt tracks, learning how to make a car work with limited resources and unlimited heart. His early years were filled with long nights, small victories, and steady improvement. By his mid-twenties, he had made his mark on regional circuits, but it was his breakout 2015 season that changed everything.
That year, Davenport captured the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship and won two of the sport’s most prestigious races, the Dirt Late Model Dream and the World 100 at Eldora Speedway. His smooth yet fearless driving style set him apart from his competitors. Fans began calling him “Superman” not just because of his success but because of the way he seemed to rise above pressure and deliver when it mattered most. His crew chief Kevin Rumley once said that Davenport studies every inch of a racetrack. “He doesn’t just drive,” Rumley said. “He analyzes. He’s always thinking about how to be better.”
The National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame, based at Florence Speedway in Walton, Kentucky, is the sport’s highest honor. Each year, a panel of historians, media members, and industry veterans selects new inductees based on their achievements and contributions. Davenport’s nomination comes as part of the 2025 class, which will feature a mix of past legends and modern-era icons. The Hall’s committee cited his remarkable longevity, consistent excellence, and leadership within the dirt late model community as reasons for his selection.
Hall of Fame spokesperson Tom Deskins praised Davenport’s impact on the sport, noting that he represents the best of what dirt racing has to offer. “Jonathan Davenport has set a standard for professionalism and passion that others aspire to,” Deskins said. “His name belongs among the greats who built this sport and carried it forward.”
Despite the nomination, Davenport is not slowing down. In the 2024 season, he collected several major feature wins and remained a contender in both the Lucas Oil and World of Outlaws points standings. What makes his nomination unique is that he is still an active driver, still hungry, still pushing himself and his team for more success. His competitiveness has not faded, and his influence on younger racers continues to grow.
When asked about the nomination, Davenport was his usual humble self. “It’s an incredible honor just to be nominated,” he said. “I’ve been blessed to do what I love for so long. The people in this sport have given me so much, and to be recognized by them means everything.”
Across the dirt racing community, the reaction was overwhelmingly positive. Fellow drivers and fans expressed admiration for Davenport’s accomplishments and character. Veteran racer Earl Pearson Jr. wrote on social media that Davenport has carried the sport for the past decade and called him “one of the best ever to strap into a late model.”
The final vote for induction will take place in the summer of 2025, with the ceremony scheduled during the North South 100 weekend at Florence Speedway. If selected, Davenport will join legends such as Scott Bloomquist, Billy Moyer, and Freddy Smith in the Hall’s historic lineup.
For those who have followed his journey, this nomination is more than just an acknowledgment of success. It represents years of dedication, countless hours in the shop, and thousands of laps on dirt tracks across America. Jonathan Davenport’s name has become synonymous with hard work, precision, and excellence. Whether or not he is officially inducted next year, his place in dirt racing history is already secure, and his story continues to inspire a new generation of racers and fans alike.