Edward O’Boyle lived in North Platte during his promotional years. He was named NASCAR’s Midwestern representative at the age of 19, and promoted his first race in 1949. O’Boyle promoted NASCAR Sportsman races in several cities in Nebraska, Colorado and South Dakota. He was awarded the only Grand National (now known as NEXTEL Cup) race to be held in Nebraska -- a 100-mile race at North Platte won by Dick Rathman over Herb Thomas and Lee Petty. O’Boyle was also instrumental in forming the investment group to build Pikes Peak International Raceway. O’Boyle was inducted into the Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1999.