Ardis DePoy

Please keep Perry, Darla, Shannon, Hayley and Case in your thoughts and prayers.
The DePoy family is a huge part of our Oahe Speedway Racing Family.

Ardis was born on July 5, 1941, in Onida, South Dakota, to Arthur and Effie Larson. Ardis lived a life marked by devotion to her family, steadfast work, and quiet service to others. She will be remembered as a loving, thoughtful, and selfless woman whose presence brought comfort and strength to those around her.

Ardis grew up in Blunt and graduated from Blunt High School in 1959. She continued her education at Huron Business College, graduating in 1960. After completing her studies, she began working for the State of South Dakota in Pierre in the Surplus Property Office. In 1962, she joined the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) as a comptroller, where she worked until 1964. That same year, she became the bookkeeper for the Little Dakota Truck Stop on Highway 212, a role that reflected her dependable nature and strong work ethic.

On January 18, 1964, Ardis married Perry DePoy in Blunt, South Dakota. Together they built a life centered on hard work, family, and caring for others. Ardis took great pride in her home and in the people she loved. She especially enjoyed a variety of crafting projects throughout the years and found great satisfaction in making sure the farm help and harvest crews never went hungry. Her kindness was evident in the simple, thoughtful ways she cared for others each day.

In 1980, Ardis became involved with Eagle Butte Head Start, serving as a Policy Council member, an Indian Education Committee member, and a Basic Skills advisor. Her involvement reflected her commitment to supporting children, families, and education within her community. She gave her time and energy generously, and her contributions were deeply appreciated by those who worked alongside her. Ardis carried herself with grace and humility, making a meaningful difference through her quiet service. In 1981 Perry and Ardis bought a house in Custer, SD so the kids could attend school there. During this time she filled the role of both parents during the school year as Perry stayed back on the farm to make it it all work. When Ardis returned to the farm she was the manager AKA the boss.

Family was the heart of Ardis’s life. She loved them deeply and treasured every opportunity to spend time together. She is survived by her devoted husband, Perry DePoy; her daughter, Darla DePoy; her son, Shannon DePoy; and her beloved grandchildren, Hayley and Case. Their lives were enriched by her steadfast love, warm spirit, and the example she set through the way she lived. They will remember her for the care she gave, the meals she prepared, the projects she lovingly created, and the countless ways she expressed her love each day.

Ardis was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Effie Larson; and by her siblings, Elwood “Jim” Larson, Phyllis Speir, Russell Larson, Lucile Evers, and Dennis “Swede” Larson.

Though her passing leaves a deep emptiness in the hearts of those who loved her, her memory will remain a lasting source of comfort and inspiration. She will be remembered for her gentle heart, unwavering devotion to her family, and the many quiet ways she made life better for everyone fortunate enough to know her.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers you make a donation to Paws animal rescue or your local animal rescue in Ardis’s name

IHRA Announces Strategic Refocus on Drag Racing

July 9, 2026

Fairfield, Ohio — The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) regrets to announce that the remaining events of the 2026 IHRA Nitro Drag Racing Series will not be contested as originally scheduled.

This was an extremely difficult decision. Following last week’s schedule update, IHRA’s management team continued evaluating the operational requirements necessary to complete the season at the level our racers deserve. It became clear we could not deliver the quality, safety, and professionalism that define IHRA competition. Rather than lower our expectations simply to complete the schedule, we believe concluding the 2026 Nitro season is the most responsible decision.

This announcement applies only to the 2026 IHRA Nitro Drag Racing Series. IHRA-owned drag racing facilities, weekly bracket racing, sportsman competition, Team Finals, and the IHRA World Championship will continue as scheduled. Racers should continue following their individual series and track communications for updates.

“Our roots started in drag racing,” said IHRA President Dustin Farthing. “The racers who fill the staging lanes every weekend are the foundation of IHRA. Our focus is on rebuilding from the ground up by investing in our member tracks, sportsman racing, and the grassroots racers who built this organization. We will not lower our event standards simply to say we completed a race.”

“This isn’t the end of national event drag racing, it’s a reset. By strengthening our foundation first, we’ll build a stronger future for our racers, tracks, sponsors, and fans.”

IHRA sincerely thanks its racers, teams, sponsors, volunteers, track operators, and fans for their continued support as we begin the next chapter of the organization.

Thank you,
Dustin Farthing
President IHRA

Happy 250th !

Many race tracks, of all types, have come and gone through the years here in South Dakota.
One of those, Thunder Valley Dragways, located outside Marion, SD, lives on.  2026 marks 60 years
of continuous operation.
Glen Rapp, owner and founder, remains an active part of the venerable
drag strip.