Ken Hirata, National Hot Rod Assoc. Hall of Fame inductee

Memorabilia fills the walls and counter space in Hirata's Lowell Body Shop. Hirata was inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame this year.

Ken Hirata, National Hot Rod Association Hall of Fame inductee

Ken Hirata was inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame on March 14. Currently, he is part of his son David's racing team and David' nitromethane-injected dragster. He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Hot Rod Association in 2003.

Ken Hirata, National Hot Rod Association Hall of Fame inductee

Ken Hirata's International Drag Racing Hall of Fame trophy sits on the counter in Hirata's Speed Shop in Lowell,along with other awards. He's still on team Hirata, but with his son David driving the nitromethane-injected dragster.

Ken Hirata, National Hot Rod Assoc. Hall of Fame inductee

Ken Hirata, right, was inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame this year. Now, he's on the team with his son David, left, and his nitromethane injected dragster. Ken Hirata and wife Chiyo, center, travel with David.

Ken Hirata, National Hot Rod Assoc. Hall of Fame indcutee

Ken Hirata, right, was inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame this year. Now, he's on the team with his son David, left, and his nitromethane injected dragster. Ken Hirata and wife Chiyo, center, travel with David.

Brothers join late father in Indiana Hall of Fame, lead class of seven inductees

HOBART | The menu for Sunday evening’s Indiana Football Hall of Fame inductee dinner did not include bean soup.

OFFBEAT: Lassie's Timmy and Blackhawk Denis Savard here this week

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Names of Fame

Four company leaders received the region's most prestigious business honor March 22 with induction into the Northwest Indiana Business and Industry Hall of Fame. The honorees at the sixth annual ceremony at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza were Tom Collins Sr., of Valparaiso, CEO of Hobart's…

Four inducted into region business hall of fame

Six inducted into Marian Catholic Hall of Fame

Marian Catholic High School Hall of Fame awardees are, in back from left, Fine Arts Distinguished Achievement, Bobby Lambert; Alumnus of the Year, Vince Krydynski, III '81; Spirit of Marian, Deacon Edward Szymanski '78; and Athlete of the Year, John Finnin '78. In front from left are Spirit …

Hammond Sports Hall of Fame announces newest inductees

HAMMOND | The Hammond Sports Hall of Fame will introduce its eight newest members during its 27th annual induction dinner next month.

2013 Hammond Sports Hall of Fame inductees

The newest class of the Hammond Sports Hall of Fame includes eight region athletes.

Marian Catholic announces 2013 Hall of Fame

CHICAGO HEIGHTS | The Marian Catholic High School community will celebrate the achievements of six Hall of Fame awardees on Feb. 7 at Olympia Fields Country Club.

Bishop Noll recognizes former coach Jerry Vlasic

Former Bishop Noll coach Jerry Vlasic stands in the background while players pray before Friday's game. The school recognized the state championship coach and Indiana Football Hall of Fame inductee.

Bishop Noll recognizes former coach Jerry Vlasic

Former Bishop Noll coach Jerry Vlasic and his wife, Lila, chat with 1996 graduate Tony Steward of Chicago as the school recognizes the state championship coach and Indiana Football Hall of Fame inductee Friday.

Bishop Noll recognizes former coach Jerry Vlasic

Former Bishop Noll coach Jerry Vlasic takes a ride in a golf cart as he heads to the school's grotto.

Bishop Noll recognizes former coach Jerry Vlasic

Former Bishop Noll coach Jerry Vlasic talks to football alumni as the school recognizes the state championship coach and Indiana Football Hall of Fame inductee Friday.

Bishop Noll recognizes former coach Jerry Vlasic

Former Bishop Noll coach Jerry Vlasic greets current players Jason Wedryk, Adam Collins and John Mitchell as the school recognizes the state championship coach and Indiana Football Hall of Fame inductee Friday.

Calumet Region Hall of Fame would boast talent of all kinds

Earlier this week I had an interesting experience attending the expansion of the East Chicago Hall of Fame. Once again, I thought, every town in the Calumet Region should have such a hall.