Jason Futch - reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com
Hamilton County kart legend and Cross Roads Motorplex owner Wade Murphy was bestowed a high honor in December when he was inducted into the World Karting Association Hall of Fame. The event is part of the Kart Week festivities, which is held annually in Daytona Beach.
Murphy’s contribution to racing goes back 37 years, when he helped found the World 100. The event has been held on the second week in November at Cross Roads Motorplex yearly, drawing large crowds and participants from across the country and around the world. It also draws a significant revenue stream for Hamilton County.
“He was beyond thrilled when he found out he was being inducted into the hall of fame,” his stepdaughter, Samantha Blanton, said. “He was emotional, but very honored.” Blanton said that Murphy was unaware he was going to be inducted until they arrived at Daytona Beach after being invited to Kart Week.
Murphy first started a go-kart track in Live Oak in the 1980s while also selling stock car parts in Lake City. In 1987, Murphy moved to Hamilton County and opened Cross Roads Motorplex. Over the last 37 years, the track has been host to multiple events, including the World 100, and has rolled the red carpet out to some of NASCAR’s best racers.
“Brian Vickers raced on our track when he was kart racing,” Blanton said. “Tony Stewart also visited the track, and Aric Almirola has also visited.” Additionally, Blanton stated that Almirola’s grandfather and Murphy share a close friendship.
Since Cross Roads Motorplex was founded, Murphy has been able to provide not only a track for karts, but also motocross bikes as well.
Racers from all over have visited the track to participate in both karting and motocross. Blanton said that the track has even hosted people from Canada and Germany.
In March, the motorplex will be home to the inaugural Kathy Luster Memorial $10,000 Money Race. It is anticipated to be an exciting day of adrenaline as racers from the region will compete in the race. The 37th annual World 100 will also be held in November.
Murphy’s contribution to the world of racing has been acknowledged, and now he will be forever enshrined in the prestigious hallowed halls of karting as a member of the 2024 World Karting Association Hall of Fame.