By A.L. Childers

There are people who race, and then there are people who are racing. Larry Ninneman is the second kind.

At 85 years young, Larry Ninneman—Wisconsin’s own motorsports trailblazer—isn’t just a retired driver. He’s a storyteller, a garage legend, a proud father, and a man whose passion for racing continues to ripple through generations. I recently had the honor of gathering his story, and let me tell you: it’s not just horsepower that built this legacy—it’s heart.

From Dreamer to Driver

Larry was born with a wrench in his hand and dreams under his feet. In the early days of Wisconsin’s local tracks, when dirt flew and the only sponsor you had was family, Larry was out there building his own cars, hauling them solo, and racing them full-throttle.

“I was obsessed with speed even back then,” Larry told me. And you could see it in his eyes—this man didn’t just love racing, he lived it.

Cream D Ninneman Motorsports: Built with Soul

Larry created Cream D Ninneman Motorsports with one goal: be the best without needing to be flashy. The “Cream D” stood for “Cream of the Crop,” and that’s exactly what he became. No big-money sponsors. No fancy trailers. Just pure mechanical skill, Midwest grit, and a team of people who believed in doing it right, even when it was hard.

“We had skill, family, and the will to win,” Larry said. That right there? That’s racing.

Tales from the Track

Larry’s racing memories are the kind you want to bottle up and pass down. From rain-soaked comebacks to last-lap passes, he’s seen it all. One of my favorite stories? He spun out on lap two—and still managed to win the whole race. “Sometimes racing is more about heart than horsepower,” he said with a grin.

Keeping the Wheels Turning

Today, Larry’s son Jeff is keeping the family fire burning. Jeff works alongside my husband at Freightliner, and they share more than a job—they share a love for the sport. With Dale Jr. and other racers now crossing paths with the Ninneman legacy, it’s clear: this family road doesn’t end—it evolves.

Questions That Keep the Legacy Alive

If you’re someone who documents family history or interviews local legends, here are some questions I used—and recommend:

• What inspired you to race?
• What was your first car?
• What made Cream D special?
• What was your most memorable race?
• How does it feel seeing your legacy live on in your son?

Final Lap

Larry Ninneman’s story isn’t just a tale about racing. It’s a story about commitment, craftsmanship, and family. And in a world of fast fame and fleeting attention, his story is one that deserves a permanent place in our memory lanes.

🖋 About the Author

I’m A.L. Childers—a Southern-born author, blogger, and story-keeper. I write to preserve voices that matter. If you have a story that needs telling, let’s connect.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This blog is based on personal interviews, family insights, and available historical records. Some elements are anecdotal and intended to preserve the emotional truth of the subject’s experience. All views expressed are those of the author and do not reflect endorsements by any companies or racing entities mentioned.