CHARLOTTE, North Carolina —
The NASCAR Hall of Fame has made known their first 5 inductee’s to their new and hallowed halls that represent NASCAR, past and present.
The inductee’s are
- William H.G. “Bill” France. The founder of NASCAR.
- William C. “Bill Jr.” France. He took over from his father (Bill France) as president of NASCAR from 1972 until 2003.
- Richard Petty. Richard Petty, known as The King, has the most wins of any driver in the history of NASCAR (All era’s included in that statement) and is a seven-time champion. He drove from 1958-1992.
- Dale Earnhardt. Earnhardt matched Petty’s seven championships and during his early years, his name was synonymous with controversial scenarios.
- Robert Glenn “Junior” Johnson. Junior Johnson retired in 1966 but then became one of the most successful team owners.
The inductees were chosen by 50 key figures from the sport of NASCAR. Those key figures included officials, racetrack and manufacturer reps, members of the media & retired competitors. The 51st vote was based on fan input.
I can’t imagine how tough this listing would have been to vote on. From waffling with adding the drivers from yesteryear who really helped bring in the fans, to the people behind the scenes both then and now. And how do you vote logically in some circumstances?
I have no clue how I might have voted really… (Well, I did as I’m sure you all did when they gave the fans a chance to add a vote, but that’s another matter)
Many would could have easily gone into the Hall of Fame did not this year. And they are many.
Bobby Allison,
Buck Baker,
Red Byron,
Richard Childress,
Richie Evans,
Tim Flock,
Ned Jarrett,
Benny Parsons,
David Pearson,
Lee Petty,
Fireball Roberts,
Herb Thomas,
Curtis Turner,
Darrell Waltrip,
Joe Weatherly,
Glen Wood and
Cale Yarborough.
You and I both know that this list of missed inductees will be in the NASCAR HOF, it’s just a matter of time. Heck, I bet somewhere down the road we’ll even see bloggers or whole blogs recognized. I’m not talking myself, but there are some seriously hard working folk out there who show their passion for this sport via their ever popular, busy and professional blogs.
Right off the top of my head, I think of The Daly Planet, Front Stretch, On Pit Row. These guys really bring it where bringing it counts. I wish I could count myself amongst these sites, but alas, I am too damn ADD to focus on any one thing these days… as if my “magazine” form blog, Stuff on Brusimm, isn’t proof enough!
The NASCAR Hall of Fame will open on May 11th, 2010. I can’t wait to either be there, or see pictures from the gala opening!
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Wow. That’s a pretty flattering statement Bruce. Thank you for the recognition, and the friendship.