CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — Stock car racing's first two "godfather" figures and three of its most recognizable competitors were named Wednesday as the first inductees into the new NASCAR Hall of Fame.
The inductees are:
- • William H.G. "Bill" France, founder of NASCAR, who ruled with an iron fist as he built NASCAR into a major entity. He died in 1992.
- • His son, William C. "Bill Jr." France, who succeeded his father as president of the sanctioning body in 1972 and served until 2003. He died in 2007.
- • Richard Petty, the winningest driver in the history of NASCAR and the sport's first seven-time champion during his 35-year driving career (1958-92).
- • Dale Earnhardt, who equaled Petty's record seven championships and became the best-known and most controversial driver as the sport soared toward the zenith of its popularity in the 1980s and 1990s. Earnhardt was fatally injured in a last-lap crash during the 2001 Daytona 500.
- • Robert Glenn "Junior" Johnson, a legendary driver who retired in 1966 at age 34 and later became one of the sport's most successful team owners.
Fifty of stock car racing's key figures, including NASCAR officials, racetrack and auto manufacturer representatives, members of the motor sports media and retired competitors, picked the five from a list of 25 finalists. A 51st vote was based on fan input. The selections were announced live on Speed TV.
Notable exceptions included standout drivers David Pearson, Bobby Allison, Cale Yarborough and Darrell Waltrip, who along with Petty comprise the sport's top five race winners.
Other finalists included inactive drivers Buck Baker, Red Byron, Richard Childress, Richie Evans, Tim Flock, Ned Jarrett, Benny Parsons, Lee Petty, Fireball Roberts, Herb Thomas, Curtis Turner, Joe Weatherly and Glen Wood.
Wood and Childress had their greatest success as team owners. Contemporary team owner Rick Hendrick was a finalist, along with legendary mechanic-owners Bud Moore and Raymond Parks.
Jarrett, Johnson and Moore were voting members of the selection panel.
The new shrine is scheduled to open May 11, 2010.
The International Motorsports Hall of Fame in Talladega, Alabama, established in 1974 by the senior France, and the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame in Darlington, South Carolina, are among the many shrines recognizing stock car racing. But this is the official hall of America's pre-eminent auto racing organization.
Inside Line says: Most second-guessing will probably focus on the inclusion of both Big Bill and Bill France Jr. and the omission of Pearson, who won 105 races and three championship titles. — David Green, Correspondent
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