2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame by Kristian Krempel

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame速 Legends

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January 20, 2012

To the readers, This yearbook commemorates the third class of inductees, into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. As with the first two inductee lineups, this one also is stellar. Check out our inductees’ credentials.

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Darrell Waltrip: The three-time (1981, ’82, ’85) champion of NASCAR’s premier series and winner of 84 races is tied with Bobby Allison for the fourth-best all-time total.

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Cale Yarborough: Another three-time (1976, ’77, ’78) premier series titlist and the first person to win three titles consecutively. Yarborough won 83 races, the sixth-best all-time total.

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Richie Evans: The recognized “king” of Modified racing, Evans captured nine NASCAR Modified titles in a 13-year span, including eight in a row from 1978-85. He died in 1985, but his legend lives on to say the least.

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Dale Inman: Some might call him the “man behind the throne” but to be honest, Inman was front-and-center during the reign of “The King,” Richard Petty. Inman was Petty’s crew chief at Petty Enterprises for nearly three decades, setting records for most wins (193) and championships (eight) by a crew chief. In addition to Petty’s seven premier series titles, Inman was crew chief for 1984 champion Terry Labonte.

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Glen Wood: Like previous NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Junior Johnson, Wood’s legend has footholds in both the driver and owner categories. It is as an owner, though, where he has truly excelled. The famed Wood Brothers Racing team got its 98th premier series victory in the 2011 Daytona 500. Wood has employed his own hall of fame of sorts, with David Pearson, Curtis Turner, Marvin Panch, Dan Gurney, Tiny Lund, Parnelli Jones, Junior Johnson, Cale Yarborough, Fred Lorenzen and Bill Elliott among his drivers through the years.

Clearly, this third class of inductees is right in line with the first two. The accomplishments are unreal – and the legacies are secure. On behalf of NASCAR, I hope you enjoy this yearbook, as we celebrate the lives and careers of our NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2012 inductees. Regards,

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Dear Fans, On behalf of the NASCAR Hall of Fame staff, thank you for your support. We hope you enjoy the third edition of our annual yearbook. This is a special publication destined to be a collector’s item as the first two have become. Since opening May 11, 2010 and debuting our inaugural class of Inductees who were highlighted in our first yearbook, we have truly experienced many milestones, celebrations and learning experiences. In our first year we were the second highest attended sports hall of fame in North America with 274,000 visitors. Our visitors came from all 50 states and annual members from 45 states and five countries. And our economic impact from conventions and meetings exceeded $245 million in the first year. Our customers tell us a trip to the NHOF can range from being a ‘bucket list’ pilgrimage for that diehard NASCAR fan to a unique and exciting educational experience for the novice who has never attended a race – and regardless of background, they tell us how much they enjoy the facility and appreciate the exceptional service our staff provides. We have taken to heart all the feedback from our customers and have significantly enhanced signage throughout the parking garage and the NHOF to help guests navigate the building and exhibits. We also continue to evolve, update, rotate and improve exhibits. Through your involvement, enthusiasm and support, we are building a remarkable foundation and legacy that we believe will marvel those who come after us. As we embark on honoring our third class, I am excited to see the true breadth of contributions being acknowledged and honored – with almost every walk of work that has contributed to NASCAR’s 63+ years of success. Each class has so many unique characteristics, and characters, that showcase this incredible sport and business. And each class and individual inducted, or their representatives, have given enormously and selflessly of their time, talents and treasures. For that, we are eternally grateful. I am equally excited about potential future Inductees, as we have so many deserving candidates. We are very proud of the work and accomplishments of the entire NASCAR Hall of Fame team. We will continue to build a brand that honors the history and heritage of NASCAR and provides all our visitors an exciting, inspirational, reflective and educational experience. Thank you for joining us. And please be sure to let me or any member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame team know how we can make your experience all you envisioned it would be – and more!

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Winston Kelley Executive Director NASCAR Hall of Fame

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Contributing Writers Van Cox, Cathy Elliott, Cary Estes, John Farrell, Ron Lemasters Jr, Scott Warfield, Deb Williams, Ken Willis and Jeff Wolf. Photo Contributors Getty Images, Getty Images for NASCAR, Harold Hinson, NASCAR Media, The NASCAR Foundation and the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

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NASCAR Hall of Fame

Table of Contents

Timeline and Key Dates 2007

Welcome to the NASCAR Hall of Fame January 25, 2007 – The NASCAR Hall of Fame breaks ground in uptown Charlotte, N.C.

NASCAR Welcome Letter Brian France, Chairman and CEO, NASCAR

May 2007 – Excavation and site work begin.

NASCAR Hall of Fame Welcome Letter Winston Kelley, Executive Director, NASCAR Hall of Fame

NASCAR Hall of Fame Staff

NASCAR Hall of Fame Advisory Board

NASCAR Hall of Fame Timeline and Key Dates

2008

October 2007 – Shared foundation work begins for 19-story office tower and 1,000-space parking garage. April 2008 – Construction begins on pedestrian walkway from Charlotte Convention Center to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Charlotte Convention Center Crown Ballroom. June 2008 – Structural steel construction begins for the new 44,000 square-foot Charlotte Convention Center Crown Ballroom. August 2008 – Structural steel construction begins for NASCAR Hall of Fame.

2009

November 2008 – Installation of signature ribbon structure begins on NASCAR Hall of Fame. June 19, 2009 – In conjunction with Charlotte’s 60th anniversary of its first NASCAR “Strictly Stock” race – later called the NASCAR Grand National Division and now the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series – NASCAR Hall of Fame announces opening day as May 11, 2010. 20 30 40 50 60

July 2009 – Announcement of 25 nominees for the Inaugural Induction Class of NASCAR Hall of Fame.

The 2012 Class of Inductees and Nominees

2010

October 14, 2009 – Voting Day for Inaugural Class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Bill France, Sr.; Bill France, Jr.; Dale Earnhardt; Junior Johnson and Richard Petty announced as the Class of 2010. Fall 2009 – Installation process begins for NASCAR Hall of Fame exhibits.

17 Decisions, Decisions, Decisions… The NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2012 Lies in the Hands of Panel and Fan Vote

Late 2009/Early 2010 – Testing process begins for NASCAR Hall of Fame exhibits. May 11, 2010 – NASCAR Hall of Fame opens. May 23, 2010 – Inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony for the Class of 2010 Inductees.

2011

July 1, 2010 – NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2011 Nominees announced. ctober 13, 2010 – Voting Day for the second class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Bobby Allison, O Ned Jarrett, Bud Moore, David Pearson and Lee petty announced as the Class of 2011. April 19, 2011 – NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2012 Nominees announced. J une 14, 2011 – Voting Day for the third class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Richie Evans, Dale Inman, Darrell Waltrip, Glen Wood and Cale Yarborough announced as the Class of 2012.

2012

Richie Evans The Rapid Roman

Dale Inman The Crew Chief

40 Darrell Waltrip DW

May 23, 2011 – NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony for the Class of 2011 Inductees.

January 20, 2012 – NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony for the Class of 2012 Inductees.

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

www.NASCARHall.com

Glen Wood The Woodchopper

Cale Yarborough The Timmonsville Flash

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Nominees

Table of Contents NASCAR Hall of Honor 72 Dale Earnhardt The Intimidator 74 Bill France Sr. Big Bill 76 Bill France Jr. The Commander 78 Junior Johnson The Last American Hero 80 Richard Petty The King 82 Bobby Allison Leader of the Alabama Gang 84 Ned Jarrett Gentleman Ned 86 Bud Moore The Veteran 88 David Pearson The Silver Fox 90 Lee Petty The Patriarch

All About the NASCAR Hall of Fame 92 Educating the Young The NASCAR Hall of Fame’s Education Curriculum Program Provides Ample Learning Experiences for Students 102 Deserving of Enshrinement Who Would the NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductees Like to See Join Them? 112 NASCAR Goes Hollywood! NASCAR Stars Shining on Both Big and Small Screens 14

122 Capturing the Entire Legend The Displays in the Hall of Honor Share the Inductees’ Whole Stories, Not Just Their Racing Careers 126 Sample the Experience Food Lion Race Week Takes Fans inside NASCAR 132 The Roots of NASCAR The NASCAR Hall of Fame Honors NASCAR’s Short-Track History 136 Bank of America Motorsports Career Day 138 It’s the Journey Not the Race 144 A Ring Worthy of NASCAR Hall of Fame® Achievement. The Story of the NASCAR Hall of Fame Ring

Get Involved at the NASCAR Hall of Fame 148 Bringing Back a Fan Favorite The NASCAR Preview Revs Its Engine Once More During “NASCAR Acceleration Weekend” 152 How to Become a NASCAR Hall of Fame Member 152

Corporate Memberships

153 NASCAR Hall of Fame Members 153 NASCAR Hall of Fame Commemorative Brick Program 154

Sponsor Recognition

156

Charlotte’s Got a Lot!

159 The NASCAR Hall of Fame Yearbook Back Issues

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

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Decisions,

A PIT CREW IN EVERY PART

Decisions,

Decisions… The NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2012 Lies in the Hands of Panel and Fan Vote

The criteria that make a person eligible for NASCAR Hall of Fame induction are surprisingly simple. A person’s NASCAR accomplishments and contributions to the sport are the main focus of the nomination and selection process. From there, these guidelines will be followed every year:

After being announced as 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees Dale Inman and Darrell Waltrip congratulate one another. The two will be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on January 20, 2012, alongside Glen Wood and Cale Yarborough, and Richie Evans posthumously. Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

valuating all 25 nominees and deciding on the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2012 is a daunting task as all candidates have made an everlasting impact on the sport of NASCAR, while some continue even today. The nominees’ accomplishments and records dot the annals of NASCAR’s history and prove just how difficult it was to whittle this group of 25 deserving legends down to only five.

Pit Crew A group of guys so dedicated that they practice for hours a day to perform flawlessly for just 12 critical seconds.

The inductees comprising the 2012 Class are definitely leaders and legends of the sport — Richie Evans, Dale Inman, Darrell Waltrip, Glen Wood and Cale Yarborough.

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The first two NASCAR Hall of Fame classes included Dale Earnhardt, Bill France Sr., Bill France Jr., Junior Johnson and Richard Petty, who were inducted as the inaugural class of www.NASCARHall.com

2010, and Bobby Allison, Ned Jarrett, Bud Moore, David Pearson and Lee Petty – the 2011 Class. While nominees’ merits are discussed endlessly and their names bandied about in comparison to other nominees, it goes without saying that all are worthy of consideration for enshrinement someday. Every fan and media pundit has their thoughts on who they think should hear their name announced next as an inductee and will engage in back-and-forth banter spouting the merits of one nominee over another nominee. And, of course, no one is wrong, but someone must decide who among the 25 nominees the next class will include. That near-impossible task falls directly on the shoulder of the voting panel.

For drivers, individuals must have competed in NASCAR for 10 years and be retired from racing for a minimum of three (3) years. Nominees/inductees may compete in an unlimited number of nonNASCAR sanctioned races and in no more than five (5) NASCARsanctioned races on an annual basis in a series where they did not spend the majority of their career. For non-drivers, individuals must have worked at least 10 years in the industry. NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France remains proud that the sport includes an element in the selection process that isn’t as common in other sports, allowing the fans to have an active vote in the ultimate determination of the annual class of five. “We have established an orderly induction process that is inclusive, involving various industry constituencies — most importantly, the fans,” France said. Ultimately, it can be said, the NASCAR Hall of Fame nourishes the brightest memories of NASCAR fans, because their support goes so far in developing the success that builds the sport’s legends. 17

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions… Those legends, in turn, are selected for nomination to the NASCAR Hall of Fame by a committee comprised of a renowned list of 21 people who hold the sport’s history in proper reverence. For 2012, the nominees were Buck Baker, Red Byron, Richard Childress, Jerry Cook, H. Clay Earles, Richie Evans, Tim Flock, Rick Hendrick, Jack Ingram, Dale Inman, Bobby Isaac, Fred Lorenzen, Cotton Owens, Raymond Parks, Benny Parsons, Les Richter, Glenn “Fireball” Roberts, T. Wayne Robertson, Herb Thomas, Curtis Turner, Darrell Waltrip, Joe Weatherly, Glen Wood, Leonard Wood and Cale Yarborough. Once the committee announced those names, 33 others joined the committee to form the voting panel. The final vote for selecting the 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame class of inductees belonged to the fans for a total of 55 votes.

The Voting Panel that consists of 50 of the 51 voters (the other being a fan vote) convened on June 14, 2011, at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, N.C., to discuss the merits of each nominee and then vote for the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2012. The NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2012 was announced later that day in the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s Great Hall. Jared C. Tilton/Getty Image

The Nominating Committee NASCAR Hall of Fame:

Executive Director Winston Kelley; Historian Buz McKim.

NASCAR Officials:

Chairman/CEO Brian France; Vice Chairman Jim France; President Mike Helton; Senior Vice President Paul Brooks; Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton; Senior Vice President of Racing Operations Steve O’Donnell; Competition Administrator Jerry Cook; former Vice President Ken Clapp.

Track Owners/Operators:

Richard Petty, a 2010 NASCAR Hall of Fame member, congratulates Glen Wood upon learning of his selection into the NASCAR Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2012. The announcements were made just a few hours after the voting panel met to select the five newest inductees. Jason Smith/Getty Images

International Speedway Corporation CEO Lesa Kennedy; Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell; Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage; Atlanta Motor Speedway President Ed Clark; former Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Tony George; Dover Motorsports CEO Denis McGlynn; Pocono Raceway owner Dr. Joe “Doc” Mattioli; Bowman Gray Stadium operator Dale Pinilis; Riverhead Raceway operators Jim and Barbara Cromarty (one vote); Toyota Speedway at Irwindale operator Jim Williams; and Rockford Speedway owner Jody Deery.

The Voting Panel 21 members of the

nominating committee; plus

16 media representatives:

Rea White, NMPA President; Kenny Bruce, SceneDaily. com; Dustin Long, Landmark Newspapers; Nate Ryan, USA Today; Jenna Fryer, Associated Press; Jim Pedley, RacinToday. com; Ernie Saxton, EMPA President; Dusty Brandel, AARWBA President; Mike Joy, FOX; Jerry Punch, ESPN; Kyle Petty, TNT; Barney Hall, MRN; Doug Rice, PRN; Rick Allen, SPEED; Dave Moody, Sirius NASCAR Radio; and Dave Rodman, NASCAR.com;

One representative from each

of three manufacturers: Jim Campbell, former General Manager at Chevrolet; Edsel B. Ford III, Board of Directors at Ford; and Lee White, President/ General Manager at Toyota;

Four retired drivers:

Ricky Rudd, Harry Gant, Ned Jarrett and Richard Petty;

Three retired owners:

Bud Moore, Cotton Owens and Junior Johnson;

Three retired crew chiefs:

Barry Dodson, Waddell Wilson and Buddy Parrott;

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The Rapid Roman

Richie vans By Cary Estes Left: Richie Evans (left) is congratulated after one of his many victories in the NASCAR Modified Tour. It is estimated that Evans won about 477 feature races. ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images. Right: Richie Evans sits behind the wheel of his race car during some down time on the race track. Evans won an amazing 26 track championships over the course of his storied career. ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images

n many ways, Richie Evans was no different from the people he grew up with in upstate New York. He was a working man who went to the office nearly every day. A proud man who was willing to put in long hours to ensure that the job was done right. A funloving man who was quick to join his friends and celebrate once the work day was complete.

as a teenager on the country roads outside of Rome, N.Y., all the way to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Evans is the first driver inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame who never competed in NASCAR’s premier series. He made his mark on the NASCAR Modified Tour, a racing hybrid that has the openwheel look of IndyCars, but the body of traditional stock cars. It is a specialized shorttrack version of NASCAR that over the years has proven to be particularly popular in the northeastern United States.

There were, however, a few important differences in Evans’ life compared to that of his small-town neighbors. Instead of a hardhat he wore a racing helmet. Instead of punching a time clock he mashed an accelerator. And instead of spending the day at some factory or firm, the “office” for Evans was a series of short tracks scattered throughout New England and all along the East Coast. It was on this never-ending loop of asphalt ovals that Evans steadily drove his way to becoming one of the greatest drivers in the history of the NASCAR Modified Tour. It is a path that took him from drag racing

Richie Evans of Rome, N.Y., won the NASCAR Modified Tour championship nine times, eight of those consecutively from 1978 to 1985. Unfortunately, his final championship was awarded posthumously. ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

Nobody has ever dominated the NASCAR Modified circuit the way Evans did. He won a total of nine season championships, including an astounding eight in a row from 1978 through 1985. In fact, Evans’ reign over the series was so commanding that he even won a championship posthumously. His ’85 title became official a few days after he died as a www.NASCARHall.com

result of a practice-session accident for the season-ending race at Martinsville Speedway.

at 11 different venues. He was the champion at four tracks in 1980 alone. It is unknown exactly how many races he won in his career, From 1970 through 1985, Evans won because the records from some a total of 26 track championships short tracks during the 1960s and ‘70s are incomplete.

“No matter what the actual total is, it’s safe to say that there is no short track driver in NASCAR history who has the numbers that Richie had.” Mark “Bones” Bourcier

Probably the most accurate account comes from Mark “Bones” Bourcier, who wrote a book about Evans called Richie!: The Fast Life and Times of NASCAR’s Greatest Modified Driver. With the help of New York statistician Mark Southcott, Bourcier estimates that Evans compiled at least 477 victories, along with one Super Modified Division win and one Limited Sportsman Division triumph. Considering the likelihood that Evans won several races that cannot be confirmed, his true victory total probably exceeds 500. “No matter what the actual total is,” Bourcier said, “it’s safe to say that there is no short track driver in NASCAR 21

history who has the numbers that Richie had.” Richard Ernest Evans was born on July 23, 1941, in Rome, N.Y., and grew up on a dairy farm in nearby Westernville. There was one simple rule to rural living during those times. If something broke, you fixed it. So Evans learned the basics of mechanics at a young age, and he quickly developed an interest in engines and carburetors and such. When he was 16 years old Evans began working at a gas station and garage in Rome, earning a wage of $1 per hour. This was the hot-rod era of the late 1950s, so Evans made a little money on the side through illegal street racing. He also dabbled in legal amateur drag racing, though he kept both activities a secret from his parents.

Life changed for Evans in 1962 following the opening of Utica-Rome Speedway, a paved quarter-mile track just south of town. A local race car driver named Chuck Mahoney, who frequented the garage where Evans worked, convinced him to give the new track a try.

“You can’t give too much credit for his success to the cars. It was clear that he just had a phenomenal level of natural ability.”

It took a few years for Evans to get the hang of short-track racing. Initially he simply took his drag car to the track and ran it without making any changes. He knew how to turn the steering wheel, and that was about it. He had no knowledge of racing springs or chassis setup. But he definitely had the desire to learn, so he asked questions and leaned heavily on established race car drivers such as

Mark “Bones” Bourcier

Sonney Seamon and “Steady” Eddie Flemke. Evans recalled those early days in a 1979 interview, saying, “When we started, we knew absolutely nothing. That’s probably what makes you remember stuff so well. You did it wrong so many times that when you finally did it the right way, you were forced to remember it.” Even as his knowledge of the race cars increased, Evans continued to keep his set-ups relatively simply. Richie Evans stands in front of his No. 61 race car that he drove to victory on February 15, 1980, at Daytona International Speedway. This was the last NASCAR Modified race ever held at the famous track. ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

TIME FOR ONE MORE LAP TIME FOR ONE MORE

VICTORY VICTORY

LAP

two of them attacked the ’73 season with the championship as the goal. Evans and Cook waged a titanic battle throughout the season, and with two races left on the schedule Cook held a slim lead in the points standings.

He built his own cars, but they were never cutting-edge vehicles. He let others come up with racing innovations. Evans wanted a car that was easily repairable at the track, in case it was damaged during practice or in a heat race. “So you can’t give too much credit for his success to the cars,” Bourcier said. “It was clear that he just had a phenomenal level of natural ability.” Evans plugged along in the Hobby car division for three years with only modest results before moving up to the NASCAR Modified Tour in 1965. He improved as the year went along until finally, in the final race of the season at UticaRome Speedway, Evans picked up his first career NASCAR Modified victory, outrunning his mentor Sonney Seamon to the checkered flag. After that, Evans began throwing all his time, energy and money into his racing career. He raced nearly every weekend during the spring and summer, though for the most part he stayed in-state throughout the late 1960s, competing at tracks in such small towns as Lancaster, Williamson, Fulton, Malta, Evans Mills and Weedsport. Along the way, Evans adopted two looks that became his 24

trademarks. He painted his car orange, and he began using No. 61. By the beginning of the 1970s, Evans was ready to take his new look out of state, and introduce his orange No. 61 like a sunburst to the rest of the racing community. From 1971 until Evans’ death in 1985, Rome was the epicenter of the Modified world. But it didn’t start off that way because of Evans. Instead, it was Jerry Cook who first brought the NASCAR Modified

“The fierce competitor in Evans relished the rare opportunities he had to race against some of the biggest names in NASCAR.”

Richie Evans speeds around a track in 1984 vying for the championship. His famous No. 61 was retired in the NASCAR Modified Tour, the only number to receive that status in any NASCAR series. ISC Archives via Getty Images

championship to Rome in 1971 and ’72. Evans certainly was having plenty of success in the early ’70s. He won the track championship at Fulton Speedway in 1970 and ’71, and then in ’72 picked up the first of what would become a total of four championships at Utica-Rome. All told he won more than 70 Modified features from 1969-72, including the prestigious New Yorker 400 twice. Still, at the time Evans was not even the most successful NASCAR Modified driver in his own hometown. That honor belonged to Cook, whose winning ways definitely motivated Evans. Late in his career, when he was asked how he became such a good driver, Evans replied, “We had a good teacher when we got started. We had to figure out how to beat Jerry Cook.” Before the beginning of the 1973 season, Evans picked up a sponsorship deal with the construction company owned by Gene DeWitt. The 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

But at that year’s Race of Champions at the Trenton (N.J.) Fairground Speedway, Cook dropped out of the race with mechanical problems after only 15 laps. Evans went on to take the checkered flag, picking up his 25th victory in 62 NASCAR starts that season and his first career NASCAR Modified championship.

Through it all, Evans remained the same down-to-earth person he had been during those early days in Rome, before all the victories and championships and accolades came his way. He loved the racing community and enjoyed spending time with fans and competitors alike. That affection was returned, as evident by his being named NASCAR‘s Most Popular Modified Driver nine times. “What I respected the most about Richie was the way he treated

By the time Evans began to achieve true star status in Modified racing in the late 1970s he was already closing in on his 40th birthday. At that age, it is unlikely he could have stepped into NASCAR’s premier series and immediately began driving for one of the top teams. So despite his talent, he probably would have struggled at least initially. This was well before the days of fat contracts and lucrative sponsorship deals. Only a handful of the top drivers such as Richard Petty, David Pearson, Bobby Allison and Cale

And thus began a decade-long battle for the title between Evans and Cook. “We definitely pushed each other,” Cook said. “If you wanted to win the championship, you had to step it up. Beating him was some of my most special wins, because you knew you had earned it. Plus, we lived in the same town. So when you beat the other one, word got back home real quick.” Cook held the upper hand for much of the 1970s, winning the championship four consecutive years from 1974-77 (though that was partly because Evans ran a limited schedule in 1976 and ’77). Evans finally regained the title in 1978 with a sizzling season that included 25 victories and 57 top-five finishes in 75 NASCAR starts. After that, Evans literally held the title until the day he died. Year after year he fended off a variety of talented competitors, including Geoffrey and Brett Bodine, Ron Bouchard, Greg Sacks and Jimmy Spencer. www.NASCARHall.com

Having started racing in New York, Richie Evans experienced most of his success at small tracks across New York state. Some of the New York tracks where he enjoyed success were Shangri-La Speedway (66 wins), Spencer Speedway (49 wins) and Fulton Speedway (42 wins). ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images

people,” former NASCAR Modified driver, NASCAR crew chief and team owner Ray Evernham wrote in the foreword to Richie! “In my eyes, as a kid trying to race Modifieds, he was a big, big star, and yet he would always talk to me. It didn’t matter who you were, Richie would always give you more than just the time of day.”

Yarborough were making big bucks. Most of the drivers in the NASCAR premier series were earning a more modest living. Bourcier said “Modified racing was never going to make him rich, he was never going to have a private jet or a million-dollar home, but he didn’t care about any of that.

The obvious question, of course, is why Evans never attempted to make the jump to NASCAR’s premier series. The easy answer is that he couldn’t afford the pay cut. 25

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

2011 T o n y S t e w a r t

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2008 J i m m i e J o h n s o n

2005 T o n y S t e w a r t 2004 K u r t B u s c h 2003 M a t t K e n s e t h

1998 J e f f G o r d o n 1997 J e f f G o r d o n 1996 T e r r y L a b o n t e 1995 J e f f G o r d o n 1994 D a l e E a r n h a r d t

2002 T o n y S t e w a r t

1999 D a l e J a r r e t t

1993 D a l e E a r n h a r d t 1992 A l a n K u l w i c k i 1991 D a l e E a r n h a r d t 1990 D a l e E a r n h a r d t 1988 B i l l E l l i o t t 1987 D a l e E a r n h a r d t

1989 R u s t y W a l l a c e

1986 D a l e E a r n h a r d t 1985 D a r r e l l W a l t r i p 1984 T e r r y L a b o n t e 1983 B o b b y A l l i s o n 1981 D a r r e l l W a l t r i p

1982 D a r r e l l W a l t r i p

1979 R i c h a r d P e t t y 1978 C a l e Y a r b o r o u g h 1977 C a l e Y a r b o r o u g h 1976 C a l e Y a r b o r o u g h 1975 R i c h a r d P e t t y

1972 R i c h a r d P e t t y 1971 R i c h a r d P e t t y 1970 B o b b y I s a a c

1980 D a l e E a r n h a r d t

Evans finished second to Darrell Waltrip that year and was denied a chance at a last-lap pass when the caution flag came out with only two to go. He came back in 1979 with

1974 R i c h a r d P e t t y

Though nobody knew it at the time, Evans’ final victory occurred on Sept. 22, 1985 at Oxford Plains

1973 B e n n y P a r s o n s

“He took a lot of satisfaction in beating guys who were at that level,” Bourcier said. “In his mind that answered any questions he might have had. He won at their biggest playground, at Daytona. Deep down he knew what he was capable of doing.”

1969 D a v i d P e a r s o n

Evans returned to Daytona in 1980 and proved that his victory was no fluke, turning in a performance that was so dominating that Bonnett said afterward, “Richie made spectators out of me and Harry and the rest. It was a total mismatch, probably the biggest one I’ve ever been in.”

©2011 Federal-Mogul Corporation. MOOG is a trademark owned by Federal-Mogul Corporation or one of its subsidiaries in one or more countries. NASCAR is a registered trademark of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. All rights reserved.

Evans struggled the first year the Modified 200 was held, in 1977, with a car that was too loose and eventually dropped out with a broken fan belt. He was determined to have a better showing the following year, so he arrived at Daytona International Speedway in a Camaro (painted orange, of course) that had been built by Banjo Matthews.

basically the same car and setup, and proceeded to beat a field that included Waltrip, Bobby Allison, Neil Bonnett, Harry Gant and Geoffrey Bodine.

1968 D a v i d P e a r s o n

Evans won a total of 26 track championships at 11 different venues. He was the champion at four tracks in 1980 alone.

Still, the fierce competitor in Evans relished the rare opportunities he had to race against some of the biggest names in NASCAR. That is why he often said that the two biggest victories of his career were his back-to-back wins in the old Daytona Modified 200 in 1979 and 1980. The race was held during Speedweeks leading up to the Daytona 500 and attracted several NASCAR premier series regulars.

1967 R i c h a r d P e t t y

“I also think he prized his independence. He didn’t like to take orders. He said more than once that he didn’t want to find himself having to be nice to people he didn’t like. When you get to that top level, you sometimes have to do things that kind of go against your grain as an independent person. He was able to live exactly the life he wanted. He liked doing things his way. It was a perfect situation for him.”

In 1974, Richie Evans drove his B.R. DeWitt Ford to a 14th-place finish in the NASCAR Modified race during Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway. Evans only collected two victories at the track. ISC Archives via Getty Images

1966 D a v i d P e a r s o n

46 Champions.TotallyMOOG. ®

He wanted to live his own life and have fun and go racing 80 or 90 times a year and win 30 to 40 races a year.

Richie Evans’

NASCAR Hall of Fame Career

Speedway in Maine. It was his 12th NASCAR Modified victory of the year. One month later, Evans clinched his ninth series championship and eighth in a row with a sixth-place finish at Thompson (Conn.) International Speedway. Even as he celebrated yet another title, Evans grumbled slightly about finishing sixth in a race he thought he could have won. That competitive spirit meant Evans was going to arrive for the season-finale at Martinsville the following week determined to wrap up the year with a victory. So even though he was a 10-time winner at Martinsville, Evans quickly drove onto the track as soon as practice began that morning. It was, after all, time to go to work.

Motorsports Hall of Fame, the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame, the New York State Stock Car Association Hall of Fame and the New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame. And now he is in the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Evans’ No. 61 has been retired on the NASCAR Modified Tour, the only number to receive that honor in any NASCAR series.

It is a long trek from the farmland of upstate New York to NASCAR Hall of Fame enshrinement. An excursion filled with checkered flags and championship trophies and cherished memories. A glorious journey that, for the most part, Richie Evans took a quarter-mile at a time.

A few laps in, Evans was speeding down the backstretch heading toward Turn 3, but his car never turned and it hit the wall. He died as a result of the accident. It appeared to most observers that his throttle had stuck, though there was no evidence of that when the car was examined afterward. “It goes down as one of the great mysteries. What happened?” Bourcier said. Though Evans is gone, he is far from forgotten. His No. 61 has been retired on the NASCAR Modified Tour, the only number to receive that honor in any NASCAR series. In 1998, he was named one of the 50 greatest drivers in the first 50 years of NASCAR. He has been inducted into the International 28

Career NASCAR Modified Tour (National and Track) Championships

Career Wins in the NASCAR Modified Tour by Track

Year

National/Track

Track

City & State

No. of Wins

1970

Track

Fulton Speedway

Albany-Saratoga Speedway

Malta, N.Y.

1971

Track

Fulton Speedway

Bowman Gray Stadium

Winston-Salem, N.C.

1972

Track

Utica-Rome Speedway

Caraway Speedway

Asheboro, N.C.

1973

National

Chemung Speedrome

Chemung, N.Y.

1973

Track

Utica-Rome Speedway

1974

Track

Fulton Speedway

1974

Track

Utica-Rome Speedway

1975

Track

Shangri-La Speedway

1977

Track

Shangri-La Speedway

1978

National

1978

Track

1978

Track

Holland Speedway

1978

Track

Utica-Rome Speedway

1979

Claremont Speedway

Claremont, N.H.

Daytona International Speedway

Daytona Beach, Fla.

Deux Montagnes Speedway

St. Eustache, Quebec

Evans Mill Speedway

Evans Mill, N.Y.

Franklin County Speedway

Calloway, Va.

Freeport Stadium

Freeport, N.Y.

Fulton Speedway

Fulton, N.Y.

Hickory Speedway

Hickory, N.C.

National

Holland Speedway

Holland, N.Y.

1979

Track

Holland Speedway

Islip Speedway

Islip, N.Y.

1979

Track

New Egypt Speedway

Chemung Speedrome

Kingsport Speedway

Kingsport, Tenn.

Lancaster Speedway

Lancaster, N.Y.

Martinsville Speedway

Martinsville, Va.

1980

National

1980

Track

1980

Track

Riverside Park

Metrolina Speedway

Charlotte, N.C.

1980

Track

Stafford Speedway

Monadnock Speedway

Winchester, N.H.

1980

Track

Thompson Speedway

1981

National

1981

Track

Stafford Speedway

1981

Track

Thompson Speedway

1982

National

1982

Track

New Egypt Speedway

1982

Track

Shangri-La Speedway

1983

National

1983

Track

Oswego Speedway

1983

Track

Spencer Speedway

Holland Speedway

Thompson Speedway

New Egypt Speedway

New Egypt, N.J.

New Smyrna Speedway

New Smyrna Beach, Fla.

Oswego Speedway

Oswego, N.Y.

Oxford Plains Speedway

Oxford Plains, Maine

Pocono Raceway

Long Pond, Pa.

Riverhead Raceway

Riverheard, N.Y.

Riverside Park

Agawam, Mass.

Seekonk Speedway

Seekonk, Mass.

Shangri-La Speedway

Owego, N.Y.

Spencer Speedway

Williamson, N.Y.

Stafford Speedway

Stafford Springs, Conn.

1983

Track

1984

National

1985

National

Star Speedway

Epping, N.H.

1985

Track

Spencer Speedway

Thompson Speedway

Thompson, Conn.

1985

Track

Thompson Speedway

Trenton Fairgrounds Speedway

Trenton, N.J.

Utica-Rome Speedway

Vernon, N.Y.

Wall Stadium

Wall Township, N.J.

Weedsport Speedway

Weedsport, N.J.

36 Tracks

1 477

(Estimated)

Source: Bourcier, B. (2004). Richie!: The Fast Life and Times of NASCAR’s Greatest Modified Driver. Newburyport, MA: Coastal 181.

Although his car shows the effects of hard racing on a short track, Richie Evans hoists a trophy after winning another NASCAR Modified Tour race at Martinsville Speedway in 1981. The champion driver won 10 races at the “Paperclip” in rural Virginia. ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

www.NASCARHall.com

The CREW CHIEF

Dale nman By Van Cox

e could do it all…

In this age of specialization where every team member has a designated assignment, it is hard to fathom that Dale Inman performed so many different tasks during his career as a crew chief in the NASCAR premier series. But he did. He helped build and maintain the race cars. He made pivotal calls in the pits. He changed tires. He gassed the car. He even drove the tow truck to and from the race track when need be. You name it, he did it. For his seemingly endless list of accomplishments, Inman has earned the distinction of becoming the first inductee selected for enshrinement in the NASCAR Hall of Fame solely as a crew chief. “It’s very humbling,” says Inman.

In 1978, Dale Inman helped Richard Petty to a sixth-place finish in the NASCAR premier series final points standings. Inman guided Petty to seven championships and Terry Labonte to one championship in the NASCAR premier series. ISC Images &

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

“I’m proud to be in the NASCAR Hall of Fame and to go in so early. It’s an honor to be recognized for what you’ve accomplished, especially when it’s for doing something you enjoy as much as I enjoy racing.” Numbers don’t lie, and the statistics that punctuate Inman’s pristine resume speak volumes. For all intents and purposes, he is the most successful crew chief in the history of NASCAR. He came into the sport while it was still gaining traction and went on to set almost every record in the book, including some that may never be broken. Inman was the architect for a record eight NASCAR premier series championships – seven with

Richard Petty and one with Terry Labonte. His 193 documented victories is more than twice the total amassed by any other crew chief. He owns seven wins in the Daytona 500 – all with Petty – and has received virtually every award that can be bestowed upon a racing mechanic or crew chief. “Dale set the standard,” says Petty. “He was a racing benchmark. He pretty much defined what a crew chief was back then, and people modeled themselves after him. He knew the cars. He knew the sport. He could do it all. In the shop… At

“We had to improvise a lot. There weren’t a whole lot of companies producing racing parts back then like you see today. So we made a lot of our own parts from scratch.” Dale Inman

really good understanding of race cars. He always had a feel for what the car needed, so we learned to read each other that way. I’ve heard him tell people that we thought so much alike on these race cars that it was scary.”

the track… He could do whatever needed to be done. Everyone respects him for that.”

According to Petty, an innate ability to interact with those around him made Inman a natural-born leader.

Inman is credited with being one of the first pit bosses to totally capitalize on the advantages of rocksolid communication between the crew chief, driver and team. Even before the advent of two-way radios, he had a talent for keeping everyone on the same page. “That started with Richard,” explains Inman, now age 75. “He was my boss. Well, he’s still my boss, but he’s also my best friend. We’ve always had that bond, which made it easy to say whatever needed to be said. Richard has a Dale Earnhardt (left) and his new crew chief Dale Inman examine what’s under the hood in 1981. The two icons worked together on a team fielded by Rod Osterlund until Osterlund sold the team to J.D. Stacy and Earnhardt departed a few races later to join Richard Childress Racing. ISC Images & Archives via

Left: Dale Earnhardt (left) and Dale Inman hope for success in the upcoming Talladega race in 1981. The two only teamed up for 16 races scoring five top-five and eight top-10 finishes. Racing Photo Archives/Getty Images Right: On October 21, 1979, cousins Dale Inman (left) and Richard Petty were all smiles in Victory Lane at Rockingham Speedway in North Carolina. The victory was one of five victories that season for the duo that went on to capture their record-setting seventh NASCAR premier series championship later that season. ISC Archives via Getty Images

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

“The deal with Dale that made him so good at his job is that he has always been a ‘people person,’” Petty explains. “Whether he was dealing with me or NASCAR or the crew, he just had a natural talent for getting along with people. That gave him the ability to get the best out of everybody he worked with. He always kept the crew informed of what was going on, and he would never ask anybody to do anything he wouldn’t do himself.” Born and raised in Level Cross, N.C., Dale Inman literally grew up in racing with his cousins, Richard and Maurice Petty. Their mothers were first cousins, and Inman spent most of his free time at the Petty home. Sweltering summer afternoons were spent racing bicycles and swimming in Pole Cat Creek. By the time they reached their mid-teens, Richard www.NASCARHall.com

and Dale were participating in sports together at Randleman High School. Meanwhile, Lee Petty was gaining notoriety as one of the first major stars of this newfangled sport called NASCAR. “That’s how it started for me in racing,” says Inman. “Before we could go swimming or play ball, we had to help pull the maintenance on the race car. Racing was a business to Lee. It was how he made his living. So Richard and Maurice and me would pitch in and make sure that everything was done to get the car ready for the next race. Of course, we went to most of the races. And as we got older, we got more involved with the racing.” A tremendously hard worker throughout his life, Inman learned his craft in an era when virtually all racing mechanics were self-taught and innovation was the key to success in motorsports.

today. So we made a lot of our own parts from scratch.” After graduating from high school in 1954, Inman continued to work with the team in his spare time while holding down a full-time job with Western Electric in Greensboro, N.C. He watched from the pits as the patriarch of the racing Petty family racked up one victory after another. Inman was also on hand for one of stock car racing’s most historic milestones: Richard Petty’s very first appearance in a race car. The date was July 12, 1958. Papa Lee had taken the team’s hardtop to a NASCAR premier series event at Asheville, N.C. So, Inman and mechanic Red Myler joined the younger Petty in loading up a slightly used ragtop Oldsmobile and heading south to a Convertible Division contest at Columbia (S.C.) Speedway. The trio came away with a very respectable sixth-place finish after starting 13th.

“We were always trying to make our cars stronger and more durable,” he notes. “We had to improvise a lot. There weren’t a whole lot of companies producing racing parts back then like you see 33

“There were some big stars in that race,” Inman recalls. “Fireball Roberts was there… Glen Wood… Bob Welborn… Possum Jones… But the thing I remember most was that Joe Weatherly didn’t have a ride that night. So we made a deal with him to get in our car if Richard got tired during the race. Of course, we didn’t have radios back then. If you needed a relief driver, you pecked on your helmet with your hand. Two or three times, Richard’s hand would go up and tap on his helmet as he went by the pits. We’d get Weatherly ready to go in the car, but Richard just kept going and going. “On the way home after the race, I asked Richard what he was doing. He said, ‘My head was itching.’ He was just trying to scratch his head through the helmet.” It wasn’t until 1963 that Inman chose to make racing his career, becoming a full-time salaried employee of Petty Enterprises. He performed a variety of duties – whatever was required to secure a ticket to Victory Lane. Along the way, he picked up the title of crew chief. Lee Petty had hung up his helmet by that time, elevating son Richard to the team’s lead driver. With Maurice Petty building powerful, nearly bulletproof engines and Inman calling the shots on pit road, the Petty blue No. 43 emerged as the most feared stock car in all the land. 34

After leading the league in victories in 1963 with 13 wins, Inman and Petty enjoyed a breakthrough season in ‘64 as they scored their first Daytona 500 victory while also Dale Inman won 187 NASCAR premier series races as crew chief for driver claiming their Richard Petty. Inman retired from his responsibilities as a crew chief after the first NASCAR 1992 season, the same time Petty hung up his helmet for good. ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images premier series championship. That would provide just a preview of En route to his second series championship, he claimed a things to come. record 27 victories—including an unprecedented 10 in a row – in 48 Three years later, in 1967, Petty starts. No other driver won more posted the most exemplary season than six races that year. It was a in the history of motorsports. shot-heard-round-the-world season that enhanced the overall visibility of NASCAR while making Petty a national hero.

“Dale knew what to do and when to do it. He was one of the all-time best at strategy. He was really good at watching what everybody was doing and figuring out what we needed to do to beat that.” Richard Petty

“That was just an incredible season,” says Inman. “It was one of those years when everything just seemed to go right. The thing a lot of people don’t realize is that we won all 27 races with the same car, and it was a car we had built in 1966. What a great race car that was. That car also won a lot of races in ’66. It just refused to lose. Today, teams have to have a fleet of cars with each one designated to a particular type of track.” Inman hit his stride as a crew chief during a decade when a grueling 50 to 60 race schedule meant often racing two, three 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

and sometimes four times per week at tracks all over the country. It was nothing to race six or eight times a month during the summer. And while current NASCAR crew chiefs spend virtually the entire race making calls from atop the pit box, it hasn’t always been that way. Back in the day, the head wrench was also the guy who led his teammates over the wall on pit stops. In fact, Inman earned a reputation as one of the most prolific tire changers in the business. “It was tough back then,” says Inman. “The travel… The tracks… We might race on asphalt one night and dirt the next – and use the same car on both. The work was hard and the hours were long. You did whatever was necessary to win. If it was work all night and drive all day or drive all night and work all day... I tell the boys today that it hasn’t always been this easy. But we did it because we loved what we were doing.”

figuring out what we needed to do to beat that. Four tires… Two tires… No tires… Whatever… He wasn’t afraid to try something different. “At Daytona in 1981, I was running fifth with about 25 laps to go, and we were all closing in on our last pit stops. Dale left me out and left me out and left me out. He had the tires up on the wall like we were going to make a two-tire stop. Finally, all the other cats came in and took on two tires and gas. Then Dale brought me in for gas only, and I went back out and won the race. That’s the kind of decisions he made.”

That particular call earned Petty and Inman an unprecedented seventh Daytona 500 triumph. The victory celebration was bittersweet as Inman announced after the race that he would be leaving Petty Enterprises following the third race of the 1981 campaign. Always embracing a new challenge, the popular pit boss had agreed to join Osterlund Racing, where he’d serve as crew chief for reigning NASCAR premier series champion Dale Earnhardt. However, team owner Rod Osterlund sold his operation to coal magnate J.D. Stacy at midseason, and Earnhardt departed the organization a few races later.

By the 1970s, the NASCAR premier series was evolving at a feverish pace. Corporate sponsorships, a shorter schedule, increased media coverage and more lucrative purses signaled the dawning of the sport’s Modern Era. Still, Petty Enterprises remained the team to beat as Inman guided the No. 43 crew to five championships in nine years (1971, ’72, ’74, ’75 and ’79). His unparalleled success earned Inman widespread respect as a master strategist whose gamechanging decisions often spelled the difference between victory and defeat.

Dale Inman and Terry Labonte (in car) check their radio contact with each other prior to a NASCAR premier series race. Inman worked as Labonte’s crew chief for three seasons, winning the NASCAR premier series championship in 1984. ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images

“Dale knew what to do and when to do it,” says Petty. “He was one of the all-time best at strategy. He was really good at watching what everybody else was doing and www.NASCARHall.com

Veteran Joe Ruttman inherited the ride for the rest of the year, followed by upstart Tim Richmond in 1982. In fact, Inman was ramrod on the Stacy car when Richmond scored each of his first two wins, both coming on the road course at Riverside, Calif. “Working with Tim that early in his career and being part of his first win was pretty special,” says Inman. “He was an incredible talent. Tim could do some amazing things with a race car.” After two seasons with Stacy, Inman moved to Hagan Enterprises where

he was paired with driver Terry Labonte. Team owner Billy Hagan had given Labonte his first fulltime ride in 1979 and established a five-year timetable for capturing the NASCAR premier series championship. Inman’s expertise kept the duo right on schedule as they claimed the title in 1984 after a hard-fought battle that wasn’t settled until the last race of the season. It was Inman’s recordextending eighth championship. “Most of the success I’ve had throughout my career is because I’ve always surrounded myself with good people wherever I was working,” notes the refreshingly modest Inman. “Hagan had a lot of very smart, really talented people working for him. And Terry Labonte is a great race car driver. He’s very consistent and knows how to take care of his equipment. We really had a strong race team. Winning that championship still means a lot to me.” That oft quoted phrase, “You can’t go home again,” might apply to some people, but those folks never made a race-winning chassis adjustment or changed a tire in

“I was running bulldozers, dump trucks, loaders, backhoes… I was running things I’d never even seen before. It was a lot of fun.”

Dale Inman

under 14 seconds. Inman returned to Petty Enterprises in 1986, first reprising his role as the King’s crew chief before later transitioning into a managerial position. “It really was like going home,” says Inman. “I had some great times with the other teams I worked with, but Petty Enterprises had been part of my life from the beginning. It felt good to go back there.” Petty climbed from the cockpit for the final time in 1992, and Inman remained with the organization for six more years before officially retiring. Of course, to a guy who has lived his life inside a 180-mph pressure cooker, retirement didn’t mean saddling up the rocking chair, nor did it mean staying away from the race track. The iconic crew chief busied himself for a couple of years helping with the construction – the actual construction – of Victory Junction. In typical Inman fashion, he did

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TASTE VICTORY

Dale Inman autographs a racing helmet for an eager fan on August 16, 2011, at a NASCAR Hall of Fame 2012 inductee event. The event was the first time all four living 2012 inductees appeared together at an event as the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2012. Streeter Lecka/

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

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whatever needed to be done. “I was running bulldozers, dump trucks, loaders, backhoes… I was running things I’d never even seen before,” he explains. “It was a lot of fun. Now that I see what it has grown into, it’s gratifying to know that I helped with building it.” Inman once again returned to Petty Enterprises in 2004 as a consultant. He has remained with the organization as a series of mergers resulted in

“When I first went to work at Petty Enterprises, I paid close attention to everything Dale did. Not just with the car, but how he treated people. I can’t begin to tell you how much I learned from him” Robbie Loomis the formation of Richard Petty Motorsports. His position allows him to remain an integral part of the sport he so dearly loves. “They kinda let me come and go as I please,” Inman says with his trademark grin. “I usually come to the shop one day a week. I still go to just about every race. My thing is being at the race track and in the garage area. I really enjoy that. I still like to hang around and mingle with the troops. I still enjoy being around the guys on our crew. They like to hear the old stories that we tell. Some of them are hard to believe.” Inman’s immeasurable contributions to stock car racing extend far beyond the record book. He is one of the sport’s true legends. Wildly

Dale Inman’s

NASCAR Hall of Fame Career Crew Chief in the NASCAR Premier (now Sprint Cup) Series

popular among both fans and race car drivers, he is among the most admired and respected individuals to ever set foot inside the NASCAR garage. He has been a friend, confidante, teacher and mentor to three generations. Some of the most prominent names in motorsports learned their trade from the master himself. Those who worked with Inman early in their careers include NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing executive Steve Hmiel and championship-winning crew chiefs Barry Dodson and Robbie Loomis. “Dale has touched so many people in racing,” says Loomis, now chief operating officer at Richard Petty Motorsports. “When I first went to work at Petty Enterprises, I paid close attention to everything Dale did. Not just with the car, but how he treated people. I can’t begin to tell you how much I learned from him. His understanding of the game is amazing. He is still one of the most observant people in the sport. He doesn’t miss a thing. Dale’s a good one, and he deserves to be in the NASCAR Hall of Fame.”

Races

Wins

Top Fives

Top 10s

Pole Awards

Series Ranking

Average Start

Average Finish

Year

Driver

1958

Richard Petty

977

11.2

20.4

1959

Richard Petty

3,648

15.4

Total Laps

Laps Led

1961

Richard Petty

2,348

11.2

12.5

1962

Richard Petty

11,551

1,396

6.6

6.9

1963

Richard Petty

12,183

2,122

6.6

7.5

1964

Richard Petty

14,041

3,534

4.2

7.3

2.1

8.8

1965

Richard Petty

3,697

852

1966

Darel Dieringer

1966

Jim Paschal

281

20 11

1966

Richard Petty

8,737

2,924

3.6

1967

Richard Petty

12,739

5,537

2.4

1968

Richard Petty

12,254

4,242

3.5

8.4

1969

Richard Petty

12,589

2,777

4.1

7.9

1970

Jim Paschal

325

1970

Richard Petty

10,536

5,007

4.4

6.8

1971

Richard Petty

13,739

4,932

3.8

4.2

1972

Richard Petty

10,282

2,093

4.1

4.7

1973

Richard Petty

8,644

1,815

4.9

10.9

1974

Richard Petty

9,097

3,100

6.8 6.6

1975

Richard Petty

9,082

3,158

4.1

1976

Richard Petty

8,941

1,269

6.1

1977

Richard Petty

8,840

1,403

4.4

7.5

1978

Richard Petty

8,904

419

8.9

12.8

1979

Richard Petty

9,367

1,150

7.6

6.4

1980

Richard Petty

9,314

713

9.1

11.7

1981

Dale Earnhardt

4,051

278

8.4

20.3

1981

Richard Petty

319

12.5

3 15.6

1981

Joe Ruttman

3,003

103

1982

Tim Richmond

6,722

321

11.6

1982

Joe Ruttman

1,311

148

5.8

17.8

1983

Terry Labonte

8,498

435

12.1

1984

Terry Labonte

9,886

880

5.8

8.3

1985

Terry Labonte

7,973

563

7.5

13.1

1986

Richard Petty

7,639

153

15.5

17.4

1987

Richard Petty

8,306

20.2

13.3

1988

Richard Petty

6,207

23.8

24.4 25.8

1989

Richard Petty

5,567

27.6

1990

Richard Petty

7,438

26.3

1991

Richard Petty

8,341

26.6

1992

Richard Petty

7,977

22.1

1,115

193

544

674

129

295,406

51,482

8.8

11.1

34 Years Dale Inman and Richard Petty struggled in 1978 garnering zero wins. However, 11 years earlier the tandem set two records that will most likely never be broken: 10 consecutive wins and 27 wins in one season. ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

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Darrell DW Jaws Most Popular Driver DAYTONA 500 Champ Series Champ and now...

altrıp By Ken Willis

t’s only fitting, perhaps.

For nearly four decades, Darrell Waltrip’s personality has been such a potent force, it’s really no wonder he turned out to be a major part of two different NASCAR Hall of Fame classes. First, in 2011, for not making the cut, then in 2012 for taking his place among the third induction class. In fact, dealing with patience and near-misses is also part of the DW legacy. Along with winning three NASCAR premier series championships, he was also a threetime runner-up. And though his signature Victory Lane moment came at the 1989 Daytona 500, it came after 17 attempts to win the sport’s biggest event. Another major part of the DW legacy is emotion. Some bring out the emotion in others, others display their own. Waltrip did both, and with gusto. So it was no surprise that he greeted his 2011 NASCAR Hall of Fame disappointment with something less than a smile and a pledge to “get ’em next time.” Waltrip was hurt, and he didn’t hide it. He took to his Twitter account to admit, “just having a small pity party right now.” And later he confirmed the obvious: “My feelings are hurt.” So given his emotional streak, it was no surprise to see his reaction upon hearing his name listed among the

Darrell Waltrip gives the “OK” sign after a rain delay at the 1983 Marty Robbins 420 at the Nashville Speedway in Lebanon, Tenn. Waltrip started the race from the pole and went on to win the race in a dominating fashion, leading 382 of the 420 laps. Racing Photo Archives/ Getty Images

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

HAll Of fAMer We like the new name! Congratulations from your friends at Mountain Dew!

1975 and started winning . . . and winning, and winning.

out at an emotional time. Knowing the reaction would be memorable, good or bad, no one could take their eyes off Darrell Waltrip when it came time to induct that third class. That, too, was fitting, since Waltrip was one of those few race car drivers you simply couldn’t ignore, regardless of your rooting interest. “It was an embrace,” Waltrip said of his Brian France moment. “Let’s just say I embraced him because it felt good to get embraced by the committee today.” In terms of turning to Waltrip for enshrinement into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, there was plenty to embrace.

five 2012 inductees. He became the first inductee to jump on stage and plant a kiss on NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France, and while it drew laughter and applause, no one was really shocked that DW let it all hang

It wasn’t just the 84 victories and three championships. Well, OK, that’s plenty, and those numbers alone should be enough to get anyone into a racing hall of fame. But what really separated Waltrip was how he brought the total modern-day package to the sport of stock car racing.

Top: Darrell Waltrip at Daytona International Speedway with one of his DiGard Racing Chevrolets he piloted during the 1976 season. Waltrip drove for DiGard Racing for six seasons winning 26 races in the NASCAR premier series. ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images Middle: After winning the 1989 Daytona 500, Darrell Waltrip celebrated in style by performing the Ickey Shuffle in Victory Lane. Waltrip’s outgoing personality eventually landed him a job once his driving career ended as part of FOX network’s race broadcast team. ISC Archives via Getty Images Bottom: Darrell Waltrip waits inside the cockpit of a race car prior to the start of a NASCAR Sportsman Division race in 1973. Waltrip owned the race car he raced in 52 of the first 57 races of his NASCAR premier series career. ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images

Today, talkative and talented race car drivers are commonplace. Darrell Waltrip is their patron saint. DW practically invented the role of headline-grabbing, race-winning driver. Consider all the drivers of the past 20 years who have divided the allegiances of an entire section of grandstands. From Dale Earnhardt to Jeff Gordon to Kyle Busch, NASCAR has had their share of personalities who sell tickets – to those who come to cheer or boo their very name. Darrell Waltrip practically invented the role of polarizing racing superstar. His personality is so big, he’s basically claimed as a native son of two different states – Kentucky and Tennessee. He grew up in Owensboro, Ky., but Nashville is where he cut his racing teeth.

sponsor and he took advantage of that,” said McReynolds. “His passion for the sport is unmatched and it’s real. Being a Hall of Famer, no matter what the sport, is about numbers and contributions. When you consider both those categories, the list is pretty endless for Darrell.” According to family lore, young Darrell was 10 years old when he looked out the window of the family car as it passed by a go-kart race in a parking lot. He was mesmerized, and after talking his dad into buying a kart, there was no way the local karting tracks, and later the walls of Nashville Superspeedway, could hold him back. When Waltrip arrived on the NASCAR scene in the early 1970s, it didn’t take long for him to get noticed. After three fragmented seasons with modest success from 1972-74, he went fulltime in

“I’ve always believed Darrell brought a dynamic to our sport at a time when it was on the rise,” said Jeff Hammond, who was Waltrip’s crew chief for two championships in NASCAR’s premier series and currently a television cohort. “The sport really was starting to explode at the time and Darrell was a part of that. He could go to the boardroom. He could go in front of an audience and entertain or mesmerize them. And he knew what he was doing, not only inside but outside the race car.” Another Waltrip TV partner, and another former crew chief, Larry McReynolds, echoes Hammond’s words. “He was one of the first drivers to be a true spokesperson for his team and 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

But it wasn’t just about the numbers with DW. He brought NASCAR something it hadn’t seen before. He not only had the modern haircut and fancy sideburns, he had the personality that cameras loved. That’s not to knock those who came along before DW or with him, but no one else seemed as capable of turning a trackside interview into an event. And certainly none of his contemporaries seemed as willing. Until Waltrip came along, the sport was largely dominated by stars who could be described as the prototypical “good ol’ boys” (Richard Petty) or shy and reluctant heroes (David Pearson). Waltrip was, as he would describe it, a different breed of cat. He not only won races, he talked about how he won those races. And when he didn’t win, he talked about what went wrong. And talked, and talked, and talked. And above all, his on-track personality was also less than shy. He didn’t necessarily make enemies on the track, he basically cemented blood feuds that would never die. None of it would’ve mattered, and none of it would’ve likely even

happened, if Waltrip hadn’t become such a success at the highest level of stock car racing. And that wouldn’t have happened unless his modest success at the very beginning, driving his own equipment, hadn’t led to him taking the wheel for a Daytona Beach-based team called DiGard Racing in 1975. DiGard was owned by a pair of brothers-in-law named Mike DiProspero and Bill Gardner. Their ace in the hole was an engine builder named Robert Yates. In 1976, DiGard parlayed the sponsorship of Gatorade into bigger and better things with its new star-in-waiting driver. After a lone win in 1976, Waltrip was paired with crew chief Buddy Parrott for the rest of the 1970s – DW elevated his status to that of a racing star, winning 19 times between 1977-79. Waltrip’s neck-and-neck race with Richard Petty for the 1979 NASCAR premier series championship – eventually won by Petty – was as theatrical as it was air-tight. Not only did it feature a longtime racing god

Top: Darrell Waltrip drove for legendary and inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Johnson for six years. The pairing resulted in three championships in the NASCAR premier series—1981, ‘82 and ‘85. ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images Bottom: Darrell Waltrip (No. 11) leads Dale Earnhardt (No. 15) and two other drivers in the 1982 Talladega 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Waltrip led 107 of the 188 laps finishing first, one car length in front of Buddy Baker. Racing Photo Archives/Getty Images

www.NASCARHall.com

of his post-victory celebration are a staple of NASCAR historical footage. He spent the final eight years of his career (1993-2000) without a win, and toward the very end with only rare front-pack appearances. Younger race fans may only remember that guy, and the youngest may only know him as the guy who gladly gabs about racing on television week after week.

battling with the brash young star, but it went down to the final laps. The old racing belief is that you have to lose a championship before you win one. Assuming that’s true, Waltrip put his near-miss with Petty to good use. He “slipped” in 1980 and finished fifth in points with five victories, but by the 1981 season he would transform into something more than just a star – he’d become a champion. Ironically, Waltrip took that next major step by replacing a man he’d battled so hard for so long – a man with whom he’d be a part of the same NASCAR Hall of Fame induction class with. When Cale Yarborough decided he’d had enough full-time racing after the 1980 season, he was replaced by Waltrip in a very coveted

Car owner Junior Johnson (left) joins his driver Darrell Waltrip in Victory Lane at North Wilkesboro Speedway to celebrate their win in the 1983 Northwestern Bank 400. ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images

cockpit – the car and team owned by Junior Johnson. That major chunk of Waltrip’s NASCAR career, from 1981-86 – his “Junior Johnson years” – is what largely defines his racing life. There was greatness before and after, but if you’re looking to compare him to a Hall of Famer from another sport, Waltrip’s Junior Johnson chapter is similar to Reggie Jackson’s New York Yankee tenure – it’s what made a star into a legend.

Darrell Waltrip (left) drove for Bud Moore in five races toward the end of the 1973, scoring one top-10 finish. ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images

After two lackluster finishes to begin the 1981 season, Waltrip won four of the next six races. Later in the year, he won four straight. He won 12 in all, and in the end he outdistanced Bobby Allison in what became a two-man race for the championship. The next year was practically a carbon copy in terms of numbers. Waltrip again won 12

races, and again it came down to him against Bobby Allison for the championship. Waltrip won his second straight NASCAR premier series trophy. The Waltrip-Allison rivalry continued into 1983. Waltrip had another big year, though his six wins looked slim after his back-to-back 12-win seasons. This time, Allison came out on top in yet another two-man race to the championship. Waltrip’s third and final NASCAR premier sereis championship came in 1985 and it was a different Waltrip who took that third title. Instead of dominating the season, he piled up points. The man who did dominate the ’85 season – Bill Elliott, who won 11 times and earned the label “Million Dollar Bill” – would finish runner-up to Waltrip. There would be no more seasonending trophies for Waltrip after that 1985 campaign, but plenty of Sunday hardware followed. His last blast of year-long greatness came in 1989, his third season with Hendrick Motorsports, when he won six times – the highlight was his long-sought victory in the Daytona 500. Replays 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

The year after his racing career ended, he was a natural – and obvious choice – to slide into the broadcast booth in 2001 when NASCAR’s first wall-to-wall network deals were put in place. DW joined the FOX network’s race team, and has become a staple on their NASCAR broadcasts since. Champions from a wide range of sports have transitioned to the broadcast booth after their on-field careers. But only a few have become practically synonymous with their sport’s television coverage. In recent generations, Johnny Miller did it in golf and John Madden did it in football. DW – complete with his trademark “Boogity-Boogity-Boogity” race opener, has been that guy with NASCAR coverage. “The mark that Darrell has left on our sport as a driver and continues to leave now as a broadcaster is that he is one of the best ambassadors the sport has ever had,” said McReynolds, who joined Waltrip in making that transition in 2001. Amazingly, today’s youngest race fans only know Waltrip as that guy on TV. But those who study the sport’s history, and especially those who were there to watch Darrell Waltrip make much of that history, know that DW will now sit in his rightful place among the greatest of the greats in the NASCAR Hall www.NASCARHall.com

of Fame. “In this sport, all we talk about is performance,” Waltrip said after the voting for the 2012 class. “But then when you get to something like this, it’s not so much just about performance. It’s about personality and contributions and so many other things that have come into play that you didn’t consider. When they were talking about a Hall of Fame, I thought, ‘Hey, I’ve got the third-most wins, I ought to be the third guy in.’ But I didn’t think about other stuff.” Others think a lot about the other stuff, however. They think about the feelings he bruised with his outspoken manner as a young man, about the booing that would come from the grandstands on a weekly basis. But they also know that time heeled those hard feelings and, by the time Waltrip’s career turned toward home, he was a respected and revered racing legend.

utmost respect and admiration for what he stands for, what he has brought to the sport, and what he has meant to a lot of people, including me,” Hammond said. “He not only has been a great mentor and someone who has inspired me, but he truly is the older brother I never had. I’ve been one of the lucky ones.”

Top: Dale Earnhardt (No. 3), Geoffrey Bodine (No. 5), Ricky Rudd (No. 15) and Darrell Waltrip (No. 11) race around Bristol Motor Speedway during the 1986 Valleydale 500. Waltrip finished third in the race, leading 84 of the 500 laps. Racing Photo Archives/Getty Images Bottom: Darrell Waltrip (left) and Jeff Hammond celebrate another Plasti-Kote Spray Paint Award in 1989 after the Coca-Cola 600 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. The award was presented to the crew chief of the winning car in each NASCAR premier series race. Racing Photo Archives/Getty Images

“The best thing about my relationship with Darrell is that I truly didn’t like the man when we first started out. In the end, I had the 45

Darrell Waltripâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

NASCAR Hall of Fame Career Driver in the NASCAR Premier (now Sprint Cup) Series Year

Races/Season

Wins

Top Fives

Top 10s

Pole Awards

Total Laps

Laps Led

1972

5/31

1,211

1973

19/28

3,783

1974

16/30

4,649

103

1975

28/30

7,240

562

1976

30/30

7,780

1977

30/30

1978

30/30

1979

31/31

1980

31/31

1981

31/31

1982

30/30

1983

30/30

1984

Series Ranking

Average Start

Average Finish

18.6

16.4

10.6

21.3

10.3

12.6

8.4

15.5

534

6.2

17.4

9,301

948

8.3

9,445

2,173

5.9

10.4

9,994

2,130

4.8

9,015

2,022

5.1

12.8

9,575

2,517

5.3

7.2

9,455

3,028

3.8

9.1

9,403

2,363

7.1

7.7

30/30

9,464

2,030

5.9

11.2

1985

28/28

8,933

969

8.3

7.3

1986

29/29

8,327

573

8.6

1987

29/29

8,996

310

12.3

11.2

1988

29/29

9,065

520

10.1

13.5

1989

29/29

9,333

858

8.4

11.9

1990

23/29

8,138

297

13.5

12.4

1991

29/29

9,229

203

12.8

13.6

1992

29/29

8,706

513

13.7

14.6

1993

30/30

9,194

151

21.6

16.8

1994

31/31

9,905

24.2

15.8

1995

31/31

8,222

168

22.2

1996

31/31

7,766

26.6

25.9

1997

31/32

8,427

25.7

23.2

1998

33/33

8,995

24.8

1999

27/34

7,204

30.9

27.8

2000

29/34

7,018

31.5

31.8

29 Seasons

809

276

390

237,773

23,134

13.7

15.1

Driver in the NASCAR Busch (now Nationwide) Series

Year

Races/Season

Wins

Top Fives

Top 10s

Pole Awards

Total Laps

Laps Led

Series Ranking

Average Start

Average Finish

1982

2/29

398

152

1.5

3.5

1983

3/35

519

4.7

1984

6/29

772

8.5

8.8

1985

8/27

1,267

308

9.6

5.4

1986

12/31

1,986

484

7.9

9.3

1987

11/27

1,355

107

10.5

12.7

1988

10/30

1,401

187

11.3

14.1

1989

9/29

1,106

13.6

19.7

1990

6/31

629

14.3

1991

11/31

1,666

15.7

1992

10/31

1,432

17.4

16.6

1993

5/28

597

19.4

20.4

1995

1/26

318

2006

1/35

250

122

14 Seasons

13,696

1,415

12.6

13.8

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

Darrell Waltripâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

NASCAR Hall of Fame Career

Car Owner in the NASCAR Busch (now Nationwide) Series Year 1982

Driver in the NASCAR Craftsman (now Camping World) Truck Series

Top Fives

Top 10s

Pole Awards

Total Laps

Laps Led

Series Ranking

Average Start

Average Finish

398

152

1.5

3.5

1983

Bill Elliott

200

100

Total Laps

Laps Led

Series Ranking

Average Start

Average Finish

1983

Darrell Waltrip

519

4.7

1984

Darrell Waltrip

772

8.5

8.8

372

17.5

1985

Neil Bonnett

200

880

1985

Terry Labonte

267

101

286

597

14.3

Races/Season

Wins

Top Fives Top 10s

1995

4/20

1996

5/24

2002

2/22

2003

3/25

2004

2/25

451

2005

1/25

200

6 Seasons

2,786

16.2

16.1

Driver in the International Race of Champions (Representing the NASCAR Premier Series) Races/Season

Wins

Top Fives

Top 10s

Total Laps

Laps Led

Series Ranking 3

1985

Darrell Waltrip

1,267

308

9.6

5.4

1986

Darrell Waltrip

1,786

463

6.7

9.9

1987

Darrell Waltrip

1,355

107

10.5

12.7

1988

Darrell Waltrip

1,401

187

11.3

14.1

1988

Michael Waltrip

347

8.5

1989

Darrell Waltrip

1,106

13.6

19.7

1990

Larry Pearson

139

102

1990

Greg Sacks

214

9.7

33 25

Average Start

Average Finish

5.2

3.5

1990

Darrell Waltrip

629

14.3

1991

Ken Schrader

200

1978

4/4

150

1979

1/5

1980

3/5

3.3

1991

Darrell Waltrip

1,666

15.7

1984

4/4

168

5.5

1992

Darrell Waltrip

1,432

17.4

16.6

1985

3/3

119

1993

Darrell Waltrip

597

19.4

20.4

1986

4/4

136

7.8

4.2

2005

David Reutimann

198

118

1987

4/4

143

6.8

1990

1/3

103

14,703

1,495

12.4

1997

4/4

170

9 Seasons

1,010

5.6

5.4

Car Owner in the NASCAR Premier (now Sprint Cup) Series Year

Driver

Races

Wins

Top Fives

Top 10s

Pole Awards

Total Laps

Laps Led

Series Ranking

Average Start

Average Finish

1972

Darrell Waltrip

1,211

18.6

16.4

1973

Darrell Waltrip

2,965

12.5

19.7

1974

Darrell Waltrip

4,649

103

10.3

12.6

1975

Darrell Waltrip

4,480

291

9.5

12.2

1991

Darrell Waltrip

9,229

203

12.8

13.6

13 Years

Car Owner in the NASCAR Craftsman (now Camping World) Truck Series Year

Driver

Races

Wins

Top Fives

Top 10s

Pole Awards

Total Laps

Laps Led

Series Ranking

Average Start

Average Finish

1995

Darrell Waltrip

312

14.7

21.3

1996

Ken Schrader

175

1996

Bill Sedgwick

3,692

18.1

17.3

1996

Darrell Waltrip

880

1997

Rich Bickle

4,811

630

7.5

8.7

2004

David Reutimann

3,928

12.2

16.6

2004

Darrell Waltrip

451

2005

Robert Huffman

1,846

11.5

24.1

1992

Darrell Waltrip

8,706

513

13.7

14.6

2005

Joey Miller

710

15.6

1993

Darrell Waltrip

9,194

151

21.6

16.8

2005

David Reutimann

3,781

165

9.7

16.2

2005

Ken Schrader

29 15.2

1994

Darrell Waltrip

9,905

24.2

15.8

1995

Darrell Waltrip

8,222

168

22.2

2005

Mike Wallace

948

1996

Darrell Waltrip

7,766

26.6

25.9

2005

Darrell Waltrip

200

1997

Rich Bickle

153

2006

Joey Miller

2,345

20.4

22.7

1997

Darrell Waltrip

8,427

25.7

23.2

2006

David Reutimann

4,024

160

9.8

9.1

1998

Darrell Waltrip

1,007

39.8

35.8

2006

Michael Waltrip

134

18.5

2007

AJ Allmendinger

1,256

19.4

21.3 34.5

12 Years

270

75,914

1,566

18.5

2007

Ken Butler

278

2007

Justin Labonte

400

25.5

19.5

2007

Andy Lally

416

28.7

2007

Michael McDowell

181

117

2007

Josh Wise

1,257

15.6

203

32,124

1,033

14.1

16.4

7 Years

Wins

Pole Awards

Year

Darrell Waltrip

Races

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

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The Woodchopper

ood

By Deb Williams

n a section of Wood family property in Stuart, Va., stands a majestic 153-year-old beech tree. Its sturdiness serves as a tribute to one of the most famous families in NASCAR, for it was under its leafy branches that Glen Wood and his brothers pulled their first engine from a race car. On that unassuming, yet faithful day, they threw a chain over one of its stout limbs and proceeded to hoist the engine from the race car. Now, 61 years later the often shy, yet tough Glen Wood takes his place as part of the 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame induction class that includes one of his former drivers, Cale Yarborough, and a long-time friend, Dale Inman. For the 86-year-old personable man often called “Woodchopper” during his driving days, induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame is the exclamation point on a stellar

Glen Wood started Wood Brothers Racing rather unassumingly on his family’s property in Stuart, Va., over 60 years ago. The familyowned team enjoyed the majority of their success in the 1960s and 70s. ISC Archives via Getty Images

Left: Glen Wood with Wood Brothers Racing’s famous No. 21 Purolator Mercury. Wood Brothers Racing is known in the motorsports industry as a beacon of loyalty having fielded Ford and Mercury race cars for every NASCAR premier series season. ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images Right: Glen (right) and Leonard discuss their race car’s set-up in the garage at a race track. Their drivers have driven their cars to Victory Lane 98 times in the NASCAR premier series. ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images

career that has spanned the NASCAR Modified, NASCAR Sportsman and NASCAR Convertible divisions, as well as the NASCAR premier series, racing on sand, asphalt and dirt. He’s also fielded a winning pit crew in the Indianapolis 500. In 1,375 NASCAR premier series races (as of September 19, 2011), Wood’s 41 drivers have produced 98 victories, 337 top-5s, 519 top-10s, 118 poles and have led 24,544 laps. Four of those victories belong to Wood, but those weren’t his only trips to the winner’s circle. In the NASCAR Modified, NASCAR Sportsman and NASCAR Convertible divisions, his victory totals approach triple digits, as he has walked off with state and track championships. In 1954, the devout family man earned the North Carolina Sportsman championship and the track title at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C. Glen began traveling to the Daytona Beach & Road Course in 1947, a year before NASCAR was incorporated. Last February, he made his 65th straight trip to Daytona. During his tenure on the old beach course, Glen collected three victories in the NASCAR Sportsman Division while taking second and third overall. Between being a driver and an owner, his outstanding career is among the longest in racing and his loyalty to Ford Motor Company is unmatched by any other team. “In 1956 when he beat the record (on Daytona’s beach) by about five mph, we had this ‘40 Ford with a Mercury overhead engine in it,” his youngest brother, Leonard Wood, recalled. “I wanted to adjust the timing, so I decided I would ride with him on the

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beach. I’m looking at the tach to see if it had gained an ounce of RPM. I’m looking at it and then I look up out the windshield and the tide is coming in. It’s flowing in and you don’t have time to miss it. He’s going to run right over it. When he hit that water that thing turned sideways. Now I’m looking out the side glass and he’s running wide open. I knew we were going to wreck. It went sideways the other way and it came back sideways this way. He hit the throttle and that thing just came out straight as an arrow.” Glen stepped out of the driver’s seat in 1964, because he wasn’t interested in racing on the superspeedways that became more prevalent during the 1960s. His last victory came on July 13, 1963, at the quarter-mile Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem. In that race, among those he defeated were 2011 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees Ned Jarrett, Lee Petty and David Pearson, and 2010 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees Richard Petty and Junior Johnson. Even today the Wood family possesses a fondness for the historic flat track. Last summer Glen’s eldest son, Eddie, often visited the facility, always sitting in the same place that he did in the early 1960s. “To me, the most special racing place I can go is Bowman Gray,” Eddie commented. “I watched him win his last race there.” Even though most people think of the No. 21 when the Wood Brothers are mentioned, that wasn’t the team’s number in the beginning. First, the number was 50 because

Glen paid $50 for the car. However, that number wasn’t kept very long. “A guy spun in front of him, hooked his bumper with his left rear wheel, bending the housing,” Leonard recalled. “Towing it home, the axle came off, it broke because the axle is what holds the hub on. When it broke, the wheel ejected and it pulled the gas spout out of the fender, the housing hit the pavement, sparks were flying, it caught fire and burned up right in the middle of the road. We took it back to the shop, cleaned it up, painted it and put ‘16’ on it because we wanted to have the same number as Curtis Turner, who drove for Bill Snowden from Jacksonville, Fla., and had a real fast No. 16 car. “(Later on) this guy in South Carolina had a Modified that would just fly and had No. 22 on it, so we decided this new car (we built) would have 22 on it. When we started running convertibles, Fireball Roberts was running a hardtop with the No. 22. When we ran together [in the same race] Fireball got the preference over the convertibles. We had to change the number, so we changed it to 21.” A product of the Great Depression, Glen’s strong work ethic, his credibility, his foresight and his determination to “always do the right thing” have been instrumental in his perseverance in a sport filled with peaks and valleys. “He was a very intelligent businessman,” Leonard noted. “He used sound judgment when he was making a decision about something. He never gave me any bad advice.”

running the family business. Eddie says his father still possesses tremendous foresight and is “really good” at making business decisions. “Some of the decisions Len and I have made in racing haven’t been correct,” Eddie explained. “Most of the ones that we did he let us go ahead and do them, but we learned from them because he wouldn’t have done it that way. We kinda knew that when we made some of the mistakes, but it seemed like it was a new time. We’d get two or three months into it and it was, ‘Yep. He was right.’” Today, it’s the teachings from their father of honoring your word and paying your bills that Eddie, his younger brother Len and their sister Kim live by in

“Seeing his way of doing business – his word and a handshake – that’s all that was needed,” Kim said. “In the days of contracts thicker than a book, it’s refreshing to still do some things this way.” Eddie and Len, like their father, believe a “handshake is better than a contract.” “If you ever lose your credibility, then you don’t have much,” Len commented. Before focusing on racing, Glen worked in a physically demanding business – sawmilling – and, like his brothers, hauled lumber. At the time there was a big rivalry between Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge and GMC as to what truck would pull the most lumber out of a steep mountain. “We were already in competition. In fact, the truck that could pull out a big load was like winning a race,” commented Leonard, who was 15 when Glen started racing at age 25. Even though Glen handled all of the team’s business, he didn’t confine his activities to the office. He assisted his chief mechanic brother Leonard in the shop and was an active pit crew member on race day. Loyalty is important to Glen and it’s that characteristic that has often paid dividends for the family-owned team when it comes to Ford Motor Company. From the time the second of six children began racing, nothing but a Ford or Ford product has called the race shop home. It’s a relationship that kept the team in business when it appeared on the edge of extinction.

“Ford Motor Company recognized they were an up-and-coming race team, but at one point Ford said that if you hadn’t won a Grand National Driver Michael Waltrip (center) with car owners Leonard and Glen Wood [NASCAR premier (right) after winning the May race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in series] race, you 1996. Michael drove for Wood Brothers Racing for three years. Dozier Mobley/Getty Images wouldn’t have 52

any factory support the following year,” Len said. “Daddy’s history was in the Convertible division. He ran second several times (in the NASCAR premier series). Ford’s Peter DePaolo asked him what he needed. He said he needed a set of tires. He told Daddy where to meet him and gave him six tires. Daddy chose the stagger, went out and won the next race. The next week he received a phone call telling him he was back on the deal.” The Wood’s relationship with Ford led the family to international fame in the 1965 Indianapolis 500 when they introduced the open-wheel world to their trademark fast pit stops. By the time NASCAR reached its second decade, Glen and Leonard had realized it was easier to pass cars on pit road with a quick stop than on the race track. They didn’t invent pit stops, they simply refined them and it was a trait Ford needed for its 1965 Indianapolis 500 entry with Jim Clark.

GLEN WOOD

2012 NASCAR HALL OF FAME® INDUCTEE

In April 1965, Ford employee John Cowley approached Glen at Darlington about pitting Clark’s car in the Indianapolis 500. “The year before Ford had given Lotus an engine and told them to build a car around it,” Len said. “It was the early days of rear engine cars. They ran circles around the other cars, but they couldn’t make a (fast) pit stop and (they) lost the race.” Glen and his family traveled to Indianapolis about two weeks before the race to re-engineer the car’s fueling system. On race day, the family stunned the open-wheel community with its lightning fast stops. They not only pitted Clark that day, but also NASCAR regular Bobby Johns. Clark won the race in car

After winning NASCAR® Grand National and NASCAR® Convertible races as a driver, Glen Wood along with his brothers founded one of the most successful and longest-running teams in racing history. Among their 98 victories, the Wood Brothers captured five Daytona 500® titles, including the remarkable 2011 race, won by the youngest driver ever. Glen’s 61-year career is filled with many amazing achievements and his influence on the sport of racing is incalculable. Ford Motor Company congratulates Glen and his family on his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame®. We’re honored to have a lifelong partnership with a true racing legend and are proud that he is a member of our family.

ford.com 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

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No. 82, while Johns finished seventh in No. 83. It was the first win for Ford, the first for a rear-engine car and the first in which a driver averaged more than 150 mph for a 500-mile race.

“Their total time on pit road for two cars – four pit stops – was less than one pit stop for everybody else,” Eddie said. “It was unheard of.” Two years after introducing their quick pit stops to an international audience, the Wood Brothers earned their first of three pit crew championships. Yarborough piloted the famous No. 21 for the 1967-68 titles, while Neil Bonnett handled the driving duties in 1981. It was an era when race fans came to the realization that if an event contained a Cinderella or historical ending, the No. 21 was probably involved. Glen’s team won the inaugural National 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway with Speedy Thompson in October 1960. It was the 19th career win and third superspeedway victory for the Monroe, N.C., driver. He defeated Richard Petty by a lap and 12 seconds. Three years later Glen’s team won its first of five Daytona 500s with substitute driver Tiny Lund. It also was the first series victory for Lund, who just days earlier had helped save Marvin Panch, the team’s regular driver, from a burning Maserati that crashed while Panch was testing it at Daytona. In the 1970s, nearly every race was a battle between Petty and David Pearson, who drove the Wood Brothers candy apple red and white

Top: Glen Wood (center) at a NASCAR race in 1979 with his two sons, Len (left) and Eddie. After Glen retired in the late 1980s, his sons, along with their sister, Kim, took control of the family’s racing operation. ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images Bottom: After winning a NASCAR Modified Tour race in the 1950s, Glen (in car) receives the checkered flag. As a driver, Glen won races at 22 different tracks in the NASCAR Modified Tour, NASCAR Sportsman Division and NASCAR

“Their total time on pit road for two cars – four pit stops – was less than one pit stop for everybody else. It was unheard of.” Eddie Wood

Ford or Mercury with the gold No. 21 on the side. Their legendary duels created one of the most memorable Daytona 500s. In 1976, before the use of spotters, Petty and Pearson were racing for the checkered flag when coming out of Turn 4 they made contact with each other several times trying to gain position. They both ended up hitting the wall and spun down the frontstretch. Petty’s car stalled on the grassy apron in the tri-oval while Pearson kept his running to limp across the finish line for the victory. One of the most memorable Michigan International Speedway battles came in August 1991 when Davey Allison and Dale Jarrett raced door-to-door for most of the final 10 laps before Jarrett finally edged Allison by 10 inches at the checkered flag. It was Jarrett’s inaugural NASCAR premier series win that provided the Wood Brothers with a Victory Lane trip for the first time since 1987 when Kyle Petty won. The third generation Petty had collected his first premier series victory in a Wood Brothers car in 1986 at Richmond, Va. In 2011, after 10 years without a win, the gray-haired Glen Wood was once again given the opportunity to make that cherished walk into Daytona’s Victory Lane. This time it was 20-yearold Trevor Bayne who provided the Stuart, Va., family with a win that no one expected. However, it was those moments after the checkered flag 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

that perhaps will be remembered as among the most touching and cherished in motorsports history. “The way it played out there was something magical about it,” Eddie said about Ford’s 600th win. “Richard Petty came down to get Daddy on pit road and take him to Victory Lane. Daddy was kinda in a daze. I walked around to the front of the pit box and I felt the presence of someone coming up beside me. It was Richard. He asked where Daddy was. He was standing on the race track side of the pit wall. He was just standing there watching things. He [Petty] said he was going to take him to Victory Lane. He put his arm around him and told him to come with him. They stepped over the wall and they went to Victory Lane.” Richard Petty escorting Glen Wood into Victory Lane demonstrates the respect those in the NASCAR community possess for the honorable man. “He was very kind to the less fortunate in racing,” Leonard commented. “When he was going to the track with me, he would help these little guys that needed help that nobody ever knew about. If they needed a part or something, he would give them stuff and not charge them anything. He’s always been an honest, fair person and good to his family, too.” Even though Glen’s motorsports success is legendary, it’s his family that’s most important to the humble man who, with wife Bernece, still lives in the house he built in 1957 when Eddie was five and Len was one. “We are blessed to live near our parents and we are able to spend a lot of time with them,” Kim said. “We still eat most meals together; that’s a family tradition that’s been there forever. He has a big garden, enough for our entire family, neighbors and he always plants enough for the deer, crows, squirrels and groundhogs. He says they have to eat, too! “He’s one of the hardest working people I know; he always has been. Whatever he tackles, he works until the job is done and done right. Even at www.NASCARHall.com

86 years old he amazes me at the things he does. He prefers to be outside working, kinda going back to his sawmilling days.” Len noted his father wouldn’t hesitate to mow three yards, “whatever needs to be done” even if it’s 100 degrees outside. If a dead tree needs to be cut down, do it immediately, don’t wait until tomorrow. “You can’t go buy potatoes. We have to dig 30 bushels,” Len said. “You might see him at a fancy steakhouse, but you’re more likely to see him at one of the local restaurants in Stuart. It doesn’t matter if Daddy won one race or 98; he’s still the same person.” Len said it was about 1979 when his father gave him and his siblings each five percent of the company. He continued to give each of his children five percent in the race team until each one owned 25 percent.

Top: Glen Wood with one of the cars he drove in the 1950s in the NASCAR premier series. In 62 races over 11 seasons in the NASCAR premier series Glen drove to victory four times and had 22 top-five and 34 top-10 finishes. ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images

“It was like he was Bottom: Curtis Turner, Leonard Wood, Earl Parker and Glen Wood (left to right) setting us up,” Len said. look over an engine in 1961 to decide what adjustments need to be made for “He wanted us to get optimal performance. Wood Brothers Racing is credited as the pioneers of out of our foolishness period. He planned like those early racing days when ahead for us. He didn’t push us, but Glen and his brothers were the envy he headed us in the right direction.” of many in the NASCAR community. Eddie noted his father always “gave us enough room to go do like you wanted to do, but never let you get far enough out to where you would hang yourself.” When the race shop was based in Stuart, everyone gathered at their parents’ house on a daily basis for lunch. Now, if they’re in town during the week they know they’re expected to be at breakfast by 9 a.m. On the weekends, if they’re not racing, dinner consists of hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill at Eddie’s house.

Leonard described those years with his brother as a “great time.” “I enjoyed Pearson’s days; there’s not been anything like them,” Leonard said. “But to watch your brother win is just very special. He was a very talented driver.”

Still, there’s nothing quite 55

Glen Woodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

NASCAR Hall of Fame Career Driver Wins in the NASCAR Regional Series by Track

Glen Wood (left) and fellow driver Billy Myers check out tires at a race during the 1950s. As a driver, Wood won a total of 97 races between the NASCAR premier series and the regional series. ISC Images & Archives

Driver in the NASCAR Premier (now Sprint Cup) Series Wins

1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1963 1964

Races/ Season 2/37 1/37 1/45 2/56 6/53 10/51 20/44 9/44 6/52 3/55 2/62

11 Seasons

Year

Top 10s

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0

Top Fives 0 0 0 0 0 1 9 6 3 2 1

Total Laps

Laps Led

0 0 0 0 1 7 13 7 3 2 1

Pole Awards 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 4 1 2 1

274 33 55 177 1,062 2,348 4,186 2,206 1,101 571 305

0 0 0 0 0 360 98 766 138 268 5

23 8 14.7 4.5 6.5 2.6 4.5 1.3 2.5

Average Finish 25 41 26 27 15 10.2 9.7 6.8 11.2 6.3 11

12,318

1,635

6.1

11.7

Series Ranking

Average Start

Glen Wood and Marvin Panch share a moment at a NASCAR premier series race in the late 1950s. Wood hired Panch as one of his drivers from 1962 through 1966, winning eight races. ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images

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Glen Woodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

NASCAR Hall of Fame Career Car Owner in the NASCAR Premier (now Sprint Cup) Series*

Year

Driver

Races

Wins

Top Fives

Top 10s

Pole Awards

Total Laps

Laps Led

1953 1955 1956 1957 1957 1958 1958 1958 1959 1959 1959 1959 1959 1960 1960 1960 1960 1960 1960 1960 1960 1961 1961 1961 1961 1962 1963 1963 1963 1963 1963 1963 1964 1964 1964 1964 1965 1965 1965 1965 1966 1966 1966 1966 1967 1967 1968 1968 1969 1969 1969 1970 1970 1971 1971 1972 1972 1973 1974

Glen Wood Glen Wood Glen Wood Jimmy Massey Glen Wood Jimmy Massey Curtis Turner Glen Wood Johnny Beauchamp Larry Frank Junior Johnson Joe Weatherly Glen Wood Fred Harb Junior Johnson Jimmy Massey Speedy Thompson Curtis Turner Joe Weatherly Bob Welborn Glen Wood Banjo Matthews Speedy Thompson Curtis Turner Glen Wood Marvin Panch Tommy Irwin Fred Lorenzen Tiny Lund Dave MacDonald Marvin Panch Glen Wood Dan Gurney Marvin Panch Nelson Stacy Glen Wood A.J. Foyt Dan Gurney Marvin Panch Curtis Turner Dan Gurney Marvin Panch Curtis Turner Cale Yarborough Earl Balmer Cale Yarborough Dan Gurney Cale Yarborough Dan Gurney Swede Savage Cale Yarborough Parnelli Jones Cale Yarborough Donnie Allison A.J. Foyt A.J. Foyt David Pearson David Pearson David Pearson

2 1 1 2 6 1 1 10 1 1 2 1 18 1 2 3 3 1 2 1 9 1 1 7 6 14 1 1 7 1 12 3 4 29 1 2 2 1 20 4 1 6 6 5 1 15 1 20 1 2 19 1 18 11 4 6 14 18 19

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 3 0 0 1 1 4 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 6 0 0 2 0 3 1 2 2 6 11 7

0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 8 0 1 2 3 0 1 0 6 0 0 1 3 5 1 0 5 1 9 2 1 17 0 1 1 1 12 3 1 1 2 1 0 7 1 12 0 1 7 0 11 7 4 5 11 14 15

0 0 0 2 1 1 0 7 0 0 1 1 11 0 1 2 3 0 1 0 7 0 0 1 3 8 1 0 6 1 12 2 2 20 0 1 1 1 14 3 1 1 2 1 0 8 1 12 0 1 8 0 13 8 4 5 12 14 15

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 0 5 0 1 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 1 4 0 0 6 0 5 5 3 3 4 8 11

274 55 110 652 1,062 148 26 2,348 132 90 324 196 3,703 370 247 835 797 78 394 127 2,206 202 252 949 1,101 3,552 198 158 1,979 147 3,510 571 433 6,452 5 305 251 185 4,743 1,208 185 1,231 1,275 1,876 102 3,532 186 5,497 66 173 4,341 168 4,784 2,797 778 1,417 4,377 5,338 4,630

0 0 0 7 0 0 0 360 0 0 0 0 98 0 0 26 217 0 0 0 766 0 0 159 138 156 0 8 124 92 291 268 142 648 0 5 30 126 856 256 148 70 80 42 0 908 124 1,065 0 0 946 88 957 795 392 344 1,567 2,658 1,167

Series Ranking 64 242 246 74 32 20

22 11 18 57 60 7 42 25 36 20 16 103 31 63 65 9 32 3 10 42 13 73 10 100

5 39 17 24 18 100 20 17

23 34 29

20 13 3

Average Start

Average Finish

23 6 10.5 14.7 6 7 4.5 32 15 6.5 4 5.4 11 4.5 2.3 8.3 12 3.5 4 2.6 2 10 11.1 4.5 6.9 9 16 5.6 6 3.9 1.3 11.2 5.6 13 2.5 8.5 11 4 6.8 2 5.5 6.7 7.6 3 4 1 3.5 3 10.5 3.8 35 4.7 3.5 1 2 2.9 3.4 2.2

25 26 33 6 15 5 22 10.2 14 20 14.5 7 10.1 14 9.5 10.7 2 17 10 13 6.8 20 11 24.6 11.2 11.8 5 22 5 2 3.8 6.3 15.2 8.5 39 11 15.5 1 10.4 10 1 18.5 12.2 14.4 22 17 1 11.3 26 20.5 16.8 11 10.6 11.4 1.8 6.3 5.7 7.8 7.9

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1989 1990 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2007 2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2009 2009 2010 2010 2011 2011

David Pearson David Pearson David Pearson David Pearson Neil Bonnett David Pearson Neil Bonnett Neil Bonnett Neil Bonnett Buddy Baker Buddy Baker Bobby Rahal Kyle Petty Kyle Petty Kyle Petty Kyle Petty Neil Bonnett Tommy Ellis Neil Bonnett Dale Jarrett Dale Jarrett Morgan Shepherd Morgan Shepherd Morgan Shepherd Morgan Shepherd Michael Waltrip Michael Waltrip Michael Waltrip Elliott Sadler Elliott Sadler Elliott Sadler Elliott Sadler Ricky Rudd Ricky Rudd Ricky Rudd Ken Schrader Bill Elliott Boris Said Ken Schrader Jon Wood Marcos Ambrose Bill Elliott Jon Wood Bill Elliott David Gilliland Trevor Bayne Bill Elliott Trevor Bayne Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.

58 Years

21 22 22 22 17 5 22 22 22 21 21 1 28 29 29 29 26 3 5 24 29 29 30 31 31 31 32 32 34 33 36 36 36 36 36 36 20 1 12 1 5 20 3 12 1 1 12 13 1

3 10 2 4 3 0 2 3 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

13 16 16 11 4 1 10 7 6 5 4 0 7 4 6 2 0 0 0 1 3 3 3 9 4 1 0 0 0 0 2 2 4 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

14 18 16 11 6 1 13 8 8 12 12 0 12 14 14 8 11 0 0 7 8 11 15 16 10 11 6 5 1 1 2 7 5 3 9 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

7 8 5 7 4 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

5,653 6,194 5,694 5,375 3,766 1,021 5,173 4,917 5,516 5,111 6,213 44 8,796 8,546 8,523 8,883 7,795 996 1,179 6,801 7,767 9,093 9,442 9,788 9,275 9,279 9,277 9,519 9,851 8,644 10,392 9,789 9,874 9,616 9,841 9,187 5,364 90 3,608 264 834 6,517 488 2,911 325 334 3,175 2,919 402

1,318 1,227 868 757 556 173 331 1,549 412 174 84 0 75 17 103 67 23 0 0 73 47 60 92 80 31 18 10 14 5 6 125 29 29 5 30 11 5 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 11 0

1,375

337

519

118

367,189

24,544

14 9 13 16 26 32 19 22 17 21 21 91 9 10 7 13 20 66 43 25 17 14 7 6 11 14 18 17 24 29 20 23 23 24 21 31 42 51 49 67 45 39 60 42 37 66 41 63 60

3.4 3.5 5.4 4.7 4.2 6.4 5.7 7.1 12.3 10.6 11.9 20 12.3 18.6 14 17.1 20.7 20 22.2 15.2 16.4 13.5 15.4 19.7 18.9 22.8 25 26.3 28.8 27.1 28.4 25.6 27.2 23.7 21.4 25.6 30.2 39 26.5 41 31.6 30 20.3 21.8 17 28 28.8 21 9

10.3 6.9 9.6 15.6 18.5 20.4 14 20.1 15.7 14.8 16.3 40 13.7 14.8 12.9 17 16.7 21 24 19.4 19.4 14.3 13.3 12.7 16.5 16.9 21.8 20 23.2 26.7 22.8 23.4 22.3 21.2 20.8 26.2 28.4 14 31.2 29 30.4 29 34 23.9 19 17 24.9 27 11

15.4

16.9

*As of September 19, 2011. Car Owner in the NASCAR Craftsman (now Camping World) Truck Series Year

Driver

Races

Wins

Top Fives

Top 10s

Pole Awards

Total Laps

Laps Led

2006 2006 2006 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2008 2008 3 Years

Stacy Compton Bobby East Jon Wood Kelly Bires Stacy Compton Mark Martin Jon Wood Keven Wood Jon Wood Keven Wood

2 22 3 6 1 6 11 1 17 8 77

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 4

0 0 2 1 1 4 6 0 2 0 16

0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

206 3,300 343 754 168 813 1,735 197 2,297 1,374 11,187

0 0 6 0 0 80 67 0 0 0 153

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Series Ranking

Average Start

Average Finish

62 23 44 44 21 38 27 95 25 37

8.5 15.5 4.7 17.2 19 7.8 20 19 21.8 22.2 17.2

25.5 22.6 10.3 26.8 10 12.2 12.2 27 20.5 24 19.8

The Timmonsville Flash

arborough

By Cathy Elliott

he “Cale Yarborough Special” was designed to be the finest, fastest racing vehicle the Soap Box Derby world had ever seen. Cobbled together from random scraps of lumber and old nails pulled from barn walls, it was a labor of both love and family pride for young Cale and his father Julian, and was one of the few

projects they ever had the opportunity to work on together. “I must have redesigned that race car a thousand times,” he said when recounting the story in Cale, his biography that was published in 1986. “As far as I was concerned, I had the best design this side of Indianapolis.” Unfortunately, Yarborough lost his first heat race that Derby day by a margin of about two feet. He learned some valuable lessons in the process: one, that the best design doesn’t always win the race, and two, that winning trumps the alternative by much more than a few inches. “I never forgot how bad it felt to lose,” he said.

That day did produce a phrase filled with foreshadowing, though, in the simple nickname of a homemade car. Cale Yarborough was definitely something special. Hard work was a way of life on the Yarborough farm in Sardis, S.C., and the death of Cale’s father in a plane crash in 1950 forced him into a takecharge position at only 11 years of age. It was a role he would never relinquish, as he went on to earn a reputation as one of the most hardcharging, hard-working drivers in the history of NASCAR. From his early days growing up in rural South Carolina, the threetime NASCAR champion and 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee was motivated by success, and proved willing to take more than a few risks to achieve it. His story reads like a grittier version of the “Twelve Labors of Hercules.” Before he even graduated from high school, Yarborough was struck by lightning, got into a wrestling match with an alligator, was shot in the foot, got bitten by a rattlesnake and rolled off a roof in a barrel, which then in turn rolled across the highway. “It’s probably a real good thing that I didn’t live near Niagara Falls,” he said. Although by certain standards he might not have been considered to have the ideal build for an athlete, he proved his mettle in the ultracompetitive arena of high school sports. “I was so small that I knew I would have to make up for it by being tough. And fast,” he said.

Cale Yarborough at Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 19, 1978. That day, Yarborough drove his Junior Johnson-owned vehicle to a 4th-place finish, leading 54 of the 328 laps in the Atlanta 500. Dozier Mobley/Getty Images

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

The “Timmonsville Flash,” as he came to be known, was a standout Timmonsville High School football player, a Golden Gloves boxing www.NASCARHall.com

Cale Yarborough (right) shares a laugh with James Hylton in a NASCAR garage. Yarborough piloted the No. 11 Holly Farms Chevrolet for 82 races over three seasons, winning 20 times and two NASCAR premier series championships. ISC Archives via Getty Images

champion and, for a brief time, a semi-pro football player. He basically taught himself to fly an airplane, and spent some time as the coowner and star performer of an aeronautics thrill show. Eventually, a free fall from an airplane while balancing on the wing trying to get his parachute on made him rethink that career path. “I had fallen out of an airplane and survived. Somebody was trying to tell me something,” he said. He may not have realized it at the time, but Yarborough’s physique – a compact five feet, five inches tall and 130 pounds – was ideal for driving success. The strong thread of stock car racing and of Darlington Raceway in particular, had woven itself through his life since that first Soap Box Derby. His father had taken him to local short track races in places like Florence, Sumter, and the capital city of Columbia, where he met future NASCAR legends Junior Johnson and Cotton Owens in the same night. And the construction of Darlington Raceway, the grandest

stock car facility in the nation at the time, had recently been completed practically in his own backyard. On Labor Day of 1950, Cale and his father listened to the radio broadcast of the inaugural race at Darlington. His dad was gone by the following year, but his Southern 500 experience continued. Using some unique powers of persuasion to convince his mother that he would be perfectly safe, he was able to attend the 1951 race in person, riding along with some local teenagers. A combination of short patience and long lines inspired him to use his creativity once again to locate an “alternative” entrance to the track; he found a loose spot in the fence and crawled underneath it. “Oh, man, I was inside the Darlington Raceway,” he said. “I was, at that moment, the happiest kid in the world.” He maneuvered his way into the pits; he touched the cars and spoke to the drivers. He found a spot in the 61

bushes and watched, heard, smelled and felt the power of the race. Cale Yarborough may not have known at that moment that he would go on to become one of the most popular and successful drivers in the history of the sport, but he did know one thing: he was officially hooked on racing. It took a while for him to enter the racing arena. While still in high school, he spent some time hanging around with his friend Bobby Weatherly’s pit crew until simply standing on the sidelines and watching the action became more than he could tolerate. He took a job at the local tobacco warehouse, one of many “necessary” positions he held over the years, which also included

logging, rodeo riding, cow milking and turkey farming. When he found a 1935 Ford sitting on blocks behind an area garage, he paid $50 for it, towed it home and, with the help of some friends, got it ready to race. The Timmonsville Flash was back in business. Yarborough made his debut on the local dirt-track circuit with a crash helmet, a seat belt purchased from the Army surplus store, and a souped-up $50 Ford. He finished third. “Racing got me good that first night, and I never got it out of my system,” he said. Cale’s skill level and desire to go faster eventually outgrew the old Ford, and he became a journeyman of sorts, walking through the pits before races asking if anybody

needed a driver. Often, the answer was “yes,” and he landed increasingly better rides and began to make a name for himself as a local driver who was going somewhere. Specifically, in this case, he was going back to Darlington. The 1957 Southern 500 was approaching, Bobby Weatherly had a car, and Yarborough was ready to race.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP

TOURNAMENT August of 2012 Dates to be announced

He didn’t sneak into the speedway this time; he snuck into the actual race. NASCAR’s age limit for competitors was 21, but Yarborough was only 17 years old. Various bait-and-switch tactics bought him some seat time before NASCAR officials realized what was going on and black-flagged him. “The Masked Marauder had been caught,” he said.

This unique gathering of bowhunters in one area, testing their skills in competition prior to the annual hunt, will be something to see—you won’t want to miss this! Rich Mittlesdorf, Executive Event Coordinator. Phone# 307-413-3653 or email: Rich@awbowhuntergroup.com for upcoming events.

 Two day compound-bow tournament  Cash prizes and trophies for all divisions  Family structured tournament  Join the AWBG for Tournament discount

Top: Cale Yarborough (No. 21) leads the pack out onto the track at Daytona International Speedway for the 1970 Daytona 500. Yarborough was on the pole for the Great American Race, but finished in 37th place after his Mercury’s engine failed after only 31 laps. Dozier Mobley/Getty Images Left: Andrew Miller (left), the Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Virginia, and Miss Winston, Susan Brinkley, present Cale Yarborough with a trophy for winning the 1976 Capital City 400 at Richmond International Raceway. Yarborough led 216 of the 400 laps in the race finishing one car length ahead of Bobby Allison. ISC Archives via Getty Images”

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

Visit up.com o r G r e t n u Bowh www.AW ormation f n i e r o m for

 To be held at the continental divide in Wyoming just above Dubois  Divisions: Youth, Womens, Rookie, Novice, Elite and Pro–Semi-Pro  International members are encouraged to attend

before a blown engine ended his day. “It was the first time I felt like crying since my first Soap Box Derby,” he said. He developed close friendships with racing greats of the time, like Curtis Turner, Tiny Lund and Buddy Baker. He got married and started a family. He decided the time had come to quit racing.

Above: Cale Yarborough waits inside his race car’s cockpit for a race to begin. Yarborough enjoyed a 31-year career driving in the NASCAR premier series, capturing 83 wins and 69 poles. ISC Archives via Getty Images Below: Cale Yarborough outside his No. 11 Holly Farms Chevrolet on a race track during the 1977 season. That season Yarborough won his second of three consecutive championships in the NASCAR premier series. ISC Archives via Getty Images

As his career path continued to unfold, Yarborough experienced dramatic highs and lows, and enjoyed more than a little bit of luck. He almost missed a race when, while traveling on a 50-cent toll road, he could only scrape up 37 cents. But the toll operator let him through and trusted him for the balance, which he paid on the return trip.

install a used ball bearing rather than a new one ended not only a race, but the relationship. During his first-ever visit to Daytona International Speedway in 1960, in which he intended to be merely a spectator, an opportunity to drive in the modified race materialized out of the blue. He qualified near the front and dominated the event

Then, Ford came calling once again. The company was looking for a driver to fill an available seat with the famed Holman Moody team and invited Yarborough to give it a shot. He got the job, and then lost it when Ford changed its mind about funding a second team. So he went to work in the Holman Moody shop, sweeping floors and doing anything else that was asked of him. Cale Yarborough is famous for many things, but a willingness to quit is not one of them. His story remained eventful. He competed in the Indianapolis 500. He drove for Banjo Matthews, and then for the Wood Brothers, where he began to win consistently.

Cale Yarborough’s successes had at last begun to outnumber his failures. When legendary driverowner Junior Johnson offered him a full-time job for the 1975 season, things really began to skyrocket. He won the championships in 1976, 1977 and 1978, one of only two drivers in history to claim three or more consecutive titles in the NASCAR premier series. In the unforgettable 1979 Daytona 500, Yarborough helped increase not only his own reputation, but national awareness of NASCAR itself. In stock car racing’s first-ever flag-to-flag television broadcast, a fight between Cale and the Allison brothers, Donnie and Bobby, in the track’s infield on the last lap of the race ignited by an on-track altercation between Cale and Donnie generated so much interest in the still rather fledgling sport that viewers were talking about it for days and even weeks afterward. A new era of NASCAR popularity had begun, and Cale Yarborough was one of its most popular and recognizable faces.

He followed up his first big break with team owner Marion Cox, by driving for Herman Beam in the NASCAR premier series. The Beam job resulted in a fortuitous parts deal with Ford manufacturing, until the team’s ill-fated decision to 64

In 1965, he revisited his thrill show days when his car went airborne during a race at Darlington. He won the first of his four Daytona 500 trophies a couple years later in 1968. And that same year, he finally took the checkered flag at the Southern 500.

Yarborough is so revered in South Carolina that if the Palmetto State ever created its own Mount Everest of racing, his visage would be forever enshrined there, along with fellow NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees like Bud Moore and David Pearson. His career statistics still stand as some of the most impressive in racing history: 69 pole 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

www.NASCARHall.com

Cale Yarborough celebrates his July 4th win in Victory Lane after winning the 1976 Firecracker 400 at Daytona International Speedway. Yarborough finished eight seconds in front of David Pearson for his fourth victory of the season. ISC Archives via Getty Images

positions, 319 top-10 finishes, 83 wins, and three championships. But Cale Yarborough is much more than just a regional hero. For racing purists, he is considered somewhat of a national treasure. This point was driven home in August 2004, when Darlington Raceway hosted an open house event to give fans a preview of how racing at the old track would look under its new lighting system. Officials invited four of Darlington’s success stories to drive exhibition laps under the lights, and encouraged area residents to come out and watch the event, free of charge. Word quickly spread that Jeff Gordon and Bobby Hamilton would join David Pearson on the track; it was shaping up to be quite a show. But it was the name of the fourth participant that sent fans into a frenzy. The little boy who had shimmied under the fence in 1951 and the teenager who had been thrown out of the car in 1957 for underage driving would run the first laps under the lights at his beloved hometown track.

Speedway phones rang off the hook. What officials had thought would be a modestly attended local event was now generating interest all over the country. One call in particular, from a fan in Ohio, has become a part of track lore. “Sir, are you really planning to drive a thousand miles to watch Cale Yarborough drive 10 laps?” a staffer asked. “Ma’am, if I had to, I would walk a thousand miles to watch Cale Yarborough drive 10 laps,” the man replied. It is a telling remark, indicative of someone who has made an indelible impression not only on NASCAR’s record books, but on the emotions and memories of its fans. Yarborough announced his retirement from competition in 1988. He subsequently spent another 11 years as a team owner before stepping away from active racing involvement in 1999. In

addition to being named a 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee, he is a member of the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame, the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, and the Motorsports Hall of Fame. In 1998, he was named one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers. His inclusion in the NASCAR Hall of Fame is only fitting for a man who played such a major role in propelling the sport to its current level of popularity and success. “I feel honored,” he said when the announcement was made. “I’m in a lot of different motorsports halls of fame, but to be in the NASCAR

Hall of Fame with the guys who are already in and the ones who will come later means a lot to me. It’s a great group to be a part of.” Great race car drivers come and go, but Cale Yarborough possessed that indefinable, special quality that really captured the hearts of race fans. The former turkey farmer and high school halfback personifies the spirit and work ethic of America’s heartland, shoring up the faith that

if you believe something deeply enough, and work for it hard enough, you can overcome any obstacles to ultimately claim it for your own. The Timmonsville Flash blazed his way through the landscape of NASCAR, and made it a much brighter place to be.

Above: Cale Yarborough (No. 28) takes the checkered flag in the 1984 Daytona 500 after starting on the pole and leading 89 of 200 laps. The victory was his second consecutive victory in the Great American Race, his fourth and final win in the legendary race. ISC Archives via Getty Images Left: Close-up of Cale Yarborough steering the No. 21 Mercury during the 1968 Daytona 500. His victory that day was the first of four wins in the Great American Race for the driver from South Carolina. Eric Schweikardt/ Sports Illustrated/Getty Image

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

Driver in the International Race of Champions (Representing the NASCAR Premier Series)

Cale Yarboroughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

NASCAR Hall of Fame Career Driver in the NASCAR Premier (now Sprint Cup) Series

Year

Races/Season

Wins

Top Fives

Top 10s Pole Awards

Total Laps

Laps Led

1957

1/53

1959

1/44

1960

1/44

1961

1/52

1962

8/53

1963

18/55

1964

26/62

1965

46/55

Series Ranking

Average Start

Average Finish

219

114

135

727

22.1

27.5

4,528

17.4

12.8

4,990

13.2

14.8

7,724

166

11.2

Year

Races/Season

Wins

Top Fives

Top 10s

Total Laps

Laps Led

Series Ranking

Average Start

Average Finish

1975

4/4

150

7.8

5.5

1977

4/4

148

8.8

1978

4/4

150

4.2

1979

3/5

146

4.7

2.7

1980

1/5

1984

4/4

167

4.2

1985

3/3

119

7.7

1986

4/4

137

6.8

4.8

1,067

119

6.6

4.8

8 Seasons

Car Owner in the NASCAR Premier (now Sprint Cup) Series Year

Driver

Races

Wins

Top Fives

Top 10s

13.5

1987

Cale Yarborough

1988

Dale Jarrett

Pole Awards

Total Laps

Laps Led

Series Ranking

Average Start

Average Finish

2,671

20.2

24.8

5,361

22.3

21.8

1966

14/49

3,831

252

12.6

1967

17/49

4,114

908

5.1

16.1

1988

Cale Yarborough

1,653

26.9

23.5

Dale Jarrett

7,798

24.2

22.7

Dick Trickle

8,311

14.5

21.9

1968

21/49

5,661

1,065

3.6

11.8

1989

1969

19/54

4,341

946

3.8

16.8

1990

1970

19/48

5,034

957

4.8

10.7

1991

Chuck Brown

391

1971

4/48

564

17.8

24.3

1991

Randy LaJoie

926

28.7

1972

5/31

1,196

11.8

1991

Dorsey Schroeder

1973

28/28

9,314

3,167

4.5

1991

Lake Speed

4,513

19.9

25.3

1974

30/30

9,398

3,597

3.9

6.7

1991

Dick Trickle

1,362

21.8

20.8

1975

27/30

7,353

2,542

6.5

14.8

1992

Jimmy Hensley

6,804

17.4

18.2

1976

30/30

9,269

3,777

5.1

8.2

1977

30/30

9,748

3,218

4.5

1992

Bobby Hillin, Jr.

393

1978

30/30

9,758

3,587

3.6

1992

Chad Little

1,852

24.2

27.2

1979

31/31

9,677

1,320

5.3

8.6

1980

31/31

9,440

2,810

3.1

1981

18/31

4,922

769

9.2

13.1

1982

16/30

3,439

379

8.8

15.8

1983

16/30

3,783

608

16.6

1993

Derrike Cope

8,406

18.1

23.6

1994

Derrike Cope

4,261

22.9

28.8

1994

Jeremy Mayfield

3,452

25.2

1995

Jeremy Mayfield

7,943

23.7

1996

John Andretti

3,018

23.4

1996

Jeremy Mayfield

5,862

22.7

22.1

1984

16/30

4,387

736

7.4

1985

16/28

3,450

664

9.4

18.6

1997

John Andretti

9,334

135

23.6

Rich Bickle

5,691

25.5

26.3

1,821

23.6

35.3

21.9

26.6

21.9

1986

16/29

3,467

110

12.8

21.3

1998

1987

16/29

2,671

20.3

24.8

1998

Greg Sacks

1988

10/29

1,653

26.9

23.5

1999

Rick Mast

31 Seasons

562

255

319

144,938

31,627

8.2

12.6

13 Years

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

www.NASCARHall.com

9,487

371

101,312

529

Dale Earnhardt drove RCR’s famed No. 3 to six NASCAR premier series championships.

NASCAR’s first NASCAR premier series champion in 1949. Wounded in World War II, he drove with a special brace on his left leg.

Jerry Cook

Richard Childress

Jerry Cook

H. Clay Earles

Tim Flock

ISC Archives via Getty Images

Started the unique tradition of awarding the Richmond race winners grandfather clocks instead of trophies.

1973 NASCAR premier series champion.

Won 21 NASCAR premier series races, including the 1975 Daytona 500.

Glenn “Fireball” Roberts Daytona Beach, Fla.

Won 33 NASCAR premier series races, including the 1962 Daytona 500. Received the nickname “Fireball” as a young pitcher playing baseball.

Rome, N.Y.

Six-time NASCAR Modified Tour champion – 1971 and 1972, as well as 1974 through 1977. Won 342 feature races in NASCAR Modified Tour competition.

Fort Payne, Ala.

Two-time NASCAR premier series champion – 1952 and 1955. Won 39 NASCAR premier series races in 187 career starts.

Raymond Parks

Olivia, N.C.

First two-time NASCAR premier series champion – 1951 and 1953. Drove the “Fabulous Hudson Hornet” and inspired the Doc Hudson character in the movie Cars.

Benny Parsons

Les Richter

Two-time NASCAR premier series champion – 1962 and 1963.

www.NASCARHall.com

ISC Archives via Getty Images ISC Archives via Getty Images

ISC Archives via Getty Images

Elmhurst, Ill.

Won 26 NASCAR premier series races, including the 1965 Daytona 500. Entered only 16 of 62 races in 1964, but won eight of them and finished 13th in the year’s points standings.

Dawson County, Ga.

NASCAR’s first championship-winning car owner in 1949. Partnership with mechanic Red Vogt produced dominant equipment in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

Riverside, Calif.

President and General Manager of Riverside International Raceway. Named NASCAR’s Executive Vice President of Competition and the Senior Vice President of Operations in 1992.

T. Wayne Robertson

Glen “Fireball” Roberts

T. Wayne Robertson

Winston-Salem, N.C.

Sports marketing executive largely credited along with Bill France Jr. for taking R.J. Reynolds’ sponsorship of the NASCAR premier series to a new level of success. Followed the legendary Ralph Seagraves as Reynolds’ point man with NASCAR and oversaw the creation of what is now known as the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.

Curtis Turner

Herb Thomas

Curtis Turner

Leonard Wood

Joe Weatherly Norfolk, Va.

Won 31 NASCAR Busch (now Nationwide) Series races, as well as series titles in 1982 and 1985.

Les Richter

Herb Thomas

Won 25 NASCAR premier series races in 229 career starts.

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

Cotton Owens

Benny Parsons Detroit, Mich.

Won championships in 1972, 1973 and 1974 in precursor series to NASCAR Busch (now Nationwide) Series.

Raymond Parks ISC Archives via Getty Images

Has 38 victories as a car owner and one championship with David Pearson in 1966.

ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images

Won the 1954 track championship at Harris Speedway in Concord, N.C., in the NASCAR Modified Division.

Anniston, Ala.

Tim Flock ISC Archives via Getty Images

Built and opened Martinsville Speedway in 1947, which remains the only facility to continuously host NASCAR premier series events every year since the series’ inception in 1949.

Union, S.C.

Fred Lorenzen

ISC Archives via Getty Images

Red Byron

H. Clay Earles

Martinsville, Va.

Cotton Owens

Bobby Isaac

ISC Archives via Getty Images

Winston-Salem, N.C.

Owner of Richard Childress Racing, winner of 97 NASCAR premier series races (through August 2011).

Won 37 NASCAR premier series races and 49 poles – 19 of them coming in the 1969 season alone, which is a record.

ISC Archives via Getty Images

Richard Childress

Buck Baker

ISC Archives via Getty Images

Won 46 NASCAR premier series races in 636 starts.

Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR

Two-time and first consecutive NASCAR premier series champion – 1956 and 1957.

1970 NASCAR premier series champion.

Red Byron ISC Archives via Getty Images

Buck Baker

Charlotte, N.C.

Jack Ingram

ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images

Joining the list of 20 names under consideration for the 2012 class were first-time nominees H. Clay

Rick Hendrick

Asheville, N.C.

Fred Lorenzen

ISC Archives via Getty Images

Every one of the 25 nominees are worthy of enshrinement into the NASCAR Hall of Fame at some point, and will most likely one day find their names and likenesses etched on a spire in the Hall of Honor. One thing that is certain, each nominee – driver, car owner, track owner, crew chief, promoter or sponsor executive – has left an indelible impression on the NASCAR world.

Catawba, N.C.

ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images

Earles, Bobby Isaac, Cotton Owens, Les Richter and Leonard Wood.

Due to the 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony’s change in date from May to January the nominating committee and voting panel had to work with a condensed schedule. This reduced calendar required the nominating committee to announce the 25 nominees for 2012 in April versus July as it had been done the past two years.

Jack Ingram

Bobby Isaac

ISC Archives via Getty Images

On June 14, 2011, the voting panel that selects the annual class to be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame faced one of the most difficult tasks in the panel’s history – select only five candidates from a pool of 25 candidates all worthy of enshrinement. After hours of lively debate and backand-forth discussion on the merits of all nominees, the five top vote getters would be announced as the third class enshrined into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Team entered 2011 with 192 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race victories.

ISC Archives via Getty Images

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Nominees

Owner of Hendrick Motorsports, 10-time NASCAR premier series championship team.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Rick Hendrick

Palmer Springs, Va.

Joe Weatherly

Roanoke, Va.

Won 17 NASCAR premier series races. Only NASCAR premier series driver to win two consecutive races from the pole leading every lap.

Leonard Wood Stuart, Va.

Helped revolutionize pit stops by figuring out ways to get the car serviced in the least amount of time. Car owner and crew chief with 98 wins in the NASCAR premier series. 71

INTIMIDATOR

THE INTIMIDATOR

Dale Earnhardt roared to national prominence, winning NASCAR’s Rookie of the Year Award in 1979, after spending years developing his aggressive driving style on the short tracks around his hometown, Kannapolis, N.C.

One of the stories perpetuating the NASCAR legend that is Dale Earnhardt says that he could actually see the air affecting cars at Daytona and Talladega and use that vision to make passes no one else could make. With seven championships and 76 career victories in the NASCAR premier series, Earnhardt set the standard by which all of today’s NASCAR stars are judged, which is why he was named a 2010 inductee to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, a member of the inaugural class.

In grabbing NASCAR championships in 1980, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993 and 1994, Earnhardt is one of two drivers, the other one being Richard Petty, in the sport’s history to win seven titles in NASCAR’s premier series. He is the all-time leading winner at two of NASCAR’s most storied venues – Daytona International Speedway, where he won 34 races, and Talladega Superspeedway, where he won 10 races in NASCAR’s top division.

Nicknames like “The Intimidator” and “Ironhead” reflected a reputation for on-track intensity that no other driver of his time matched, and the passion and loyalty displayed by his fans remains to this day.

Tony Stewart celebrates his 3rd NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ Drivers’ Championship, while Team Chevy wins our 9th straight Manufacturers’ Championship and 35th overall. Congratulations to Tony Stewart on a historic championship run. No other team can match Chevrolet’s record for the most wins, the most Manufacturers’ Titles and the most Drivers’ Championships — our 28th. We’re proud to salute our team owners, drivers, crews and faithful fans as we celebrate the 2011 season.

In his 20th attempt at the Great American Race, Dale Earnhardt finally won the 1998 Daytona 500. Having won seven championships at NASCAR’s top level, Earnhardt called the victory the icing on the cake of his career. David Taylor/Getty Images

CAREER STATISTICS

won. two. three.

Dale Earnhardt

Driver in the NASCAR Premier (now Sprint Cup) Series Races Wins Top Fives Top 10s Pole Awards Total Laps Laps Led Average Start Average Finish 27 Seasons

676

281

428

202,888

25,683

12.9

11.1

Driver in the NASCAR Busch (now Nationwide) Series Races Wins Top Fives Top 10s Pole Awards Total Laps Laps Led Average Start Average Finish 13 Seasons

136

19,206

3,310

11.3

14.5

Driver in the International Race of Champions (Representing the NASCAR Premier Series) 17 Seasons

Races

Wins

Top Fives

Top 10s

Total Laps

Laps Led

2,307

290

Average Start Average Finish 7.5

5.3

Car Owner in the NASCAR Premier (now Sprint Cup) Series Races Wins Top Fives Top 10s Pole Awards Total Laps Laps Led Average Start Average Finish 6 Years

148

40,796

939

20.9

21.1

Car Owner in the NASCAR Busch (now Nationwide) Series Races Wins Top Fives Top 10s Pole Awards Total Laps Laps Led Average Start Average Finish 17 Years

282

119

172

53,120

6,534

12.8

14 Photo: CIA Stock Photo™ 2011 Stewart-Haas Racing

Car Owner in the NASCAR Craftsman (now Camping World) Truck Series Races Wins Top Fives Top 10s Pole Awards Total Laps Laps Led Average Start Average Finish 5 Years

126

21,509

4,815

7.9

8.7

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

Join the celebration on facebook.com/teamchevy.

BIG BILL

We’re proud to have a part in building history.

Bill France Sr.

Standing 6-feet 5-inches tall and known simply as “Big Bill,” William Henry Getty France is the man who managed to organize a gaggle of stock car drivers, car owners, track owners and race promoters and lead the formation of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing – NASCAR. With a vision of producing great races for the fans, providing a reliable source of finances, enforcing rules for the car owners and drivers, and maintaining a stable base on which to build a future for the sport, Big Bill set a course for what would become the nation’s most popular form of racing. This course would make him a 2010 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee, a member of the inaugural class.

BIG BILL

Available only at

Convening a meeting of the country’s most notable racing names in Daytona Beach in 1947, France took the helm of the fledgling organization and tirelessly promoted the sport to the drivers, fans, media and, most importantly, sponsors with a desire to grow with the sport.

KobaltTools.com

Before handing the NASCAR reins to his protégé, son Bill France Jr., in the early 1970s, France Sr., built successful partnerships with American car manufacturers in Detroit and a network of the fastest race tracks in the country, two of which he built himself – Daytona International Speedway and Alabama Speedway, now known as Talladega Superspeedway.

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We’re working to help drive Charlotte’s future. $50

MILLION

The results of his hard work, determination and foresight of what NASCAR could become are evident in the success of the sport today.

National 3-year goal for Education & Workforce Development

MILLION Educational grants to non-profit orgs. in Charlotte in 2011

Top: Standing 6-foot 5-inches tall, Bill France convinced drivers more than 60 years ago that the sport needed a guiding force to ensure long-term success. Today, millions of fans enjoy the spectacle that is NASCAR at race track across America. AP Photo/Pete Wright

11,000

Bottom: Bill France surveys Daytona International Speedway in 1965, six years after building the 2.5mile marvel that includes 31-degree banking in the turns – standing at the bottom, Daytona’s banked turns reach two stories high. Walter Looss Jr./ Sports Illustrated/Getty Images

B:8.625”

T:8.375”

10/3/11 10:19 A

Bank of America is proud to expand our longstanding commitment to education in Charlotte through our sponsorship of the Bank of America 500. In addition to grants, our relationship allows us to bring NASCAR-inspired curriculum, focusing on the principles of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), to local students. Each year, our Students at the Speedway program provides middle school students a chance to visit Charlotte Motor Speedway and see STEM in action. In 2011, we expanded our NASCAR educational initiatives to include Career Day and a Summer Internship program, allowing students to learn more about diverse career opportunities in the motorsports industry. Additionally, we continue to provide support to non-profit organizations, such as Communities In School, Central Piedmont Community College, Citizen Schools and Freedom School Partners, which help address critical education issues in the area. We’re proud to support and create programs that help educate Charlotte’s future and are committed to helping make opportunities possible for students across the country. To learn more about what we’re doing in Charlotte and communities across the country, visit bankofamerica.com/charlotte

7th graders benefiting from the Students at the Speedway curriculum in 2011

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

www.NASCARHall.com 75 NASCAR® is a registered trademark of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. © 2011 HGJ Licensing, LLC. All trademarks shown are used with the permission of their respective owners. © 2011 Bank of America Corporation. Member FDIC. ARI5E4N2

The Commander

Bill France Jr.

William Clifton France led NASCAR through extraordinary times after taking over the reins of the company in 1972 from his visionary father, “Big Bill” France.

He created a new points system to determine the NASCAR champion, courted Fortune 500 businesses and top media partners to help the sport grow, and continued the push toward larger race tracks with more seating and amenities for fans. Simply put, he ushered NASCAR into what’s considered the “Modern Era.” With a presence and foresight of a seasoned admiral, the Navy veteran decided to make a sweeping change three years after becoming NASCAR’s second president. He changed the points system to the one used until 2011. As the popularity of the sport exploded in the 1980s and 1990s, no one doubted Bill France Jr.’s leadership. Renowned for being just as comfortable in a corporate board room talking to captains of industry as he was talking to mechanics and drivers in tiny shops in North Carolina, France’s knack for knowing what pleased fans – and having the confidence to react quickly to that knowledge – made him a legend and a 2010 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee, a member of the inaugural class.

Above: Bill France Jr. had a knack for communicating with people. From the CEOs of Fortune 500 companies to the fans camping out in the infields at race tracks, he was able to converse and build a rapport with everyone he met. ISC Archives/Getty Images Left: Bill France Jr. was very involved with Daytona International Speedway right from the beginning. It wasn’t unusual for him to pitch in during the construction of the track, like working a grader to smooth the surface in preparation for paving. ISC Archives/ Getty Images

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

AMERICAN HERO

THE LAST AMERICAN HERO In 1965, writer Tom Wolfe declared Junior Johnson as the Last American Hero in a story for Esquire magazine. In 2010, voters made him an inaugural inductee to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Junior Johnson

With a style many attempted to copy but nobody ever duplicated, Robert Glenn Johnson Jr. made his living as a young man being among the best as what he did, but the law didn’t look kindly on his endeavors – he drove fast to deliver the moonshine he and his father made. While the Feds caught up with his liquor-making ways, no one ever really caught up with him while he was driving race cars or could beat the cars his teams built after he got out from behind the wheel and onto the pit box. He only started 313 races at NASCAR’s top level during his driving career, starting 46 from the pole position and finishing in the top 10 148 times. Another indicator of his win-or-go-home mentality is found in the fact that he led 24.3 percent of the laps he raced. He dominated the 1960 Daytona 500 in a race in which he’s credited with discovering the benefits of drafting. As a NASCAR team owner for 30 years, he simply told his drivers to win and not worry about the car – that was his job. When they failed, he would set about building a better, stronger and faster car. He won six NASCAR championships as a car owner, three each with Cale Yarborough and Darrell Waltrip. His cars ran 1,049 races; finishing 805 of them, and 577 of those were top-10 finishes.

CAREER STATISTICS

Driver in the NASCAR Premier (now Sprint Cup) Series 14 Seasons

Races Wins Top Fives Top 10s Pole Awards Total Laps Laps Led Average Start Average Finish 313

121

148

51,988

12,651

7.2

13.5

Driver in the NASCAR Convertible Series 1 Season

Races Wins Top Fives Top 10s Pole Awards Total Laps Laps Led Average Start Average Finish 2

732

15.5

5.5

Car Owner in the NASCAR Premier (now Sprint Cup) Series 30 Years

Races Wins Top Fives Top 10s Pole Awards Total Laps Laps Led Average Start Average Finish 1,049

132

436

577

115

303,296

44,444

9.8

12.8

Top: Junior Johnson waves from the driver’s seat of his race car before a race. Johnson racked up 50 wins as a driver and 132 wins as an owner in the NASCAR premier series. ISC Archives via Getty Images Bottom: Junior Johnson was just as good a mechanic as he was a driver and could oftentimes be found working under the hood of one of his race cars. Here Johnson works on one of his two cars driven by Neil Bonnett and Darrell Waltrip during the 1986 Sovran Bank 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Racing Photo Archives/Getty Images

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

THE KING

Richard Petty

in 1964, 1967, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975 and 1979.

THE KING

Known simply as “the King,” Richard Petty’s records in the NASCAR premier series are remarkable: most victories (200), most poles (123), most championships (tied at seven with fellow 2010 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Dale Earnhardt), most victories in a season (27), most Daytona 500 victories (seven), most consecutive victories (10) and most starts (1,185).

Petty takes pride in offering a continual stream of thanks to the fans that support the sport, and few have any doubt that he has signed more autographs and posed for photos with more fans than any other driver or owner in NASCAR history.

Many motorsports historians say Richard Petty’s NASCAR records are not likely to be matched, much less beaten. Despite those numbers, Petty remained humble and honored when voters made him a 2010 inductee to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Petty’s dominance of NASCAR’s top level in the 1960s and 1970s goes a long way in defining his generation – he ruled what many pundits describe as NASCAR’s Golden Era. Taking the reins of the race cars and team that his father, 2011 NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductee Lee Petty, founded before NASCAR formed in 1947, Richard joined his brother, Maurice, and their cousin, legendary crew chief Dale Inman (a 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee), in revolutionizing the sport by becoming one of the first teams to operate as a true business. Richard Petty won championships in the NASCAR premier series

Richard Petty is as well-known for his trademark hat, oversized belt buckle, welcoming smile and willingness to autograph thousands of items as he was for the records he amassed during his 35-year driving career. Holding such records as most career victories, most career poles, most wins in a season, most Daytona 500 victories, most consecutive victories, most starts and tied for the most championships, Petty is truly

CAREER STATISTICS

Driver in the NASCAR Premier (now Sprint Cup) Series Races Wins Top Fives Top 10s Pole Awards Total Laps Laps Led Average Start Average Finish 35 Seasons 1,185

200

555

712

123

307,836

51,695

9.5

11.3

Driver in the NASCAR Convertible Series Races Wins Top Fives Top 10s Pole Awards Total Laps Laps Led Average Start Average Finish 2 Seasons

2,517

10.8

8.2

Driver in the International Race of Champions (Representing the NASCAR Premier Series) 6 Seasons

Races

Wins

Top Fives

Top 10s

Total Laps

Laps Led

739

Average Start Average Finish 6.2

7.6

Car Owner in the NASCAR Premier (now Sprint Cup) Series (as of 8/21/11) Races Wins Top Fives Top 10s Pole Awards Total Laps Laps Led Average Start Average Finish 63 Years

3,151

271

913

1,321

156

786,208

61,492

20.9

21.1

Car Owner in the NASCAR Busch (now Nationwide) Series (as of 8/21/11) Races Wins Top Fives Top 10s Pole Awards Total Laps Laps Led Average Start Average Finish 3 Years

12,958

12.8

Car Owner in the NASCAR Craftsman (now Camping World) Truck Series Races Wins Top Fives Top 10s Pole Awards Total Laps Laps Led Average Start Average Finish 8 Years

183

30,568

970

14.2

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

666407

ALABAM GANG

LEADER OF THE ALABAMA GANG

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With you when every hour makes a difference

Bobby Allison

In 1949, a bug bit 11-year-old Bobby Allison. Bobby’s maternal grandfather, Grandpa Patton, had decided on the spur of the moment one day to take young Bobby to the local race track to see a race. It was that day when the “racing bug” stung Bobby that he knew racing cars was what he wanted to do with his life. Early in his racing career, Bobby and his brother, Donnie, packed up their bags and moved from Miami, Fla., to Alabama where the tracks were faster and the purses bigger. They eventually convinced their friend Charles “Red” Farmer to join them and thus the “Alabama Gang” was born.

in the infield between Cale Yarborough and Donnie. Bobby pulled over to assist his younger brother while the nation watched with delight. Richard Petty won the race, but Bobby and the rest of the sport were thrust into the national limelight.

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Decades later, with 84 wins and the 1983 championship in the NASCAR premier series to his credit, there is no doubt he chose the right vocation.

Among his 84 victories in the NASCAR premier series are three Daytona 500 triumphs (1978, 1982 & 1988). In addition to his championship in the premier series, Bobby was also twice crowned the NASCAR Modified Special Division champion (1962 & 1963) and NASCAR Modified Tour champion (1964 & 1965).

666407 NASCAR Hall of Fame Yearbook Ad .indd 1

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However, it is his involvement in a fistfight at the end of the 1979 Daytona 500 that propelled his name and NASCAR into the country’s mainstream psyche. With most of the East Coast watching confined indoors due to a snowstorm, the drivers raced toward the finish line of the Daytona 500 when a fight broke out

CAREER STATISTICS

Driver in the NASCAR Premier (now Sprint Cup) Series 25 Seasons

Races Wins Top Fives Top 10s Pole Awards Total Laps Laps Led Average Start Average Finish 718

336

447

197,438

27,344

8.5

11.5

Driver in the NASCAR Busch (now Nationwide) Series

A couple of weeks after winning the June 1982 NASCAR premier series race at Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania, Bobby Allison raced at the dirt track in Hagerstown, Md. Racing anytime, anywhere was a mentality that fed Allison’s success – and his eventual selection as a 2011 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee. Jerry Wachter/Sports Illustrated/ Getty Images

FOR PEOPLE WITH A TASTE FOR SPEED

7 Seasons

Races Wins Top Fives Top 10s Pole Awards Total Laps Laps Led Average Start Average Finish 43

5,644

224

13.5

16.5

Car Owner in the NASCAR Premier (now Sprint Cup) Series 17 Years

Races Wins Top Fives Top 10s Pole Awards Total Laps Laps Led Average Start Average Finish 347

116

94,630

3,367

18.1

Car Owner in the NASCAR Busch (now Nationwide) Series 6 Years

Races Wins Top Fives Top 10s Pole Awards Total Laps Laps Led Average Start Average Finish 34

4,503

16.1

18.9

Car Owner in the NASCAR Craftsman (now Camping World) Truck Series 1 Year

Races Wins Top Fives Top 10s Pole Awards Total Laps Laps Led Average Start Average Finish 1

150

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

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GENTLEMAN NED

Ned Jarrett

Ned Jarrett is successful in all he pursues. Prior to becoming a broadcaster he twice won the NASCAR premier series championship (1961 & 1965), and prior to his career in NASCAR’s top series he won two titles in the NASCAR Sportsman Division (1957 & 1958).

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The Green Berets

His 50 career victories in NASCAR’s premier series are tied with 2010 inductee Junior Johnson for 11th on the all-time wins list. Twenty-eight of those victories came during the 1964 and 1965 seasons. In his first championship season of 1961, he won only one race, but posted 34 top 10s in 46 starts while driving for W.G. Holloway Jr. In 1965, his second championship campaign, Ned racked up 13 wins and 42 top fives. That year he won the Southern 500 by 14 laps or 17.5 miles, still the largest margin of victory in NASCAR premier series history. Known for how he treated everyone, Ned quickly earned the nickname “Gentleman Ned.” And he lived up to his moniker. “‘Ned was a real gentleman both on and off the track – just a really good guy and a great race car driver,” said 1961 Daytona 500 champion Marvin Panch. After hanging up his driving gloves, he found a home behind the microphone as a broadcaster where he was instrumental to the sport’s growth. The highlight of his broadcasting career is a moment that is one of the most memorable calls in motorsports history. On the last lap of the 1993 Daytona 500, Ned’s son, Dale, was battling for the victory against 2010 inductee Dale Earnhardt. All the other broadcasters allowed Ned to singlehandedly call the last half-lap of the race, “Come on Dale, go baby go! All right! It’s the Dale and Dale show, and you know who I’m pulling for!” Ned’s son won.

Above: Ned Jarrett congratulates his son, Dale, after Dale won the 2000 Daytona 500. It was Dale’s third win in the Great American Race. Ned was able to cheer his son on to his first Daytona 500 victory in 1993 as the on-air broadcaster in what many consider one of the most memorable calls in motorsports history. Jamie Squire/Getty Images Below: After driving cars with numbers 79, 17, 61, 30, 89, 23 and 38, Ned Jarrett primarily raced the No. 11 for the rest of his racing career.

VIETNAM. EL SALVADOR. BOSNIA. KOSOVO. SOMALIA. AFGHANISTAN. IRAQ. AND EVERY OTHER HOTSPOT IN THE WORLD SINCE 1952.

CAREER STATISTICS

Driver in the NASCAR Premier (now Sprint Cup) Series 13 Seasons

Races Wins Top Fives Top 10s Pole Awards Total Laps Laps Led Average Start Average Finish 353

185

239

75,653

9,468

8.2

9.2

Driver in the NASCAR Convertible Series 1 Season

Races Wins Top Fives Top 10s Pole Awards Total Laps Laps Led Average Start Average Finish 8

594

12.6

21.8

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

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The VETERAN A decorated World War II infantryman who landed at Utah Beach during the invasion of Normandy, Bud Moore became a successful owner in the NASCAR premier series almost upon fielding his first team in 1961. With Joe Weatherly behind the wheel of Bud Moore Engineering’s Pontiac they earned eight wins, including that year’s Daytona 500.

Mustang to compete against the Chevrolet Camaro, AMC Javelin, Plymouth Barracuda and other models in sports car racing. During his three-year break from stock car racing, Moore won two championships as an owner in two different sports car divisions. Known for his mechanical genius and knack for fielding race cars that were both fast and dependable, Moore was able to attract some of the sport’s top drivers of the time including Weatherly, Fireball Roberts, David Pearson, Darel Dieringer, Bobby Allison, Buddy Baker, Benny Parsons, Dale Earnhardt, Ricky Rudd and Geoffrey Bodine.

The following year, Weatherly drove the No. 8 Pontiac to Moore’s first championship as an owner, and followed up that campaign with another title in 1963. Prior to his success as an owner Moore was the crew chief for Buck Baker’s 1957 championship season.

Although to this day, Moore will not say who he thinks was his best driver, many of the sport’s top drivers wanted to drive for the self-described “old country mechanic.”

In 1964, Moore switched from Pontiacs to Fords under the Mercury brand. As a result of his success with their stock cars, in 1968, Ford asked Moore to help them develop the Boss 302

Center: In 37 years and 959 races in the NASCAR premier series, team owner Bud Moore won 63 races and enjoyed 463 top-10 finishes. ISC Archives via Getty Images Right: Legendary car owners Cotton Owens (left), Waddell Wilson (center) and Bud Moore pose for a photo during the inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame class voting in October 2009 in Charlotte, N.C. Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR

CAREER STATISTICS

Car Owner in the NASCAR Premier (now Sprint Cup) Series Races Wins Top Fives Top 10s Pole Awards 37 Years

959

298

463

Total Laps

Laps Led

Average Start

Average Finish

251,494

16,924

11.3

14.7

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

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THE VETERAN

Bud Moore

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NASCAR® is a registered trademark of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc.

The SILVER FOX

David Pearson

Probably one of the Daytona 500’s most memorable finishes came courtesy of the Silver Fox. In 1976, Petty and Pearson were jockeying for the lead coming out of Turn 4 on the last lap when Pearson’s Mercury slammed the outside wall and Petty spun out and came to a halt on the infield grass. Pearson was able to keep his car from stalling while Petty couldn’t. Pearson dropped his clutch and slowly maneuvered his vehicle over the finish line for the victory – his only Daytona 500 win.

THE SILVER FOX

David Pearson, known to many as “The Silver Fox,” was the model of NASCAR efficiency during his racing career. He participated in only 574 races during his 27-year NASCAR premier series career winning an astounding 105 of them – winning about one in every five races he entered (18.29%). Over the course of his career, Pearson never once ran a full schedule, yet he ranks second in both career wins and career poles (behind 2010 inductee Richard Petty). However, even more impressive, Pearson won the championship three times. In 1966, Pearson missed seven of 49 races, but finished consistently enough in his 42 starts to win his first title (15 wins). Two years later, he ran 48 of 49 races and again took home the NASCAR premier series title (16 wins). Then in 1969 he took home the crown again competing in 51 of 54 races (11 wins.) The 1974 season was Pearson’s most remarkable year in terms of consistency. He only raced in 19 of 30 races, winning seven times, and still finished third in the final points standings – a true testament to his consistency on the track.

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David Pearson enjoyed a phenomenal season in 1966 driving legendary car owner Cotton Owens’ Dodges at NASCAR’s top level. Pearson won 15 races, posted 33 top-10 finishes in 42 starts, and won his first NASCAR championship. ISC Archives via Getty Images

CAREER STATISTICS

Driver in the NASCAR Premier (now Sprint Cup) Series Races Wins Top Fives Top 10s Pole Awards Total Laps Laps Led Average Start Average Finish 27 Seasons

574

105

301

366

113

135,021

25,159

6.2

Driver in the NASCAR Busch (now Nationwide) Series Races Wins Top Fives Top 10s Pole Awards Total Laps Laps Led Average Start Average Finish 2 Seasons

905

112

1.3

Driver in the International Race of Champions (Representing the NASCAR Premier Series) 5 Seasons

Races

Wins

Top Fives

Top 10s

Total Laps Laps Led Average Start Average Finish 587

6.3

5.8

Car Owner in the NASCAR Premier (now Sprint Cup) Series Races Wins Top Fives Top 10s Pole Awards Total Laps Laps Led Average Start Average Finish 8 Years

16,728

17.8

20.4

Car Owner in the NASCAR Busch (now Nationwide) Series Races Wins Top Fives Top 10s Pole Awards Total Laps Laps Led Average Start Average Finish 8 Years

149

102

25,146

2,244

9.3

9.7

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

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The Patriarch

Lee Petty

He was there in the very beginning and his name will always remain legendary. In the first Daytona 500, before it became known as “The Great American Race” and before it became the premier race in stock car racing, the inaugural 1959 race finished with the same press blitz one would expect to find at today’s version of the race. The finish of the race was so close that it took three days of reviewing footage and photos of the finish before Lee Petty was crowned the Daytona 500 victor.

when he took his third and final NASCAR premier series title. Prior to the season Petty had won the championship in 1954 and 1958 becoming the first driver to win three championships in the NASCAR premier series. In his 16 seasons as a driver, Petty accumulated 54 wins, which was a record that stood until his son Richard broke it in 1967. In addition, he never finished below fourth in the final points standings between 1949 and 1959. As great a driver as Petty was, he was an even better owner. He founded Petty Enterprises and started fielding his own car in NASCAR’s inaugural season. His first win as a driver and owner came in that first season at Heidelberg Raceway in Carnegie, PA.

Petty’s win at the 1959 Daytona 500 was just one of 11 victories he had that season

It is safe to say that after 52 years, 2,220 races, 268 wins and 10 NASCAR premier series titles as an owner, Lee Petty will certainly be remembered as one of the most competitive and successful owners in motorsports history. However, Petty’s records are not the only indelible marks he left on NASCAR. He is the father of seven-time champion Richard Petty and master engine builder Maurice Petty and the grandfather of several who continue to work in the NASCAR industry today.

NASCAR champion Lee Petty won seven races on his way to the 1958 title. He repeated as champion in 1959, winning 11 races. ISC Archives via Getty Images

CAREER STATISTICS

Driver in the NASCAR Premier (now Sprint Cup) Series Races Wins Top Fives Top 10s Pole Awards Total Laps Laps Led Average Start Average Finish 16 Seasons

427

231

332

65,328

4,690

9.1

7.6

Driver in the NASCAR Convertible Series Races Wins Top Fives Top 10s Pole Awards Total Laps Laps Led Average Start Average Finish 3 Seasons

5,054

152

8.2

8.4

Car Owner in the NASCAR Premier (now Sprint Cup) Series Races Wins Top Fives Top 10s Pole Awards Total Laps Laps Led Average Start Average Finish 52 Years

2,220

268

883

1,233

151

523,047

61,106

11.7

12.3

Car Owner in the NASCAR Busch (now Nationwide) Series Races Wins Top Fives Top 10s Pole Awards Total Laps Laps Led Average Start Average Finish 3 Years

12,884

22.3

21.3

Car Owner in the NASCAR Craftsman (now Camping World) Truck Series Races Wins Top Fives Top 10s Pole Awards Total Laps Laps Led Average Start Average Finish 6 Years

134

Because they sacrifıce so much for us.

22,685

967

12.5

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

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Educating the Young The NASCAR Hall of Fame’s Education Curriculum Program Provides Ample Learning Experiences for Students By Jeff Wolf

he NASCAR Hall of Fame is filled with tributes to great accomplishments, but another of its accomplishments might not come to fruition for a few years. Topping the list of racing feats are Richard Petty’s 200 wins and seven championships in NASCAR’s premier series and the matching seven titles won by the late Dale Earnhardt. The NASCAR Hall of Fame aims to preserve the history of stock car racing in a state-of-the art facility, but its focus goes beyond tracing the sport’s legacy since 1947 and featuring the many great personalities that built it. Among the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s most unheralded achievements is an investment in the future away from race tracks. It is using all aspects of stock car racing in

More than 10,000 stu den NASCAR Hall of Fam ts have participated in the e’s Education Curric ulum Program. 92

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

Young fans examine the No. 18 M&M’s Toyota Camry sitting in a mock technical inspection station found at race tracks hosting NASCAR premier series events. The grid hanging above the race car is lowered onto the car to measure the curves of the car’s different panels. NASCAR Hall of Fame

www.NASCARHall.com

the 150,000 square-foot building to stimulate young minds. Teachers face a daunting task in classrooms where they must compete with video games and shorter attention spans. Their challenge is comparable to what Junior Johnson and Dale Earnhardt faced on race tracks. But the NASCAR Hall of Fame is providing educators with unique opportunities. “Every day I guess you could say we ‘trick’ students into learning,” said Teresa Robertson, the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s Education and Civic Group Sales Manager. She says that with a wink and smile. More than 10,000 students in elementary through high school grades from Charlottearea schools have participated in the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s program. The facility was built to attract tourists, but its education program could have a longer, more valued impact on the community. If the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s teaching technique is chicanery, it isn’t done with smoke and mirrors although burning tires on numerous video screens help fuel students’ curiosities. The link between informing and educating at the NASCAR Hall of Fame is not an accident. Executive Director Winston Kelley says it had always been a goal to use the NASCAR Hall of Fame as a teaching tool even before Charlotte landed the project. “There is such a natural tie-in between what we have and how we can teach children of all ages,” he says. “We’re a built-in lab

ssrooms la c in k s ta g n ti n au Teachers face a d pete with video games com where they must on spans. ti n e tt a r te r o h s d an 94

Two students get a firsthand view at the inside of a team’s hauler that is on display in the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s Food Lion Race Week Experience. The replica hauler on display allows students the opportunity to see just how many tools are necessary for a race team to function properly during a race weekend. NASCAR Hall of Fame

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

that can show them how math and other subjects do matter in the real world and not just when they’re sitting behind their desks. “If the students become race fans, that’s a bonus.” The newest and most technologically advanced shrine to an American sport strives to ignite the future through its Education Curriculum Program that last year introduced various aspects of the sport to thousands of youngsters on field trips. Programs also are offered to civic organizations like Boy and Girl Scouts, and YMCA groups. “We have something very special here and we want to share it with the general public but also with teachers and their students,” Robertson says. Remember those obscure “word problems” in math classes about trains leaving from different locales and traveling at different speeds? At the NASCAR Hall of Fame, real situations challenge students in entertaining ways. “Students cannot really learn to embrace what’s presented to them until they can make a personal

connection to it,” Robertson says. “Otherwise it’s just something they remember for a test.” Kelley adds, “NASCAR racing and our Hall of Fame provide as broad or broader perspective (relevant to education) than any other sport.” The NASCAR Hall of Fame has a better way to communicate classroom concepts to students. Among its innovative strategies are: Scavenger Hunt for History. Students tour the pre-NASCAR area on the fourth floor seeking answers provided by displays that show the first headlights in 1918, a “tulip” phone from the same year and study the military medals won by 2011 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Bud Moore during World War II; The Inspection Process. Observe the equipment NASCAR uses to ensure race cars obey technical rules. National Science Education Standards combine with the process to explain the importance of a car’s weight and balance, and what is wrong with objects displayed on a wall of illegal parts;

Right: Three students test the engine dynamometer (or “dyno”) exhibit on the third floor of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The interactive displays throughout the NASCAR Hall of Fame aid in the educational opportunities that abound for students of all ages. NASCAR Hall of Fame Below left: Students test their knowledge on how to properly inspect a race car. The computer screens provide different scenarios where students must identify the infractions that NASCAR officials are looking for as cars go through the technical inspection process. NASCAR Hall of Fame

Fun with Points. Displays show how NASCAR drivers earn points and how much money teams can win that teaches percentages and shows students how to chart increases with bar graphs; Anything but the Pits. The Pit Crew Challenge helps students understand the importance of technology advances through science and how teamwork impacts a team’s race performance; Degrees of Banking. Walking Sunoco Glory Road that starts flat and graduates to 33 degrees like the high banks of Talladega Superspeedway introduces concepts of motion and force and puts life into Newton’s three laws of motion that form the basis for classical mechanics; Rough Road. Students can touch examples of historic and all current NASCAR premier series race tracks where pieces are displayed on Glory Road and to show how friction impacts motion and speed; Getting There. The Great Hall’s compass rose puts travel and geography into the program’s equation when students are taught how to use a compass and then calculate distances from the NASCAR Hall of Fame to NASCAR tracks before converting miles into kilometers; Looking Back. The 1979 Daytona 500 shows how historical events can shape the future through the race being the first NASCAR race to be televised live

nationally and how media reacted to the postrace fight between Cale Yarborough and brothers Donnie and Bobby Allison; Sand for Asphalt. How racing on sandy beaches near Daytona Beach, Fla., began in the 1900s as a winter respite for wealthy northerners and evolved to include poor, moonshine runners decades later and eventually became one of America’s most popular sports; Translating the Rulebook. An exercise that teaches simplified writing skills by having students rewrite sometimes misunderstood parts of the NASCAR Rulebook. “Teachers say all the time students don’t realize they’re learning while they’re having fun and that helps them over the long haul,” Kelley adds. Robertson, a longtime teacher in the Charlotte area, creates lesson plans that utilize the wondrous NASCAR Hall of Fame as a classroom.

“If the studen ts that’s a bonu become race fans, s.”

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Teachers are provided with the guidelines to prepare students for their visit to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and offer posttrip lessons and projects. “We need every possible entry point for a concept so students can latch on to it,” she says. “Every time you give them that there’s a better chance it will click Three NASCAR Hall of Fame staff members demonstrate to young students how to properly execute a pit stop in the Pit Stop Challenge. The Pit Stop Challenge allows individuals or teams (up to three) to compete against by reinforcing the concept each other by performing three pit stop functions commonly found on pit road during a routine pit stop: they’ve grasped.” jacking the car up, changing a tire and adding fuel. NASCAR Hall of Fame The 2011-12 school year began with nine lesson plans, or teaching STEM’s goal is to provide middle school guidelines, for elementary- through high schoolstudents with experiences that complement aged students that Robertson created. regular classwork, and none are more effective The primary focus is feeding the needs of the than the educational field trips. North Carolina STEM Community collaborative “STEM is an important part of the education program designed to enhance learning in science, system,” Kahne says. “This program will teach technology, engineering and math. young students how important engineering and Students are charged a reduced admission of technology are to the racing industry.” $9.95 to spend a group day at the NASCAR Hall In addition to money raised by Kahne, his of Fame, but funding programs are available for longtime crew chief Kenny Francis, who studied financially challenged schools. engineering at the University of Florida, has The past two years the Kasey Kahne Foundation spoken to student groups in the NASCAR Hall has made of Fame’s education program. Keith Rodden, an donations to North engineer for Kahne’s team, used paper airplanes Carolina’s STEM to put life into physics and engineering lessons. program with funds About 135 seventh-grade students from the raised through the Charlotte area were the first offered expense-paid popular driver’s field trips to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. “5 Kahne” 5k run Mark Ezzell, director for communications and held in October policy for North Carolina STEM, arranged the through Uptown outing for the group of seventh graders from Charlotte for about six schools in Cabarrus County just north field trips to of Charlotte to participate in the NASCAR Hall of the NASCAR Hall Fame’s program. of Fame.

“This program will teach young students how g important engineerin to and technology are ” the racing industry. –Kasey Kahne 98

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NASCAR Hall of Fame historian, Buz McKim, fields questions from a group of students about Jack Smith’s 1960 No. 47 Pontiac Catalina that he drove in the inaugural NASCAR premier series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. NASCAR Hall of Fame

“The kids loved it and had fun,” he says. “The NASCAR Hall of Fame has a lot of interactive features and the kids really responded to that. “It enabled them to learn about scientific principles like the concepts of speed and dynamics that really gave them a hands-on experience about how they work in a practical way.” “Young people are stimulated by images that move very, very fast,” Robertson says, adding the video displays run from two to five minutes and offer closed-caption viewing. And without Kahne and some other star drivers leading the annual jaunt around the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the experience likely wouldn’t have happened. “The grant was essential for us to have the opportunity to expose these students to STEM in a fun environment.” Ezzell said his organization funded the field trip with Kahne’s grant, but teachers at the schools did “the heavy lifting.”

see how to le b a e r e w y e h T “ study important it is to fic and nti mathematical, scie s.” iple engineering princ -Mark Ezzell 100

Groups of students line up outside on the Ceremonial Plaza waiting to go into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. NASCAR Hall of Fame

“These kids grew up hearing about NASCAR, and going to the Hall of Fame provided them with a chance to ‘feel’ NASCAR. “They were able to see how important it is to study mathematical, scientific and engineering principles in order for them to be successful.” The popularity of the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s education opportunities is growing statewide as evident after a group of seventh graders traveled there last fall from Raleigh, N.C., which is about a three-hour drive. Another statewide education initiative implanted at the NASCAR Hall of Fame is Common Core, a national effort to “embrace clear and consistent goals for learning to prepare children for success in college and work.” Robertson explains Common Core uses English, arts and math to connect to other subjects like science, technology and social studies. One of the activities is a scavenger hunt through the NASCAR Hall of Fame where students are given nine questions and must find the answers by going through exhibits. The socioeconomic history of stock car racing is brought to life. The hardscrabble life of Junior Johnson, a NASCAR Hall of Fame inaugural inductee whose racing talent was honed in the North Carolina hills, is contrasted to the affluent group of race car drivers from Ormond Beach, Fla., who competed in the early 20th century on the beaches of Daytona Beach.

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

A Davidson College professor who teaches a freshman creative writing course assigned his students to visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame with varying results; one wrote about the sport’s moonshine-running roots, another about how NASCAR is marketed. Other college students benefitted from visits by furthering their knowledge in photography, motorsports management and museum studies. The NASCAR Hall of Fame’s educational commitment runs deep. One early supporter of Charlotte hosting the NASCAR Hall of Fame is John A. Tate III, a longtime member of the North Carolina Board of Education. The education and youth initiative efforts are yearround and include an after-school program and lessstructured tours. Robertson coordinates annual Educator Days when teachers are admitted to the NASCAR Hall of Fame at no charge. Three annual teacher development days present the Education Curriculum program to teachers and school administrators. One instructor who had been counting the days until the NASCAR Hall of Fame opened on May 11, 2010, is Laurie Walker, the director of motorsports at Central Piedmont Community College in Mecklenburg County that offers college credit for completing courses in welding and metal fabrication that are geared toward the racing industry.

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Walker was among the hundreds who worked to convince NASCAR to place its NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte and it wasn’t long after groundbreaking that she began talking with NASCAR Hall of Fame executives about how her college could utilize the facility. “Our introduction course relates to many of the displays,” she says adding that several of the major NASCAR teams also serve as lab opportunities. “But when race teams are really busy they might not want to have us there, and they all do have secrets to keep.” Walker says the genesis for the college’s motorsport’s program came from conversations she had with Humpy Wheeler, the former longtime president and promoter at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The college’s Introduction to Racing course taught by Walker includes a lab fee that allows full-semester access to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. “We’re in the heart of NASCAR country and he was concerned about wanting to train a work force, especially in welding and fabrication. That planted the seed.” And now, tens of thousands of seeds are being planted in fertile young minds throughout the region with the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s education curriculum. If those seeds sprout, that’s OK too.

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Deserving of Enshrinement Who Would the NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductees Like to See Join Them? By Ron Lemasters Jr. Being selected into the NASCAR Hall of Fame is the ultimate honor for anyone in the NASCAR industry. To get there, drivers had to be the best of the best, over a long period of time, and expert at their trade and have nerves of steel, a knack for winning races, the ability to win championships…the list of criteria is endless. One of those criteria that hardly anyone talks about has to be the ability to see farther than the hood latches on the cars they drove. Two classes of such men have already been inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, with a third class being inducted in January 2012, and as you might imagine, these best-of-the-best drivers, owners, crew chiefs and mechanics have an idea who they’d like to share NASCAR history with as inductees in the beautiful NASCAR Hall of Fame building in uptown Charlotte. Bobby Allison, Class of 2011, had some ideas on whose photo he wants hanging around his for the future. “Donnie Allison,” he said, with a smile. Well, of course…he is Bobby’s brother and a good race car driver in his own right. He was also the man who inducted him into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in May 2011. 102

Center: The entrance of the Hall of Honor located on the third floor of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The special area is where the NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees are enshrined, celebrated and honored. NASCAR Hall of Fame Above: An inscription just outside the entrance to the Hall of Honor begins, “Welcome to the Hall of Honor, the heart and soul of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Here racing greats live forever, their achievements celebrated by all who visit.” NASCAR Hall of Fame

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On this weekend, Dad’s favorite sport became his favorite sport.

As the leader of “The Alabama Gang,” a group of drivers from around Birmingham, Allison stayed loyal to his roots. “Maybe Red Farmer. Richard Petty [inaugural inductee] was the second best at going between dirt and pavement that I ever knew. But the best was Red Farmer. Red Farmer could win on a Friday night on pavement, put dirt tires on his asphalt car and win Saturday night. Richard Petty did that kind of stuff, too, back in the early days. He ran really good wherever he went. “There are so many, so many great competitors. I worked for Carl Kiekhafer in 1956, Buck Baker was the No. 1 driver on the team at the time. I really liked Buck. He won a lot of races, and was a great contributor to the growth of NASCAR. “I liked Herb Thomas. Herb Thomas was really old school. He ran a car for a one-car team. He won a lot of races, won a couple championships. There are not a lot of people that fit in that category.” Allison continued, “Maybe I’ll give you a better answer somewhere along. But Donnie will be on my list regardless of whoever else gets in.” Among the drivers in the current crop, you’d have to look at drivers like Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Tony Top: Donnie Allison, shown here with his Hoss Ellington-owned Oldsmobile before the 1979 Daytona 500, would be on Bobby Allison’s short list of candidates to be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame next. Dozier Mobley/Getty Images

At a NASCAR Home Track, it only takes a single moment to turn a day at the track into a lifetime at

Middle: Carl Kiekhaefer’s (front) cars won two consecutive NASCAR premier series titles with drivers Tim Flock and Buck Baker in 1955 and 1956, respectively. In his only two years as an owner in the NASCAR premier series, he had 11 different drivers steer his cars. ISC Archives via Getty Images

the track, whether your view is from the #17 car or from the 17th row. Find your moment at one of over 50 NASCAR Home Tracks across North America.

Bottom: If it were up to 2011 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Bobby Allison, the next class would include fellow member of the Alabama Gang Red Farmer (shown here in 1991) whom Allison claimed was one of the two best at driving on any type of surface. Dozier Mobley/Getty Images © 2012 NASCAR

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The Soul of NASCAR

NASCARHomeTracks.com / Facebook.com/NASCARHomeTracks / @NASCARHomeTrack

Herb Thomas checks out the right front tire of his Chevrolet in 1955. Thomas became the NASCAR premier series first two-time champion, winning titles in 1951 and 1953, which is why Bobby Allison and Ned Jarrett would support Thomas’ inclusion in an upcoming class. ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images

Stewart…but among those already in the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the focus is more generational. “Cotton Owens is a guy I feel needs to go in there,” said Ned Jarrett, inducted in May 2011. “I think we need to start looking, too, at guys like Jack Ingram who have done so much in their divisions that they raced in. It’s going to be tough. There’s no doubt about that.” Like Allison, Jarrett is a fan of Herb Thomas for inclusion in the NASCAR Hall of Fame. “He certainly has the numbers to back up being a legitimate candidate in the whole thing.” Bud Moore, another 2011 inductee, was four-square behind one of NASCAR’s pioneers for this honor. “I think one of the oldest ones we don’t want to leave out on this is Raymond Parks,” the 86-year-old Moore said. “You know, he died 106

Cotton Owens, with his self-owned Pontiac at a NASCAR premier series race in 1960, would appear on Ned Jarrett’s ballot if he had a vote. As an owner, Owens has 38 career victories and a championship with David Pearson in 1966. ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images

this past June. Really hoped he would have got around on the first round. I don’t think we need to overlook him in this next round.” Moore had a list of NASCAR heroes he wanted to see in the NASCAR Hall of Fame. “You got Cotton Owens, Joe Eubanks helped get NASCAR started in 1947,” Moore said. “I think [Cotton] deserves going in. He won two championships [in the NASCAR Modified Tour]. David Pearson, he drove for him for about three years. I think Owens being a driver like he was and all, he and Pearson, they did quite a bit together. You have Herb Thomas, Fireball Roberts. You got quite a few back there that you have to look at closely.” David Pearson echoed the belief that if you’re going to put a NASCAR hero into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, you might as well do it while said hero is still around to enjoy it. 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

Raymond Parks’ name was mentioned by several of the inductees, including David Pearson and Bud Moore, who felt the voting panel should honor those who helped build the foundation for NASCAR. Parks owned Red Byron’s car that won the NASCAR premier series championship in its inaugural season. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

“Well, right now I feel like some of the older guys when it started really ought to be in it,” Pearson said. “Of course, it would tickle me to death to see Cotton Owens go in there because he’s 86 years old. I feel like you need to get him and Ray Fox, as old as he is, they need to get those two guys in there at least before it’s too late. I thought they ought to have [Raymond] Parks in there the first time. “I just don’t want them to wait too late because they would never know it. It would be a year before they go in, eight months, but at least they would know they were going in if they would go ahead and tell them some way or another that they were going in.” It is understandable that the men who made NASCAR history want to see the others that made it happen in the NASCAR Hall of Fame with them. Pearson, perhaps, said it best. www.NASCARHall.com

“The first class [Bill France, Bill France Jr., Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Junior Johnson], as far as that goes, they deserve to be in there,” Pearson said. “I’m being honest. I think none of us ought to be in at this time, even the first ones. I felt like Raymond Parks, people like him. I know he had some cars that started the race back when it first started. I understand he paid the purse, helped pay the purse to get it going. People like that that really got it going, I feel like, ought to be in it first.” He had some kind words for the Wood Brothers, too. Glen goes into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in January 2012, with Leonard on the nomination list. “Of course, the Wood Brothers need to be in there,” Pearson said. “They deserve to be in there.”

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Pressed as to why, Pearson talked about how the Wood Brothers operated, how they were far ahead of their time. “I think Leonard knew what I wanted for the car,” he said. “He knew what I thought about him, as far as that goes. We might have to change air pressure a little bit during the race or something, which we did that a lot. In fact, we measured the tires and stuff before anybody even thought about doing it, I believe, because I happened to be sitting on the tires one day. I looked down and seen pencil marks on it. They didn’t even tell me what size it was or why it was done that way. “The Woods were secretive about what they’d do. They didn’t let anybody know exactly what they were doing. It was something like I say I could be a little bit loose or something like that. They would change the car, air pressure, stuff Bottom Left: Leonard Wood is largely credited with revolutionizing pit-stop strategy and always knew what his cars needed when, which is why David Pearson thinks Wood should be among those inducted. ISC Images and Archives via Getty Images Bottom Right: Joe Weatherly won NASCAR premier series championships in 1962 and 1963, along with 25 victories in only 229 starts. Because of these stats, Bud Moore feels Weatherly shouldn’t be forgotten on voting day. ISC Archives via Getty Images

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like that. They could change things in the car while the tire was off, reach up and turn it a little bit. They were good people to work for, but they wouldn’t let anybody know what was going on.” Pearson maintained that he wanted to honor the ones that came before first, then those that came after. “I keep going back to the ones that really started it,” he declared. “Like I told them last year, if I was going in, I would take myself off the list to put Raymond Parks in there because he is the one that really got it started.” Moore, recalling some of the drivers who drove his cars over the years, said that one sometimes forgotten man who deserves NASCAR Hall of Fame status is Joe Weatherly. “One of them I have to bring up, real close, drove for me for three or four years, won two championships, we don’t want to overlook Joe Weatherly,” Moore said. “He was always the clown of NASCAR with all of the stunts he pulled on everybody. The biggest stunt he pulled was on [Curtis] Turner. “He was a heck of a race driver. I really enjoyed having him, all the stuff he did do, winning the championships, all the races we won. It was great. I’m hoping he has a good shot going in on the next round.”

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For more info contact Leslie Peoples at leslie@killcliff.com

While there are many deserving drivers, crew chiefs and team owners in the 60-plus-year history of NASCAR, only five of them go into the NASCAR Hall of Fame each year. The first class, the inaugural class of 2010, was made up of NASCAR founder Bill France, his son Bill France Jr., Junior Johnson, Richard Petty, and the late Dale Earnhardt, hit the high point of the organization’s founding and its most popular and most successful drivers. The second class, inducted in May 2011, was comprised of Bobby Allison, Ned Jarrett, Bud Moore, David Pearson, and Lee Petty. The third class, to be inducted in January 2012, is made up of drivers Darrell Waltrip, Cale Yarborough, and the late Richie Evans, crew chief Dale Inman and team owner/driver Glen Wood. Among those nominated for 2012 included Roberts, Owens, Thomas, Parks, Baker and Ingram, named by inductees as people who should be considered for the Class of 2013. There has been an argument, since the NASCAR Hall of Fame induction process began, about relative qualifications and the like. In short, it’s been about who deserves inclusion and when. While not specifically named, there are others besides the group named by NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees who could be considered. They include drivers like Fred Lorenzen, NASCAR’s “Golden Boy,” and Bobby Isaac; team owners like Richard Childress and Rick Hendrick,

Top: Red Byron’s name was mentioned in discussions on voting days for possible enshrinement in the Hall of Honor. The WWII veteran who drove with a brace on his leg was the first champion in the NASCAR premier series. ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images Center: Fireball Roberts, who Bud Moore feels should be a shoo-in for the NASCAR Hall of Fame, won 33 NASCAR premier series races including the 1958 and 1963 Southern 500s at Darlington Raceway. ISC Archives via Getty Images Bottom: Ray Fox is considered one of the all-time great car owners and builders in the NASCAR premier series, which is why Bud Moore feels he should be one of the next legends inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. ISC Archives via Getty Images

sponsors like T. Wayne Robertson of R.J. Reynolds and track owners like H. Clay Earles. Among those who might be one of the most popular choices for enshrinement is Maurice Petty, who built engines for Petty Enterprises in its heyday. Like Donnie Allison, Petty is a family member who has his father and brother in the NASCAR Hall of Fame already, as well as his cousin and crew chief for his team, Inman. He would be the first engine builder to be inducted, if you don’t count Moore as strictly an engine builder. NASCAR’s first champion, Red Byron, is one that was mentioned during a roundtable among voters at last year’s induction. So was Carl Kiekhafer, who owned the Fabulous Hudson Hornets and was the sport’s first super-team owner. Who knows what will happen when next the NASCAR Hall of Fame Voting Panel meets to choose another five inductees for 2013. One thing you can be sure of, however, is that those who built it will be served, if the 10 living NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees have their way.

Top: Jack Ingram (right) accepts his 1982 championship trophy in what is now the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Ingram, who won four other championships, was mentioned by Ned Jarrett as a worthy candidate for the next class of inductees. ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images Center: When polling current NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees, Buck Baker (center), who was a two-time and the first consecutive NASCAR premier series champion, is a popular choice to be enshrined in the facility. ISC Archives via Getty Images Bottom: Maurice Petty, who was the chief engine builder and mechanic for his brother, Richard, is a popular choice to one day take his place among the sport’s other legends. He would be the fourth from the Petty clan to be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images

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NASCAR Goes Hollywood! NASCAR Stars Shining on Both Big and Small Screens

TV Shows

fter torrential rain postponed the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in upstate New York in the middle of August, Joey Logano collected a top-five finish at the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at the Glen on a cloudy Monday afternoon. As the rest of the field headed for the airport in a rush to get home to their families, Logano made a quick detour and headed to a local restaurant to take a food challenge with “Man v. Food Nation” host Adam Richman. While Logano, driver of the No. 20 Home Depot Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, was unable to finish the “Atomic Bomb,” the challenge made for great TV and exposed the sport and one of NASCAR’s up-and-coming stars to a new audience of Travel Channel viewers.

Center: The popular characters from Cars 2, Lightning McQueen, Finn McMissile and Tow Mater, visit pit road at Charlotte Motor Speedway prior to the start of the Coca-Cola 600 on May 29, 2011. The cars were at the track to promote their upcoming sequel the following month. Scott Hunter/NASCAR Media Group Far right: The up-and-coming star driver of the No. 20 Home Depot Toyota Joey Logano carries his meal, the “Atomic Bomb Challenge,” to his table on an episode of “Man v. Food Nation.” Logano had to finish the “sandwich,” which is a 3-lb bacon double cheeseburger loaded with pulled pork and a meaty hot sauce over an additional pound of fries, in 30 minutes to complete the challenge. Trent Staley/NASCAR

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NASCAR driver Joey Logano prepares to dig into the challenge presented to him by “Man v. Food Nation” host Adam Richman. Unfortunately, Logano was unable to finish the challenge in the allotted time period, which is probably for the best as he doesn’t plan to switch careers to a professional eater anytime soon. Trent Staley/NASCAR

While Logano’s appearance on “Man v. Food Nation” may seem unorthodox, it’s actually quite the opposite. In fact, NASCAR’s Los Angeles-based office, led by managing director of entertainment marketing and business development Zane Stoddard, has made television and film integration a priority in an effort to proliferate and expand NASCAR brand awareness and mainstream pop culture “Associating our drivers relevance among new and our sport with celebrities and emerging fan bases. and pop culture-relevant

TV programs positions NASCAR to meet new audiences.” Zane Stoddard

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“Integrating our drivers, tracks, cars and NASCAR storylines into existing TV programming is a key

Lightning McQueen, Tow Mater and Finn McMissile, stars of the 2011 movie Cars 2, visit Victory Lane during pre-race festivities at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 29, 2011. The movie follows the characters around the globe as McQueen races overseas and Mater inadvertently gets caught up in international espionage. Scott Hunter/NASCAR Media Group

strategy for the sport as we look to grow the fan base, especially among youth and multicultural audiences,” Stoddard said. “NASCAR provides a fantastic backdrop for drama-filled Hollywood while Hollywood delivers to NASCAR an audience we want to talk to in a relevant manner. It’s really a perfect marriage.” In addition to Logano appearing in an episode of “Man v. Food Nation,” several other drivers have made small screen appearances on various hit shows in 2011 as part of NASCAR’s overall strategic integration initiative. Five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson appeared on FOX’s “Breaking In” as himself, tapping a childhood friend played by Christian Slater to investigate interference on his raceday radio frequency that cost him a win. Twotime NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart made his acting debut in a June episode

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Proud sponsor of the NASCAR Hall of Fame®

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Maybe even more meaningful is the fact that the NASCAR drivers are having fun and building their brands along the way.

of A&E’s “The Glades” that also featured NASCAR superstars Carl Edwards, Brian Vickers and Logano. “The Glades,” with an audience that is 56% female, allowed NASCAR to showcase some of its top personalities to women all over the country in a different yet impactful way.

“Associating our drivers and our sport with celebrities and pop culture-relevant TV programs positions NASCAR to meet new audiences where they’re at and through all of their interests,” Stoddard said.

So while the sanctioning body works closely with its race tracks to put together ticketing promotions Other top shows and other programs to attract kids to NASCAR, it featuring NASCAR also, through the LA office, works to take NASCAR drivers and/or NASCAR to the kids. Edwards, driver of the No. 99 Aflac storylines included Ford for Roush Fenway Racing who has made the “Undercover Boss,” black-flip his trademark celebratory move, has “Necessary Roughness” been one of the drivers NASCAR has often used and “American Pickers.” And to speak to America’s youth. In addition to being while guest appearances integrated into The Cartoon Network’s “Destroy on television is just one Build Destroy” and “Hall of Game,” Edwards piece of the ‘growing the also guest starred in an episode of Disney XD’s fan base’ puzzle, it’s “Kick Buttowski: Suburban Daredevil.” The Emmyan important one that nominated comedy series “Kick Buttowoski” allows the sport to talk to follows an extraordinary kid determined to become audiences in their arenas. the world’s greatest daredevil. Edwards voiced

the role of Eddie Clutch, the owner of Go-Go-Go Kart World, Mellowbrook’s go-kart track. So whether it’s an appearance in a reality show like “Man v. Food Nation” or a voice over in a popular cartoon like “Kick Buttowski,” the impact is significant for the sport as it continues to expose itself to new audiences around the globe. Maybe even more meaningful is the fact that the NASCAR drivers are having fun and building their brands along the way. “Shooting ‘The Glades’ was a really cool experience,” Logano said. “To see HomesteadMiami Speedway turned into a Hollywood movie set was certainly interesting. I can promise you this: I won’t be quitting my day job anytime soon. The show did an amazing job making the set and garage area look authentic. I know we had The

Above left: One of the stars of Cars 2, Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson), stood out at the 2011 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Darrell Waltrip (Darrell Cartrip) and Jeff Gordon (Jeff Gorvette) are two NASCAR icons that lent their voices to characters in the hugely popular Disney franchise. Juan Pablo Montoya lent his voice talents to the Spanish release of the movie. Scott Hunter/NASCAR Media Group Above right: Dion “Rocko” Williams (left), the former rear-tire carrier on the No. 5 Chevrolet, gives advice to NASCAR Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Steve Phelps on pit road during the 2010 Coke Zero 400 Presented by Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway. Phelps, who earned the nickname “Ben and Jerry’s” from Williams, went undercover as Kevin Thomas, a water purification business owner from Vermont, for an episode of the hit CBS show “Undercover Boss.” CBS

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

Movies

“No, no, he didn’t slam you, he didn’t bump you, he didn’t nudge you…he rubbed you. And rubbin son, is ‘racin.’” When NASCAR fans think about their sport and the Silver Screen, they often quote famous lines like the one Harry Hogge delivered to Tom Cruise’s character Cole Trickle in the film Days of Thunder. For NASCAR’s

Above: Tony Stewart, driver of the No. 14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevrolet, chats with Matt Passmore, the star of “The Glades,” on the show’s Homestead-Miami Speedway set. Stewart appeared in an episode of the show that centered around the NASCAR world and also included appearances by drivers Carl Edwards, Brian Vickers and Joey Logano. A&E/Glen Watson

Left: Steve Phelps, NASCAR Senior Vice President and CMO, donned the No. 00 Aaron’s uniform as an assistant tire specialist on pit road during the July 2010 NASCAR premier series race in Daytona. Phelps, who went undercover as Kevin Thomas, tried his hand at several tasks (some more successful than others) within the NASCAR industry. CBS

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Home Depot Toyota there, the extras were in our crew shirts and we even had our tool box in the garage stall. They did their best to make it look as real as possible and I think the NASCAR fans appreciate that.”

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Dale Earnhardt Jr’s No. 88 AMP Energy/ National Guard Chevrolet got souped up as a NASCAR Wrecker for the third movie in the Transformers franchise, Transformers: Dark of the Moon. The modified race car, along with the No. 42 and No. 48 Chevrolets, visited the 2011 Daytona 500 in February to promote the Summer release of the movie and lead the race cars around the track during the pace car laps prior to the start of the Great American Race. Kevin Kane/ WireImage

younger fans who were not around when Days of Thunder exploded onto the scene in 1990, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby is the film that comes to mind when they think about NASCAR’s role in the movies. But after 2011, a banner year in which the sport was integrated into two blockbuster films in a subtle but significant manner, NASCAR fans will now be just as likely to quote Jeff Gorvette as Rowdy Burns or Cal Naughton Jr. Summer 2011 got off to a sizzling start in June as Cars 2 catapulted up the charts and quickly became one of the top grossing films of the year. Four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and long-time fan favorite Jeff Gordon starred in the blockbuster as Jeff Gorvette, one of the greatest American race cars alive. Donning

the stars and stripes of his country’s flag, the No. 24 Corvette C6.R was loosely based on Jeff Gordon’s rise through the ranks. Similar to the four-time champion, Jeff Gorvette moved from his hometown of Vallejo, Calif., to Indiana to be closer to the racing world. Much like Gordon, Gorvette also accelerated at a young age and turned heads wherever he competed. “Cars 2 was one of the biggest films of the year and arguably the most popular kids-oriented project of 2011,” Stoddard said. “Having one of our drivers involved in any Disney Pixar film is a huge win, but having one of our most popular athletes of all time voicing a character that is friends with the legendary Lighting McQueen is even more special and impactful.”

Driver Jimmie Johnson shares camera time with actors Christian Slater (Oz) and Michael Rosenbaum (Dutch) while filming a scene for an episode of FOX’s “Breaking In.” Johnson, playing himself, goes to Oz to investigate interference on his radio during a race that potentially cost him the win. Jordin Althus/FOX

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appearance by pacing the 43-car field during the pace laps of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 20.

Gordon’s inclusion in the film, which followed scene even though I had no idea what it looked Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Darrell like. I enjoyed it immensely. It was great.” Waltrip in the original installment of Cars, was very Some four months prior to its highly-anticipated well received by NASCAR fans, the film’s millions big screen debut, the stars of Transformers: Dark of viewers and Gordon. of the Moon rolled into Daytona to unveil the “When I was in the studio, it was purely John NASCAR Wreckers that would soon enough pop Lasseter painting a picture in my mind through up in theatres all over the world. Josh Duhamel, explaining the scene to me and then trying to Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and director Michael emulate what he was looking for, and then me Bay served as grand marshals for the 53rd running sometimes just either doing it repetitively or of the Daytona 500 and delivered the four most trying to copy some things that he was doing,” famous words in motorsports. But it wasn’t their Gordon said in a June 16 Yahoo Sports article. rendition of “Gentlemen, start your engines” that “It’s amazing because he definitely put me in that got the crowd roaring. It was the modified stock cars, or Wreckers, that made their first public

While not Bay or Transformers’ first foray into NASCAR, having the modified stock cars of drivers Jimmie Johnson, Juan Pablo Montoya and Dale Earnhardt Jr., integrated into the summer blockbuster provided a nice cross-promotional opportunity for both NASCAR and Transformers. Being integrated into the third installment of Transformers, which grossed more than $350 million domestically, allowed NASCAR to associate itself in a relevant manner with one of the coolest and most popular films of the year. “Science-fiction war action might not seem like an obvious backdrop for NASCAR, but the fit was a good one as it allowed us to present our cars in a whole new way,” Stoddard said. “Our drivers are our stars but our cars are insanely popular draws as well. We were excited to once again partner with Michael Bay and were pleased with

Above: Douglas “Mater” Keever of Sherrills Ford, N.C., and Larry the Cable Guy (the voice of Tow Mater in Cars and Cars 2) stand in front of Tow Mater and his pal Lightning McQueen in Victory Lane prior to the start of the 2011 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Keever, a construction superintendent, who met Cars director John Lasseter at the track in 2001 was later contacted by the director asking if Pixar could use his nickname in the movie. The rest is history. Scott Hunter/NASCAR Media Group

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how Transformers: Dark of the Moon turned out. We hope our fans enjoyed seeing the 42, 48 and 88 cars plastered in action on the big screen.”

“Science-fiction So while Logano allowed us to present and NASCAR’s our cars in a other superstars whole new way.” aren’t quite ready Zane Stoddard to give up their day job to pursue acting careers full time, these integrations remain an important component of the sport’s marketing strategy. They also make for good TV as Logano is obviously a professional race car driver and not a professional eater!

Above: Transformers: Dark of the Moon director Michael Bay and actor Josh Duhamel pose in front of a NASCAR Wrecker that appeared in the third installment of the Transformers movie franchise. Bay, Duhamel and the modified No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet were part of a contingent on hand at the 2011 Daytona 500 promoting the movie’s release later that year. Kevin Kane/WireImage

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Capturing the Entire Legend The Displays in the Hall of Honor Share the Inductees’ Whole Stories, Not Just Their Racing Careers By Cary Estes

t takes hundreds of individual parts to create a race car. Each piece serves a specific purpose in the overall performance of the vehicle. Some parts are bigger than others, some more important. But all are needed in order to achieve the desired result, which is the creation of a beautiful machine that can do wondrous things on the race track. The same can be said of the people who are inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. There are hundreds of moments and mementos that intertwine to create their illustrious careers. A life story told in fragments, each one special in its own way. But taken together, they are legendary. One of the biggest challenges facing the NASCAR Hall of Fame each year is telling the story of the inductees through the pieces and parts of their lives. The famous cars they placed in Victory Lane and the little-known artifacts that were important to them. The individual frames that combine to create a life story. While the record books are filled with the stats and facts, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is filled with memories.

NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2011 inductee Ned Jarrett listens to the video summary of his career on his spire in the Hall of Honor. The sevenfoot tall, stainless spires are the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s equivalent of the plaques or busts found in other halls of fame. Jason Smith/Getty Images

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“It’s an honor to try to sum up these drivers’ careers each year,” NASCAR Hall of Fame Exhibits Manager Kevin Schlesier said. “We want to educate our guests about the inductees, but we also want to include things that are important to the inductee.” There are three basic components in the NASCAR Hall of Fame for each inductee: a spire, a race car or a signature large-scale item and a group of artifacts (which is on display for one year following induction). The seven-foot tall, stainless steel spire features two artistic engravings of the inductee, a written version of their basic biographical information and a short video summary of their career. This is the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s equivalent of the plaques or busts found in most sports halls of fame. “The spires are our way to permanently honor our inductees,” Schlesier said. “They are designed to answer the question, ‘Why is this person worthy to be enshrined into the NASCAR Hall of Fame?’” The spires are the easy part. The other two components are more difficult. In gathering the artifacts, Schlesier and staff at the NASCAR Hall of Fame spend months working with the inductees or their families to determine exactly what should be on display. “We meet with them and see what they have to offer,” Schlesier said. “We’ll ask them, ‘What’s

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important to you? What do you want to have included?’ And then we do research and see if there are any gaps that need to be filled. Do we have to call collectors or teammates or owners? “We’ll spend about three months working on all this, and then we’ll come up with a final list and bring them back in to go over everything.” Schlesier said it is important for the artifacts to educate the NASCAR Hall of Fame guests about the inductees and display items that are essential to telling their story. Richard Petty’s seven

championship rings, for example. But he said some of the artifacts are items that simply are important to the inductee. This is why the interviews with the inductees or their family members are crucial. “When we worked with Betty Jane France (wife of the late Bill France Jr.), she said fishing and being on the boat were an important part of his life. So she gave us his fishing pole,” Schlesier said. “We never would have gone into her house and said, ‘We

need a fishing pole.’ That’s why we work very closely with them to make sure we include the things that are important to them.”

Top: Bud Moore chose to have his military awards from his time in the service displayed as part of his exhibit in the Hall of Honor, including a Purple Heart. Moore served as an infantryman during World War II and landed at Utah Beach during the invasion of Normandy. Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR Bottom: Uniforms and trophies round out Bobby Allison’s exhibit that will be on display for a year in the Hall of Honor. In the background is Allison’s No. 22 Miller High Life Buick Regal that he drove to a NASCAR premier series championship in 1983. Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR

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The interviews are why Bud Moore’s military records are on display at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. And examples of Ned Jarrett’s charitable work. And the presidential pardon Junior Johnson received from Ronald Regan for his 1956 moonshining conviction. These artifacts have nothing to do with the inductees’ racing careers, but everything to do with their lives. “We never know when we talk to an inductee or their family what’s going to be important,” Schlesier said. “We go in with what we think is going to be important to the general public, we find out what’s important to the inductee, and then we try to marry the two of them. “What has struck me year in and year out is how different every inductee is. Their priorities of what they want to show to the public are different. That’s

Included in Lee Petty’s display is a Statement of Championship Point Money from 1958 listing the amounts he received as a driver and owner in the various NASCAR series. That year Petty won his second of three NASCAR premier series championships winning seven of the 51 races. Jason Smith/Getty Images

why we meet them and really get to know them. We have that education aspect in mind to inform our guests about why they’re important. But we want to make sure that the display and artifacts and interpretation is something that they’re proud of.” The final, and often most difficult, step is obtaining a race car or signature items that best represents the inductee.

The goal is to display an iconic car or something that fans will immediately recognize, or a car that was used for one of the highlights of the inductee’s career. “What we do first is we go to the inductees and ask them what car they would like to see displayed,” NASCAR Hall of Fame Historian Buz McKim said. “What best represents their career, or a highlight? They might

know where one is or they might have one. So they get the first crack at it.” The problem is, many cars from the first three decades of NASCAR were not saved, so finding the right one can take some serious detective work. “One of the hardest things for us to find to display in the Hall of Fame is cars,” Schlesier said. “They were used up year in and year out. They were sold to teams in different series. They were wrecked or stripped. So it’s incredibly hard to find honest-to-goodness race cars, especially ones that are iconic. “We really have to start ringing some doorbells to find out where these cars went. In the modern era it’s a little bit easier. But as we go back 30 or more years, the drivers didn’t have the cars or the teams might not exist

Three ornate championship rings from David Pearson’s three championship seasons in the NASCAR premier series are included as part of his display in the Hall of Honor. Pearson won the titles in 1966, 1968 and 1969, winning a combined 42 races in those three years alone. Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR

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anymore. We have to see if some of these cars still exist in private hands and other museums with other collectors. So it becomes this really interesting research project to go out and find where these cars are.” Sometimes the cars find the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Last year, for example, a collector contacted the NASCAR Hall of Fame after it was announced that Bud Moore was part of the 2011 induction class. He said he had restored one of Moore’s old Comets that had been driven by Darel Dieringer. Moore’s son verified that it was genuine, and the car has been on display at the NASCAR Hall of Fame for the past year. McKim said it was a similar situation this year for 2012 inductee Cale Yarborough. “Very few of his cars still exist. Cale wasn’t even aware of many that existed,” McKim said. “We had a couple we were looking at, but nothing really significant. And all of a sudden we get this collector out of Michigan who has his ’83 Hardee’s Monte Carlo that he drove to back-to-back wins in the Daytona 500 (in 1983 and ’84). This guy had restored it and was using it for Vintage Racing. That came out of the blue. We were very fortunate.” The other cars that will be on display for the 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame induction class are: n For Darrell Waltrip, the Tide-sponsored No.

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17 Chevy Monte Carlo that he used to win the 1989 Daytona 500. “He had tried for 17 years to win that race, he was in car 17 and in pit stall 17,” McKim said. “He said there was a little bit of numerology going on there, and that he definitely wanted to display that car.” n For crew chief Dale Inman, the 1981 Buick that Richard Petty drove for his seventh career Daytona 500 victory. “Late in that race, Dale Inman made the pit-stop call to just take fuel, no tires, and that helped Richard Petty win,” McKim said. “That car was in the Richard Petty museum. It’s a nice one to use for him, because Dale was very much a part of that win with the strategy he gave on the pit stops. That’s the car Dale really wanted to have in.” n For Glen Wood, a replica of the 1937 Ford Sedan Modified that he used in the late 1950s. “It’s a cool car,” McKim said. “They set the engine so far back it looked like he was sitting in the backseat of the car. It’s always been known as the backseat car. The original didn’t exist, but the Wood Brothers team built an absolutely perfect replica, down to the last

nut and bolt. That’s one he had a lot of fondness for, so we’re going to use it.” n For Modified driver Richie Evans, an orangecolored Pinto that he drove in the late 1970s and early ‘80s. McKim said the car, which was obtained from a collector in Massachusetts, was used in at least two of Evans’ championship seasons. “We had two or three different choices, and we think this was the best

option,” McKim said. “We wanted to be as exact as we possibly could, and this car has never been restored. So it’s the real deal.” Combine it all together – the stats, the artifacts,

the cars – and you have a racing career and a life on display for all to see at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. “We want to try and tell a complete story about the inductees as much as we can through artifacts, images, media and all those different things,” Schlesier said. “We want to educate our guests as to the arc of the inductees’ careers, and also include what the inductees think is really important in telling their story.”

Included in NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2012 inductee Bobby Allison’s exhibit in the Hall of Honor is a letter written in 1986 from then-current U.S. President Ronald Reagan. The letter congratulates Allison for his recent victory in that year’s April Talladega race and becoming the oldest driver, at that time, to win a NASCAR premier series race. Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR

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Sample the Experience Food Lion Race Week Takes Fans inside NASCAR By Van Cox

A couple tries their hand at the KOBALT Pit Challenge as part of the Food Lion Race Week exhibit on the third floor of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Guests jack up one side of the race car and tighten the lug nuts on a tire in the timed activity. NASCAR Hall of Fame

t’s a full-throttle journey into NASCAR racing’s inner sanctum… Proof positive that the NASCAR Hall of Fame is far more than a motorsports museum, Food Lion Race Week provides guests with an in-depth look at NASCAR from the inside out. From building and maintaining cars to officiating to pit stops to racing for the checkered flag, every aspect of the sport is brought into the spotlight. “Whether they are attending a race in person or watching on TV, they see the obvious. They see the action on the track. They see the pit stops from a distance. But there is so much behind the scenes that they never get to experience,” says Kevin Schlesier, Exhibits Manager for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. “We hope to provide new fans with a better understanding of NASCAR while giving longtime fans access to a side of the

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sport they might not have seen before. That’s what Food Lion Race Week is all about.” The NASCAR Hall of Fame has done a masterful job of creating a platform that is both informative and entertaining. Every section of Food Lion Race Week is laden with a broad range of exhibits. Situated on the third floor, it is clearly the most interactive section of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, boasting an engaging array of stations that allow guests to test their skill and knowledge. It’s where high octane meets high tech. “There is so much to see and do in Food Lion Race Week,” says Debbie Stroup of Charlotte. “My husband and I took our whole family: two daughters, two sons-in-law and two granddaughters. It was terrific; a great family outing. We learned a lot about NASCAR that we didn’t know. It’s 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

create the look of their own race car and save the design to their hard card. unbelievable. We all had so much fun. Honestly, we didn’t want to leave!” Food Lion Race Week is truly an experience visitors will never forget. Here is a look at some of the highlights…

Start Your Engines

Guests of the NASCAR Hall of Fame receive a “hard card” upon admittance. That card is the smart ticket to interactive features throughout the facility. In Food Lion Race Week, visitors can compete in six activities: Strategy, Inspection, Qualifying, Penalties and Scoring, KOBALT Pit Challenge and the Race Day Simulators. Participants may accumulate a maximum of 100 points in each contest. Based on their score at the end of the six competitions, players learn which team assignment they are best suited for: Crew Chief, Official, Shop Crew, Pit Crew, Engineer or Driver.

the NASCAR Performance Race Shop is the first stop. The centerpiece of the exhibit is a genuine raceready NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race car; the one currently on display is Tony Stewart’s No. 14 Chevrolet. It’s the closest many fans will ever get to one of these 850-horsepower groundpounders. Complementing the car itself is a wall displaying most of the major components that went into its construction. Also on hand are teardown carts containing chassis parts that are routinely removed after each race. Visitors can scan a barcode on those pieces and learn about their function and how often they need to be replaced. The interactive portion of the exhibit addresses strategy, affording visitors the opportunity to come up with their own race day set-up. Basic information

regarding weather conditions and car performance is provided to each participant, who then uses tire pressure and shock/spring combinations to fine-tune handling characteristics. Because teams are always finding out new things about their cars and how they perform on different tracks and under various weather conditions, racing is a continuous learning process. Teams collect data at each race so they have that information the next time they revisit that particular race track and are able to make the proper adjustments to optimize their car’s performance. Other features of the NASCAR Performance Race Shop include a simulated

Inside Command Central

A young fan times herself as she simulates filling up a fuel tank by lifting a gas can while her dad watches. Fans can also test themselves on how long it takes to jack up a car or tighten the lug nuts on a racing tire. NASCAR Hall of Fame

engine dynamometer and a cutaway racing engine that allows visitors to observe many of the power plant’s key parts while in motion. The car appearance/detail station allows guests to

The Race Starts Here

Step by step, Food Lion Race Week takes racing enthusiasts through virtually every aspect of NASCAR racing. For every race team, the trek to Victory Lane begins with car preparation. Hence,

Passing Inspection

Taking center stage in the Inspection area is an actual race car affixed with all of the templates that officials use to ensure that body configurations conform to the standards set forth by the NASCAR rule book. In fact, visitors can use the same devices used by inspectors

Two young fans work together to build a plastic and foam rubber engine in the KOBALT Tools Kids’ Zone. If the engine is assembled correctly it can be cranked and make a sound similar to a real engine starting. NASCAR Hall of Fame

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The brightly-decorated haulers that carry NASCAR race cars to and from the track are a common sight on the highways that crisscross the countryside. But how often do fans get to actually see inside of one of these behemoths? The Lowe’s Transporter on display at Food Lion Race Week is representative of the 53-foot haulers commonly used by most major league race teams. It is so large that it had to be placed in the NASCAR Hall of Fame before the building was completed. Visitors to the stock car racing shrine can tour the transporter and check out the contents of its many storage compartments, which include a broad range of parts and supplies. A video narrated by championshipwinning crew chief Chad Knaus offers a comprehensive look at the rolling race shop that serves as Command Central at the track. Located near the hauler is a shock dyno, as well as a crash cart laden with the parts needed to effect repairs to the race car in the event of an accident.

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

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to measure the gap between the templates and the body More displays highlight other areas of the car that come under scrutiny during inspection. An interactive kiosk allows visitors to test their own skills as they look for potential rules infractions on a virtual race car. Of course, race car drivers have been striving to find a competitive edge since the sport began, and mechanics have come up with some pretty ingenious innovations in the past. However, the efficiency of the NASCAR inspection team spawned one of the most popular exhibits in the entire NASCAR Hall of Fame: a massive display case filled with unapproved equipment that has been confiscated from teams over the years. “Some of that stuff is pretty wild,” says race fan Chris Roberts, of Jacksonville, Fla. “I mean, a water bottle filled with lead? It amazes me some of the things those guys tried to slip by the inspectors. It’s really neat to see that stuff and to see how inspection procedures have evolved to where they are today.”

Under the Clock

Qualifying is next on the Food Lion Race Week itinerary. A totally-interactive simulator features a row of consoles equipped with steering wheels, foot pedals and viewing screens. Using software specially designed by iRacing, the exhibit simulates an actual qualifying lap at a variety of NASCAR tracks. Visitors run hammerdown as they try to turn the fastest lap possible. “It’s a lot of fun, and it definitely isn’t as easy as it

looks,” says Bobby Buchanan, 43, of Akron, Ohio. “The simulator is so responsive. You have to learn to finesse it just like the drivers do. It gives you a real appreciation for what it takes to get through time trials.” Visitors can compete against other fans or simply try to hone their own skills. Performances are recorded to the hard card and factor into their overall score at the end of the day.

all of that if you aren’t used to looking for it. I don’t see how the inspectors do it. It gave me a new perspective, and it is really fun when you get the hang of it.” In addition to the interactive platform, an informative wall display provides fans with an indepth explanation of the points system, the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup and other pertinent topics.

Know the Score

Keeping track of the action on the track and in the pits is an arduous task for NASCAR officials. The Penalties and Scoring section of Food Lion Race Week is a real eye-opener for most race fans. While watching a very informative video presentation, visitors have a chance to try their hand at keeping track of the running order and looking for infractions during pit stops. “I was surprised at how fast things happen, especially during pit stops,” says Buchanan. “When you watch a pit stop on TV, most people don’t pay very much attention to what the inspectors are doing. But when you’re the person looking for loose lug nuts and tools out of the pit box and too many men over the wall… Well, it’s kind of hard to catch

A NASCAR Hall of Fame staff member assists a patron out of the 53-foot hauler on display in the Food Lion Race Week exhibit. The replica hauler allows visitors to check out its many storage compartments and their contents. NASCAR Hall of Fame

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as it happens. Though originally designed with adults in mind, this interactive experience has quickly become a favorite with younger visitors.

Two Tires and Gas

An overhead view of the iRacing simulators where visitors can race against others and compete for the best time of the day. Seven of the eight cars seat two drivers for simultaneous driving, while another car is specially designed for handicapped accessibility and only has space for one driver. NASCAR Hall of Fame

On the Air

Much of the credit for the burgeoning popularity of NASCAR can be attributed to the impact of live television and radio coverage. Food Lion Race Week’s Media exhibit pays tribute to motorsports broadcasting in a truly fun way. Those aspiring to be the next Mike Joy or Barney Hall can actually call a race themselves on either radio or television. Guests are shown a video clip from an actual race and allowed to describe the action on the track

No attraction in the NASCAR Hall of Fame evokes more unbridled enthusiasm than the KOBALT Pit Challenge. It generates immeasurable excitement for everyone involved. With the time clock ticking away, participants race to see just how fast they can jack the car, change a tire and add a can of fuel. Visitors can try their hand at each task to understand just what actual crew members experience on race day, or groups can compete as a team to see if they’d make the grade as a real-time, over-the-wall crew. The exhibit features a pair of cars, so two teams can square off against each other for bragging rights. “I had a blast! I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed something so much,” says 17-year-old Lee Abernathy, a Dallas, N.C., resident whose family races dirt track cars. “It gives you an idea of exactly what it’s like to do a pit stop. And it gets really competitive when you have a group of people doing it at the same time.”

An assortment of pit equipment is on display to give guests an idea of just how everything works. For example, a one-pump pit jack sits side-by-side with a traditional floor jack so fans can compare the differences as they jack up 1,700 lbs. (representing one side of a race car) of weight. The exhibit includes an authentic pit box, a racing tire and a fuel can weighing 86 lbs. – the weight of a can filled with Sunoco racing gas.

Going Green

Up for a little hammerdown virtual racing? It’s race time at the NASCAR Hall of Fame! The iRacing Simulators rate as the crown jewel of Food Lion Race Week’s interactive attractions. The 15 iRacing simulators are wildly popular with fans of all ages. Seven two-seat NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stock car replicas provide 14 simultaneous driving positions with another simulator designed for handicapped accessibility. NASCAR superstar Dale Earnhardt Jr., an avid iRacing enthusiast himself, played a key role in the development of the highly sophisticated software that powers the simulator, ensuring guests an authentic whiteknuckle racing experience. Participants can climb aboard, fire up the engine, shift the gears and put the pedal to the metal as they make their way around the virtual speedway. “It’s the next best thing to being in a real race car,” says Abernathy. “I’ve driven (other) simulators before, but

nothing that can compare to the one in the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The car handles just like you’d expect a real car to do. It’s so life-like that you almost get the sensation of the car moving underneath you. I can’t believe how realistic it is.” Specifications for almost every NASCAR track can be programmed into the simulator, so contenders can go wheel-to-wheel against each other on speedways, short tracks and road courses. Onlookers watch the action on a huge video screen while keeping track of the running order on a digital scoreboard.

Don’t Forget the Kids

While most of the attractions in Food Lion Race Week are suitable for guests of all ages, KOBALT Tools Kids’ Zone is a very special section for the youngest visitors. Features include a plastic and foam rubber engine puzzle that must be assembled correctly before it can be “cranked” – it actually makes a mechanical “grrrrrrrr” sound when the start button is pushed. There is also a race car wall graphic where kids can remove and replace wheels, numbers, parts, etc. Rest assured, there is something for everyone in Food Lion Race Week. As they say…. Do it all at the Hall.

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The Roots of NASCAR The NASCAR Hall of Fame Honors NASCAR’s Short-Track History By Jeff Wolf

merica’s short tracks are to major league stock car racing what sandlots are to baseball and asphalt courts on playgrounds are to the NBA. Athletes always have needed platforms to hone their skills and live dreams that one day they could compete before massive crowds for big paychecks on national television.

In racing, that proving ground for more than half a century has been “short tracks” nestled in small towns from coast to coast after sprouting in the stock car haven of the South. It is rural tracks like South Boston Speedway in Virginia and Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C., that have spotlighted local race car drivers and been hallmarks since around

the 1950s as the playgrounds for many of today’s top stock car drivers. The tight, challenging ovals of clay, dirt and asphalt have been half-mile circuits or less and continue to provide glimpses of the next generation of young guns as they beat and bang to the delight of fans. Short tracks are characterized as being shorter than one mile

but the true meaning is more about intimate, small racing facilities where admission tickets are cheap and prize money is so low that it is a nonfactor in motivating the competitors. To some fans and drivers, it is the purest form of stock car racing. The long history of short tracks and its impact on the major leagues is why the NASCAR Hall

Modified open-wheel cars race double-file around Stafford Motor Speedway during the 1982 NASCAR Modified Tour season. The Stafford Springs, Conn., track first opened in 1870 to showcase the area’s agricultural heritage. Howie Hodge

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of Fame plans a special exhibit to feature stock car racing’s roots beginning in Spring 2012 in the Great Hall of the spacious facility in uptown Charlotte. “This short-track exhibit will help us show the breadth of NASCAR,” says Winston Kelley, the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s executive director. “Sometimes you build an exhibit around an artifact and sometimes, like for short tracks, you have a story to tell and you find the artifacts to tell it.” Kelley adds the short-track exhibit, which will be the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s sixth themed temporary display, will include items from drivers and tracks, and show how grassroots racing provided the path for drivers to reach NASCAR’s premier series. “We want to show how our current and historical [NASCAR Sprint] Cup stars worked their way up,” he says. No one is more eager for the short-track display to open than NASCAR Sprint Cup Series veteran Jeff Burton, 44, who was 16 the first time he raced a stock car on his hometown South Boston oval in Virginia. “It was so exciting the first time I raced a Late Model (stock car) at South Boston,” he recalls. “I had wanted to do that for so long, but you had to be 16 then to race stock cars.” Jeff doubts he would have become one of the sport’s most respected drivers and winner of 21 NASCAR Sprint Cup races had many Saturday nights not been spent watching races at the track close to his home in central Virginia. “I wasn’t looking to be a [NASCAR Sprint] Cup racer. That wasn’t on my mind. I just wanted to race … to be able to race on a track where my heroes raced. The people I looked up to and thought were cool raced there on Saturday nights.” Future generations will look back to when Jeff and older brother Ward raced there the same way. www.NASCARHall.com

Top: Jim and Barbara Cromarty, the owners of Riverhead Raceway, stand outside the popular Long Island track that has been in operation since 1949. Riverhead Raceway Bottom: Bobby Labonte’s NASCAR Late Model No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro sits in the infield of Concord Speedway in Concord, N.C., after a race. Labonte won six times at the short track in 1988 while preparing himself for driving in NASCAR’s national series. NASCAR News

“It’s important to have an understanding of what short tracks have meant to the sport,” Jeff says. “It means a lot to having a better perspective of what we’re doing today.” The Burton brothers, who often were joined at the track by middle brother Brian, are just two examples of how the “bullrings” were used by their fathers to introduce sons to racing. John Burton began taking his sons to the South Boston track when they were in elementary school and the thrills made a lasting impression. “I remember going there for the ‘big’ races to watch stars like Tommy Ellis, Tommy Houston and Sam Ard,” Jeff says of when the track hosted races in what is now the NASCAR Sprint Cup and NASCAR Nationwide Series. “Our dad didn’t race, but he was always hot rodding. That’s how we learned to work on cars. “I wanted to be a racer as long as I can remember and there’s no

way going to South Boston didn’t have an impact on that.” The Burton boys were born at the right place and at the right time to begin journeys to becoming longtime stars. “We realize there is an excitement and interest by fans about their local racing scene and local short tracks that don’t get a national spotlight,” says Kevin Schlesier, exhibits manager for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. “Some drivers are spawned from short tracks; that’s where they cut their teeth. We’d like to tie that picture together with where the racing is close and show the stars’ ties to the communities.” The Burtons’ story is not unique in NASCAR’s premier series. Whether it was a young Mark Martin in the 1970s winning races at age 15 on small tracks in Arkansas like the Speedbowl in Benton, or Kurt and Kyle Busch winning in the 1990s while growing up at Las Vegas Motor

Speedway’s Bullring and nearby Pahrump Valley Speedway. But it was tracks in the Carolinas and Virginia where stock car racing began to flourish. Drivers whose careers wound through South Boston could comprise their own hall of fame. In addition to the Burtons, Elliott Sadler and former Daytona 500 winner Geoffrey Bodine raced there several years after the late Wendell Scott made his mark on the track racing an open-wheel modified. Before the NASCAR Sprint Cup and NASCAR Nationwide Series moved to run exclusively at major facilities in the 1980s, it was tracks like South Boston that were regular stops for America’s premier stock car races. South Boston was a quartermile oval when it first hosted the top drivers in 1960 and 2010 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Junior Johnson won the first big event. Richard Petty, who joined Johnson in the NASCAR Hall of 133

Kurt Busch (back row left) won back-to-back races in 1998 and 1999 at The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series. In 1999, Busch went on to win the championship in the series.

Fame’s inaugural class, won five of his 200 NASCAR premier series races there after the oval was expanded to 0.357 miles. It also is where the late Benny Parsons won his first major title in 1971. Bowman Gray Stadium, a 17,000-seat venue in the heart of Winston-Salem, N.C., gained national notoriety two years ago with the television series

“MadHouse” on the History Channel that showcased drivers in open-wheel modifieds. But 60 years before that it packed in fans when the quarter-mile oval that opened in 1948 laid claim to being NASCAR’s first track with a regular weekly racing program. The track started by NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. and Alvin Hawkins is where Petty won his

Saturday night races at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C., have always brought packed crowds to their grandstands. In 1949, NASCAR’s founder and first president, Bill France Sr. and Alvin Hawkins started the ¼-mile track that still hosts NASCARsanctioned races today. Bowman Gray Stadium

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100th race and current NASCAR Sprint Cup team owner Richard Childress got his first glimpse of racing while hawking peanuts in the grandstands. Similar stories are reflected at other short tracks. A network of nearly 60 NASCAR-sanctioned race tracks across North America now comprise the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series that serves as the anchor for local racing programs. NASCAR stars Tony Stewart, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Dave Blaney and Ken Schrader now own popular short track venues. “The history of our sport is entrenched in short tracks,” Jeff says. “We have a whole generation of fans that see us racing on these bigger tracks most of the time and for our sport to be understood you need to understand what short-track racing is all about.” Perhaps more importantly, short tracks nurtured new fans by providing racing outlets for fans in hundreds of hamlets for decades before major races were telecast nationally. “Just what was it about these Average Joes that made us seek their autographs, wear their jackets and cheer so loudly for them?” wrote John Bisci in his

book, Lancaster Heroes, about Lancaster Speedway in western New York. Bisci, a publicist for Las Vegas Motor Speedway, was six months old when his parents took him to his first race in 1957 at the old Civic Stadium in his hometown of Buffalo, N.Y. “(The drivers) were cocky teens and wise old men. Long hair, gray hair, no hair. Some were farmers. Some drove trucks. Still others delivered mail, poured concrete, strung telephone wire, extinguished fires or sold used cars,” he writes in his 2005 book (LancasterHeroes.com). “Many worked two jobs to feed their Saturday-night addiction to speed and fame. No matter what they did to earn a buck, they were transformed into our heroes as soon as they pulled on their Nomex firesuits and Bell helmets. “The guy who welded the frame on your dad’s car on Monday suddenly was 10-feet tall on Saturday under Lancaster’s ballpark lights. “We wanted to be just like them.” Those reflections can be echoed by thousands of race car drivers and millions of fans, including Jeff Burton.

Richard Petty (No. 43) leads Larry Thomas (No. 36) in the August 1962 NASCAR premier series race at Bowman Gray Stadium. The series raced three times that year at the ¼-mile track in North Carolina. Bowman Gray Stadium

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

Above left: Wayne Anderson (No. 15) and Bill Park race side-by-side in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series at Riverhead Raceway in New York. The two drivers raced each other for more than 30 years at the 1/4-mile track that opened in 1952. Riverhead Raceway Above right: Fans in the grandstands at South Boston Speedway in Virginia, cheer on their favorite drivers in NASCAR Late Model action during the 2011 season. Although the short track hosted 10 NASCAR premier series races between 1960 and 1971, it was a launching pad for the careers of Jeff Burton, Ward Burton, Denny Hamlin and Elliott Sadler. Getty Images for NASCAR

Short Tracks Hosting NASCAR-Sanctioned Events* Track Name

Location

Length

Track Name

Location

Length

Edmonton International Raceway

Wetaskiwin, Alberta

¼-mile

Hickory Motor Speedway

Newton, N.C.

.363-mile

Motoplex Speedway + Event Park

Vernon, British Columbia

½-mile

Riverside International Speedway

Antigonish, Nova Scotia

All American Speedway

Rosedale, Calif.

³⁄10-mile

Columbus Motor Speedway

Columbus, Ohio

Stockton 99 Speedway

Stockton, Calif.

¼-mile

Kil-Kare Speedway

Xenia, Ohio

Toyota Speedway at Irwindale

Irwindale, Calif.

½-mile

Lake Country Speedway

Painesville, Ohio

Colorado National Speedway

Dacono, Colo.

³⁄8-mile

Limaland Motorsports Park

Lima, Ohio

½-mile

⁄3-mile

³⁄8-mile ⁄5-mile

¼-mile

Stafford Motor Speedway

Stafford Springs, Conn.

Outlaw Motor Speedway

Oktaha, Okla.

³⁄8-mile

Thompson International Speedway

Thompson, Conn.

⁄8-mile

Salina Highbanks Speedway

Pryor, Okla.

³⁄8-mile

Waterford Speedbowl

Waterford, Conn.

³⁄8-mile

Barrie Speedway

Oro, Ontario

Gresham Motorsports Park

Jefferson, Ga.

½-mile

Delaware Speedway

Delaware, Ontario

Magic Valley Speedway

Twin Falls, Idaho

⁄3-mile

½-mile

⁄3-mile

Kawartha Speedway

Fraserville, Ontario

³⁄8-mile

Mosport Speedway

Bowmanville, Ontario

½-mile

Rockford Speedway

Loves Park, Ill.

.29167mile

Grandview Speedway

Bechtelsville, Pa.

Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis

Indianapolis, Ind.

.686-mile

Lake Erie Speedway

Erie, Pa.

³⁄8-mile

Adams County Speedway

Corning, Iowa

½-mile

Motordrome Speedway

Smithton, Pa.

½-mile

Iowa Speedway

Newton, Iowa

.875-mile

Greenville Pickens Speedway

Easley, S.C.

½-mile

Beech Ridge Motor Speedway

Scarborough, Maine

⁄3-mile

Myrtle Beach Speedway

Myrtle Beach, S.C.

½-mile

Kalamazoo Speedway

Kalamazoo, Mich.

³⁄8-mile

Elko Speedway

Elko, Minn.

³⁄8-mile

Auto Clearing Motor Speedway

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

.333-mile .533-mile

Raceway Park

Shakopee, Minn.

¼-mile

Bristol Motor Speedway

Bristol, Tenn.

Montana Raceway Park

Kalispell, Mont.

¼-mile

Kingsport Speedway

Kingsport, Tenn.

⁄3-mile

I-80 Speedway

Greenwood, Neb.

⁄10-mile

Houston Motorsports Park

Houston, Texas

³⁄8-mile

Junction Motor Speedway

McCool Junction, Neb.

³⁄8-mile

Thunderhill Raceway

Kyle, Texas

³⁄8-mile

The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Las Vegas, Nev.

.375-mile

Reno-Fernley Raceway

Fernley, Nev.

³⁄8-mile

Lee USA Speedway

Lee, N.H.

³⁄8-mile

Monadnock Speedway

Winchester, N.H.

¼-mile

Richmond International Raceway

Richmond, Va.

Albany-Saratoga Speedway

Malta, N.Y.

⁄10-mile

South Boston Speedway

South Boston, Va.

Devil’s Bowl Speedway

West Haven, Vt.

½-mile

Evergreen Speedway

Monroe, Wash.

³⁄8-mile & 5 ⁄8-mile

Cedar Lake Speedway

New Richmond, Wis.

³⁄8-mile

West Salem, Wis.

.545-mile & 1 ⁄4-mile

Chemung Speedrome

Chemung, N.Y.

³⁄8-mile

Holland Motorsports Complex

Holland, N.Y.

³⁄8-mile

Riverhead Raceway

Riverhead, N.Y.

¼-mile

Spencer Speedway

Williamson, N.Y.

½-mile

Bowman Gray Stadium

Winston-Salem, N.C.

¼-mile

Caraway Speedway

Sophia, N.C.

.455-mile

Concord Speedway

Concord, N.C.

½-mile

www.NASCARHall.com

Langley Speedway

Hampton, Va.

.396-mile

Martinsville Speedway

Ridgeway, Va.

.526-mile

Motor Mile Speedway

Radford, Va.

.416-mile

Old Dominion Speedway

Manassas, Va.

³⁄8-mile

LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway

*Listed tracks ran NASCAR-sanctioned events in 2011.

⁄4-mile

⁄10-mile

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Bank of America Motorsports

Career Day

NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne (in blue polo shirt) and students took time from enjoying the interactive exhibits at the NASCAR Hall of Fame to pose with the Bank of America 500 trophy. Ken Toda/VPS Motorimages

A proud partner of the NASCAR Hall of Fame since its inception, Bank of America firmly supports the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s mission to promote the excitement and history of the region’s motorsports industry. As partners, Bank of America and the NASCAR Hall of Fame work together to develop and curate programs that extend beyond the sport of racing and highlight the benefits of the industry to Charlotte and the Carolinas. In the weeks leading up to the 2011 Bank of America 500, Bank of America teamed up with the NASCAR Hall of Fame to hold an inaugural career day to showcase the diverse career opportunities offered in the motorsports industry in the Charlotte region. More than 200 Charlotte-area high school students

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participated in the event, which included a keynote address from NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kasey Kahne. In addition to Bank of America executives and volunteers, event participants included Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx and representatives from the North Carolina Motorsports Association, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Hendrick Motorsports, Speedway Motorsports Inc. and a number of Charlotte-based race teams. “Bank of America values its partnerships with the NASCAR Hall of Fame and NASCAR’s leading organizations because they contribute to our goal of advancing Charlotte’s growth and transformation,” said Cathy Bessant, Global Technology & Operations Executive at Bank of America. “At the bank, we

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

recognize that hands-on learning plays a critical role in professional development.” The event provided students from seven Charlotte-area schools an opportunity to learn about several core career NASCAR disciplines, including engineering, marketing, safety and competition; to help develop an appreciation for the different career paths available to them in the motorsports industry; and to provide opportunities to network with members of the NASCAR community. Additionally, Bank of America and its partners at NASCAR, Charlotte Motor Speedway and Hendrick Motorsports teamed up to expand internship opportunities for college students seeking realworld experience in the motorsports industry. These opportunities were designed to provide an educational path for students while also helping to ensure a future workforce for one of the region’s top industries. “NASCAR is a total team effort, and through this program the bank really showed students all the roles that they could play on a race team,” said Kahne. “From the responses and conversations I’ve had with students, Bank of America is making an impact in their lives and showing them all the opportunities that are available in motorsports. It’s exciting for everyone involved.” Top: Hendrick Motorsports was one of many race teams that helped educate students about the career paths available in the industry, including engineering, marketing, safety and competition. Ken Toda/VPS Motorimages Middle: The Bank of America Motorsports Career Day offered 200 Charlotte-area students the opportunity to speak with and ask questions to experienced professionals about their own experience and passion. Ken Toda/VPS Motorimages Bottom: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kasey Kahne (left) helped highlight the different roles involved in a race team and the motorsports industry. Ken Toda/VPS Motorimages

www.NASCARHall.com

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It’s the Journey Not the Race

As one of the founding sponsors of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Wells Fargo is proud to be part of the excitement, legacy, and competitive spirit of preserving and sharing the history of racing. Wells Fargo’s commitment to the NASCAR Hall of Fame started before the ground was broken and continues through their ongoing commitment to the home of motorsports – Charlotte, N.C. Off the track, not all races are about speed. Helping communities thrive is not a race, but a journey where families, businesses and organizations all work together to help make things better for everyone. Wells Fargo’s support of the NASCAR Hall of Fame also reflects their commitment to those longer journeys and investing in assets that enhance the community experience in Charlotte. A primary reason Wells Fargo decided to support the NASCAR Hall of Fame from its beginning is that the motorsports industry has a huge economic impact on the state, and thus the bank has strong ties within the industry. Former Senior Vice President with Wells Fargo and one of the original members of the steering committee that brought the NASCAR Hall of Fame to the Queen City John A. Tate III said, “Wells Fargo felt it was part of

138

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

www.NASCARHall.com

our civic engagement to support the NASCAR Hall of Fame with the cultural and historical ties the sport has to our area. Working with the NASCAR Hall of Fame and NASCAR is good for our region and good for our community.” On March 6, 2006, the city of Charlotte, N.C., was announced as the location to house the NASCAR Hall of Fame by Brian France, CEO and Chairman of NASCAR. Even before that announcement, Wells Fargo (then Wachovia) was an early supporter of the NASCAR Hall of Fame by being part of the financing structure with other local companies and the City of Charlotte that would partner to build the facility. This relationship was one of the key reasons NASCAR cited that guided its decision to choose Charlotte. The proposal to bring the NASCAR Hall of Fame to Charlotte was crafted by a team including Tate. Tate was able to rely on his strong ties in the Charlotte community to enlist many different individuals from around the area to serve on the steering committee, including team owner Rick Hendrick, who served as the Chairman. In addition to their civic commitment to Charlotte, Wells Fargo’s journey has taken them to

139

S E I T R . e A m P a F f Y o l A l a D H R H A T C BoIwRat the NAS ®

many places throughout the Carolinas. For instance, in 2010, they invested over $16 million in non-profit organizations and schools across North Carolina, providing resources so these organizations can help families in need as well as supporting cultural events in communities across the state. Wells Fargo has invested more than $29.6 million in loans to over 100,000 North Carolina small businesses to help them thrive and create jobs. Just as it is with the NASCAR Hall of Fame, education is very important to Wells Fargo because it is a significant way of investing in the country’s future. By contributing over $5 million to community and technical colleges and universities in North and South Carolina, they help students of all ages gain the skills they need to find better jobs, become entrepreneurs and grow their communities. They are proud founding sponsors of the NASCAR Hall of Fame and its focus on education. The NASCAR Hall of Fame’s education curriculum stimulates the senses of our youth,

140

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2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

All photos in article: Wells Fargo volunteers in the community, 2011 Day of Caring. Wells Fargo

showing with handson activities where science and math can lead these students. When people are in the mood for racing, music, theater or art, Wells Fargo is with them, helping grow the opportunity for everyone to explore new worlds and experience a diverse menu of sights and sounds, inspiring people of ages with new ideas and perspectives. Part of Wells Fargo’s legacy is about bringing communities together. Stagecoach drivers and Pony Express riders thundered across the great frontier, delivering passengers, letters, and goods that connected families communities, and businesses East to West, and they are proud of that history. Every day, needs change and there are new opportunities to help people and organizations be their very best, to meet their goals, and thrive. Wells Fargo is committed to supporting families, businesses, education and the arts throughout the journey that we all share. Wells Fargo hopes everyone enjoys their visit to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and they look forward to joining their customers on a shared journey that stretches beyond the finish line.

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2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

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Daytona International Speedway® logo is a registered trademark owned by International Speedway, Inc. and licensed to International Speedway Corporation. Talladega Superspeedway® and its logo are registered trademarks and are used with permission. NASCAR® is a registered trademark of NASCAR, Inc. © 2011 Dale Earnhardt, Inc. ® RCR Enterprises, LLC

SPEED.com

A Ring Worthy of NASCAR Hall of Fame Achievement.

The Story of the NASCAR Hall of Fame Ring

Each year, five racing legends are inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The members are selected for their legendary accomplishments in the rich history of motorsports.The NASCAR Hall of Fame ring serves as a timeless symbol of their passion, courage and skill required to consistently excel and win at one of the most competitive sports in the world. Jostens is the exclusive manufacturer of this one of a kind commemorative keepsake.

The NASCAR Hall of Fame Ring is a true testament to each inductee’s drive and determination. This special trophy is crafted in 10k white gold symbolizing the high standard of excellence in their racing careers. The top of the stunning Hall of Fame ring spells out “NASCAR Hall of Fame.” Similar to its presence on the headquarters architecture, the iconic NASCAR ribbon adorns the Hall of Fame ring to represent the speed and spectacle that surrounds the sport.

The NASCAR Hall of Fame ring is a recognizable symbol of achievement and excellence that celebrates the brilliant legacy of an elite group of professionals.Whether worn in public or part of a historic collection of driver memorabilia, the ring inspires and connects racing teams, drivers and fans to the excitement and memorable events of NASCAR.

Each year the rings are handcrafted through the same meticulous process. The only difference from year to year was NASCAR wanted to make the inaugural class’ ring even more rare and commissioned a special ring that included more yellow gold.  The ring top is embellished with 25 sparkling diamonds totaling .303 carats. They are enhanced with two beautiful diamond-cut synthetic blue sapphires, creating an eye catching piece of fine jewelry.

Crafting a NASCAR Hall of Fame Ring In 2009, NASCAR worked with Jostens to design the ring to tell the story of the NASCAR Hall of Fame and to acknowledge superior results over time. Founded in 1897 and with over  60 years of championship ring experience, Jostens was well-equipped and prepared to help tell the Hall of Fame story with a keepsake that would stand the test of time. Cast in gold,  the ring would soon become the icon of champions racing.  Creating each NASCAR Hall of Fame ring takes many precise steps, performed by various master jewelers. After the final design is selected, precision tooling is used to create molds that provide the pattern for each customized and personalized trophy.

One side of the stunning ring is personalized with the honoree name and year date of the honoree’s induction into the Hall of Fame.This side is unique for each inductee and has its own unique custom mold to set itself apart from the rest. The opposite side is the same for each inductee featuring the familiar NASCAR Hall of Fame logo. “Where the Race Lives On” is raised above the logo, acknowledging the hall as the center for racing history. Intricate engraving on the inside of each ring finishes the distinct design with the inductees first and last name chiseled into the metal. The total weight of this finely crafted 10K gold ring averages around 30 grams as the weight varies by finger size. 144

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

www.NASCARHall.com

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Presentation The inductees are honored each year in Charlotte with a full week of induction festivities. The culmination is a ceremony where the inductee is individually honored and presented their unique ring, a symbol of their accomplishments and passion for everything racing in their NASCAR® career.

The Lost Wax Process The lost wax process was used to cast gold jewelry by the early Egyptians. This lost wax process is still the preferred method for fine jewelry to capture the details and symbols of each Hall of Fame inductee ring. An exact wax replica of each Hall of Fame member’s ring is created and sized to prepare a mold for the gold casting. A plaster-like casting surrounds the wax.The wax melts at 160° F., leaving a detailed cavity for molten gold. A molten stream of white gold is poured to fill every fine line, symbol, letter and numeral of this exquisite ring.

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees: Richie Evans, Dale Inman, Darrell Waltrip, Glen Wood and Cale Yarborough.

About Jostens Minneapolis-based Jostens is a provider of products, programs and services that help people tell their stories, celebrate important traditions and recognize achievements. The company’s products include school yearbooks and other memory book products, scholastic products such as class rings and graduation products, and products for athletic champions and their fans.

Finishing and stone setting A sophisticated sequence of polishing brings out the finish and luster of each ring. Stones are meticulously set in closelyknit patterns that symbolize results, team and tradition. Each stone is part of the elaborate story of an incredible career marked by memorable accomplishments.

Jostens supplies trophies and championship rings for the NASCAR-sanctioned series and is the exclusive designer/ provider of NASCAR championship rings. Jostens presented Jamie McMurray with a one-of-a-kind Champions Ring following his thrilling triumph in the 2010 DAYTONA 500®. Jostens has created 29 of the 45 NFL Super Bowl rings, including the ring for the Green Bay Packers Super Bowl I victory and the Packers 45th Super Bowl anniversary ring. Jostens has also designed and produced NBA Finals, Stanley Cup and World Series championship rings, as well as rings for collegiate sports championships.

Each NASCAR Hall of Fame ring passes through the hands of many passionate fine jewelry experts. Employees at Jostens Denton, Texas fine jewelry facility share the enthusiasm for championship sports and take great pride in crafting each ring to help recognize these NASCAR icons. The rings are individually sized for each inductee Great care is taken for Hall of Fame rings that are to be presented posthumously; ensuring that ring detail and size would represent an accurate tribute to the honoree. 146

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

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147

Top: Fans pack the Benton Convention Center in WinstonSalem, N.C., during the event’s inaugural year (1990) to look at the displays and hunt for autographs and giveaways. The Preview was hosted in the convention center for only three years before moving to the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum, which offered more space. NASCAR Hall of Fame

Bringing Back a Fan Favorite

The NASCAR Preview Revs Its Engine Once More During “NASCAR Acceleration Weekend” By Deb Williams

rom the time the final checkered flag waves on a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season until the green flag is unfurled on a new one, the three months comprising the off-season can be agonizingly slow for fans. They want to see the new paint scheme on their favorite driver’s car, talk with the driver about his/her family, see what’s new in the souvenir line or get a sneak peek into what the team’s plans are for the upcoming season. They’ll even watch race reruns. It was the realization that the fans needed a taste of the upcoming season in the middle of a dreary January to whet their racing appetite that led R.J. Reynolds’ Sports Marketing Enterprises (SME) to create the season preview in 1990. At the time, it was an innovative event for stock car racing and no one

was quite sure what to expect – from the fans or the weather. Yet, it was an immediate success and through the years it thrived, becoming an event that fans always marked on their calendars. When RJR left the sport eight years ago so did the Preview, but now, thanks to Sprint, the popular, fan-friendly event is back. The NASCAR Preview 2012 Presented by Sprint, a day-long event in the Charlotte Convention Center, features driver and show car appearances, simulators, games, prizes and other fan-friendly interactive activities. Highlighting the day are autograph and on-stage Q&A sessions with NASCAR Sprint Cup, NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series drivers. Scheduled for January 21, 2012, the event is now part of the new NASCAR Acceleration Weekend, which kicks off with

Terry Labonte’s No. 5 Kellogg’s Chevrolet and Wally Dallenbach Jr.’s No. 43 STP Pontiac on display in the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C., were just two of the many show cars that fans had the chance to see up close in 1994 at the Preview. The 2012 event will be part of NASCAR Acceleration Weekend. NASCAR Hall of Fame

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2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

Bottom left: In 1990, a lucky fan was able to get her photo snapped with legendary driver Dale Earnhardt. For only $5, race fans who braved the weather that year could get their favorite drivers’ autographs, view the race cars, ride simulators, purchase souvenirs and bid on memorabilia. NASCAR Hall of Fame Bottom right: Richard Petty signs a souvenir for a young fan at the 1993 Preview. All the NASCAR premier series drivers will be on hand for autograph sessions during the 2012 event at the Charlotte Convention Center in uptown Charlotte, N.C. NASCAR Hall of Fame

the 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony for the five new NASCAR Hall of Fame members the previous evening: Richie Evans, Dale Inman, Darrell Waltrip, Glen Wood and Cale Yarborough. Four of the five new inductees will also participate in the special activities. NASCAR President Mike Helton, who remembers quite well the popularity of the Previews, called the revival of the January event along with the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s annual induction a “must-visit weekend” for race fans. “Giving fans an opportunity to honor legends of the sport one day and then meet future Hall of Famers the next day is the kind of fan-focused activities that the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte is uniquely positioned to deliver,” said Winston Kelley, the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s Executive Director. However, on January 13, 1990, the NASCAR community was entering uncharted waters when it decided to take a concept and turn it into reality. Neither the fans nor the weather let down the event’s organizers. Even though it was cold in Winston-Salem, N.C., that January day it was sunny and the NASCAR faithful didn’t disappoint anyone. Fans eagerly awaiting the opportunity to meet their favorite drivers formed a line two hours before the Benton Convention Center’s doors opened at 10 a.m. Within an hour, 8,000 people had jammed into the two-story building. At one point, traffic was backed several blocks from the downtown convention center onto then Interstate 40 (now I-40 Business). It was an event that provided a great deal of enjoyment at a bargain price. For $5 race fans could obtain drivers’ autographs, view 1990 NASCAR Sprint (then NASCAR Winston) Cup cars, purchase souvenirs, bid for racing memorabilia and ride the simulators. A room was set up where media and competitors could take a break, get something to eat and watch television. No one was in a rush and even the drivers were surprised at the www.NASCARHall.com

number of fans who wanted to meet them and socialize with each other. Each driver was asked to spend a couple of hours, but some, such as Geoffrey Bodine and Dave Marcis, spent the entire day at the event and asked what else they could do. Two days after the event, Jeff Byrd, who was vice president of sports marketing for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. at the time, made a statement that summed up the one-day event, “The NASCAR Winston Cup Preview proved what we’ve known all along. The Winston Cup fans

are the most loyal and caring in sports. The response we received from the teams was overwhelming.” By the time the event ended, more than 20,000 loyal and avid race fans from at least 12 states had crowded into the 149

In its second year, more than 20,000 fans once again attended the 10-hour event. Thirty-six drivers were available at various times throughout the day to sign autographs and 27 show cars adorned with each team’s new paint scheme were available for viewing. That year, Darrell and Michael Waltrip had two of the longest autograph lines. Darrell told the group he had time to sign only 300 autographs due to a prior engagement, but he did address the crowd assembled for a concert by a local country music group and auction before leaving. At one Fans get an up-close view of Michael Waltrip’s No. 30 Pennzoil Pontiac and Sterling Marlin’s No. 8 Raybestos Brakes Ford time, Michael’s booth had an in 1993. It was the first year the event was held in the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum Complex in Winstonestimated 500 fans waiting for Salem, N.C. The popular event lasted for 14 years from 1990 to 2003. NASCAR Hall of Fame his autograph. One woman, caring a facility. The primary complaint was not the weather, it was vase containing two red roses for Harry Gant, waited in line for people breaking into the autograph lines. at least four hours to meet her favorite driver. Dale Earnhardt To help make the inaugural event a success, Pontiac even gave up a day of hunting in Texas to attend the event. drivers broke away from their test session in Daytona Beach, It was, indeed, a “tremendous event” for 14 years. It Fla., to attend, while 1988 NASCAR premier series champion quickly outgrew the convention center and was moved to Bill Elliott traveled from an appearance in Vancouver, British Winston-Salem’s Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum Columbia, Canada. They, however, didn’t have anything on Complex with the drivers signing autographs in one building the fans when it came to making the trek to Winston-Salem. and show cars available for viewing in another. Procedures for In addition to the Southeast, those attending the ground- obtaining a driver’s autograph were refined each year until breaking event came from Iowa, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, eventually fans could check in for a specific driver, then visit the New Hampshire, Delaware, Mississippi and Louisiana. other displays and activities until it came time for that driver to sign autographs. A deadline room was established for the media and each driver had an interview time. The Preview’s name changed slightly after SME head T. Wayne Robertson’s death in a January 1998 hunting boat accident. It became known as the T. Wayne Robertson Winston

Cup Preview until RJR exited the sport at the end of 2003. Despite the changes, the one thing that remained constant was the fans’ desire to make the annual trip, often through snow and ice, to experience their favorite sport in the middle of winter. With RJR gone, so was the Preview and it left fans with a tremendous void in their racing activities. Now that void has been filled and fans are again provided with the opportunity to erase those mid-winter doldrums with exciting thoughts of the upcoming racing season while embracing their favorite sport’s history with its current stars.

Above left: T. Wayne Robertson, Rusty Wallace and Ralph Seagraves at the 1994 Preview. Robertson and Seagraves were executives with RJ Reynolds responsible for bringing Winston to NASCAR and creating the Preview in 1990. NASCAR Hall of Fame Above right: In 1994, driver Dale Jarrett was one of the many NASCAR drivers on hand in Winston-Salem, N.C., to sign autographs for the thousands of fans that showed up. After an eight-year absence, the popular fan event is back and moving to Charlotte, N.C., aligning it with the rest of the festivities surrounding the 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. NASCAR Hall of Fame Below: Darrell Waltrip’s No. 17 Western Auto Chevrolet was on display during the 1994 Preview at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in WinstonSalem, N.C. Souvenir haulers such as Jeff Gordon’s DuPont-sponsored trailer (in the background) were on hand for fans to purchase driver merchandise. NASCAR Hall of Fame

Left: Six NASCAR premier series race cars that fans would see at race tracks during the 1993 season sit on the floor of the coliseum floor alongside the No. 43 Pontiac famously piloted by Richard Petty. Petty hung up his racing gloves and steering wheel for the final time after the last race of the previous season at Atlanta Motor Speedway. NASCAR Hall of Fame

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How to Become a NASCAR Hall of Fame Member

Corporate Memberships

Spend a whole year immersed in the stories, the passion and the spirit of NASCAR. Whether you are a die-hard NASCAR fan or a newcomer just learning the sport, with a variety of memberships available you are sure to find the one that suits you. Souvenirs, free merchandise, exclusive access to special events and member only discounts are just a few of the things you will receive with your NASCAR Hall of Fame Membership.

Do it all at the Hall and excite your employees like never before with a Corporate Membership. Simply choose between three packages and immediately begin enjoying the exclusive benefits only a Corporate Membership can offer.

Your membership allows you to enjoy the amazing memorabilia, improve your skills on interactive exhibits, test drive the simulator cars throughout the year, and experience rotating videos and exhibits. For more information or to purchase a membership visit http://www. nascarhall.com/membership or call 704-654-4427 today!

Corporate Member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame $20,000 Package • 10 Induction Ceremony tickets • 10 Crew Chief Memberships • Induction Dinner Table (10 seats) • 1 Great Hall rental* • 2 Legends Room rentals* • Permanent Granite Wall position** • 200 admission tickets • 8” X 8” Commemorative Brick • Recognition as a Corporate Member in the NASCAR Hall of Fame • Recognition in the NASCAR Hall of Fame Yearbook $10,000 Package • 10 Induction Ceremony tickets • 10 Crew Chief Memberships • Induction Dinner Table (10 seats) • 2 Legends Room rentals* • 150 admission tickets • 8” X 8” Commemorative Brick • Recognition as a Corporate Member in the NASCAR Hall of Fame • Recognition in the NASCAR Hall of Fame Yearbook • NASCAR Hall of Fame Champions

Top: Members and the public receive access to special events at the NASCAR Hall of Fame where inductees often appear and autograph items for fans. NASCAR Hall of Fame Left: An assortment of products a NASCAR Hall of Fame member might receive as a member, depending on the level of membership. NASCAR Hall of Fame

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$5,000 Package • 5 Induction Ceremony tickets • 5 Crew Chief Memberships • Induction Dinner Half Table (5 seats) • 1 Legends Room rental* • 50 admission tickets • 4” X 8” Commemorative Brick • Recognition as a Corporate Member in the NASCAR Hall of Fame • Recognition in the NASCAR Hall of Fame Yearbook • NASCAR Hall of Fame Winners *Subject to availability. Based on three-hour rental. **Available with a five-year contract.

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

NASCAR Hall of Fame Members Legends Members Jay Adamczyk Thomas Bailey Joseph Benifield Catherine Bessant Jan Boylston Head Bubba Sheila Chimento Gary W. Davis Jack Edwards Bob Eller Eddie Hammack Cindy Hanes Stu Hothem Todd Joyce Winston Kelley

Milt Laughlin Merrill Likes David Martin Glenn Mosack Neal Munn Fred Newton Deborah Penny Shawn Rabourn Todd E. Reed Keith Schlichting Charlotte A. Simpson Diane Stevens John Thomas Mark Thompson

Champion Members Angelo Amabile Stokely G. Caldwell Bumper Courtemanche Jack W. Hickman Dave Jensen

Bob Lossius Pam Miller Tim Newman Martha Vannoy Ed Young

NASCAR Hall of Fame Commemorative Brick Program The NASCAR Hall of Fame wasn’t just built to honor the sport’s history, its moments and its best drivers. It was built as a tribute to its passionate fans. The NASCAR Hall of Fame’s Commemorative Brick program has been the enduring showcase of fans’ thoughts, remembrances and dedications. Guests walking up the brick-paved path in Ceremonial Plaza at the 150,000 squarefoot entertainment facility will find a quilt work of personal messages. Messages include homage to a favorite NASCAR driver, reminders of first NASCAR races, wedding anniversary wishes, memorials for family members and even a clue for a letterboxing scavenger hunt. The NASCAR Hall of Fame Commemorative Brick makes a unique memento for fans. Fans can reserve a spot for themselves in NASCAR history, with a personalized Commemorative Brick. Commemorative Bricks are proudly displayed in the Ceremonial Plaza at the main entrance to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, where thousands of visitors each year see them and can leave their personal, lasting thoughts. A NASCAR Hall of Fame Commemorative Brick makes an incredible once-in-a-lifetime gift for www.NASCARHall.com

anybody who truly loves this sport. The Commemorative Bricks can be inscribed with a customized message or enhanced with a driver likeness, team or track logo. Each Commemorative Brick is accompanied with an Official Certificates of Recognition and locator map to assist you in locating your Commemorative Brick. In addition, replica bricks also can be purchased for display at home or the office. The NASCAR Hall of Fame Foundation has established the personalized brick program to serve as a lasting tribute to the great fans that have made NASCAR the exciting sport it is today. The NASCAR Hall of Fame Foundation is a 501c3 organization, contributions to which are tax deductible.

Commemorative Bricks can be purchased by calling (888)643-2757 or by emailing nhof@fundraisersltd.net. Net proceeds from the NASCAR Hall of Fame Commemorative Brick Program will be used by the NASCAR Hall of Fame Foundation and will support the NASCAR Hall of Fame. A percentage of your donation to the NASCAR Hall of Fame Foundation is tax deductible.

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Sponsor Recognition

Richie Evans

Darrell Waltrip

THEY HAVE TRAVELED TENS OF THOUSANDS OF MILES TO GET HERE.

Glen Wood

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2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

Dale Inman

Cale Yarborough

Charlotte’s Got a Lot! Look closely at Charlotte and you’ll discover a lot. Distinctly cosmopolitan but with definite small-town appeal, the Queen City’s special blend of liveliness is an unexpected mix. The city pulses with activity, begging visitors to paint the town red at hotspots, attractions, and time-tested favorites year-round.

Thrill a Lot

After you’ve explored the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s highoctane adventures, discover more ways to play across the region. For thrill seekers, there’s plenty to get the adrenaline pumping at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Guided raft trips down class III-IV rapids are complemented by countless outdoor offerings spanning climbing, hiking, biking, zip-lining or geo-trekking. One of the most beloved and visited science centers in the Southeast, Discovery Place engages visitors with interactive features like an aquarium, lab stations, and a 3-D theatre. Meanwhile, Levine Museum of the New South illustrates the rich history of Charlotte’s role in the “New South” with vibrant exhibits like the awardwinning “Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers.” Just two blocks from the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the Levine Center for the Arts dazzles, comprised of four facilities housing everything from prima ballerinas to monumental masterpieces. The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art brims with gems by notables such as Picasso and Warhol with a stately terra cotta-tiled façade that’s a work of art itself. Next door, the Knight Theater’s intimate feel lures artistic grandeur like NC Dance Theatre to its stages. Nearby, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture hosts permanent and traveling works by prominent African-Americans. Finally, the Mint Museum Uptown impresses with its premier Contemporary, American, and Craft + Design collections and major traveling exhibitions.

Savor a Lot

Foodies will soon discover that Charlotte is home to culinary leader Johnson & Wales University, which has had a flavorful impact on the city’s burgeoning dining scene. Menus are bursting with invigorating concepts, regional favorites done right like BBQ and fried pickles, and countless hotspots serving upscale elegance and local flavor. As for nightlife, venues with everything from boisterous bluegrass to sophisticated wine lists are ideal ways to unwind after a day of exploring. Don’t miss the after-five happenings at the EpiCentre and NC Music Factory. More than a dozen dining and nightlife options at each of these destinations make them the 156

Photo by Patrick Schneider Photography courtesy of Visit Charlotte

Dazzle a Lot

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends

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NASCAR Aerial Panoramas ®

I n d i a n a p o l i s M o t o r S p e e d way

C h a r l o t t e M o t o r S p e e d way This aerial photograph of Charlotte Motor Speedway was taken by James Blakeway during a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Located in Concord, North Carolina, this 1.5-mile track was built in 1959 on land that was once the site of a working plantation during the Civil War. The first World 600 was run on June 19, 1960. It’s the first sports facility in America to offer 52 condominiums high above turn one. Charlotte Motor Speedway was also the first track to host night racing with its revolutionary lighting system that uses mirrors to simulate daylight without glare, shadows or obtrusive light poles.

This photograph commemorates the 100th Anniversary of the first Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, initially named the “International Sweepstakes.” Considered “The Greatest Spectacle In Racing ”,” the first Indy 500 was held on May 30, 1911. It attracted attention from both American and European racing teams and established itself as the premier motorsports competition in the nation, and the world. The race began amid roiling smoke, the roar of 40 engines and the waving of a red flag to signal ‘clear course ahead.’ The winning driver’s race-average speed was 74.602 mph in a time of 6:42:08. This aerial panorama was taken by James Blakeway. ®

L a s Ve g a s M o t o r S p e e d w a y

D ay t o n a I n t e r n a t i o n a l S p e e d way

This aerial panoramic photograph of Las Vegas Motor Speedway was taken by James Blakeway and features the 1600-acre venue during its annual NASCAR® NEXTEL Cup Series race. Located a few miles north of Las Vegas, the racing complex includes a 1.5-mile superspeedway, a short track, a dirt track and a drag racing facility. Construction of the $200 million complex began in 1995 with seating capacity for 100,000. By 2006, seating capacity had grown to nearly 150,000. The Las Vegas Motor Speedway, home to the famous Neon Garage, has the distinction of being the first completely new superspeedway to be built in the southwest region of the United States in more than 20 years.

This aerial panoramic photograph of Daytona International Speedway was taken by Christopher Gjevre. The 480-acre motorsports complex opened in 1959 and hosts about a dozen major weekends of racing activity featuring NASCAR stock cars, go-karts, dirt bikes, motorcycles, modified pickup trucks and sports cars. Kicking off the NASCAR season, the most famous event is the annual Daytona 500, the “Great American Race.” The 2.5-mile high speed tri-oval track features 31-degree banked turns with a 180-acre infield. Featured in the infield is Lake Lloyd, where water-skiers can be seen carving up the water under the Florida sun on race days.

B r i s t o l M o t o r S p e e d way

Ke n t u c k y S p e e d way

This aerial panorama of Bristol Motor Speedway was taken by James Blakeway. The speedway was constructed in 1960 on 100 acres of land, originally a dairy farm, in Bristol, Tennessee. The total cost of construction including the land was $600,000. Bristol Motor Speedway held its first race on July 30, 1961, with 22-degree banked turns and seating for 18,000 fans. Over the years the speedway has undergone expansions and renovations and today seats 160,000 with variable banking in the turns. Despite its small size, Bristol is among the most popular tracks in NASCAR ® because of its distinct features including the concrete oval track, known as the “World’s Fastest Half-Mile.”

This aerial panorama was taken by James Blakeway during Kentucky Speedway’s inaugural NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the Quaker State 400. In preparation for the event, the facility experienced a number of enhancements including adding an additional 40,000 seats with the spectacular new Ohio Tower and Kentucky Tower grandstands. The customer experience was further enhanced with an expanded infield and reserved campgrounds on top of moving pit road 200 feet closer to the grandstands for improved views of the action. The 1.5-mile speedway is located in north central Kentucky, in Sparta, Kentucky, halfway between Louisville, Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio.

If your a NASCAR fan, you have to see these! ®

All 23 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tracks – Find your seats – Display your favorite tracks – Makes a great gift – Available pre-framed Double matted Deluxe Frame or Standard Frame – Highest quality product available – Over 500 panoramas from around the world ®

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Trademarks of Brickyard Trademarks, Inc. are used under license. Marks are trademarks of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. Officially licensed by Speedway Motorsports, Inc., www.speedwaymotorsports.com, Daytona International Speedway logo is a registered trademark owned by International Speedway, Inc. and licensed to International Speedway Corporation. NASCAR® is a registered trademark of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc.

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