NASCAR Hall of Fame to name next class Wednesday

NASCAR Hall of Fame to name next class Wednesday


(October 12, 2010)

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—What’s more impressive, results on the racetrack or accomplishments behind the scenes? The number of championships won or the number of career wins? Helping to keep a dream alive or taking that dream to an entirely new level?
Those are just a few of the many questions the members of the voting panel likely will be asked to weigh Wednesday when the selection process for the 2011 NASCAR Hall of Fame class begins in Charlotte.
The list of 25 nominees, announced earlier this year, covers all aspects of the sport. From drivers who won multiple championships to the driver who won the first NASCAR title; car owners who are still fielding winning entries today as well as those who funded the first successful teams; and drivers who dominated on other levels of the sport as well as those people who worked outside the spotlight.
The 52-member voting panel will hear presentations for each of the nominees beginning Wednesday morning. After discussions and a brief break for lunch, the voting is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. ET. A news conference to announce the 2011 class will be held at the Hall of Fame beginning at 4 p.m. The announcement will be televised live on Speed.
“I guess I’d have to say, and I don’t know if I’m being honest about it or not, but I guess I’d have to say that if I could just be a part of it at some time, that would be satisfying,” three-time Cup champion Darrell Waltrip said earlier this year. “But sooner than later would be nice.”
Waltrip is on a short list of drivers considered by many to be among the favorites for going into the Hall of Fame this time around.
Topping that list is David Pearson, also a three-time champion and with 105 career wins, the series’ second most successful driver.
Bobby Allison, like Waltrip a winner of 84 Cup races, is also on the short list as is three-time champion Cale Yarborough.
“It’s really special (to be nominated),” Allison said. “I hope it happens. But I know crazy things can come and go. I really hope it does happen.”
Bill France, Bill France Jr., Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and Junior Johnson comprised the first class of inductees. They were enshrined in May when the Hall opened.