NASCAR Hall of Fame Ceremony

There has been a lot of build up for the 2010 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and I can say that I was pleasantly surprised with the presentations for all five inductees: Bill France Sr., Richard “The King” Petty, Bill France Jr., Junior Johnson & Dale Earnhardt Sr.

Debates will go on for years to come as to these gentlemen that were chosen as the elite class of first inductees. As much as you may or may not agree with the choices totally, it is fair to say that these gentlemen made a huge impact in the evolution of NASCAR becoming an international phenomenon. Regardless of whether the decisions were or were not the most popular, the choices were definitely infamous and ever changing to the operations of this sport powerhouse.

It was great to hear the stories that were held most intimate between the inductees and their presenters: (Three of those speech presentations were as follows)

Jim France speaking of Bill France Sr.:
“If Dad were here today, he would be proud, as well, but in a different way,” Jim France said. “He would be proud mostly for NASCAR. He would be proud of this Hall of Fame, a commitment made to honor our past and to recognize the individuals who are responsible for making NASCAR what it is today, for their great accomplishments. The NASCAR Hall of Fame in many ways is the ultimate tribute to my father, the hopes and dreams that he had for our sport.” (www.foxnews.com)

Kyle Petty speaking of Richard “The King” Petty:
"I think that's what made him a great racecar driver," Kyle Petty (FSY) said. "He loves the sport. He carries a passion for this sport. He loves to drive. He loves to work on it. He loves the guys he raced against. He loved the fans. He loved everything about the sport." (www.usatoday.com)

Richard Childress speaking of Dale Earnhardt Sr.:
“Car owner Richard Childress fought back tears, as he talked about his former driver and best friend. And he laughed, too, retelling the famous story about other drivers complaining about the speeds being too high at Talladega. “He told ‘em that if they’re scared they should tie kerosene rags around their ankles so the ants don’t crawl up their legs and chew their candy asses off,” Childress said of Earnhardt. “ (www.foxnews.com)

Yes, these men were ordinary people whose God-given talents allowed them to accomplish some extraordinary things. They have all definitely captured their deserving places in NASCAR Hall of Fame. It is going to be interesting to see who the next inductees will be in 2011.

Until next time…Gear Up, Strap In For a Thrillin’ Ride

Other Notable Statements: "Although my father may be going into the NASCAR Hall of Fame today, he's always been a Hall of Fame dad in my heart," he said. "Please join me in welcoming our next inductee, my father, Junior Johnson. I love you, Dad." (Robert Johnson)

"He loved this sport. He was passionate about it. He built it literally from the ground up," France Kennedy said. "When I say 'the ground up,' I'm talking about a backhoe at Daytona International Speedway.” (Lesa France Kennedy)