NASCAR has announced the initial slate of candidates for its inaugural Hall of Fame class, and it's tough to imagine that the nominating committee could have devised a more perfect mix of early, classic and legendary drivers, owners and driving forces. The nominees include:
Founders
Bill France Sr., Bill France Jr.
Drivers
Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Junior Johnson, David Pearson, Darrell Waltrip, Bobby Allison, Cale Yarbrough (right), Fireball Roberts, Red Byron, Buck Baker, Lee Petty, Tim Flock, Herb Thomas, Curtis Turner, Benny Parsons, Ned Jarrett, Richie Evans, Joe Weatherly
Owners
Bud Moore, Raymond Parks, Rick Hendrick, Richard Childress, Glen Wood
NASCAR will announce the five inaugural members of the Hall of Fame class in October, and the Hall itself, located in Charlotte, is scheduled to open in May.
It's worth noting that while there are several contemporary drivers who belong in that august company, the nominating committee didn't select any of them. (Other sports halls of fame do induct active members, so it wouldn't have been unprecedented.) By keeping the focus squarely on retired and legendary drivers, NASCAR's Hall of Fame will recognize its roots while making for the foundation that one day should welcome in Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart and others.
NASCAR Hall of Fame nominees a who's who of stars [AP via Yahoo! Sports]
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