Inaugural Nascar HOF Class

Nascar has a very deep rooted history in North Carolina. To honor this history I wish to cover a small part of the people who were part of the first class inducted into the hall in Charlotte. These guys are absolutely huge in their sport.

Bill France Sr

Founded Nascar in 1948. "Big Bill" started out promoting races in Daytona Beach. Was the head of Nascar until 1972 when he turned over the reigns to his son, Bill France Jr. Passed away in 1992.

Richard Petty

Born in North Carolina. "The King" won 200 races, had 712 top ten finishes and claimed 126 poles in his career. Won the Daytona 500 seven times. Started 1,185 races. In 1967 he won 27 races, 10 of those consecutively. All the previous stats are records. Just to give you an idea, second in wins, David Pearson, only has 105 wins. Won seven Cup Series championships (tied for most all time.) Raced from the late '50s to the early '90s.

Bill France Jr

Took over Nascar in 1972 until 2000. Under "Little Bill" the sport grew from a southern sport to a national sport. Helped to get TV contracts to cover Nascar races. Passed away in 2007.

Dale Earnhardt Sr

Born in North Carolina. "The Intimidator" won 76 races (7th all time), had 428 top ten finishes and 22 poles over his career. Won seven Cup Series championships (tied for most all time.) Raced for 27 years until his death in 2001.

Junior Johnson

Born in North Carolina. Started out as a moonshiner in NW NC. "The Last American Hero" won 50 races, had 148 top ten finishes and 46 poles over his career. He is credited with many driving innovations in Nascar, including drafting. Raced from the early '50s to mid '60s.

First three drivers inducted into the hall are all North Carolinians.

VERY good and cool video of the selections and accompanying stories. Bit long at 9:31 but worth it.