Five individuals named to inaugural group to NASCAR Hall of Fame

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) announced the inaugural class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame today that includes: the late Dale Earnhardt (top photo), founder Bill France Sr., Bill France Jr., driver/owner Junior Johnson and Richard Petty (second photo).

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. said "for what my Dad achieved in this sport - both on and off the track - he certainly earned his place in history and deserves to be distinguished in this inaugural class of NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees."


Teresa Earnhardt, Dale's widow said "we like to say the legend of Dale (a seven-time Cup Champion) lives at DEI (Dale Earnhardt, Inc.), but part of him lives at the Hall of Fame too.”

Driver, David Pearson, with 105 wins to Petty's 200, finished sixth in the voting and will have to wait at least one more year. Petty didn't agree with the voting and said that Pearson should have made the first round. When the two early NASCAR giants raced each other Pearson had 33 victories to Petty's 30.

On his honor, the seven-time champion, Petty said "this is the last thing I can accomplish in racing, we've won the championships."

The voting was determined by industry leaders, retired drivers, team member, journalists and even a fan were involved as 670,000 votes were tallied.

The Class of 2010 will be officially inducted in a ceremony on May 23, 2010, at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte.