     |
|
|
|
|
Amidst much fanfare, the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2012 was announced to the
public in mid-June. Among next year's group are legendary racers Cale Yarborough and Darrell
Waltrip, 8-time championship winning crew chief Dale Inman, modified champion Richie Evans, and car
owner Leonard Wood. Although the Class of 2012 has the credentials and resumes impressive
for the Hall of Fame, I have to wonder if the voting process really works.
The first two classes have enshrined racing figures that deserve their spot to be immortalized in
NASCAR’s historical hallowed grounds. However, the initial classes have faces
that most fans and critics grew up watching on TV or at the track. But will we forget the faces of
yesterday?
Looking further ahead, when you consider the potential inductees in 2013, a driver such as
Rusty Wallace might be considered immediately before the likes of Raymond Fox, Fireball Roberts,
or Fred Lorenzon, who were NASCAR's heroes back in the 1960s whose last names weren't Petty,
Allison, or Pearson.
Wallace is the only qualified Cup series racer on the Hall of Fame ballot whose career win total
tops 50 -- and that certainly fits the billing to be in the Hall of Fame. By the same token,
his place in the Hall could cost a forgotten face of NASCAR's past their spot to be immortalized.
In 2011, Kyle Petty campaigned heavily for Leonard Wood's place in the Hall of Fame, which is his
choice. He can endorse any figure for whatever reason, but it also influenced the voting panel during
the debate prior to the vote. Why would Petty be so adamant of Wood's place in the Hall of Fame?
Consider that he raced for the Wood Brothers for several years in the 1980's and recorded his first
Cup series win for the Stuart, Va.-based team. Of course, if you were in Petty's shoes, you'd probably
vouch for one of the individuals who helped you careers.
But is it right when considering the plethora of individuals who deserve to be
remembered? For younger race fans, it'd be a shame not to learn about NASCAR's historical heroes
who meant a great deal in the sport's early years. Most stick and ball fans know about the players
enshrined in their Hall of Fame, even if those individuals played well before they were born.
Racing is a unique sport with several different series warranting the need for different shrines.
Prior to the NASCAR Hall of Fame's opening, stock car pioneers and legends vied for a spot in the
International Motorsports Hall of Fame, which was comprised of racers from
open-wheel, drag racing, and dirt track divisions of the world.
In the case of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the heroes of the recent past will surely have their
time in the sun once again. I can only hope that the voting process will do justice and induct
those who deserve their infinite time of glory after years of dedication and extraordinary service
to the sport.
|
