The brand-new NASCAR Hall of Fame was christened Sunday with the induction of the sport’s two leading pioneers — Bill France Sr. and Richard Petty.
France founded NASCAR in 1948 to give stock car racing structure, paving the way for Petty, who brought NASCAR into the American consciousness as the circuit’s first true superstar.
A 50-member panel voted on the inaugural class last October, after pouring over a list of 25 nominees before finally selecting France and Petty, in addition to Junior Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Bill France Jr. to round out the five-man class.
"The five choices that the voting panel made, they could not have made a better choice of anyone," team owner Richard Childress told the Associated Press.
Some disputed Childress’ claim at the time of election, arguing that David Pearson, who is second behind Petty on the all-time wins list, deserved inclusion on the first ballot.
"Anybody that won 105 races and didn't make the cut — somebody ain't adding right," Petty said of Pearson.
Johnson and Petty are the only two living members of the class. France Sr.’s son, Jim, accepted in his father’s absence, while Petty’s son, Kyle, introduced his father for induction.
A 2006 vote awarded the Hall of Fame to Charlotte. The complex — which includes a 2,500-seat ballroom and 19-story office — opened May 11 with a price tag totaling $195 million.
