Anyone pouring their heart and soul into something desires recognition. In any given field from sports to entertainment to science, notable prestigious recognition adds massive value to the one who has achieved it. Unlike other sports, NASCAR had to wait a long time to recognize those who have shaped the sport.
Since its initiation, the NASCAR community was devoid of one such event. The first cup series took place in 1949, it was not until their 61st year that the NASCAR Hall of Fame came into existence in 2010. Though NASCAR witnessed more than 2300 races under the Strictly Stock, Grand National, Winston Cup, Nextel Cup, Sprint Cup, Monster Energy, and NASCAR Cup Series banners the wait for this recognition was longer. It was indeed a rollercoaster ride from its conception to execution and finally the result we see today as the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte.
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CHARLOTTE, NC – FEBRUARY 02: 2019 From left: Bobby Allison, Liz Allison, Robbie Allison and Krista Allison are pictured in front of 2019 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee’s Davey Allison’s car at the NASCAR Hall of Fame on February 2, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jason E. Miczek/Getty Images)The sanctioning body announced in the third month of 2006 that the Hall of Fame would be built in Charlotte. It is unknown who came up with the idea of giving NASCAR its very own public attraction celebrating the sport. In January 2007, work on the four-level, 150,000-square-foot structure, costing $160 million began. It was completed in May 2010 and welcomed its very first five-man class. Charlotte was the obvious option for various reasons, despite Daytona Beach and Atlanta making it to the final list along with Richmond, Kansas City, Detroit, and Alabama.
The Controversy
The facility is owned by The City of Charlotte and the daily operations are managed by the regional visitors authority. Winston Kelley has been its Executive Director from the very beginning. Interestingly, there were some controversies revolving around the inaugural class of 2010.
It highlighted NASCAR mains Bill France and his son, Bill Jr, Along with seven-time champions Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt, and championship-winning team owner Junior Johnson.
Avid fans had raised their opinion on three-time champion David Pearson making the list in the second year; instead, they wished him to have gone ahead of Bill Jr.
Inductees to the Hall of Fame
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These are the people who are the legends of the sport because of their contribution to the growth of NASCAR—be it their excellent skills as drivers or owners of racing teams. With several nominees each year, some of the deserving names making it to the hall of fame are—Dale Earnhardt Sr in 2010, David Pearson in 2011, Mark Martin in 2017, and Jeff Gordon in 2019.
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There are also those that have been inducted not based entirely on their contributions as drivers, but in other roles too. Tony Stewart was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his contributions both as a driver and owner in 2020, and Dale Earnhardt Jr, too, continued his father’s legacy in 2021 as both a driver and a team owner. Fans, though, would be waiting for their respective favorites to be inducted soon.
Watch this story: Perennial Fan-Favorites Dale Earnhardt Jr and Chase Elliott Have This NASCAR Legend to Thank for Their Superstardom
