It seems like Dale Inman is finally getting the recognition he deserves. Few crew chiefs in NASCAR history are as renowned as the 88-year-old, who is best known for working alongside the legendary Richard Petty. Inman worked atop the pit box for the majority of The King’s racing career, helping him secure 188 out of 200 Cup Series wins, along with seven championships. Considering his contributions to the sport, it’s about time Inman headlined the latest class for the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.

Known as somewhat of a trailblazer, Dale Inman achieved unprecedented heights in his crew chief role. The NASCAR Hall of Fame member (2012) and International Motor Sports Hall of Famer (2013) were among the 11 new inductees, which includes the likes of Greg Ellis, Nora Lynn Finch, and Rollie Geiger.

Inman remains humble despite the monumental achievement

It can be argued that no crew chief in NASCAR history has had Dale Inman’s impact on the sport. The North Carolina native is largely given the credit for developing the driver-pit communication system and revolutionizing the way a crew chief handles his responsibilities from the pit box. His talent and hard work also translated into results, as Inman was part of eight championship triumphs, including Terry Labonte’s 1984 Cup Series win. To say that his CV is impressive would be an understatement, as he has seven Daytona 500 wins, and secured 27 victories with Richard Petty during the 1967 season, including 10 in a row.

Unsurprisingly, Dale Inman was finally recognized by North Carolina’s Hall of Fame. Gracious as ever, the Level Cross native went on to say, “It’s quite an honor. To know that I’ve been with the Petty family for most of the 75 years they have been in racing is unique. There was a celebration of the 75 years in NASCAR with the family this year and that was nice.” Inman is a second cousin to Petty and grew up with Richard Petty and his brother Maurice. Together, the three created one of the most dominant NASCAR teams in history.

Dale Inman was part of the 61st class of inductees to the North Carolina Hall of Fame. The group comprises 11 members, who will be enshrined on May 2, 2025, at the Koury Convention Center at the Sheraton Greensboro. As part of the ceremony, the former crew chief will be required to give a short speech, a prospect that Inman isn’t looking forward to. Sharing his thoughts about it, the 88-year-old said, “I’ll probably go off the top of my head. I can go ahead and confuse people for about five minutes or so.”

The news about Inman’s latest recognition prompted former Hendrick Motorsports crew chief Ray Evernham to share his admiration on social media, as he wrote, “The best ever”. Evernham was the crew chief of Jeff Gordon and the duo won three Cup Series championships together.

After he retired from the motorsports world, Dale Inman gave back to the community by helping the development of the Victory Junction Gang Camp in Randleman. Made as a tribute to the late Adam Petty, the camp gives children with disabilities a place to play, at no cost to their families.

Dale Inman recalls his favorite memories with Richard Petty

Trending

HMS Legend’s Demise Has Emotional Jeff Gordon Echoing Rick Hendrick’s Humble Admission

NASCAR’s Setback Against Michael Jordan Could Potentially Open the Gates for Other Teams to Follow Suit

NASCAR 2025 Schedule: Iconic Short Track Added After 66 Years

Dale Jr’s Iconic Return With $101 Billion Partner, Outshines Kyle Larson & Chase Elliott

Despite Ditching Kyle Busch, NASCAR Driver Redeemed by Chevrolet

To say that Dale Inman and Richard Petty dominated NASCAR would be an understatement. No driver in the sport’s history has secured as many wins in the Cup Series as ‘The King’, and his trusty crew chief was right by his side for the majority of his triumphs. Not only was Inman a part of Petty’s 1964, 1967, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975, and 1979 championship wins, but he played an integral part in his second cousin going down in the sport’s history as one of the greatest ever. However, despite the many accolades, one achievement remains the most special for the veteran.

Being part of Petty’s seven Daytona 500 wins remains Dale Inman’s standout accomplishment in NASCAR. Taking a trip down memory lane, the former crew chief said, “That was pretty special because winning Daytona sort of sets up your season and we had a lot of wins there.” He also recalled Richard Petty’s 100th win at the Bowman Gray Stadium in 1969 and went on to say, “Bobby Isaac, who is also going into the Hall of Fame, didn’t pit for gas with about six laps to go and we did. He led the most laps (241) but we led when it counted at the end.”

With Dale Inman retiring from the sport in 1998, he left behind a legacy that will remain unmatched for years to come. The 88-year-old was a true pioneer in the sport, and is often described as NASCAR’s “first official crew chief”. His contributions have paved the way for the likes of Cliff Daniels, Rodney Childers, and Chris Gabehart to do their job effectively, but even they can only dream of achieving the same levels of success as the North Carolina native.