{"id":23126,"date":"2019-02-01T21:40:21","date_gmt":"2019-02-02T03:40:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/?p=23126"},"modified":"2019-02-10T09:20:43","modified_gmt":"2019-02-10T15:20:43","slug":"nascar-hall-of-fame-welcomes-distinguished-class-of-2019-inductees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/2019\/02\/01\/nascar-hall-of-fame-welcomes-distinguished-class-of-2019-inductees\/","title":{"rendered":"NASCAR Hall of Fame welcomes distinguished class of 2019 inductees"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Members of the NASCAR Hall of Fame stand on stage during the 2019 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Charlotte Convention Center on February 01, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

By Reid Spencer , NASCAR Wire Service<\/em><\/b><\/p>\n

CHARLOTTE, N.C. \u2013 Three legendary drivers and two of stock car racing\u2019s most influential owners were honored with well-deserved induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame<\/a> on Friday night.<\/p>\n

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Kyle Larson shakes hands withJeff Gordon as he is inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame during the 2019 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Charlotte Convention Center on February 01, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n

In one distinct way, the 10th Hall of Fame class is unique. Either as owners or drivers, all five members of the class competed against each other at some points in their careers.<\/p>\n

Four-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon headlines a 2019 class that includes two drivers whose careers\u2014and tragic loss of life \u2013are inextricably intertwined. Alan Kulwicki, the last privateer to win a Cup championship, and Davey Allison, both played key roles in the 1992 title race, before both passed away the following year as the result of aviation accidents.<\/p>\n

The Hall also welcomed reigning Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion owner Roger Penske, as well as Jack Roush, whose drivers won back to back Cup titles in 2003 (the last year of the season-long scoring system) and 2004 (the first year of the postseason Playoffs).<\/p>\n

After an introduction from fellow California Cup driver Kyle Larson, team owner Rick Hendrick, along with Gordon\u2019s son Leo and daughter Ella, presented the final induction honors of the night for the newly inducted Hall of Famer, who won 93 Cup races, third most all-time.<\/p>\n

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Jeff Gordon speaks on stage as he is inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame during the 2019 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Charlotte Convention Center on February 01, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cWhat a special evening,\u201d Gordon said. \u201cSo honored to be here surrounded by friends, family, fans and many people that have worked very hard behind the scenes for me over the years. Thank you!<\/p>\n

\u201cI was told I have about eight minutes to give my speech. I\u2019m not exactly sure if it\u2019s going to take six, 12 or what, but, honestly, no amount of time would be enough to thank everyone who helped me get here to this stage tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gordon then proceeded to thank those who played key parts in his storied career, from Hendrick to three-time champion crew chief Ray Evernham to stepfather John Bickford to his wife Ingrid and his children.<\/p>\n

\u201cRaising a family is similar to racing \u2013 some days you\u2019re hanging in the back, hanging on tight, holding on and hoping a caution falls at any second,\u201d Gordon said. \u201cOther days you\u2019re pulling into victory lane celebrating and proud as you can be.<\/p>\n

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Mark Martin speaks as 2019 inductee Jack Roush is presented during the 2019 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Charlotte Convention Center on February 01, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so thankful and lucky to have the love of my life and two amazing kids by my side every morning when we start our engines and every night when the checkered flag waves.\u201d<\/p>\n

First to be inducted was team owner Roush, one of the foremost innovators in stock car racing. Roush fielded Fords for Cup champions Matt Kenseth (2003) and Kurt Busch (2004), winning the first title under NASCAR\u2019s new 10-race Playoff format.<\/p>\n

In a career that has encompassed four decades, Roush has accumulated 137 victories in each of the Cup and Xfinity Series while nurturing the career of fellow NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin, a 40-time winner in NASCAR\u2019s premier series.<\/p>\n

It was Martin who presented Roush with his Hall of Fame ring, after an introduction by Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who won back-to-back NASCAR Xfinity Series titles under the Roush Fenway Racing banner in 2011 and 2012.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I announced my plan to start a NASCAR Cup team in January 1988, few, if any, knowledgeable fans and even fewer Cup team personnel would have given me favorable odds of surviving for more than three decades, as I stand before you tonight,\u201d Roush said in his induction speech.<\/p>\n

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Felix Sabates presents a ring to Paul Andrews, Tony Gibson and Peter Jellen during the induction of Alan Kulwicki during the 2019 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Charlotte Convention Center on February 01, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cWere it not for Mark Martin\u2019s ambitions and commitment, and the timely advice and support of Banjo Matthews, Bobby Allison, Glen and Leonard Wood and counselor John Cassidy, I would not have survived long enough to have earned even a footnote in any chronicles of the sport.\u201d<\/p>\n

A fiercely competitive and singularly driven late model racer from Wisconsin, Kulwicki followed Roush into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Winner of the 1992 title in the most closely contested championship race before the debut of the Playoff format, Kulwicki overcame a 278-point deficit in the final six races of the season to beat Bill Elliott and Allison for the championship trophy.<\/p>\n

True to his calculating, mathematical approach to racing, Kulwicki won the title by leading 103 laps to 102 for Elliott, the race winner, in the final race of the season at Atlanta. The five-point bonus for leading the most laps propelled Kulwicki to the crown.<\/p>\n

Kenseth introduced Kulwicki, and long-time NASCAR team owner Felix Sabates accepted induction on Kulwicki\u2019s behalf. Crew chief Paul Andrews, car chief Tony Gibson and hauler driver Peter Jellen were called to the stage to assist in the induction, with Sabates cajoling them to walk backwards in recognition of Kulwicki\u2019s trademark \u201cPolish victory lap.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Robbie Allison speaks as Davey Allison is inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame during the 2019 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Charlotte Convention Center on February 01, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a real pleasure and honor for me to be here tonight,\u201d Sabates ad-libbed. \u201cAlan Kulwicki was like family to me\u2014and this is probably the closest I\u2019ll get to the Hall of Fame stage.\u201d<\/p>\n

The winner of 19 Cup races, Allison was leading the championship standings by 30 points over Kulwicki entering the final race of the 1992 season but contact from Ernie Irvan early in the race ended his title hopes.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, Allison leaves a legacy on special talent that includes a second-place finish to his father and NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Allison in the 1988 Daytona 500 and a subsequent victory in the Great American Race in 1992.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlthough he was tragically lost too young, this bedrock of the Alabama Gang left an everlasting legacy,\u201d driver Regan Smith said in his introduction of Allison. \u201cHe always dreamed of beating his father Bobby to the finish line because to be the best, you had to beat the best.<\/p>\n

\u201cToday he joins him in the NASCAR Hall of Fame.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Roger Penske speaks as he is inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame during the 2019 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Charlotte Convention Center on February 01, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n

Davey\u2019s son, Robbie Allison performed the induction honors, assisted by Davey\u2019s wife, Liz Allison, and daughter, Krista Allison-Sheinfeld.<\/p>\n

Penske numbers Cup championships in 2012 (with Brad Keselowski) and 2017 (with Joey Logano) among his myriad accomplishments in motorsports. In addition to his record 17 Indianapolis 500 victories\u2014the most recent with driver will power last year\u2014Penske has amassed 111 victories at NASCAR\u2019s highest level and another 68 wins in the Xfinity Series to go with four owner\u2019s championships.<\/p>\n

Penske\u2019s three Cup drivers\u2014Logano, Keselowski and Ryan Blaney\u2014provided the introduction and son Greg Penske completed the induction of his father, with Greg Penske noting that his father known to the family as \u201cMr. Fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess tonight I won\u2019t be Mr. Fun\u2014I\u2019ll be the Captain,\u201d Penske quipped in his acceptance speech, referring to his other, more well-known moniker.<\/p>\n

\u201cRacing has been a part of my life almost as long as I can remember. It is the common thread that is woven throughout all of our Penske businesses. Racing is simply who we are.<\/p>\n

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Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney speak on stage as Roger Penske is inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame during the 2019 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Charlotte Convention Center on February 01, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cThe lessons we learn in racing help drive our success in business, and the exposure provided from NASCAR is a source of pride that builds our brand and our entire organization.\u201d<\/p>\n

Former NASCAR vice president of corporate communications Jim Hunter was named recipient of the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR.<\/p>\n

NASCAR vice-chairman Mike Helton noted that Hunter, who lost his battle against cancer in 2010, was \u201cknown for his wit and wisdom. He had a warm style, but he was direct, and he motivated everyone he touched to be better.\u201d<\/p>\n

At the NASCAR Hall of Fame dinner that preceded the induction ceremonies, long-time NASCAR writer, broadcaster and author Steve Waid was recognized with the Squier-Hall Award for NASCAR Media Excellence.<\/p>\n

Audio and interviews:<\/h3>\n

Induction ceremony – <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Squier Hall of Fame winner Steve Waid – <\/p>\nhttp:\/\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/NHOF_Inductions_Waid_020119.mp3<\/a><\/audio>\n

 <\/p>\n

NASCAR Hall of Famer Jack Roush – <\/p>\nhttp:\/\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/NHOF_Post_Inductions_Roush_020119.mp3<\/a><\/audio>\n

 <\/p>\n

Liz Allison, NASCAR Hall of Famer Davey Allison wife – <\/p>\nhttp:\/\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/NHOF_Post_Inductions_Allison_020119.mp3<\/a><\/audio>\n

 <\/p>\n

NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon, his children Leo and Ella and NASCAR Hall of Famer Ray Evernham – <\/p>\nhttp:\/\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/NHOF_Post_Inductions_Gordon_020119.mp3<\/a><\/audio>\n

 <\/p>\n

NASCAR Hall of Famer Roger Penske – <\/p>\nhttp:\/\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/NHOF_Post_Inductions_Penske_020119.mp3<\/a><\/audio>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  By Reid Spencer , NASCAR Wire Service CHARLOTTE, N.C. \u2013 Three legendary drivers and two of stock car racing\u2019s most influential owners were honored with well-deserved induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Friday night. In one distinct way, the 10th Hall of Fame class is unique. Either as owners or drivers, all five […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":676,"featured_media":23133,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[11],"tags":[671,674,670,301,16,673],"class_list":["post-23126","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nascar","tag-alan-kulwicki","tag-davey-allison","tag-jack-roush","tag-jeff-gordon","tag-nascar","tag-roger-penske"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/NHOF_020119-e1549208503260.jpg?fit=640%2C427&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7hzTZ-610","jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23126","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/676"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23126"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23126\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23141,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23126\/revisions\/23141"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23133"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23126"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23126"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23126"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}