Posted on 10/14/2009 4:49:38 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)—NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. headlined the five inductees into the first Hall of Fame class, a group that drew mixed reactions to the inclusion of France’s son instead of driver David Pearson.
France, who formed the National Association of Stock Car Racing in 1947, was the first inductee announced ..
Richard Petty, the seven-time Cup champion and NASCAR’s all-time wins leader, was the second inductee revealed by current NASCAR chairman Brian France, ..
Next up was Bill France Jr., son of the NASCAR founder ..
“When I seen the two Frances was in, I knew I didn’t have a chance,” Pearson said moments after the ceremony ended.
(Excerpt) Read more at sports.yahoo.com ...
Anyone who thought NASCAR was ever some democracy and not the “France” domain needs to give me a call about at bridge I can turn em onto at a real bargain.
This 3rd France is obviously some spoiled brat who don’t give a flip what the fans think. You think maybe Price Waterhouse will do some “vote” audit on the FRANCE nascar Hall of Fame?
Did they spell my name correctly?
Glock says you’re older than dirt. Is that true Mr Cajun?
Tork with a Q
TorQ
Good thing GoDaDDy ain’t the main sponsor for the Museum
Go Big DaDDy O!
Don't say that. ...I'm struggling as it is.
I've been reading. ...Google helps.
I improved my memory simply by purchasing 77,643 postcards on eBay without duplicating one card. Now if I could just remember where I put them...
I think I would have picked a few different ones, but these will do.
Actually think they should have started with all the old timers that were responsible for getting the whole thing started.
He’s still racing, as you should be! :)
Ya I know. How old WAS Nascar in 1954?
Don’t know. Should though, that’s my vintage. :)
Gotta go now...
I was thinking of Daytona for some reason, 50 last year.
You are probably thinking of Brian France current not well liked head honcho. Bill France Jr took Nascar to the height of it’s popularity..............
While Bill France Sr. built NASCAR’s foundation from the sands of the Daytona Beach, Fla., road course, his son took it to another level.
France Jr. was a visionary, a man who saw the potential for stock-car racing to gain in prominence and grab a foothold in the national sports landscape. Words like pioneer and legend cropped up surrounding his name over the years. Why? Because he believed the sport could challenge other professional sports in audience and fan base - and proved that he was correct.
He took over management of NASCAR in 1972 and led the sport through what turned out to be arguably the most influential period in its growth. Like his father, he was willing to take the heat for making tough calls. But he made those with the big picture in mind - and turned what had been a largely regional sport into a major national entity.
In some ways, it started when a smart business decision combined with a stroke of luck.
He put the 1979 Daytona 500 on CBS, the first broadcast of a full, live race on a major television network. That race gained additional exposure when a massive snowstorm essentially locked in the East Coast, increasing viewership. Then it was further aided by a fight. Richard Petty won the race, but Cale Yarborough’s fight with the Allison brothers - Bobby and Donnie - became the source of controversy and publicity.
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Many fans thought both France Sr and Jr should have automatically gone in and 5 others voted in - including Pearson. Apparently there was a lot of arguing and politics during the debate and resulting vote.
I voted Lee Petty instead of Richard to begin with.
Also, if anyone listened to the coverage yesterday the stories were wonderful.
I didn’t realize Sunday Money had direct radio contact with Captain Jack during the races and vice-versa - lol Let’s see that happen these days!!
Mikey Waltrip wound up at RP’s house because Kyle threw his tennis shoes in the lake when they stunk up his place.
Lynda Petty described one of RP’s big wrecks [kinda like Logano’s] only he wound up in the hospital. The two had talked about injuries prior to that and RP had said if he stopped having fun he would quit. She went to the hospital room and asked if he was still having fun. :)
Also, found it tacky to have women in black sporting fake mustache’s with invitations to the DE party at the Ritz Carlton which just happens to be across the street from Whisky River?
There were quite a few good stories on there. :)
Not sure what the ‘Bama gang’s opinion is on this. Will see if I can find out.
Would love to know :)
RT @jeff_gluck Petty on Pearson: “Anybody who won 105 races and didn’t make the cut...someone aint adding right.”
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