NMPA selects Hall of Fame members: Three men who spent their careers making outstanding contributions to the sport of auto racing will be inducted into the National Motorsports Press Association's Hall of Fame in January. Longtime NASCAR executive and former track president Jim Hunter and Pocono Raceway founder and patriarch Dr. Joseph Mattioli will be inducted posthumously and will be joined by pioneer sportscaster Ken Squier as the class entering the Hall during a ceremony on Jan. 19 in Charlotte, N.C. The three were selected on more than 65 percent of the ballots cast by NMPA members to earn induction into the Hall of Fame. Hunter was selected on 89 percent of the ballots, while both Mattioli and Squier were on 65 percent of the ballots. Those who received votes but did not reach the 65 percent mark for induction were Ray Evernham and Dick Thompson.(Pocono Raceway)(12-7-2012)

2012 New England Auto Racing Hall Of Fame Pioneer Inductees Announced: Twenty racing pioneers considered central to the success of the sport in New England during its formative era will be inducted into the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame on Sunday, November 18 at the Speedway Clubhouse located on the grounds of the Thompson International Speedway in Thompson, Connecticut. Just completed, the selection follows a lengthy voting process administered by a committee of the region’s foremost auto racing historians.
Slated for induction are stock car drivers Tony Mordino, Sparky Belmont, Hank Stevens, Ed Patnode, Johnny Georgiades, Wally Silva, and Ray Brown.
Midget racing standouts Eddie Casterline, George Rice, Al Pillion, Billy Tibbert, Frank Simonetti, Charlie Ethier, and George Monson round-out the open-wheel inductees.
Completing the list of those entering the Hall of Fame are car owners Anthony “Beebe” Zalenski, Ed Stone, Wen Kelley, Bob Oliver, Gordon Ross, and owner & promoter of Connecticut’s former Plainville Stadium, Joe Tinty. Many past HOF inductees have confirmed that they’ll be attending the ceremony.
In addition to the inductions, among the day’s activities will be a good-natured “Roast” of the Hall’s members administered by some of the region’s top raceway media figures including among others, Rollie Jacobs, John Spence, Pete Falconi, Ben Dodge, and Matt Buckler.
Several memorabilia exhibits will be part of the celebration, and the popular Pronyne Mobile Museum will be present for attendees desiring an “up-close & personal” view of the sports beginnings via our region’s only museum. Renowned Eastern racing photographer John Grady is attending, and with him he’ll bring his vast file of racing photographs. Lew Boyd’s Coastal 181 Publishing will also set-up shop for those looking to add to their personal auto racing libraries. Doors open at 10:00 am, with dinner to be served at 1:00. Tickets are economically-priced at $35.00. Reservations may be made by sending payment to NEAR Pioneer Banquet, Box 172, Milldale, Connecticut, 06467. For additional information, contact NEAR President Val LeSieur at 508.238.7797 or email vallesieur@aol.com Since 1998, NEAR has inducted over one-hundred individuals into the New England Auto Racers Hall Of Fame, which is administered by the New England Antique Racers. Notable inductees include Richie Evans, Ron Bouchard, Bugs Stevens, Rene Charland, Pete Hamilton, Fred DeSarro, Ed Flemke, Sr. and Billy Greco among others. More info at near1.com or thespeedwaylinereport.com.(9-20-2012)

Seven inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame: A strong and energetic contingent of friends, family, fellow legends and motorsports and automotive industry insiders converged in downtown Detroit Wednesday night to usher an illustrious group of seven motorsports icons representing the Class of 2012 into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America at the organization's 24th Annual Induction Ceremony at the historic Fillmore Theater. The accomplished Class of 2012 includes event attendees Ed Pink (Drag Racing), Derek Bell (Sports Cars) and Ricky Johnson (Motorcycles) who were joined by friends and family members that touchingly memorialized and enshrined deceased inductees Pop Dreyer (Historic), Neil Bonnett (Stock Cars) and Vic Edelbrock, Sr. (At Large). Inductee Danny Sullivan (Indy Cars) was forced to miss the event after an unexpected schedule change kept him in England on a television shoot, but he was capably represented by AutoWeek Editor and Associate Publisher Dutch Mandel who both inducted and accepted the honor for his friend and the 1985 Indianapolis 500 winner.
The evening moved off to an appropriate start with a keynote address by Honorary Chairman Jim Campbell, General Motors Vice President Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. In addition to respectfully acknowledging the achievements and contributions of the other well-known manufacturers represented at the event, Campbell focused on the Chevrolet brand's important role in motorsports history, as well as its particular presence in the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.
Five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson inducted AMA Supercross and Motocross legend Ricky Johnson. Although unrelated, the two remain close friends today from their youthful California off-road racing days that launched both to stardom.(MSHFA)(9-3-2012)

Johnson a presenter at the MSHFA Induction Ceremony: The list of motorsports stars set to usher in this year’s inductees into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, Wednesday, August 29, is as accomplished as the Class of 2012 itself with champion driver Jimmie Johnson and Hall of Famers Don “The Snake” Prudhomme and Bobby Allison scheduled to be among the inductee presenters at the black-tie event at the Fillmore Theater in Detroit. Johnson will present AMA Supercross and Motocross legend Ricky Johnson for induction in the Motorcycle category. Although unrelated, the two were competitors and remain close friends today from their youthful California off-road racing days that launched both to stardom. Hall of Famer and NASCAR icon Allison (Class of 1992) will present for the second-consecutive year after having the honor of inducting his brother Donnie Allison in 2011. This year, Bobby Allison will enshrine fellow "Alabama Gang" member, the late Neil Bonnett, into the Hall’s stock car wing. Bonnett was one of the most affable drivers in NASCAR history, earning 18 series victories during his 18-year career. Additional NASCAR legends scheduled to present include Leonard Wood, a Hall member enshrined with his brother Glen Wood in 2000 as the leaders of the famous Wood Brothers racing team and pit crew. Leonard Wood will induct the late Vic Edelbrock, Sr. in the At Large category. Edelbrock was considered one of the founders of the American hot rod movement and built a small auto repair shop into one of the world's premier parts suppliers for racers and auto hobbyists. More info at mshf.com.(8-14-2012)

Cotton Owens to be honored: On Aug. 11, NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Cotton Owens and former NASCAR announcer, promoter and track announcer Jimmy Mosteller, himself a Georgia Racing Hall of Famer, will be honored at the fifth annual Lakewood Speedway Reunion at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame in Dawsonville, GA. Both men have ties to the legendary track and to racing in north Georgia. Owens won races at the track, and was a long-time supporter of the Ga. Racing Hall of Fame and racing related events in Dawsonville, GA, while Mosteller was a former announcer and promoter at Lakewood, along with being one of the founders of the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame.(raceweekillustrated.com)(8-8-2012)

International Motorsports Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2013: The International Motorsports Hall of Fame announces its inductees for 2013: Dale Inman, Rusty Wallace, Rick Hendrick and Don Schumacher.
Dale Inman
Dale Inman retired in 1998 as a NASCAR Grand National/Winston Cup crew chief. He is best known for being the crew chief of Richard Petty for three decades. Together they won 193 races, 129 poles and seven championships in 1964, 1967, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975, and 1979. Inman was also crew chief for Terry Labonte when they won the 1984 championship.
Rusty Wallace
Rusty Wallace retired from NASCAR at the end of 2005 with a stellar resume. Wallace won the 1979 United States Auto Club Stock Car Rookie of the Year award, the American Speed Association championship in 1983 and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship in 1989.
Rick Hendrick
Rick Hendrick is current owner of the NASCAR team Hendrick Motorsports, founder of the Hendrick Automotive Group and Hendrick Marrow Program. Throughout his career as a team owner, Hendrick has won 14 NASCAR Championships including ten Sprint Cup Series, one Nationwide Series and three Camping World Truck Series.
Don Schumacher
Don Schumacher owns nine NHRA drag racing championships and 179 event titles. As a pioneering Plymouth Funny Car driver from 1968 to 1974, he won five NHRA titles, nine IHRA titles and the prestigious 1970 U.S. Nationals. Don's son, Tony, began racing NHRA sportsman cars in the early 1990s. In 1998, Don Schumacher Racing was assembled with Tony as one of seven drivers. The team currently competes in the NHRA Top Fuel class and has won seven championships. In 2007, Don was inducted into the Drag Racing Hall of Fame.(International Motorsports Hall of Fame)(7-7-2012)

2012 inductees named for Georgia Racing Hall of Fame: The 2012 inductees were named for Georgia Racing Hall of Fame: 1970 Daytona 500 champion Pete Hamilton, multi-time Dixie Speedway champion and NASCAR driver Bill Ingram, all-time NHRA Pro Stock Drag Racing winner Warren Johnson, long time dirt track and asphalt ace Doug Kenimer, and sprint car champion Herman Wise. The announcement was made in a special ceremony at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame in Dawsonville, GA. The 2012 Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Induction banquet will be held on Oct. 26, 2012 at 6 pm at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, located inside the Dawsonville Municipal Complex in Dawsonville, Georgia.(Raceweek Illustrated)(5-28-2012)

International Motorsports Hall of Fame Announces Top-24 Finalists: The field has been narrowed and only 24 finalists remain for possible induction into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame's Class of 2013. There is a five-way tie for 20th. The final inductees getting 51% of the votes at the end of this voting session will be the 2013 Inductees. "Practically every form of racing, from stock cars to open wheel to motorcycles to airplanes are represented. They are drivers, car builders, engine builders, owners, pilots, pioneers and innovators," states Executive Director, Grant Lynch.
The Top 24 Finalists for the Class of 2013: Zora Arkus-Duntov, Ted Horn, Erwin "Cannonball" Baker, Dale Inman, Raymond Beadle, Joe Leonard, Clint Brawner, Tommy Milton, Bloys Britt, Danny Ongais, Joie Chitwood, Marvin Panch, Pete DePaolo, Les Richter, Rene Dreyfus, Pedro Rodriquez, Harvey Firestone, Don Schumacher, Rick Hendrick, Lee Shepherd, Tommy Hinnershitz, Ronnie Sox, David Hobbs and Rusty Wallace. The Class of 2013 will be announced this summer, 2012.(IMHOF)(5-21-2012)

Childress & Rudd inducted into NMPA Hall of Fame: NASCAR team owner Richard Childress and former NASCAR driver Ricky Rudd were inducted into the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame Tuesday night at a gala event in Concord, NC. “It’s is a great honor for me to carry the banner for all of the talented people who have made RCR what it’s become over the past 40-plus years,” said Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “To go into the National Motorsports Press Association with Ricky Rudd is very special for me personally because of his important contributions to both RCR and the sport of NASCAR racing as a whole. I had a dream as a kid of winning races and championships but I never thought it would take me to the places it has in my life.” The National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame is located on the grounds of Darlington Raceway. The inaugural class was inducted in 1965 which has become a Who’s Who in the world of NASCAR. Childress and Rudd were the 79th and 80th inductees.(RCR)(5-17-2012)

Jim Hunter inducted in South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame: He was loyal and compassionate and tough, a teacher and counselor and promoter, one of the rare who influenced so many in a positive way. Those words describe the late Jim Hunter, who, yes, in his younger days, walked on the wild side, too. But more than nouns or adjectives or verbs can say, he was Darlington. Yes, that Darlington, the race track that annually stages one of the state's oldest and most captivating sports spectacles. The timing is perfect: Another Southern 500, this one the first sponsored by Bojangles', unfolded Saturday night at Darlington - Jim Hunter's Darlington - and 48 hours later he will be among the inductees into the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame in ceremonies [Monday night]. Hunter's career included stops at Columbia and Atlanta newspapers, public relations director for Darlington and Talladega speedway and in NASCAR administration before the International Speedway Corporation sent him to oversee the company's new purchase, Darlington Raceway. Eventually, the racing powers needed Hunter more at headquarters than at one race track and brought him to Daytona Beach as vice-president for communications. Essentially, he became the face of NASCAR.(The State)(5-15-2012)

Dawsonville Pool Room seized: The Georgia Department of Revenue has seized the Dawsonville Pool Room due to unpaid taxes and fees. According to state officials, the downtown Dawsonville eatery owes more than $84,000 in unpaid taxes, fees and penalties stemming from as long ago as April 2008. According to the Dawsonville Pool Room's Facebook page, an account has been set up at First Citizens Bank of Georgia in an effort to reopen the historic downtown restaurant. The Pool Room is described as "ground zero" for auto racing and is covered with racing memorabilia from Dawson County native Bill Elliott's NASCAR career.(AccessNorthGa)(5-12-2012)

Semi-finalists announced for 2012 Georgia Racing Hall of Fame class: The Georgia Racing Hall of Fame in Dawsonville, Georgia has moved one step closer to being able to name the 2012 class of inductees this week, when they announced the "Fast 15" semi-finalists. The five new GRHOF inductees will be chosen by a panel of voters to make up this year's class. The 2012 semi-finalists include Charles Barrett [Sprint Cp driver] of Cleveland, GA, Dick Brannon of Dawsonville, GA, Charlie Burkhalter of Athens, GA, Frank Christian [Sprint Cup team owner] of Dahlonega, GA, Tommie Clinard of Macon, GA, Pete Hamilton [Daytona 500 Champ] of Buford, GA, Bill Ingram [Cup driver] of Woodstock, GA, Bobby Johns [Cup driver] of Miami, FL, Warren Johnson of Sugar Hill, GA, Jabez Jones of Toccoa, GA, Doug Kennimer of Dahlonega, GA, Ethel Flock Mobley [Cup driver, Flock sister] of Atlanta, GA, Huston Platt of Buford, GA, Louise Smith [Cup driver/owner] of Barnesville, GA, and Herman Wise of Toccoa, GA. The announcement of the 2012 Georgia Racing Hall of Fame inductees will be made during the Hall of Fame's 10th anniversary celebration event, scheduled for Saturday, May 26 at the Hall of Fame in Dawsonville, GA.(Raceweek Illustrated)(5-9-2012)

Kulwicki Named to SE Wisconsin Short Track HOF: Former two time Slinger Speedway Champion and 1992 NASCAR Winston Cup champion, the late Alan Kulwicki, is among the 10 newest selections for induction into the Southeastern Wisconsin Short Track Hall of Fame.
Those to be honored with Kulwicki, are Fred Nielsen of Lake Villa, Illinois former car owner for John Reimer, Whitey Harris, Joe Shear and Matt Kenseth, Bill Behling of Wauwatosa, long time car owner and racing equipment supplier, the late Dick Berth from Cedar Grove, former Eastern Wisconsin super modified champion, PeeWee DeWitt from Milwaukee, former pit steward for Midwest Speedways for over 40 years, the late James Engel from Milwaukee, General Manager for Midwest Speedways and Executive Director for Midwest Racing News, Jim Hendricks of Germantown, a seven time track champion at area tracks, the late Tom Klippel of Wauwatosa, an accomplished late model stock car driver and “Voice” of the Hales Corners Speedway for over 20 years, Gene Schwister of Sussex, championship car builder of modifieds and late model cars raced out of the family owned Schwister Ford dealership, and Tony Strupp of Slinger, three time track champion at Slinger Super Speedway and winner of the 1998 Slinger Nationals.
The sixth annual ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 3 at the Schauer Arts and Activities Center, at the Wisconsin Automotive Museum in Hartford. Find information about the event and about previous inductees at www.sewishorttrackhof.com.(4-18-2012)

Bonnett named in class of 2012 inductee's at Motorsports Hall of Fame of America: Racing legends Derek Bell, Neil Bonnett, Pop Dreyer, Vic Edelbrock, Sr., Ricky Johnson, Ed Pink and Danny Sullivan will be this year’s inductees into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America at the organization’s 24th Annual Induction Ceremony that will be held on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at the Fillmore Theater in Detroit. The Class of 2012 announcement was made in a press conference on the opening day of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach where Hall President Ron Watson was joined by Sullivan and Pink, who represented the accomplished motorsports legends that make up this year’s illustrious group of inductees.
Sullivan, a former Indy Car Champion and Indianapolis 500 winner, scored his only Long Beach victory 20 years ago in 1992 on the famous California street circuit. He is best known for his Indy Car accomplishments, but Sullivan also raced in Formula 1, Can-Am and sports cars. His 17th and final Indy Car win came in 1993 on the Belle Isle road course, located just a few miles from the Fillmore in the heart of downtown Detroit.
Pink has more than 45 years of engine building experience and opened Ed Pink Racing Engines in 1961. Part of the Southern California post World War II Hot Rod Era, Pink first raced on dry lakes and then moved to drag strips. From the early ‘60s through the mid ‘70s Pink was famous for his blown fuel drag engines, but he has also supplied power for Indy Cars and a variety of road racing machines.
Bell is perhaps best known for his five wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (1975, 1981, 1982, 1986 and 1987) and two World Sports Car Championship titles (1985-86). He made his impact in the United States by winning the Rolex 24 At Daytona in 1986, 1987 and 1989.
Bonnett was one of the most affable drivers in NASCAR Winston Cup Series history, earning 18 series victories during his 18-year career. Among his 18 wins were back-to-back victories in NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600 (1982 and 1983). Bonnett also won back-to-back Busch Clash races at Daytona International Speedway (1983 and 1984).
Dreyer’s first name was Floyd but he was known as “Pop” and as one of the most resilient motorcycle competitors of all time. His career spanned an amazing 70 years, from the late teens to the 1980s. He was a side-car motorcycle racing pioneer and open-wheel Midget and Sprint Car builder who competed on dirt as well as on the famed board speedways of the teens and early 1920s.
Edelbrock was considered one of the founders of the American hot rod movement. Starting with a small auto repair shop in Beverly Hills in 1933, the Edelbrock Corporation grew into one of the world's premier parts suppliers for racers and auto hobbyists. After World War II, Edelbrock started selling parts by catalog and his Midget racing team gained fame for beating the then-dominant Offy Midgets with their souped up Ford V-8 60s.
Johnson was one of the greatest AMA motocross and Supercross racers and champions of all-time. During the 1980s, he won seven AMA national championships and was part of four winning U.S. Motocross des Nations teams. In all, Johnson tallied an amazing 61 AMA national wins. He retired as the all-time AMA Supercross wins leader in 1991 and later moved to Off-Road Truck competition where he remains active today.
In other Motorsports Hall of Fame news, Watson confirmed that the organization is presently reviewing several proposals that will see the Hall and its collection of memorabilia and racing machines housed in a new location in the near future. The Hall is presently located at the Detroit Science Center, which is currently closed due to the economy since late last year. Several groups and organizations from around the country, however, have demonstrated a strong interest in housing the MSHF, and the organization hopes to announce the selected group and location by August’s induction ceremony. Tickets for the 24th Annual Motorsports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony can be purchased by calling 248-349-RACE (7223) or at www.mshf.com. The Motorsports Museum & Hall of Fame is operated by the Motorsports Museum and Hall of Fame of America Foundation Inc.(MSHFA)(4-14-2012)

Richard Childress, Ricky Rudd elected to NMPA Hall of Fame: Team owner Richard Childress and Ricky Rudd, the driver who gave Childress his first NASCAR win, have been elected to the National Motorsports Press Association's Hall of Fame. Each received more than the required 65 percent of the votes cast by the NMPA's members. Childress made his first NASCAR Sprint Cup start in 1969. He drove for five full seasons, 1976-80, with two top-five finishes. Twenty races into the 1981 season, Childress turned the wheel over to Dale Earnhardt, and in June 1983 at Riverside, Calif., Rudd gave Childress his first victory as a team owner. In 1984, Earnhardt rejoined Childress, and they would go on to win 66 races and six championships. Overall, Childress has 100 Cup wins, as well as 56 victories and five team-owner titles in the Nationwide ranks, and 24 wins and two Camping World Truck Series crowns. Rudd competed in Cup racing for 32 years, with stints for team owners such as Childress, Rick Hendrick, Bud Moore Roberts and others. Rudd earned 23 Cup wins, including the Brickyard 400 in 1997 as an owner-driver, and he holds the NASCAR Cup record for consecutive starts with 788. Rudd was also the 1992 titlist in the International Race of Champions series. Others receiving votes for the NMPA Hall of Fame were: drivers Donnie Allison, Bill Elliott, Tiny Lund and Sara Christian; former crew chief and team owner Ray Evernham; team owner Joe Gibbs; promoter Richard Howard; and photographer Ladon George.(Fayetteville Observer)(2-17-2012)

2012 IMHOF Tix on sale: Tickets are now available for the 2012 International Motorsports Hall of Fame (IMHOF) Induction Ceremony, scheduled for May 3, 2012, at the SPEED Dome in Talladega, AL. This black-tie ceremony consists of a reception, banquet and awards ceremony which will honor the two new inductee's of the 2012 class: Richard Childress, John Force and Kenny Bernstein. This year's ceremony to also honor: 2011 Driver of the Year Tony Stewart and 2011 ARCA Champion Ty Dillon.
2012 INDUCTEES:
RICHARD CHILDRESS
Childress is the president and chief executive officer of Richard Childress Racing, a 12-time NASCAR championship-winning organization. An independent driver who got his start in 1969 and earned 76 top-10 finishes in 285 races, Childress climbed out of the seat with 10 races remaining in the 1981 season, handing over the driving duties to Dale Earnhardt. Together, they made NASCAR history, winning 67 races and six Sprint Cup Series championships and established RCR as one of the premier teams in all of motorsports. "It's an honor," Childress said Sunday morning at Chicagoland Speedway, where the announcement was made. "I'm still kind of in shock. It's not about Richard Childress at all. It's about all the people that I've been fortunate to be around in my life and the people I'm there today with. Dale Earnhardt set the mark and help put me where I am today. I'll never forget that." KENNY BERNSTEIN
Team owner and six-time NHRA champion Kenny Bernstein is a gifted driver and business man. He holds the unique distinction of being the first and only race team owner to have collected wins in each of America's three major motorsports series: NHRA drag racing, NASCAR, and CART. He earned the title "King of Speed" when he became the first NHRA driver to break the 300 miles-per-hour barrier March 20, 1992. In May of 1992 his IndyCar with driver Roberto Guerrero sat on the pole of the Indy 500. Bernstein began an association with Budweiser which lasted for 30 years, setting the watermark as the longest-running sponsorship in the history of auto sports. During his driving career he won 69 NHRA national events, four consecutive Funny Car championships along with two Top Fuel championships. He was also voted in the top 10 on NHRA's 50 Greatest Drivers list. "We are honored to be chosen by a blue ribbon media panel as an inductee into the 2012 International Motorsports Hall of Fame. We are humbled to accompany John Force and Richard Childress with all their amazing accomplishments and talents," stated 2012 IMHOF Inductee Kenny Bernstein. "We are looking forward to all the festivities and a great evening. We also want to take a moment to thank all the team members and employees who have worked for us through the years that have helped contribute to the success that has made it possible for us to be considered for such an honor. We owe a debt of gratitude to our past sponsor Budweiser and long-time sponsor Mac Tools."
JOHN FORCE
John Force owns virtually all of the major records in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series including those for final round appearances, tour victories, No. 1 starts and 15 championships. The 1996 Driver of the Year, Force is a 15-time Auto Racing All-America selection and the only four-time winner of the Jerry Titus Memorial Award which identifies the driver receiving the most overall votes for the All-America team. The oldest champion in a major series when he won the 2010 NHRA Funny Car title at age 61, Force was named RACER Magazine's 2010 Racer of the Year. "I am honored to be selected for the International Motorsports Hall of Fame at Talladega Motor Speedway. To go in with Kenny Bernstein and Richard Childress is amazing. Those guys are real legends. I am just happy to be out here racing for my sponsors Castrol, for over 26 years, Ford, Auto Club, Mac Tools and BrandSource. They could have given up on me after my crash but they stayed with me and we got another championship, number 15. This honor is not just about me it is about my crew chiefs, Austin Coil, Bernie Fedderly and Mike Neff, my crew guys, all my drivers and everyone at John Force Racing," stated 2012 IMHOF Inductee John Force. "I am not done yet so while I say thank you to the media that voted for me I want everyone to know that just because I am going into the Hall of Fame you haven't heard the last of me. I am out here chasing these young drivers like Mike Neff, Robert Hight, and Matt Hagan. Those guys might be the next Hall of Famers for all I know."
Opened in April of 1983, the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum is dedicated to the preservation of the history of motorsports. Each year the annual International Motorsports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is held on the grounds of the Museum to honor those men and women chosen for induction from among the greatest names in all of motorsports (IMHOF), more info about tickets at motorsportshalloffame.com.(2-9-2012)

Harvick inducted into Bob Elias Kern County Sports Hall of Fame: #29-Kevin Harvick returned Wednesday to where his racing career began -- his hometown of Bakersfield, Calif. -- to be inducted into the Bob Elias Kern County Sports Hall of Fame. A sold-out gathering greeted their hometown hero, who went from racing go-karts around the Bakersfield area as a 5-year-old to winning the Daytona 500 in 2007. "It's been an honor to be selected," Harvick told the audience at his induction. "My friends and family and everybody in this town have been very supportive. From my go-kart days or my wrestling days at North High, no matter what it was, the town has been supportive. And you guys support our foundation events when we come back. It's truly an honor to see the support." Harvick, 36, was one of four enshrined during Wednesday's ceremony. Also inducted were Olympic swimmer Gabe Woodward; Pat Skrable, an outstanding baseball and football player at Bakersfield High School; and Arnold Kirschenmann, a golfing standout from Bakersfield. Harvick joins just three other drivers in the Hall -- four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Rick Mears, off-road champion Roger Mears and Indy 500 competitor George Snider.(NASCAR Wire Service)(2-3-2012)