Three-time champion Darrell Waltrip, whose racing career virtually paralleled that of Mr. Bill France Jr. as the point man for NASCAR, will team with four-time champion Jeff Gordon to introduce France to the expected crowd of some 1,200 people at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame’s spacious Speed Channel Dome on April 22nd. Waltrip finished his career with 84 Nextel Cup wins, tied for third place on the all-time list, and three Nextel Cup championships. He is now a color commentator on the Fox Network’s race telecasts, and will be eligible to go on the ballot this year for induction into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame next year. Gordon was the hottest driver in the last decade of France’s tour at the helm of NASCAR, winning all four of his championships from 1995 thru 2001. In all, Gordon has claimed 64 wins and 46 poles thru the end of last season. “We got an immediate ‘yes’ from both men when we invited them to present Mr. France,” said Jim Freeman, the Executive Director of the Hall of Fame. “There is no question that this will be one of the highlights of the evening.” France will be one of five individuals who will be inducted that evening. Joining him will be long-time racing legend Charles “Red” Farmer, drag racing champion Shirley Muldowney, the all-time winner in unlimited hydroplanes Bill Muncey, and CART champion Bobby Rahal. Also in attendance that evening will be the Driver of the Year, Ryan Newman, plus many former inductees. Tickets are still on sale for the gala event, which includes a dinner, the televised induction ceremony, and receptions both before and after. Formal attire is required. For ticket information, please contact the Motorsports Hall of Fame office at (256) 362-5002 or their webiste: motorsportshalloffame.com.(FoxSports)(3-16-2004)
