Racing may be a fraternity, but for the five new inductees to the Hall of Fame NASCAR on Monday night was a celebration of family ties.
Bud Moore, Lee Petty, Ned Jarrett, Bobby Allison and David Pearson were added as the second class in a ceremony at the Charlotte Convention Center Crown Hall, part of the inaugural class of the project last year and Mr. Bill France Jr. Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt Johnson Junior.
Brian France, the third generation president and CEO of NASCAR, the tone of his opening night.
"On behalf of the family of France, the whole NASCAR world - especially the millions of fans who love the sport - thanks, the second class, by memories and moments that have given this great sport," France he said.
Longstanding Motor Racing Network anchors Barney Hall introduces Moore, legendary NASCAR mechanic and owner of the car.
"Most guys who have worked for Bud said one thing: if successful, it did Bud" Hall said. "It was as simple as that. No matter if it was time to change a spring in the car and Bud does not want to change. Do not change. And most of the time, Bud was right."
Like the soldier in the army, Moore was part of a strike force of the Normandy D-Day in 1944 and eventually was awarded five Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars. After returning to civilian life, which eventually led him to NASCAR, he was crew manager Buck Baker's 1957 championship run, and Joe Weatherly titles back-to-back in 1962 and 1963.
"My daughter-in-law asked me how I remember," Moore said. "The answer is simple. He who has made many contributions to the construction of sport, one whose handshake was as good as any contract [and] always gave clear answers. And above all, be remembered as a man who loved his family, his country and the racing sport. "
Four grandchildren Petty - Ritchie, Kyle, Tim and Mark - gave the audience a brief description of its relationship with NASCAR champion twice, having lunch with them every day at 11:30, sharing stories and advice to his death 2000.
"He gave us his word to live by: Outwork your competitors to beat your competitors, not you, do not be jealous," Ritchie said Petty. "These are core values of Lee probably the most important lesson that is instilled in us that the Bible borrowed from 12:25, Matthew:" .. A house divided against itself shall not impede Even in the last days of Lee, keeping her family together was the key to his legacy. He was the glue that hold us together. "
"For my grandfather, it was not just a sport but a lifestyle," said Kyle Petty.
Richard Petty, to accept the honor with his brother Maurice, said he believed that his father really deserves to be a member of the inaugural class.
"He was a leader, he would have before I was," said Richard Petty. "How can it be wound up, I'm pushing right now because I pushed all my life. 'Was difficult. He was a nephew pretty good and stuff, and he was pretty tough for me, and [Maurizio], but was worse in the outside world. He lived the world and he does not want anyone tells you how to live his way. The big thing was to take care of themselves. "
"If you get this way, it did not make much difference to him. You came out of the way."
Ned Jarrett won 50 races, but it may be remembered more work off the track of the children of Dale and Glenn and daughter Patti Makar.
"For many years promoting and talking to everyone and everyone in NASCAR," said Dale Jarrett. "He was a track owner and promoter, a radio commentator, representing Respondent, an analyst for television, a big fan and, of course, a pilot."
And while Glenn Jarrett recalled to her father's house when it counted.
"All the time that the father was busy with racing, and sometimes more than 100 times a year, working long hours on radio and television, in speeches and selflessly give to charity and civic groups, never, never Forgot your family, "said Glenn Jarrett. "He was always there watching Dale and play sports, and Patti will do what girls do ... and I still have not figured out what all these things."
Ned Jarrett admitted he was praying he would live long enough to be elected.
"It's more than I ever dreamed," said Ned Jarrett. "To go to the big names like David Pearson, Allison, Bobby Moore and Bud Lee Petty. Means a lot to me.
"I was lucky enough to compete against everybody, including Richard Petty and Junior Johnson during my career. I realize that for letting me win a few races along the way and a couple of leagues. I am grateful for that."
Donnie Allison presented his brother, the leader of the legendary Alabama Gang - and explained in a humorous way behind why they decided to move away from South Florida.
"In 1959, he and I went to Alabama for the first time," Donnie Allison said. "He thought he had died and gone to heaven, because he could race three or four nights a week and make money. The first weekend we went, ran third, Montgomery Motor Speedway. He came to me and said," Donnie , we can 't eat more peaches. Can we go get some fried chicken. I only made $ 275. "
the most emotional moment of the evening came shortly after a video was shown by Davey Allison finished second in his father's 500th Daytona 1988 Bobby Allison took a moment to remember both Davey and Clifford, who died within 11 months apart.
"All four of our boys were very, very special children," said Bobby Allison. "We lost Clifford. We lost Davey. And that was just so hard for me and Judy. The world, I hope, will never be that cruel family more.
"But it happened. We have survived. People have helped and supported us and I really appreciate it. All I can say is that this is a special honor for me."
The former Darlington Raceway Public Relations Director Russell Branham, who has known Pearson since I was 7 years old, had the honor of presenting the final inductee of the night.
