SpeedwayMedia.com

Bill France Sr., Bill France Jr., Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt Sr., Junior Johnson

The class of 2009, the inaugural inductees.

Well, it is what it is. Of Course I disagree, in part, to it. Any fan would 'cause every one of us looks at them differently. But ya gotta remember that each year, we are gonna argue about that year's class. That's why they only induct 5.

I felt that, since this is 60 years after it should of got started, the inaugural bunch needed to be larger, upwards of 20, or so. Just to get a baseline theme. Winston Kelley, the caretaker of the place, said on SPEED TV's Raceday, that 5 was chosen because they wanted that 5 to reap the accolades they deserved. I agree with that for subsequent classes, but I felt we needed to play catch-up.

I also think the choices, in light of being only 5, should have been more broadly cast. There should have been a pioneering track owner *AHEM Parks*, and an early era racer. I think that Bill Jr. should have been after his father, as he was in real life. It smacked of influence (a game that the Frances are experts in) Dale Sr., though I understand the inevitability of his choice in this class, would have fit better in next years'. Bill Sr. was the perfect first pick, although he wasn't the only one in the development of the league. Richard Petty was another absolute. Junior Johnson was the most intelligent, non-emotional pick they made and proved that the electors knew what they were doing.

The list of 25 that they started with are ALL HoF-worthy, and most will get there someday. As long as they make the first pick the absolute perfect person for that year, we'll always have good choices. The committee must always include the different areas that make up NASCAR. The drivers are usually the choice, but don't forget the crews, the officials, the sponsors, the tracks, the promoters, the innovators, the ones who serve the food. YES, everybody! As long as you folks keep throwing names in the hat, nobody is gonna be left out, if they are worthy.