NASCAR HALL OF FAME INDUCTION HAS STAR POWER

A brother, a contemporary, a rival, a colleague and a friend all took the stage to induct this year’s Class of 2014 into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Richard Petty, Waddell Wilson, Harry Gant, Humpy Wheeler and Blake Shelton talked the fifth class – Maurice Petty, Fireball Roberts, Jack Ingram, Tim Flock and Dale Jarrett – on Wednesday night at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, N.C.

The five legends, who account for 15 NASCAR championships, were joined on stage by five current stars, combining for 15 national series championships of their own. Aric Almirola, Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart all took part in the evening’s festivities. 

Jarrett has experience as an inductor, joining his brother Glenn and sister Patti Makar to induct father Ned into the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s second class.

“That was really a cool place to be and see the pride on his face, and to be able to show him how proud we were of him,” Jarrett said of inducting his father. “This time will be a little different as I'm the one handing out the ‘thank-you’s’ and accolades to others. It’s going to be an emotional time, it will be a tough seven or eight minutes to get through with some of the things I have to say. 

As long lasting as they are varied, this year’s inductee-inductor relationships are uniquely special – each with a story all its own…

Maurice Petty built the engines that propelled his brother Richard to seven NASCAR championships and most of his 200 wins.

Fireball Roberts won the 1963 Southern 500 with an engine built by Waddell Wilson.

Jack Ingram and Harry Gant had a fierce rivalry that helped build the popularity of what is now the NASCAR Nationwide Series.

Tim Flock worked with Humpy Wheeler at Charlotte Motor Speedway for more than 30 years.

After an introduction by former teammate Elliott Sadler nearly a decade ago, Dale Jarrett and country music star Blake Shelton have become close friends.

“I couldn’t have all four of my kids as inductors, and I couldn’t just ask one. I wanted my dad to be able to enjoy the moment with my mom and the rest of my family.  So it just kind of opened up the opportunity,” said Jarrett.

“This sport brought a lot of really good things to me. It gave me a chance to be a competitor, an opportunity to compete at the highest level and win, but it also has allowed me to make some really good friendships and Blake Shelton is one of those people.”