NASCAR celebrates the Hall of Fame Class of 2019
Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images
CHARLOTTE—The NASCAR Hall of Fame feted its 10th class of inductees on Friday night under the “Forever Legends” banner.
Two owners—Roger Penske and Jack Roush—two drivers—Jeff Gordon and Davey Allison—and Alan Kulwicki, who wore both hats en route to the 1992 title, were installed into stock car’s famed hall.
Combined, the 2019 class amassed 16 NASCAR championships and 625 wins between them.
Roush was introduced by his current driver Ricky Stenhouse while fellow Hall of Famer Mark Martin executed the ring ceremony. The 76-year-old owner reflected on his three decades in the sport.
“When I announced my plan to start a NASCAR Cup team in January 1988, few if any knowledgeable fans and even fewer Cup team personnel would have given me favorable odds of surviving for more than three decades as I stand before you tonight,” Roush said.
Just months after winning the 1992 Cup title, Kulwicki was involved in a fatal plane crash on April 1, 1993. The Greenfield, Wisc., native was 38. Team owner Felix Sabates, who became the executor of Kulwicki’s estate, noted the owner/operator won the title on a budget of $2.84 million. Sabates then asked former crewmen from the No. 7 AKR Ford—Paul Andrews, Tony Gibson and Peter Jellen to come on stage and accept their former driver and friend’s Hall of Fame ring.
Coach Nick Saban kicked off the introduction of the Alabama Gang’s favorite son, Davey Allison. His son, Robbie, who was just a toddler when his Allison lost his life following a helicopter crash in 1993, reflected on his father’s legacy before his mother Liz and sister Krista joined him to accept the ring.
Jay Leno called meeting Roger Penske “one of the seminal moments” of his life. The Penske trio of Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney introduced the Captain. His son, Greg Penske, who inducted his hero into the Hall, said his father answers to many names from his family, but his grandchildren refer to him as “Mr. Fun.”
"I guess tonight, I won't be Mr. Fun, I'll be The Captain,” Penske said. “This Hall of Fame honor and this moment is very special to me, and I am so glad to share it with my family and friends. Racing has been a part of my life almost as long as I can remember. It is a common thread that is woven throughout all of our Penske business. Racing is simply who we are.”
Kelly Ripa started Jeff Gordon’s induction ceremony followed by another NorCal racer Kyle Larson.
“In the early '90s, a youthful Californian stormed onto the NASCAR scene,” Larson said. “His generational talent and charisma helped transform NASCAR from a regional sport to a national spectacle. Confident and flashy, he served as the perfect rival to the rugged Intimidator Dale Earnhardt.
“His name is found throughout NASCAR’s record books and now is etched permanently in the NASCAR Hall of Fame.”
Team owner Rick Hendrick, along with Gordon’s children Ella and Leo, inducted the four-time champion into the Hall. Hendrick remarked, "I think he’s revolutionized the sport of NASCAR.” prior to Gordon coming on stage.
Certainly, the driver known as ‘Wonder Boy’ jumpstarted the sport’s youth movement and opened the door for NASCAR in new markets. With 13 wins in 1998, he set a modern era-record for victories in a season en route to his third title. Gordon remains third on the all-time win list with 93 victories.
“What a special evening,” Gordon said. “I’m so honored to be here surrounded by friends, family, fans and many people that have worked very hard behind the scenes for me over the years. Thank you to the fans who make racing the great sport that it is. You make being a race car driver a dream come true.”
NASCAR also honored Steve Waid with the Squier-Hall Award for Media Excellence and Jim Hunter with the 2019 Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR. The Hall also acknowledged the loss of Hall of Famers, Glen Wood and David Pearson.
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