TWO WORTHY OF SPECIAL RECOGNITION

As I watched the Hall of Fame induction last night, two individuals came to mind who deserve special recognition and applause from all fans of stock car racing. Funny thing is, I had just spoken about one of those individuals on Sunday with a group of my racing friends and complimented the outstanding job I think she does week in and week out.

That young lady is Krista Voda with Speed. Each and every time she is involved in a broadcast, she is very professional, very knowledgeable, and if she is reading a teleprompter, which I don't believe she is, she is the best telepromter reader EVER, in spite of what you may hear out of D.C. She is exceptional. Please note, when you see her on Speed covering a race, she has no legal pad, no notes, no anything we can see in front of her yet she presents facts and insights to rival anything anyone else may present.

Last night, she was dressed appropriately and handled the interviews of those Honorees coming off the stage with great insight as well. I was impressed beyond words. Kudos to Ms. Voda and to SPEED for giving someone with such talent a place to showcase that talent. She sets a standard for aspiring broadcasters. Thank you Ms.Voda.

The other individual who should receive some special thanks is Winston Kelley. He has made the Hall of Fame an exceptional showplace from what I could see on television and I will be planning a trip up there soon. Winston has a great deal of class in dealing with all the negative press that came out about the Hall a few months ago and he continues his tireless efforts to make the HOF a place where all the race fans, those like me from way back, and the new fans coming into the sport, can learn, remember, enjoy, and look forward to the next generation. Great job Winston. Oh, and when they were complimenting you on air last night, your wife looked at you with such obvious pride and joy. That was a wonderful site to see although you were looking straight ahead appearing to be somewhat embarrassed to be acknowledged in any way. You're the man, Winston. Keep doing what you're doing and I'll see you one Friday in June, for sure. Hope to meet you while I'm there.

Ok, there you have it. Two folks who have sincerely impressed The Legend this week. How great it is to have such folks associated with the sport we at Racers Reunion love so much.

Tim

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What a change! It's been awhile since I've checked in and I'm quite surprised. It may take me awhile to figure it our but first look it's really great.


updated by @tim-leeming: 12/05/16 04:04:08PM

I can only say that I agree 100% with you Tim.

I have never met Krista Voda but she has always been one of my favorites. She is a class act. Always prepared and does a super interview.

I have met Winston Kelly and he is also a class act. Just mention the NASACAR Hall of Fame while talking to Winston and watch the expansion of his chest. He is very proud of it and rightfully so.

Very good show last night. They all did good.

I agree with you, Tim, and enjoyed the old videos of the inductees, their friends comments, their comments............and the only thing I found that was distracting to my way of thinking was whenever they put the camera on Brian France. I just can't help thinking that he hasn't been a particularly valuable asset to NASCAR. Having said those things, I do have to mention one more observation which was both entertaining & funny in parts. In as many years as I watched David Pearson race, listen to afterrace interviews, and taped comments from him, I don't believe I have ever heard him say as many words as hesaid last night............and that includes all the other times combined. Junior Johnson always seemed to be a "man of few words", but David was always a man of almost no words.........until last night. Obviously, they were all "old school", and it was most refreshing to hear the "old school" way of talking about NASCAR racing............brought back many, many great memories.

Agree. They have been so good for so long that I fail to notice just how good they are. Thanks for reminding me. I spoke with Mr. Kelly at the NHOF a vew weeks back. I walked up to him and tried to congratulate him and his staff for their efforts there and he was very quick to say, very humbly, "I'M not Mr. Kelly, I'm Winston. Thank you so much for those kind words. We have a great staff and I hope you enjoy your visit today, and please come back." Class Act. He can put anyone at ease and make you feel like you are the only one around. Great guy. The Hall of Fame coundn't have selected a better person for the job.