Hall of Fame! Rings with significance doesn't it, just the sound of those three words? Not quite the impact of the three words "I love you" but to those fortunate enough to have their names recorded in a Hall of Fame somewhere it is a noteworthy part of their lives, to be recognized for accomplishments of their chosen profession or other ability for when they will be recognized and remembered.
NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte has made the selection of their second class of inductees, five more individuals from the many hundreds who contributed so much to racing, and is catching flack from every angle. Yes, even me, but to a lesser degree than some. Racers Reunion Memory Lane Hall of Fame is set to induct its second class of inductees on Sunday, October 17th. Racers Reunion does have a better understanding of the necessity of recognizing true heroes of the sport in that each class inducts a total of 15 individuals, some of whom have already passed away.
While I do have deep criticism for NASCAR in the limited number they induct each year, and for including Big Bill and Bill, Jr. in the first class rather than honoring them and their contributions by a very special place in the Hall of Fame, I must say I understand the quandry of the voters invovled. How do you pick over choices when there are so many deserving individuals and you're limited to only 5? As Jeff reminded me last night, I, as do you as a member here, have voting privileges in the Racers Reunion Memory Lane Hall of Fame. I remember how extremely difficult it was for me to mark that final ballott.I first tried to balance contributions to the sport with those individuals I have met since being in Racers Reunion and developing a deep feeling of respect and friendship. Peanut Turman immediately comes to mind here. I guess I got through the first eight or ten in a day or two but it took me another week to mark those final choices. It was difficult. NASCAR allows fans to have ONE vote in the selection process by voting and then the number one vote "getter" from the fans choice is somehow, in some convoluted way only Brian Z. could possibily understand, that vote is intertwined in a manner to make the fan think he or she has an input. But, again, I understand what the selectors go through trying to make the decisions and I have empathy for that process. It is not so much the selectors' fault as it is the inane thought process of NASCAR that such reaction comes from so many corners because a certain individual did not get selected. For what it's worth, I am in agreement with 7 of the 10 already selected by NASCAR. I have expressed, and will continue to express, my dissatisfaction that D.W. was even considered for the second class induction. My dislike for the man aside, he would be much better suited for the Clown Hall of Fame (remember the "Ickey shuffle" in Daytona Victory Lane?) But, he is for sure to be in the third class inducted so I have to learn to live with it.
Sunday, October 17th, I will be in attendance at the Racers Reunion Memory Lane Hall of Fame Ceremony at the Memory Lane Museum in Mooresville, NC. I will be in the presence of greatness and history. I will be, with other true fans, enjoying time with some of the true pioneers and heroes of the sport. I will have the chance, as will everyone else there, to get the autographs of some of the guys worthy of any Hall of Fame on any planet where stock car racing has ever occurred. I was there last year. It was an awesome experience! I am literally counting the minutes until the 11:00 a.m. brunch Sunday at Bob Evans in Mooresville. At the same time, I know that, God willing, I'll be marking a ballot next year for inductees into the Racers Reunion Memory Lane Hall of Fame and it will be difficult. There are so many worthy, but, at the same time, if anyone could be selected, the honor would lose some of its luster. There is one certainity however: Being selected for the Racers Reunion Memory Lane Hall of Fame assures the honoree of pepetural honor as the success or failure of that Hall of Fame is not tied to monetary interest, just to the honest endeavor to forever honor those selected.
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 04:02:57PM