Hail To The Chief

Some well deserved names made it to the short list today. Whether they get the votes to get inducted is a different story. Along with the positive vibe of hearing the name of Rex White or perhaps the begrudging acceptance Bruton Smith does belong, I was very pleasantly surprised to learn The Chief, Maurice Petty, made the cut of 25.

In my completely unbiased, totally obective, impartial, but with welllll some Petty Blue-tinted view towards things, I really believe Chief belongs in the HOF along with The King and Dale.

Like his father, Maurice was a bit gruff. Well, a LOT gruff. But that doesn't mean he shouldn't be in the hall considering the number of race winning Cup and LMS engines he built for Petty Enterprises and piloted by Richard, Buddy Baker, Jim Paschal, Pete Hamilton, Marvin Panch and Joe Millikan.

Hail to the Chief! (pic from Ray Lamm collection)

Chase, if YOU are unbiased, then I am a jet pilot and I don't even fly as a passenger! lol. But you're right, Chief deserves recognition such as the Hall of Fane. We shall see. Don't get me started on my memories of encounters with Chief over the years!!!

Congrats to Maurice on being nominated. My list for the most part would differ widely (and maybe wildly, some would say) from NASCAR's (see Ray Hendrick - probably the winningest driver in the history of NASCAR still not being nominated) and I'd have to put Enoch Staley and Paul Sawyer, as well as the already nominated Clay Earles ahead of Bruton as pioneers, but Maurice Petty is certainly deserving to be honored.

I'm always proud to tell folks I got to see both Maurice & Richard drive team Plymouths at my very first NASCAR race at Richmond in 1964.

He's got my vote!

It's about time!!!!!

it is so awesome the chife is on nominated