Independent Racers Hall of Fame: Has a nice ring to it, doesnt it. Racing history is full of drivers, owners, and crew who contributed greatly to the foundation and success of stock car racing. Through the efforts of many, several better known members of the racing community have the opportunity each year to relish in the recognition that comes with an induction into a hall of fame. Sadly, many have passed on prior to their induction, and many others never get the call.We take nothing away from the stars of the sport. They deserve all the accolades they receive. But there are many others who made the careers of those stars possible by providing equipment, services, and driving opportunities. And there are countless others who competed with fewer resources and achieved a lesser position in history but provided the foundation of the sport. Induction into any hall of fame should be based on contributions and performance but also should reach beyond the winners circles into the heart of the sport.Back in the day, bold and determined independents used all their personal resources to battle and compete with factory-funded teams. Those independents made huge sacrifices with little recognition, but they contributed enormously to the foundation of todays sport. Few have ever been nominated for a hall-of-fame induction. Granted, with the limited numbers of inductees each year from the most recognized halls of fame, it would take decades to induct everyone who had a major influence on the sport of stock car racing. Although it is no less an honor for a person to receive induction posthumously, it is far better to recognize contributors while they are still alive.Thus, its with great pleasure we announce the formation of the Independent Racers Hall of Fame. Through an agreement between RacersReunion.com and Alex Beam, owner of Memory Lane Museum, Beams museum in Mooresville, NC, will serve as the physical location for the new Independent Racers Hall of Fame. This Hall of Fame will recognize many behind-the-scenes and previously overlooked pioneers of racing without whom racing would not have succeeded. The first inductions will occur in 2009 (date yet to be determined).The Memory Lane Museum is chocked full of racing history and is a perfect location for this hall. We salute Alex Beam for allowing us the opportunity to carry out this honor. Please show him your appreciation by visiting Memory Lane Museum at 769 River Highway (Highway 150) in Mooresville, NC, or look them up on the web at www.memorylaneautomuseum.com.