THIS YEARS FABULOUS FIVE BEING INDUCTED

This years induction to the Hall of Fame had a different flair to it. Now this is my opinion but Leonard Woods speech was from the heart. He talked not of what all they accomplished in racing but who and what allowed them to accomplish what they did. I know that the Woods Brothers feel like they are on top of the world now

Cotton Owens was recognized in proper status and I sure wish he had lived to see this induction

Herb Thomas was a real pioneer coming from the beginnings of the beach course and on to stardom. His family done him proud .

Buck Baker was privileged to have Buddy and Bucks lovely wife there for his acceptance into the Hall of Fame. It was especially interesting when the story of Jeff Gordon coming to his school was portrayed by Buck and about his cars at the school.

And Rusty Wallace, I saw another side of Rusty up there on the stage,the one of a Humble drive accepting his honors.

And I may have missed it but as many times as Mike Heltons name came up I did not hear Brian France name mentioned one time. Again I really enjoyed this years induction..

This photo I think tells the tale in true fashion OLD SCHOOL STYLE

updated by @johnny-mallonee: 12/05/16 04:00:58PM

Leonard's voice is as smooth as a tumbler of Kentucky's finest. I'm a Petty fan to the core - but I could listen to Leonard Wood for as long as he cared to talk. Its simply amazing to me how the integrity of the Woods have been able to continue and succeed for decades amongst the cut throat business of racing. Rather than focus on "I", Leonard was so cool in acknowledging Brother Glen and the name of all the drivers (or at least most of them) who raced and drove for their team.

I appreciated the genuine words from Sue Baker, Buck's widow. Selfishly, however, I wanted Buddy to be the one to receive the ring (vs presenting it) and give the speech to honor his dad's induction. But he did narrate the video intro and present the ring, so he was clearly part of the honoring of his pop.

Rusty's words were from the heart for sure - but I kind of thought there were just too many of them. I don't want to take away from his accomplishments and the deserving selection. But for all the excitement seen on his face and heard in his voice, I didn't exactly see that in the faces of the audience as they panned the crowd during his 23 minute speech. Made me wonder...

I was nervous a bit about how awkward Herb Thomas' induction might be. Its stunning how few folks know of his accomplishments - even with a nudge from Disney/Pixar a few years ago with its featuring Doc Hudson in their movie, Cars. But I thought his son did an admirable job.

The speech that really got me was by Cotton Owen's grandson, Kyle Davis. One, I wasn't sure who would be the one to present him. And to, the Silver Fox was good ol' Pearson vs. a polished presenter which could have made Kyle's anxiety level go up a bit. But he had such a genuine tone in his voice and words. And you could see how much the moment meant to Cotton's family. Truly an exceptional moment.

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Schaefer: It's not just for racing anymore.

Yes.

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"Any Day is Good for Stock Car Racing"

In 1974, the late Gene Granger wrote an excellent article for the Spartanburg paper detailing each of the Wood family and relations and what they did at and away from the track. The article includes a group photo. Well worth a look. Here's the link:

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=bnksAAAAIBAJ&sjid=N8wEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7332,4669288&dq=betty+mae+wood+stuart+virginia&hl=en

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"Any Day is Good for Stock Car Racing"