Frances, Junior Johnson, King, Intimidator In NASCAR's First Hall Class

Daytona Beach, FL (AHN) - As expected, the founders and innovators of stock-car racing, its two biggest champions and Mr. Grassroots landed in the inaugural class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame Wednesday.

NASCAR founders Bill France Sr. and Jr., and legendary champions, owners and drivers Junior Johnson, Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty were the first five voted into the Hall in class that was somewhat predictable considering their rich history in the sport.

"I am very proud that the new Hall of Fame has chosen to include my son in the first induction. Being honored for his accomplishments is the highest praise of his sacrifices and commitment to NASCAR, which he truly loved,'' said Martha Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt's mother.

"We appreciate the induction committee's time and all its hard work in choosing Dale on this most important list of people. I also want to congratulate the other four inductees."

The Class of 2010 will be inducted on May 23, 2010, at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte.

The NASCAR Hall of Fame Voting Panel consisted of members of the Nominating Committee along with 29 others representing NASCAR, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, major race track ownership groups, retired drivers, owners, crew chiefs and select motorsports media representatives.

The class, voted on in a closed session in Charlotte, N.C., was determined by the 51 votes cast by the panel and the nationwide fan vote conducted through NASCAR.COM. The accounting firm of Ernst & Young presided over the tabulation of the votes.

"On behalf of Dodge and Chrysler Group LLC, congratulations to Richard Petty on his selection to the inaugural class of inductees to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. For more than 50 years, Richard has left an indelible mark on motorsports. His numbers are amazing - 200 victories, seven Daytona 500 wins and seven championships in NASCAR's premier series,'' said Ralph Gilles, President & CEO - Dodge Car Brand, Chrysler Group LLC.

"Everyone at Chrysler Group LLC is extremely proud that our brands have taken this magnificent ride with "The King." We celebrated six championships with Richard and five Daytona 500 wins. Our company applauds the induction of this motorsports icon and celebrates the occasion with our loyal Dodge motorsports enthusiasts across the country," he added.

More than 670,000 NASCAR fans submitted votes online and the nominees included: Bobby Allison, Buck Baker, Red Byron, Richard Childress, Dale Earnhardt, Richie Evans, Tim Flock, Bill France Jr., Bill France Sr., Rick Hendrick, Ned Jarrett, Junior Johnson, Bud Moore, Raymond Parks, Benny Parsons, David Pearson, Lee Petty, Richard Petty, Fireball Roberts, Herb Thomas, Curtis Turner, Darrell Waltrip, Joe Weatherly, Glen Wood and Cale Yarborough.