Catchfence

WELCOME, N.C. (July 3, 2009) – In his 40th anniversary as a team owner in NASCAR’s top division, Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing, is one of 25 nominees for the inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame induction class.

A 21-person committee that consisted of representatives from NASCAR, the NASCAR Hall of Fame and track owners selected the rich list of candidates that was released by NASCAR this week.

“I’m honored to be nominated for the first-ever Hall of Fame induction class and to have my name recognized with some of the sports greatest pioneers is humbling,” stated Childress. “I’ve said all along that race fans are what drive this sport and having them involved in the voting process is great. I enjoy spending time with the fans and I encourage them to go online and vote.”

Childress, who competed as a driver in NASCAR’s premier series from 1969-1981, turned a small race team into one of the most distinguished organizations in motorsports history. During that span, his teams have earned 12 NASCAR championships – six Sprint Cup Series titles with fellow Hall of Fame nominee Dale Earnhardt, five Nationwide Series championships and one Camping World Truck Series title. Childress was the first team owner to win championships in all three of NASCAR’s national touring series.

Of the 25 nominees, five will be chosen to be inducted into the 2010 NASCAR Hall of Fame via a voting process. The voting panel is made up of the nominating committee, 14 media representatives, one representative from each manufacturer, three retired drivers, three retired owners, three retired crew chiefs and two recognized industry leaders. In addition, fans will be allowed to be a part of the voting process where they can cast their ballot on NASCAR.com.

The five inductees will be announced in October before being honored next May at the new state-of-the-art Hall of Fame facility in Charlotte, N.C.

About Richard Childress Racing

Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com), celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2009, has earned more than 180 victories and 12 NASCAR championships, including six in the Sprint Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series. Its 2009 Sprint Cup Series lineup includes Casey Mears (No. 07 Jack Daniel’s), Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil), Jeff Burton (No. 31 Caterpillar) and Clint Bowyer (No. 33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper). Its 2009 Nationwide Series lineup includes Bowyer, Burton and Stephen Leicht (No. 29 Holiday Inn).

- Richard Childress Racing, Press Release