So often throughout the history of sports do we find individuals who have helped shape their sport in ways that no one could have ever imagined. Some set records, others break barriers, and still others merely work to develop the sport.
Frequently, we find many of these individuals enshrined into their respective Hall of Fame’s. These are the superstars of the sports world. The individuals who manage to become household names, and quite deservedly so. However, there is another side to sports history; a group of individuals who dedicated themselves to the sport they love every bit as much as the superstars. The unsung heroes of our sport, the Underdogs.
It is time that the Underdogs receive the recognition they have earned with their very own Hall of Fame!
The Racing Underdog Hall of Fame, is established to honor the men and women of motorsports that have accomplished so much with so little; those often forgotten heroes; who go generally un-recognized for their many contributions to motorsports.
The Underdog Hall of Fame is built on the principles of competition, honor, integrity, and the never give up attitude that embodied the individuals enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
Those enshrined are not limited to drivers, but also open to car owners, crew chiefs, officials, and media personalities who also represent the sport in an underdog fashion.
Initially, the Hall of Fame will be focused on NASCAR drivers and personalities with future expansion into other forms of Motorsports. It is our hope to garner the support and involvement of the competitors to make this Hall of Fame the best it can be.
Originally conceived last spring, the Hall of Fame will not be an actual, physical place but rather a web based concept. In December of 2009 the initial nomination process took place with nominations coming from fans, drivers, and car owners. Over 100 individual underdogs received nominations and many received multiple nominations.
After carefully tallying the nominations the top 25 nominees were announced on April 4th, 2010. Public voting for induction into the hall has begun and anyone who wishes to vote may do so at our website. http://racingunderdogshall.webs.com Everyone is encouraged to vote.
The 25 nominees for inclusion into the Racing Underdog Hall of Fame’s inaugural class of 2010. In no particular order, the nominees are: Phil Barkdoll, Stanley Smith, Delma Cowart, Alan Kulwiki, Dave Marcis, Dick Trickle, JD McDuffie, Jimmy Means, Marty Robbins, G.C. Spencer, Jim Vandiver, Jimmy Hensley, Elmo Langley, Lennie Pond, Herschel McGriff, Junie Donlavey, Jim Sauter, Chuck Bown, Wendell Scott, Eddie Bierschwale, Rick Wilson, Jody Ridley, Lake Speed, Jimmy Pardue, and Neil Castles
****The Underdog Hall of Fame is in no way affiliated with NASCAR, any of its competitors, sponsors, teams, subsidiaries or marketing partners. This Hall of Fame is for the fans by the fans to honor the often forgotten heroes of the sport we all love.
- Racing Underdogs, Press Release
