Division over the Hall of Fame inductees still looms large; what’s the real issue here?

There has been a clear division in the media ranks, as well as in the fan ranks, about this year’s NASCAR HoF induction announcement. The clear problem for most is the ambiguous criteria in which the newly announced HoF members were chosen. It seems that the selection criteria is just as ‘fluid’ as NASCAR’s rules themselves - you know the ever popular Section 12-A: “Actions detrimental to stock car racing.”

The main controversy is about why Ned Jarrett and Bud Moore should be in the HoF instead of Darrell Waltrip and and Cale Yarborough. Some people even have gone so far as to question the legitimacy of Bobby Allison’s inclusion in this year’s class as well.

I need not to look any further than the digital pages of SBN to see perfect examples of this division. SBN’s main NASCAR scribe, Jeff Gluck, wrote about Darrell Waltrip and Cale Yarborough being ‘snubbed’ by the NASCAR Hall Voters while NASCAR RnR’s very own Aaron Rosser wrote that the “backlash against the selection of Ned Jarrett and Bud Moore over more ‘fitting’ candidates is nothing short of disrespectful.”

Both good reads by the way. So good in fact that you can clearly see each of their point of views and agree with them.

So who’s right in this HoF debate?

You want my honest opinion?

Really?

Both.

Ned Jarrett, Bud Moore, Darrell Waltrip, and Cale Yarborough all deserve to be in the HoF and if you look at them individually you’ll realize they all have merit.

So instead of me trying to justify the selection commitee’s choices let’s look at real issue that everyone seems to acknowledge but does not talk about; the selection criteria, or lack there of.

There is no selection criteria really. In Gluck’s article he talks about people voting with their heart, which includes biases. And really how can it not?

He’s right, you know.

If there is no clear cut criteria then emotion takes over - it’s inevitable.

NASCAR has to establish clear criteria as to when and how someone is selected into the HoF.

Honestly, I think NASCAR should have set categories for each inducted class. For example, if they want to induct five people each year then why not break it up into the following categories; three drivers, one car owner, and one builder. Then there can’t be any confusion as to why someone like Ned Jarrett got in - was it because of his driving or his broadcasting, or both? That way people can get into the HoF in multiple categories (i.e., Ned Jarrett could get in as a driver and then again as a builder for his broadcasting and promotion of the sport).

This way it would be easier to establish a set criteria for each of the driver, owner and builder categories instead of having them blurred together. The current standards cause more confusion than anything for those involved in the selection process as well as for those of us left trying to figure out why certain people were chosen over others.

And speaking of categories I think they should also include their other racing series in their yearly induction ceremonies by adding another selection to the current five selections, making that six selections in total.

They could keep the five spots they already have and the categories as I have laid out (driver, owner, builder) but they could also add one more selection and category by including one Nationwide/Truck/other series driver/owner/buider that may not have had success at the Cup level but certainly have had successful careers in the lower series. Two names that come to mind for this new selection/category are Jack Ingram and Ron Hornaday. When will these guys ever get into the HoF without having a special category just for them?

Certainly both Jack Ingram and Ron Hornaday should be in the HoF at some time, but when will they have the chance to get in? When everyone is through with the Darrell Waltrips and Cale Yarboroughs of the higher tiered series.

I think Jenna Fryer’s article best sums up the issues that I’ve tried to deal with here. Read it and see if you don’t agree with me about how to fix the problem.