NASCAR Hall of Fame names Class of 2016

A two-time Cup Series champion and the architect of some of the sport’s marquee speedways were among five named as the newest members of the NASCAR Hall of Fame Wednesday.

Of the five elected, Bobby Isaac, Jerry Cook, Curtis Turner and Terry Labonte are drivers, while Bruton Smith is the chairman of Speedway Motorsports Inc., which operates eight tracks that host a combined 12 Sprint Cup Series races.

Smith earned the most votes, with his name appearing on 68 percent of the 57 ballots cast. Next was Labonte with 61 percent, followed by Turner (60 percent), Cook (47 percent) and Isaac (44 percent). The highest vote-getters not earning a nomination were drivers Red Byron, Benny Parsons and car owner Rick Hendrick, who’s won a NASCAR record 11 Cup Series championships.

A controversial figure due to his outspokenness, Smith was instrumental in NASCAR’s growth into a nationally prominent sport. After he and Turner built together Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1960, Smith would later go on to construct and operate tracks from coast-to-coast with Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte, Kentucky Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Sonoma Raceway and Texas Motor Speedway all falling under the SMI portfolio.

“I’m a frustrated builder who had a knack for promoting races, and it’s been fun to always try to push the sport to greater heights for the fans,” Smith said. “From the first World 600, I’ve always wanted the fans to leave with something spectacular to remember about their experience. Even if they don’t remember who won the race, I want them to remember the pre-race show and having the time of their lives. I want fans to know we’re always working to build the best facilities for them and that’s who I really owe this recognition to.”

Joining Smith is Labonte, who won Cup championships in 1984 and 1994 in addition to 22 victories. He started a NASCAR record 665 consecutive starts, which stood until 2002. That feat earned Labonte the nickname “Ironman” and made him one of the most popular drivers of his era.

Cook is known for his prowess on short tracks, having won six championships in NASCAR’s Modified division, including four consecutive from 1974-77.

Regarded as the “Babe Ruth of stock car racing,” Turner carries a reputation as one of NASCAR’s best ever dirt drivers and one of its most colorful figures off the track. The winner of 17 races died in a plane crash in 1970.

Isaac, who died in 1977, is the 1970 premier division champion and with 37 victories, sits 19th on the all-time wins.

NASCAR’s Class of 2016 induction ceremony is Jan. 22 in downtown Charlotte, N.C.