NASCAR Hall of Fame
NASCAR Hall of Fame Past News and Rumors
July 6, 2006
Winston Kelly named NASCAR HOF Executive Director: A Duke Energy vice president and longtime racing broadcaster was named executive director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame today. Winston Kelley, a Concord native whose family has close ties to racing, was part of the team of city boosters that won the hall of fame over Atlanta, Kansas City and NASCAR's home city of Daytona Beach, Fla., among other hopefuls. "Everyone in the NASCAR community knows Winston has 20-plus years of experience in the sport, but he also has more than 25 years of business and management experience," said Mark Dyer, NASCAR's vice president of licensing, during an announcement at the Charlotte Convention Center. "Winston has tremendous credibility and an abundance of contacts in the Charlotte region's business community," Dyer added. "When you add all that to his love for the sport, he's the perfect choice to lead our NASCAR Hall of Fame." (Charlotte Observer)
May 16, 2006:
NASCAR Charlotte Hall of Fame looking for Exec. Director: The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority will begin interviewing candidates next week for the NASCAR hall of fame’s executive director position. Tuesday was the last day to submit a resume. Charlotte was awarded the hall of fame in March, beating out Atlanta and Daytona Beach, Fla. Tim Newman, CEO of the visitors authority, says officials are working hard on finalizing many of the preliminary details. (News14)
March 22, 2006:
Charlotte Council approves NASCAR tax hike: The NASCAR Hall of Fame deal rounded the last lap Tuesday night. In an 8-1 vote, Mecklenburg commissioners agreed to raise the county's hotel tax by 2 percentage points, from 6 to 8 percent. The money to be raised by the increase was a financial cornerstone of Charlotte's bid to host the motorsports shrine. Commissioners held a public hearing on the increase, the public's only chance to weigh in since the deal was announced. But no one came to object. Instead, half a dozen speakers -- sporting buttons from the campaign to win the hall -- stood up to praise it, saying the Hall of Fame will draw hundreds of thousands of tourists, and solidify the region's status as home to the booming racing industry and the accompanying jobs. Mohammed Jenatian, president of the Greater Charlotte Hospitality and Tourism Alliance, said the tourism industry was involved in the decision to increase the tax, and believes the project is worth it. "I know what NASCAR has done for our industry," he said. "I know what NASCAR has done for our region." (Charlotte Observer)
March 11, 2006:
No Sponsorship on NASCAR Hall of Fame: In a sport famous for slapping sponsor names on every available inch of sheet metal and fire-retardant racing suit, it appears NASCAR has finally found something it doesn't want to sell. The historic moment comes deep on the 63rd page of a contract between NASCAR and the city of Charlotte to build a NASCAR Hall of Fame in the city's downtown by the end of the decade. "Neither party shall sell any naming rights or presenting sponsorship for the HOF (e.g. 'The XYZ Company NASCAR Hall of Fame' or 'The NASCAR Hall of Fame presented by ABC Company') without the other party's prior approval." Yes, it's true. The folks who this year will bring you the "Banquet 500 presented by ConAgra Foods" and the "Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500" don't want a bunch of corporate names getting in the way of the clearly stated "NASCAR Hall of Fame." "We think that would probably go beyond the bounds of good taste," said Mark Dyer, NASCAR's vice president of licensing. (Pensacola News Journal)
March 10, 2006:
FAQ on NASCAR Hall of Fame: What will a ticket cost? Hall officials say adults will pay $17 for a ticket in the first year. (More at WFAA.com)
March 8, 2006:
NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte until 2038: The agreement between NASCAR and the city lasts through June 30, 2038. By then, the city will have paid all the original debt on the building. In 2033, NASCAR and the city begin a six-month negotiating period for renewing the contract. If they don't reach agreement by Jan. 1, 2034, NASCAR "shall thereafter be free to negotiate with any third party" about another hall of fame. NASCAR officials said Monday that they have no intention of leaving. (Kansas City Star)
Mar. 7, 2006:
Daytona International Speedway statement on HOF: The following is a statement from Robin Braig, President of Daytona International Speedway, regarding the NASCAR Hall of Fame. “While we are disappointed that NASCAR did not choose Daytona Beach as the preferred location for its future Hall of Fame, we are extremely proud of the tremendous efforts put forth by the Daytona Beach/Volusia County organizing committee and its supporters. “The delegation submitted an innovative proposal that presented a formidable alternative to the bids developed by Atlanta and Charlotte, and kept Daytona Beach in the running down to the end of this competitive selection process. “We are proud of the leadership demonstrated by the Daytona Beach Halifax Area Chamber of Commerce and the Central Florida Sports Commission. Their vision, complemented by the City and County, the State of Florida, the business community, thousands of volunteers and the multitude of fans was unprecedented in our area’s history. “We appreciate everyone’s efforts in this initiative and congratulate the Charlotte delegation on a job well done.” (DIS)
Mar. 6, 2006:
NASCAR Hall of Fame awarded to Charlotte: NASCAR today announced that it has selected Charlotte, N.C., to be the home of its Hall of Fame. The NASCAR Hall of Fame, which will be a state of the art facility capturing the spirit of the sport, will honor the NASCAR icons and create an enduring tribute to the drivers, crew members, team owners and others that have impacted the sport in the past, present and yet to come. “To NASCAR fans everywhere, it is my distinct honor to announce that NASCAR has selected Charlotte, N.C., to be the home of the NASCAR Hall of Fame,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. “The winners in this process are the 75 million NASCAR fans nationwide, who will have a Hall of Fame to call their own. The City of Charlotte will welcome fans from around the country and even the world to the NASCAR Hall of Fame,” said France. Charlotte’s proposal best achieves NASCAR’s overriding goal to have one of the premier hall of fames in the world of sports and entertainment. The region’s rich racing history and heritage along with the strength of the city’s overall financial structure for the Hall, represents the best fit for NASCAR, the industry and the fan-base. The Hall is expected to include exhibit space, a Great Hall, a Hall of Honor, interactive entertainment restaurants, retail outlets, and a state-of-the-art media center for the industry. The NASCAR Hall of Fame will be a special place that brings NASCAR’s history to life and preserves that history in the appropriate environments. The new facility will allow longtime fans to have the opportunity to relive NASCAR’s greatest moments and for new fans to learn about them. “Our goal has been – and continues to be – to create one of the “crown jewels” of Charlotte and the very best Hall of Fame-themed entertainment experience in the world,” said Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory. “This Hall of Fame will expand the dynamic and growing sport of NASCAR racing in a dynamic and growing city. It’s a victory not only for the entire region, but for NASCAR fans across the country and internationally. We look forward to welcoming all fans for a unique and entertaining experience.” Mayor McCrory credits the regional effort and broad-based support from the business community, elected officials, the hospitality and tourism industry and NASCAR fans who supported this effort. Mayor McCrory specifically cited the strong leadership from his fellow “Crew Chiefs,” including Cathy Bessant of Bank of America; Luther Cochrane of BEK Building Group, as well as John Tate of Wachovia and Tim Newman of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. The Hall of Fame, which will be located in Charlotte’s Center City will be developed, designed, and operated by the City of Charlotte and the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. The total cost of the Hall of Fame is estimated at $107.5 million. This will primarily be funded by a new two percent hotel/motel tax and contributions from the State of North Carolina and the private sector. The Hall of Fame, which will be open no later than spring of 2010, has been designed and concept by world renowned architecture firm, Pei Cobb Freed & Partners. The firm has designed iconic buildings in cities worldwide, including the Javits Convention Center in New York City, the expanded Louvre in Paris, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. Charlotte is the hub of the NASCAR industry. Currently 82% of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup teams, 72 percent of NASCAR Busch Series teams and 55 percent of NASCAR Craftsman Truck teams are based in the Charlotte region. The industry’s current annual statewide economic impact is estimated to be $5 billion. (NASCAR PR)
NASCAR confirms Announcement, France expected to speak before City council: NASCAR finally acknowledged late this morning that it will make "a special announcement" at the Charlotte Convention Center at 4 p.m. Monday regarding the NASCAR Hall of Fame. One week after the Observer reported that Charlotte's $137.5 million bid to host the NASCAR museum would be the winning effort, NASCAR will make that official at this afternoon's news conference. NASCAR sent an advisory about the event to motorsports media members and posted it on its media web site at approximately 10:40 a.m. Fans are invited to attend the session. The building will open at 3 p.m.and fans should enter via the Second Street entrance to the Convention Center. The news conference will be held in the ballroom.. (Charlotte Observer) NASCAR Chairman Brian France expected to address council. (Live streaming video can be seen at WCNC of announcement. VIDEO: Charlotte unveils vision of NASCAR hall
Mar. 5, 2006:
Charlotte City Council to approve NASCAR HOF: NASCAR is expected to declare Charlotte the winner Monday in the yearlong race to land the sport's hall of fame. Then the sprint begins. According to a preliminary schedule provided to the Observer, a 4 p.m. announcement at the Charlotte Convention Center will be followed by a 6 p.m. Charlotte City Council meeting to approve the deal with NASCAR. Critics say that leaves little time for the public to digest or comment on the details of an agreement whose key details remain shrouded in secrecy. "Speed is not the friend of the taxpayer here," said John Hood, executive director of the John Locke Foundation think tank in Raleigh. Two other boards will also take quick votes. The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority will be asked to approve the deal at the group's Wednesday meeting, according to the schedule. (Miami Herald)
Mar. 4, 2006:
Charlotte HOF announcement Monday: New details emerged Friday about next week's expected announcement that Charlotte has landed NASCAR's Hall of Fame. An official announcement has been tentatively scheduled for 4 p.m. Monday at the Charlotte Convention Center, a NASCAR source said. Luminaries such as Gov. Mike Easley, Mayor Pat McCrory, NASCAR Chairman Brian France and Hendrick Motorsports Owner Rick Hendrick are expected to attend, said the source, who asked not to be identified because of the confidentially of the bid process. The Speed Channel, channel 67 on Time Warner Cable, is tentatively scheduled to broadcast the event live, the source said. Asked late Friday about any expected NASCAR-related announcement, McCrory declined comment. (ThatsRacin.com)
Mar. 2, 2006:
NASCAR denies Charlotte HOF Report, Atlanta ups Ante to 169 mil: Kerry Tharp, a spokesman for NASCAR, has put a damper on rumblings that the Queen City has landed the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The Charlotte Observer reported Wednesday, citing anonymous sources, that Charlotte has won the three-city race for the coveted hall. Atlanta and Daytona Beach, Fla., are also vying for the museum. "To say anyone is still no longer involved would be inaccurate," Tharp says. "From our standpoint, the process is still very much open and active." Tharp's statement comes the same day that the city of Atlanta announced it is upping its commitment to NASCAR to $77 million from $5 million, making Atlanta's total bid package for the museum $169 million. By comparison, Charlotte's bid totals $137.5 million, including about $120 million from public funds. The $102 million publicly financed piece of the Atlanta bid comprises $25 million that was previously committed by Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue in state support and $77 million in funds from the city of Atlanta. The city had previously committed only $5 million to the project. Bank loans and corporate support would finance the remaining portion. "We're absolutely delighted that Gov. Perdue and Mayor Shirley Franklin see this effort as the true economic engine that we expect it to be," said Mark Lazarus, chair of Atlanta's NASCAR Bid Committee and president of the Turner Entertainment Group, a NASCAR partner. "We just found a whole lot more horsepower to go after the NASCAR Hall of Fame." (Charlotte Business Journal)
Mar. 1, 2006:
REPORT: Charlotte to land NASCAR HOF announcement Monday: Charlotte has won the year-long race to land NASCAR's Hall of Fame, three sources told the Observer on Tuesday night. Charlotte beat out Atlanta and Daytona Beach, Fla., to win the $100-million plus shrine to stock car racing, the sources said. An official announcement is expected Monday afternoon in Charlotte. "It's coming to Charlotte," said one source, who like the others asked not to be identified because of the confidentiality of the process. The source said final logistics must still be worked out, but "it's going to happen." "Monday will be a great day for the city," said another source. A NASCAR spokesman, reached late Tuesday, would only confirm that NASCAR would announce the project site this month. Sources said NASCAR Chairman Brian France is expected in Charlotte on Monday for the announcement. (Charlotte Observer)
More trouble for GA. NASCAR HOF money: Georgia lawmakers hoping to snare millions of dollars in public money to attract the NASCAR Hall of Fame to Atlanta have hit another roadblock. Legislators had two plans to increase Georgia's existing $92 million bid this week. One plan would offer $20 million from state sales taxes if the Hall of Fame is built in Atlanta. The other would divert about $22 million in surplus money from Atlanta's rental car tax to the NASCAR project. It's the second proposal that has caused problems. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports Wednesday that officials already have committed the $22 million to help the city's homeless. Lawmakers contend Atlanta did not have the authority to spend the rental car taxes, but city officials committed the money in January to Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin's campaign to end homelessness. (WISTV.com)
Feb. 28, 2006:
NASCAR spokesman: No decision yet on HOF city: When asked about a report in yesterday's editions of The Charlotte Observer that NASCAR was nearly certain to place the hall in Charlotte, NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp insisted no decision has been reached and that both Atlanta and Daytona Beach, Fla., remain in the running. "The process is still ongoing. We're still looking at information from all three cities," Tharp said. "The decision-making process is very much ongoing." The Observer report cited four unnamed sources, identified as two high-ranking NASCAR officials and two Nextel Cup team owners. Final details remain to be worked out before the announcement of the site selection can be made, the sources told The Observer. NASCAR hopes to make a decision by the end of March, Tharp said. (Times-Dispacth)
Feb. 27, 2006:
Report: Charlotte Certain to get NASCAR HOF: As the race for NASCAR's Hall of Fame heads into the home stretch, Charlotte is the leading candidate to land the $100 million-plus shrine to stock car racing, several sources told the Observer on Sunday. Two high-ranking NASCAR officials and two Nextel Cup team owners, all speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Charlotte's selection was nearly certain. Final details must be worked out before any announcement, the sources said. Charlotte has been competing with four other cities since last year to host the project, which is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors a year. In January, NASCAR eliminated Kansas City and Richmond, Va. as candidates, leaving Charlotte, Atlanta and Daytona Beach, Fla. A NASCAR spokesman maintained Sunday the selection process was not complete. "The process is still evolving. We continue to receive additional information regarding each of the three cities' proposals and the decision-making process is still active," said NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp. Tharp reiterated that NASCAR plans to decide by the end of March. (Miami-Herald)
Feb. 16, 2006:
Georgia looking for money for Atlanta NASCAR HoF bid: Georgia lawmakers are trying to win NASCAR's hall of fame for downtown Atlanta with millions of new dollars from Dale Earnhardt license plates and airport rental cars. Leaders in Georgia's House will soon introduce legislation to shift additional money to the hall of fame project from Georgia's new NASCAR license plate and Atlanta's 10-year-old rental car tax. This would be on top of the $32 million in public incentives already on the table. The added money will help the local bid team seal a deal with NASCAR in a hall of fame race that could be Atlanta's to lose, said state Rep. Mark Burkhalter (R-Alpharetta), the No. 2 man in the House who's become the attraction's point man under the Gold Dome. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Feb. 10, 2006:
NASCAR's HoF to be named in month or two, by Helton and France family: NASCAR president Mike Helton said Thursday the announcement of the site for NASCAR's Hall of Fame would be made within 30 to 60 days. France said the decision would be made by NASCAR's board of directors, including chairman Brian France, vice chairman Bill France Jr., executive vice president Jim France, vice president Lesa France Kennedy and Helton. Finalist cities for the hall are Daytona Beach, Atlanta and Charlotte. (Florida Today)
Georgia looking for more money for NASCAR Hall: Georgia lawmakers and Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin are trying to show NASCAR more money. State and city officials moved Thursday to put more dollars behind Atlanta's bid for a NASCAR hall of fame, including another $10 million in special tax breaks from the city of Atlanta, according to state Rep. Mark Burkhalter. Officials were reacting to comments made by Brian France, the racing's chief executive, who suggested Wednesday that the money behind rival Charlotte's bid was more secure — though Atlanta may have an advantage with the foot traffic generated by the Georgia Aquarium. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Feb. 6, 2006:
Georgia antes up $27 mil for NASCAR HoF: Georgia legislators and state officials are quickly putting together a $27 million Valentine's Day goody bag for the proposed Atlanta NASCAR hall of fame. House Speaker Glenn Richardson (R-Hiram) and other legislators introduced a bill this week exempting the hall of fame from taxes on construction materials, saving the proposed project about $6.4 million. Legislators and state officials also plan to earmark a $3 million state grant for the hall of fame in this year's budget and float the project an $18 million loan from a special economic-development bond kitty that the General Assembly set up last year. The incentive package is the state's part of a three-pronged effort to build a $92 million NASCAR hall of fame near Centennial Olympic Park downtown. (Salem-Journal)
Jan. 6, 2006:
NASCAR narrows done HoF cities, K.C. and Richmond out: NASCAR has narrowed the possible sites for its first official Hall of Fame to Atlanta, Charlotte or Daytona Beach, Fla., and expects to pick a winning city by the end of March. "Based upon the proposals that we have reviewed internally for the past several months, we believe these three cities provide us with the best opportunity to build and develop a world-class NASCAR Hall of Fame for our millions of loyal fans," Mark Dyer, NASCAR's vice president for licensing, said Thursday in a statement. The decision eliminates Richmond, Va., and Kansas City., Kan. from consideration. "Both of their proposals were outstanding and the passion and enthusiasm the people involved showed for the NASCAR Hall of Fame has made a lasting impression on all of us," Dyer said. Earlier this year, NASCAR officials toured the five cities that submitted bids for the Hall of Fame. The stock-car racing series has said it wants the attraction to appeal to both race fans and those new to the sport. (USA Today)
