CUP: NASCAR Hall of Fame 50-Day Countdown Recap

Sprint Cup

CUP: NASCAR Hall of Fame 50-Day Countdown Recap - Week 6

Numerous events surround the opening of the NASCAR Hall of Fame...

Media Release | Posted May 05, 2010 Charlotte, NC

The NASCAR Hall of Fame opened in May 2010. (Image: NASCAR Hall of Fame)

The NASCAR Hall of Fame opens May 11, 2010 in uptown Charlotte, N.C., and to celebrate the final 50 days until the opening, news is revealed each day at www.NASCARHall.com/50days. The reveals are accompanied by a daily trivia contest on the NASCAR Hall of Fame Twitter page (@NASCARHall). Some of the highlights of week six include the grand opening of Buffalo Wild Wings in the NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza, the announcement of NASCAR superstars set to participate during the facility’s grand opening and the NASCAR Hall of Fame hard card experience.

The following is a recap of announcements for Monday, April 26 – Sunday, May 2.

April 26 -15 days until opening
Kyle Petty’s Pinewood Derby Car and Trophy

Kyle Petty grew up in the legendary racing family of Richard and Lee Petty. Petty had one of his first victories racing a pinewood derby car down a straight track at age 14 during a Boy Scout event in 1974.

Known as a great NASCAR spokesman and philanthropist, he and his wife, Patty, founded Victory Junction Gang Camp for chronically-ill children in honor of their son, Adam. Along with Victory Junction Gang Camp, he started the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America. During this great event, Kyle is joined by NASCAR fans, drivers and crew members as they ride their motorcycles across America to visit children’s hospitals and other charities.

Guests can find out how some of NASCAR’s biggest names started and see Kyle Petty’s pinewood derby car and trophy in Kobalt Kids Zone, the family-friendly area perfect for the smaller set of rookie racers.

April 27 -14 days until opening
Janet Guthrie’s Driver Uniform and Driving Shoes from 1976

Janet Guthrie was born on March 7, 1938 in Iowa City, Iowa. Guthrie started her racing career in a Jaguar XK 12 and went on to win two Sports Car Club of America races.Guthrie eventually moved to stock cars and became the first woman to qualify for the Daytona 500. She also was the only woman to lead a race in NASCAR’s premier series.

While her NASCAR career was only from 1976-78, Guthrie received recognition as an inductee into the Women’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1980. At the NASCAR Hall of Fame, guests can see Guthrie’s driver uniform and driving shoes from 1976 in Heritage Speedway. She brought the soft-soled driving shoes to NASCAR from her sports-car days. The shoes provided road racers the soft touch needed on the pedals. Guthrie’s uniform and driving shoes remind fans that she was the first woman to compete at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, finishing 15th in the 1976 World 600.

April 28 -13 days until opening
Jimmie Johnson's four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Trophies

With 13 days until opening, the NASCAR Hall of Fame today announced four prominent historic items to be on display at the 150,000-square-foot interactive, entertainment attraction – Jimmie Johnson’s four NASCAR Sprint Cup SeriesTM Trophies. The reigning four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion has loaned his four personal trophies to the venue for six months.

"The NASCAR Hall of Fame is going to have so many cool things, showing the history of our sport. I was definitely humbled that they asked for something of mine to display,” said Johnson. “It’s an honor for me and the whole 48 Lowe’s team. I hope fans appreciate seeing the trophies up close. I know how special they are to me, and I’ve certainly enjoyed seeing them the past four years.”

While the NASCAR Hall of Fame is dedicated to honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR, a current item such as Johnson’s trophies recognizes the importance of history in the making. Eight years ago today, Johnson captured his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series win on April 28, 2002 at California Speedway, and since then, he has earned a spot in the record books as the only driver to win four consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championships (2006-2009).

Page 1 of 2

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Media Release

MORE BY THIS AUTHOR

AMA MX: Villopoto Leads Into Thunder Valley
Ryan Villopoto rolls into Lakewood, Colorado for Round 2 of the '13…
WSBK: Title Battles Arrives At Donington Park
The British contingent is preparing to defend its home turf this…
VIDEO: AMA MX - Hangtown Classic Highlights
Ryan Villopoto kicked off the '13 Lucias Oil Motocross season in…