NASCAR’s 2018 Hall of Fame Class

The 2018 NASCAR Hall of Fame was announced in mid-May, with Robert Yates, Red Byron, Ray Evernham, Ron Hornady Jr, and announcer Ken Squier getting the call.

The list of inductees shows a great deal of talent and diversity. Robert Yates was an engine builder and eventual owner, using his high IQ and persistence to advance the sport unlike no other. Only NASCAR would recognize an engine builder for the hallowed hall.

Robert ‘Red’ Byron won the first Daytona (on the beach road course) and in 1949 he won NASCAR’s first Strictly Stock title.

Hall of Famer Ray Evernham did run and own his own team, but he’s being recognized for his work behind the scenes as Jeff Gordon’s crew chief. Gordon and Evernham won 47 Cup races, three Cup championships, and Ray remained the crew, Jeff the driver to beat in NASCAR in their heyday.

If you’ve ever heard a race on the radio, you’ve heard Ken Squier. Ken began on the Motor Racing Network in 1970, becoming the golden voice of races across the country.

Our last inducteeee, Ron Hornaday Jr., began as one of the founding fathers of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. By the time Ron was finished he’d won four Truck Series championships and recorded 51 wins.
Jim France will earn the Landmark Award in this year’s celebration. No firm date has been set for the induction ceremony at the Hall, but it’s typically January of that year.

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