Petty, Earnhardt Lead NASCAR HOF Class

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (AP) - NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. has been selected as the first inductee of the sport’s Hall of Fame.

France formed the National Association for Stock Car Racing in 1947 and headlines the inaugural class of five for the Hall.

Also joining the Hall in next year’s induction ceremony is Bill France Jr., who took over for his father as head of NASCAR in 1972. He spent nearly 30 years running the family business.

Also selected were Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt, NASCAR’s two seven-time Cup champions, and Junior Johnson.