The NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Process
Each year, five inductees are selected to the NASCAR Hall of Fame by a Voting Panel. Inductees are chosen from a list of 20 nominees that are determined by a Nominating Committee. The main criteria for nomination and induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame include NASCAR accomplishments and contributions to the sport.
Induction Process FAQs
How many inductees are enshrined in the NASCAR Hall of Fame each year?
Each NASCAR Hall of Fame class has five inductees.
How many nominees are considered for the NASCAR Hall of Fame each year?
Twenty nominees are eligible for induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame each year. The number of nominees changed from 25 to 20 after modifications to the NASCAR Hall of Fame eligibility and selection process were announced in December 2013.
How are inductees selected and voted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame?
The process begins with a 22-person* Nominating Committee, who meets at Daytona International Speedway during Speedweeks to select the list of 20 nominees.
Then a 55-person* Voting Panel, which includes the members of the Nominating Committee plus additional representatives, votes on five inductees from the list of 20 nominees. The Voting Panel submits a total of 56 ballots*, which includes one ballot from a nationwide fan vote, to determine the five inductees.
*The number of ballots submitted may change if any member of the Nominating Committee or Voting Panel appears on the previous year’s ballot or current year’s ballot. These individuals are recused from participating in the nominating and/or voting process for as long as he/she appears on the ballot. If an individual who is currently on the Nominating Committee or Voting Panel is inducted, or is no longer included on a final ballot, he or she is immediately reinstated to active participation on the committee/panel.
Who is eligible to be nominated/inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame?
Drivers who have competed in NASCAR for a minimum 10 years and
- Have been retired for three years or
- Have reached their 55th birthday on or before Dec. 31 of the year prior to the nominating year; drivers may continue to compete after reaching age 55 without compromising their eligibility or
- Have competed for 30 or more years in NASCAR competition by Dec. 31 of the year prior to the nominating year is automatically eligible, regardless of age; drivers may continue to compete after reaching the 30-year milestone without compromising their eligibility.
Non-drivers who have worked at least 10 years in the industry.
Potential candidates (for both drivers and non-drivers) with shorter careers may be considered if there are special circumstances.
Will the inductees include those beyond drivers and owners?
The NASCAR Hall of Fame includes an opportunity for drivers, owners, crew members, track operators, promoters, media and other contributors to be inducted. The main criteria for induction are NASCAR accomplishments and contributions to the sport.
What is the Landmark Award?
Beginning in 2015, the Landmark award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR was created to honor significant contributions to the growth and esteem of NASCAR. This award provides the opportunity to recognize key figures that were not necessarily involved in the competition side of the sport. To qualify for nomination, an individual must have worked in the sport as a member of a racing organization, track facility, race team, sponsor, media partner or competitor, or be a general ambassador for the sport through a professional or non-professional role. Each year five people will be nominated by the NASCAR Hall of Fame Nominating Committee in conjunction with the NASCAR Hall of Fame nominations. One winner is chosen by the Voting Panel and announced on Voting Day. Award winners are still eligible for NASCAR Hall of Fame enshrinement.
2015 Landmark Award – Anne B. France
What is the Squier-Hall Award?
The Squier-Hall Award for NASCAR Media Excellence was created in 2012 to recognize the significant contributions that media have made to NASCAR. This award, named in honor of legendary radio and television broadcasters Ken Squier and Barney Hall, has a permanent exhibit in the NASCAR Hall of Fame to honor the recipients. Each year eight nominees are selected by a panel comprised of NASCAR and NASCAR Hall of Fame executives, journalists, public relations representatives and former drivers. The recipient is honored at the annual NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Squier-Hall Award winners will remain eligible for NASCAR Hall of Fame induction. Likewise, current and future inductees who made significant contributions as a member of the media will be eligible to win the Squier-Hall Award.
2015 Squier-Hall Award – Tom Higgins
2014 Squier Hall Award – Chris Economaki
2013 Squier-Hall Award – Ken Squier & Barney Hall
