NASCAR HOF Induction Highlighted By Hendrick, Childress Speeches

The NASCAR HOF inducted its ’17 class Friday night in Charlotte, where the event was punctuated by emotional speeches from team owners Rick Hendrick and Richard Childress, and former driver Mark Martin. The ’17 class also included late driver and broadcaster Benny Parsons and late team owner Raymond Parks. Hendrick, Childress and Martin touched on their rises from humble beginnings. Childress also took time to thank longtime sponsors including Coca-Cola, Caterpillar, Bass Pro Shops and Chevrolet (Adam Stern, Staff Writer). Hendrick, during his speech, said, "You need to take care of other people if you want people to take care of you." Additionally, H. Clay Earles, who "built and opened" Martinsville Speedway, was given the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR. Late former High Point Enterprise Sports Editor Benny Phillips was given the Squier-Hall Award for Media Excellence (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 1/21).