NASCAR names Hall of Fame finalists

CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 3 (UPI) -- Lee Petty and son Richard are among 25 finalists named for the inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame induction class in 2010.

Five inductees for the hall's first class will be selected by a voting panel made up of NASCAR members, manufacturer representatives, former competitors, the media and fans. Voting ends Sept. 15, with the results to be announced in October and the finalists honored next May when the hall is scheduled to open in Charlotte, N.C.

Among other finalists, announced Thursday in Charlotte are drivers Dale Earnhardt, Cale Yarborough and Bobby Allison, owners Richard Childress and Rick Hendrick, NASCAR founder William H.G. France and his son, former NASCAR president Bill France Jr.

"I've said all along that race fans are what drive this sport and having them involved in the voting process is great," Childress said in a statement Friday. "I enjoy spending time with the fans and I encourage them to go online and vote."

Lee Petty was the first Daytona 500 winner in 1959 and was a three-time points champion before retiring in 1964.

Richard Petty, the owner of Richard Petty Motorsports, won 200 races, 123 poles and tied for most championships (seven).