Fans Vote Ryan Newman and “Speedy”
Thompson
to Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame
TALLADEGA, Ala. – The fans have
spoken... and Ryan Newman and Speedy Thompson will
be the next drivers enshrined to the
Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame on Saturday, Oct. 22.
The Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame
in downtown Talladega is both a focal point saluting
NASCAR’s greatest names and a tribute to one of
racing’s brightest stars – the late Davey Allison.
Developed in 1994, the Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame
has inducted one active driver and up to two
inactive drivers since 1995 based on the fans’ vote
chosen from a ballot of nominees selected by strict
guidelines.
This year’s active driver honoree,
Newman, 33, is not your ordinary NASCAR driver. A
graduate of Purdue University, Newman not only has
immense talent behind the wheel, he also has an
in-depth understanding of what a car is designed and
built to do on the racetrack. It is that combination
that has made him one of the most successful and
respected figures in modern motorsports.
After graduating from Purdue in
2001 with a degree in vehicle structure engineering,
the South Bend, Ind., native followed his heart and
his talent to the racetrack and NASCAR’s premiere
division – the Sprint Cup Series. Known for his
ability to qualify at the head of the class, Newman
has scored at least one pole position in 11
consecutive seasons. His biggest career victory came
in February 2008 when he won the 50th Running of the
Daytona 500 while driving for Penske Racing. Now
driving the No. 39 for Stewart-Haas Racing, Newman
has collected 47 poles and 15 victories.
When not on track, the avid
outdoorsman focuses his attention on the efforts of
the Ryan Newman Foundation.
Inactive driver nominee, Alfred
“Speedy" Thompson was one of the most successful
drivers of the late 1950's. He made 198 starts from
1950 – 1971, winning 20 races along with scoring 78
top-fives, 106 top-tens, and 20 poles.
Over the course of the 1957 season, Thompson made
38 starts, notching two wins, 16 top five finishes,
and 22 top ten finishes. He earned four poles, won
almost $27,000, and his average finish position was
10.2.
In over 21 years of racing, Speedy started 198
races, posting 105 top ten finishes, of which 77
were top fives and 20 were victories. Speedy earned
just shy of $115,000 over his career, but for four
consecutive seasons, the only four he raced anywhere
near a full schedule, he was the third greatest
stock car racer in the country.
Thompson left the sport as a pioneer in stock car
racing and is considered to be among the top 50
greatest NASCAR drivers in history.
Thompson passed away April 2,
1972.
Past active driver inductees have included Dale
Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Ernie Irvan, Dale
Jarrett, Bill Elliott, Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart,
Bobby Hamilton, Ricky Rudd, Mark Martin, Kyle Petty,
Darrell Waltrip, Kevin Harvick, Matt Kenseth, Bobby
Labonte, Morgan Shepherd and Kasey Kahne. Richard
Petty and Benny Parsons were the first inactive
drivers to be inducted, later joined by Alan
Kulwicki, Cale Yarborough, Ned Jarrett, Buddy Baker,
David Pearson, Junior Johnson, Harry Gant, Lee
Petty, Tim Flock, Fireball Roberts, Buck Baker, Joe
Weatherly, Red Byron, Bobby Isaac, Fred Lorenzen,
Fonty Flock, Herb Thomas, Terry Labonte, Rex White,
Jack Smith and Jim Paschal.
The first inductees – “ Alabama Gang” drivers
Bobby Allison, Donnie Allison, Red Farmer and Neil
Bonnett – were inducted by decree of the board.
In the park, Davey Allison is remembered with a
large marble monument, while drivers inducted into
the Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame have bronze
plaques placed around the park, accessible by
walkways that form the shape of Talladega
Superspeedway. For additional information, visit
www.talladegawalk.com.
Race fans that want to experience true southern
hospitality combined with the most competitive
racing in NASCAR should call the Talladega
Superspeedway Ticket Office today at 1-877-Go2-DEGA.
Guests that purchase their tickets in advance have
the opportunity to save over those who purchase
during race week. Tickets are available online at
www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.
Click
here to download the Press Release |
