THE INDUCTION PROCESS

The NASCAR Hall of Fame has three inductees annually.

In February of 2020, the decision was made to reduce annual inductees from five to three. This was done in order to preserve the prestige of the NASCAR Hall of Fame and maintain the high standard of enshrinement.

Fifteen nominees are eligible for induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame each year. The number of nominees changed from 20 to 15 after modifications to the NASCAR Hall of Fame's selection process were announced in February 2020.

The process begins with a 22-person* Nomination Committee, who meets at Daytona International Speedway during Speedweeks to select the 10 nominees for the Modern Era Ballot. In April, the Honors Committee selects five nominees for the Pioneer Ballot.

Then a 64-person* Voting Panel, which includes the members of the Nominating Committee plus additional representatives, votes on three inductees from the list of 15 nominees. The Voting Panel submits a total of 65 ballots*, which includes one ballot from a nationwide fan vote, to determine the three inductees. Two are inducted from the Modern Era Ballot and one from the Pioneer Ballot. All three are inducted equally; there will be no distinction between inductee from either ballot.

*The number of ballots submitted may change if any member of the Nomination 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 Nomination 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.

The Nomination Committee consists of representatives from NASCAR, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and track owners from both major facilities and historic short tracks, as well as one at-large member.

The Honors Committee includes all living NASCAR Hall of Famers, Landmark Award winners and Squier-Hall Award winners, and NASCAR and NASCAR Hall of Fame executives.

The Voting Panel consists of members of the Nomination Committee plus former drivers, former owners, former crew chiefs, manufacturer representatives, media members, the current reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion and 12 representatives from the Honors Committee.

Drivers who have competed in NASCAR for at least 10 years and have been retired for two years are eligible for nomination to the NHOF. In addition, drivers who have competed for a minimum of 10 years and reached their 55th birthday on or before Dec. 31 of the year prior to the nominating year are immediately eligible for the NHOF.

Competitors are eligible for the Modern Era Ballot if their career started within the past 60 years (1963 for Class of 2023). Nominees can stay on the Modern Era Ballot for up to 10 years. Those whose careers began more than 60 years ago or who have been on the Modern Era Ballot for 10 years will be eligible for the Pioneer Ballot.

Any driver who has 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 any of the aforementioned milestones without compromising eligibility for nomination or induction.

For non-drivers, individuals must have worked at least 10 years in the NASCAR industry.

Individuals may also be considered who made significant achievements in the sport, but left the sport early due to a variety of circumstances.

If extenuating circumstances cause an individual's eligibility to be in question or need clarification, NASCAR will review and determine if any adjustments are needed prior to the Nomination Committee Meeting. NASCAR may also seek input from the Nomination Committee in determining an individual's eligibility for a particular class or ballot.

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.

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.

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.