International Motorsports Hall of Fame

History

The International Motorsports Hall of Fame traces its start to early 1970, when NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. brought in short track promoter Don Naman to build a museum and hall of fame. France wanted to preserve motorsports history and permanently honor those who helped it grow. In 1975, Alabama Governor George Wallace set up an 18-member commission to pick a site and design. After a statewide vote on using state bonds to fund the project failed, France donated 35 acres of land that had come from the family of former driver Johnny Ray. France chose Alabama over his own hometown of Daytona Beach, Florida, because Florida politicians had threatened to tax Daytona International Speedway. Construction used private money and federal funds, which were released with approval from new Alabama Governor Fob James. The first phase built three of the six planned buildings. A groundbreaking took place on the afternoon of March 26, 1981, with about 100 people present, including Wallace, Bill France Sr., and Bill France Jr. The first half opened on April 28, 1983, and the second half on July 28, 1990. Track owner International Speedway Corporation rented office space from Alabama to run the facility. The site includes a museum with racing vehicles, banners, helmets, medals, posters, and trophies, plus ISC offices and other spaces. Six halls of fame are located there: the Alabama Sports Writers Hall of Fame, the Automobile Racing Club of America Hall of National Champions, the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, the Quarter Midgets of America Hall of Fame, the Western Auto Mechanics Hall of Fame, and the World Karting Hall of Fame. The McCaig-Wellborn International Motorsports Research Library is also inside.