The Class of 2010 was inducted into the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame on Oct. 22. Photo by Mike Terrell
By Brandon Reed
Posted in Feature Stories 10/29/10
On Friday, Oct. 22, the newest members of the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame were inducted at a ceremony held at the Hall of Fame in Dawsonville, Georgia.
If you missed this year’s banquet, you missed what many are calling the best banquet in the hall’s nine-year history. Among those inducted were motorcycle ace Ted Edwards, NASCAR Winston Cup champion crew chief and engine builder Ernie Elliott, open wheel and stock car pioneer Jack Etheridge, NASCAR sportsman championship winning car owner Laverne Kendrick and pioneer stock car racer and track official Jerry Wimbish.
Also on Friday night, the Hall of Fame announced a new award to be given out annually to recognize career achievements or contributions to the Hall of Fame that might not otherwise qualify someone to be in the hall. The award is named the Annie Dean Samples Spirit Award, in honor of the late former president of the Hall of Fame board.
The first Spirit award was also given out that night, with long time Hall of Fame supporter and volunteer Vaudell Sosebee, wife of the late Gober Sosebee, receiving the honor.
The event was also an important one, as it was the first banquet held under the banner of the newly formed Georgia Racing Hall of Fame board, who will oversee the operations and steer the future of the Hall of Fame as a non-profit entity.
The over 200 people in attendance got a look also several new innovations by the board, including video presentations on each inductee, as well videos recognizing past Hall of Fame members, Dawsonville’s 150th anniversary, Gresham Motorsports Park, Atlanta Motor Speedway and a special video in memory of those who passed away over the last year. The videos were done through a collaborative effort between the Hall of Fame and the Mass Communications Department of Piedmont College in Demorest, Georgia.
Captain Herb Emory again served as master of ceremonies for us, doing a wonderful job as usual, and the Hall of Fame volunteers did an excellent job in working to make this the best induction ceremony ever!
Without a doubt, it was a night to remember!
So let’s take a look back now at the 2010 Georgia Racing Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
The Hall of Fame was decked out in anticipation of Friday night's crowd. Photo courtesy Marci Watson
Hall of Fame volunteer Susan Morgan (left) and HOF Board member Bonnie Warne (right) helped attendees with their tickets. Photo courtesy Marci Watson
Here's a look at how the banquet hall was decked out at the Hall of Fame this year. Photo courtesy Marci Watson
Hall of Fame member Charlie Mincey enjoys his meal at the banquet. Photos by Mike Terrell