Yarborough, Waltrip among those voted into NASCAR HOF

Charlotte, NC (Sports Network) - After being snubbed from its second class of inductees, Cale Yarborough and Darrell Waltrip were among those voted into the next five-member class for the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Tuesday. Dale Inman, Richie Evans and Glen Wood will also be inducted into the NASCAR HOF in 2012.

Yarborough became the first driver to win three consecutive championships in NASCAR’s premier series (1976-78). His 83 career victories, including four in the Daytona 500, rank him sixth on the series’ all-time race winners list.

Nicknamed “Jaws” for his outspoken demeanor during his career, Waltrip also won three titles in the series (1981, ’82 and ‘85). He is tied with Bobby Allison and Jeff Gordon for third most career victories with 84. Waltrip won his first and only Daytona 500 in 1989. He currently serves as a commentator on FOX television’s coverage of NASCAR.

Inman became the first crew chief to be voted into the NASCAR HOF. He served as a crew chief at Petty Enterprises for nearly three decades, setting records for most championships (eight) and wins (193). He guided Richard Petty to seven titles.

Evans is recognized as the “king” of Modified racing. He captured nine NASCAR Modified championships in a 13-year span, including eight in a row from 1978-85.

Wood laid the foundation for the famed Wood Brothers racing team as a driver in NASCAR’s top circuit. Wood Brothers Racing, which dates to 1950 and remains active, has amassed 98 victories, including one in this year’s Daytona 500, with 20-year-old driver Trevor Bayne.

The NASCAR Hall of Fame’s 54-member voting panel met in a closed session earlier in the day in Charlotte. The panel had a spirited debate over the 25 nominees before selecting the new five-member class.

Yarborough led with 85 percent of the vote, followed by Waltrip (82), Inman (78), Evans (50) and Wood (44).

Jerry Cook, Cotton Owens, Raymond Parks and Herb Thomas also received votes.

06/14 16:54:43 ET