The Speedweeks at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in May began a new tradition last year. With the opening of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the inductees voted in by both a panel and the fans take their own enshrinement in the NASCAR history books.
The second class will be inducted again this year alongside the running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and the Coca-Cola 600.
However, starting next year, the induction will not be taking place with the running of these races.
As announced yesterday, the Hall of Fame induction ceremony is being moved from May to January starting next year. This means the ones voted in during the fall will be inducted three months later.
A good move, or a bad move?
An argument could me made for both. It could be a good move because this means that the induction follows in line along with other forms of sports. The Hall of Fame in the NFL inducts it's next class during the pre-season, long before the first official kickoff.
This can work out well for NASCAR as then they can introduce the inducted members during the lead up to the Daytona 500.
This also works because then it gives more time for fans to vote on the next class, as in three extra months. Means more votes to tally, but at the same time more fans can voice their opinion.
However, the problem isn't so much the move but more along the lines of when.
The induction ceremony brings fans across the country to Charlotte so they can see the pioneers of NASCAR take their rightful place in history. When it's in May, most of the time there is little interruption for weather. Last year, the only weather troubles were for qualifying for the Sprint All-Star Race.
Now, with the ceremony moved to January, weather becomes a huge factor for people wanting to fly, or just drive, to see it.
Not only do you have the bitter cold, but the chances of a blizzard along the east coast are high in that month, meaning some possible stranded commuters or delayed/cancelled flights.
It means many flustered fans, or even the possibility of some of the necessary personnel that may fly in could be late for the show.
We can't jump to conclusions right away, because this doesn't take effect until the third class of inductees is introduced. This could all just be speculation, and in fact the move could work out for the better.
But, it is an intriguing topic. Daytona is already moved ahead a week in 2012, with the green flag falling on Feb. 26. Maybe this is a good thing.
We won't know until the new year comes to find out.
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