It’s safe to say, Helton thinks Hall is special

HALL OF FAME

  • NASCAR Vice Chairman Mike Helton reacts after being presented the Landmark Award for outstanding contributions to NASCAR prior to the NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Charlotte Convention Center Friday. Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
    NASCAR Vice Chairman Mike Helton reacts after being presented the Landmark Award for outstanding contributions to NASCAR prior to the NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Charlotte Convention Center Friday. Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
  • A general view of the NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Charlotte Convention Center Friday. David Jensen/Getty Images
    A general view of the NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Charlotte Convention Center Friday. David Jensen/Getty Images
  • Winston Kelley, Executive Director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, speaks during the Blue Jacket Ceremony at NASCAR Hall of Fame last week. David Jensen/Getty Images
    Winston Kelley, Executive Director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, speaks during the Blue Jacket Ceremony at NASCAR Hall of Fame last week. David Jensen/Getty Images

    On Friday night at the Charlotte Convention Center, the NASCAR Hall of Fame honored NASCAR Vice Chairman Mike Helton, a fixture in the sport for nearly five decades, with the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR.

    Helton has earned universal respect as a larger-than-life figure in the NASCAR garage. In a racing career that started with a stint as public relations director at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Helton advanced to the role of NASCAR President in 2000—as the first person outside the France family to hold that position.

    Helton, who now serves as Vice Chairman of NASCAR, has long been an advocate for enhanced safety measures on the competition side of the sport.

    “I’ve always been better at celebrating all the other people’s accomplishments and contributions to NASCAR,” Helton said. “So, this is a bit humbling to me. But it’s much appreciated, and it’s overwhelming, and I’m not too sure that I’ve gotten my head wrapped around it completely.

    “But it’s special. This Hall is special. This evening is an example of how special our history and our heritage and our future is built, and it’s been over the moon for me.”