With dozens of famous drivers, car owners and crew chiefs on hand, NASCAR broke ground on its long-awaited Hall of Fame on Thursday, promising to properly honor its rich history.



Seven-time Cup series champion Richard Petty joined NASCAR president Mike Helton and others in moving the first clumps of red clay for the $107.5 million facility that is to open by the spring of 2010. They used shovels designed to look like pit crew gas cans amid the roar of engines from replica cars of Petty and Dale Earnhardt.

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