Cook, Turner, Isaac inducted into NASCAR Hall

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Modified great Jerry Cook was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Saturday to cap a career that featured six championships.

He was joined by 1970 champion Bobby Isaac and Curtis Turner, called by some the ''Babe Ruth of stock car racing.

''This is the greatest honor in NASCAR, and to have a place in our sport's house is the ultimate achievement,'' Cook said during the ceremony at the Charlotte Convention Center that was delayed from Friday night because of the snowstorm pounding the East Coast.

Cook was introduced by three-time NASCAR champion Tony Stewart and inducted by former NASCAR executive Robin Pemberton.

''Any day, anytime, anywhere, and against anyone, that was the attitude that possessed (Cook),'' Stewart said. ''His competitive spirit knew no end, and combined with ferocious talent landed him six modified championships, and today one of my favorite drivers takes his rightful place among the immortals in the NASCAR Hall of Fame.''

Cook won four consecutive titles from 1974-77 while battling Hall of Famer Richie Evans for supremacy in modifieds. He retired in 1982 and went to work for NASCAR, where he helped shape the series known today as the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.

Ryan Newman introduced the induction of Isaac, who died in 1977. Isaac's son, Randy, accepted the induction and his widow, Patsy, spoke.

''Bobby's life is a true American rags-to-riches story,'' she said. ''He was born into a poor family in Catawba County in 1932. He was the second youngest of nine children, and was on his own by the age of 12. One fateful night, Bobby attended a race at Hickory Speedway. Not having enough money to purchase a ticket, he watched the race from a tree outside the track. He was inspired to believe that racing was his opportunity for a better life.''

Isaac was the 1970 champion who set his mark in qualifying, with 49 career poles. His 19 poles in 1969 remains the single-season record.

Turner was among the fastest and most colorful competitors in the early years of NASCAR's premier series racing. The first of his 17 career victories came in only his fourth start, at Langhorne (Pennsylvania) Speedway in 1949.

Turner, who was introduced by 2014 champion Kevin Harvick, also won the 1956 Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway and the first American 500 at Rockingham Speedway in 1965.

His induction was done by Hall of Famer Leonard Wood, and his acceptance was given by daughter Margaret Sue Turner Wright.

''This pioneer entertained NASCAR's earliest fans with not only his ability to whip a car around the track but also with his colorful personality away from the wheel,'' Harvick said. ''More than 45 years since his final race, this sultan of speed remains the only driver to win two consecutive races from the pole leading every lap.''