CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Reaching the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame is not an easy task.
Every year, the NMPA nominates five worthy candidates for induction, but to reach the Hall, they must receive a two-thirds membership voting threshold.
In 2015, only Chase Elliott's father Bill met the requirement.
In 2016, three men were selected for induction, and Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick led the way with 88 percent of the vote. It came in his first year of eligibility.
He was joined by Joe Gibbs with 76 percent of the vote and Al Unser Sr. with 66 percent.
“I really appreciate that," Hendrick said Thursday afternoon. "This is quite an honor to be inducted with Al Unser Sr. and Joe Gibbs, two of my heroes. Really special. I really, really do appreciate that."
In the fitting venue of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Hendrick was presented with his custom-made NMPA Hall of Fame jacket and a plaque commemorating the honor.
"Thanks to members of the press for putting me in the first year I’m eligible," Hendrick continued. "But more than that, thank you for what you do for our sport, covering our sport."
Hendrick, Gibbs and Unser become the 96th through 98th members of the NMPA Hall of Fame.