Grandma's House

Here's another name that should be added to the nominees for the new NASCAR Hall of Fame: Louise Smith. And here's why:

Smith, remembered as "the first lady of racing," was on the NASCAR circuit from 1945-56. Known for her fearless style, she won 38 modified events.

She got her start in racing when young promoter Bill France was looking for a way to get people to the track. France started NASCAR on the road to its dynasty in part by sending Smith to tracks in the Northeast and Canada.

Smith was a barnstormer who ran for $100 to $150 in first prizes. She mixed with Curtis Turner, Ralph Earnhardt, Bill Snowden, Buddy Shuman and Buck Baker.

She was remembered for some spectacular crashes.

In 1947, Smith went to watch the beach races at Daytona in her husband's new Ford coupe, but when she arrived, found out she had to race. She entered the shiny new car and wrecked it.

Benny Parsons, a longtime NASCAR star and now a TV analyst, recounted the story.

"Her husband said, 'Where's the car, Louise?' And she said, 'That ol' trap broke down in Augusta (Ga.),'" Parsons said. "He showed her the newspaper. The wrecked car was on the front page."

Louise Smith passed away at the age of 89. Truly a great lady in sports history.