Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame officials announced today that Dr. Jerry Punch, lead announcer and host of ESPN/ABC sports coverage, will emcee the 2007 Induction Ceremony honoring Matt Kenseth and Terry Labonte.

"I know how much my dear friend, the late Benny Parsons, loved being involved with this special evening," Punch said.  "I am extremely honored and privileged to be asked to emcee this event.  I hope I can continue the passion that Benny brought to the induction ceremony; however, as we all know, there was only one Benny Parsons."

"The 2007 Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony is honoring two of NASCAR's best in Matt Kenseth and Terry Labonte," said Ken Allen Sr., Chairman of Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame/Davey Allison Memorial Foundation.  "I'm thankful and very excited that Dr. Punch, a NASCAR legend in his own right, will be there to lead the ceremonies."

"We are so thankful that Dr. Punch could be a part of this wonderful tribute," said Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey.  "This ceremony is an important part of our UAW-Ford 500 weekend and to have the legendary Dr. Jerry Punch emceeing the event is very special, we are looking forward to a great night."

The Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame in downtown Talladega is both a focal point saluting NASCAR's greatest names and a tribute to one of racing's brightest stars - the late Davey Allison. Developed in 1994, the Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame has inducted one active driver and up to two inactive drivers since 1995 based on the fans' vote chosen from a ballot of nominees selected by strict guidelines. 

Past active driver inductees have included Dale Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Ernie Irvan, Dale Jarrett, Bill Elliott, Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Bobby Hamilton, Ricky Rudd, Mark Martin, Kyle Petty, Darrell Waltrip and Kevin Harvick. Richard Petty and Benny Parsons were the first inactive drivers to be inducted, later joined by Alan Kulwicki, Cale Yarborough, Ned Jarrett, Buddy Baker, David Pearson, Junior Johnson, Harry Gant, Lee Petty, Tim Flock, Fireball Roberts, Buck Baker, Joe Weatherly, Red Byron, Bobby Isaac, Fred Lorenzen, Fonty Flock and Herb Thomas.        

The first inductees - " Alabama Gang" drivers Bobby Allison, Donnie Allison, Red Farmer and Neil Bonnett - were inducted by decree of the board.

In the park, Davey Allison is remembered with a large marble monument, while drivers inducted into the Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame have bronze plaques placed around the park, accessible by walkways that form the shape of Talladega Superspeedway. For additional information, visit www.talladegawalk.com.

The 2007 UAW-Ford 500 weekend at Talladega Superspeedway will be held on Oct. 5-7 and will consist of the ARCA RE/MAX Series 250 on Friday, followed by the Mountain Dew 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race on Saturday.  The NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Car of Tomorrow will make its first appearance in a superspeedway race on Sunday, Oct. 7, which is also the fourth race in the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup. Kids age 11 and younger are admitted free of charge on Friday and Saturday of race weekends in the general admission grandstands at Talladega Superspeedway. To order tickets, call 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877-462-3342). For our hearing impaired guests, please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (1-866-472-8725). Tickets also are available online at www.racetickets.com or in person by visiting the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. CDT, Monday - Friday.