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Many great drivers don't even make the ballot. Western PA is a good example of this. In the 60s and 70s Western PA was as tough as anywhere in the country (although it sure isn't now). Many of the greats from there won and ran up front across the country. They have consistently nominated for the ballot, but never garner enough support to be put on the ballot for voting.
Lou Blaney - National Open win 1966, 4th Knoxville Nats 1974, over 600 wins (includes dirt modified)
Ralph Quarterson - First All Star champ 1970, top 10 Western World 1968
Buddy Cochran - Fast time Knoxville Nats 1973
Ted Wise - 3rd Knoxville Nats 1974
Gus Linder, Dick Bailey, Dick Linder and others.
They had many track championships and lots of wins at many tracks.
It's just a hard deal to get a lot of support for certain drivers (like Johnny A - he should be in). Unlike Dean, I see the bias (especially the older drivers) as being midwest bias. Seems like every Kansas City and Knoxville driver gets in.
There is no way to do this that doesn't involve opinion, whether old timer or younger generations. You just try to get as diverse of a voting panel as possible.
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