Alabama Governor Ivey Dismisses International Motorsports Hall of Fame Commission Amid Audit Findings
In a decisive move following troubling audit results, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has disbanded the entire International Motorsports Hall of Fame Commission. This action aims to address significant financial and operational deficiencies identified in a recent state audit covering the period from October 2019 to September 2024.
The audit report, spanning 56 pages, uncovered 35 critical issues including inadequate financial controls, missing cash deposits, and improper personal use of Commission funds. Key findings listed serious violations, such as:
- Lack of sufficient oversight on banking transactions, leading to unallowable expenditures.
- Cash from sales not being deposited in Commission accounts.
- Funds deposited into a personal account of a Commission member.
- Absence of a comprehensive inventory for historic vehicles and memorabilia.
A particularly alarming discovery involved the sale of four vehicles, donated to the Commission, at a collector car auction without the required written consent. Three donation agreements explicitly prohibited any non-educational transfer of the vehicles, which included notable models such as the 1980 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am Talladega Pace Car and others.
Additionally, the audit revealed an outstanding repayment demand of $246,610.10 from a former Accounts Manager. The failure of this individual to contest the claim has led to a certification for collection by the Office of the Attorney General.
In a letter to the Commission’s board chairman, Gerald Dial, Governor Ivey emphasized the need for a fresh start, stating, “Governor Ivey believes this is the right time for a fresh start at the Hall of Fame.”
As of October 31, Ivey has appointed a new board consisting of 18 members with staggered eight-year terms. The newly appointed members include notable figures such as Dr. George Robert Booker, Judge Scott Brewer, and various other professionals across multiple sectors.
This restructuring is a critical step in restoring credibility and operational integrity to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, which is situated near Talladega Superspeedway and houses important historical racing artifacts.
