Compiled by SEMA Editors
 Linda Vaughn |
Linda Vaughn has been named Lady of the Century by the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame. Her achievements will be celebrated during the organization’s Induction Gala, presented by World Wide Technology Raceway, June 11, at the Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa, California.
“We are honored to recognize Linda Vaughn and everything she has done to enhance all forms of racing,” said Ken Clapp, chairman and CEO of the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame. “Our friendship—and her friendship with the racing community—spans a half century.”
One of the most iconic figures in motorsports as Miss Hurst Golden Shifter, Vaughn is also a self-taught PR and marketing expert. Known as the First Lady of Motorsports, she worked for then-California-based Hurst Shifter, under George Hurst and Jack Watson. Vaughn appeared in many races, including the Indianapolis 500 and NHRA national drag races. She received a Wally, among other NHRA awards, for her public relations work on behalf of the organization. She also appeared in film and television, including “Stroker Ace,” and ESPN’s “30 for 30.”
The West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame’s 17th inducted class also includes Mike Bliss, a USAC Silver Crown and NASCAR Gander RV and Outdoors champion; Craig Keough, a Las Vegas team owner and track sponsor; Rick Mears, a four-time Indianapolis 500 champion; Jim Pettit II, the 1984 NASCAR Pacific Coast Region champion; Jerry Pitts, ARCA Menards Series West championship crew chief and team owner; and Tom Sneva, the 1983 Indianapolis 500 winner and a pavement supermodified champion.