"After Mr. Clark's name appeared on the ballot in error, [he] received the third most votes of those appearing on the competition ballot, and it was therefore announced that he would be inducted with the 2012 class," the report explains.
"Given the egregiousness of the error, it was determined that, to maintain the integrity of the Hall of Fame induction process and the Hall of Fame itself, Mr. Clark would not be inducted with the 2012 class," the report states. Heininger says he contacted Clark, explained the circumstances and apologized for the error.
Disciplinary action recommended. "The inclusion of the additional names on the draft ballot presented to the balloting committee was the result of carelessness on the part of staff," the report asserts. "Given the enormity of the error and the negative impact on both the Hall of Fame and the AMA, not to mention the anguish to which Mr. Clark has been subjected, the staff involved must be subject to disciplinary action."
Moreover, "both the road race committee chairman and the balloting committee chairman were aware of the results of the deliberations and voting of the road race committee and the subsequent submission by the road race committee of the two names for inclusion on the ballot. Neither took any action during the balloting committee deliberations to correct the error. Both, therefore, demonstrated a dereliction of their duties as committee chairmen..." the report asserts.
Heininger addressed the emotional outpour of support for the noted racing mechanic. "Many people have made statements suggesting that we ignore the serious breakdown of our process and induct Mr. Clark as we had originally announced. When I became chairman, I did so with the understanding that the AMHR needed to become more transparent in its dealings and move away from the 'good old boy' reputation we had been tagged with.
"Our error was one of procedure, and it had very serious consequences," he continued. "Had we ignored this error, not only would the democratic process that our committees follow have been undermined, the nominees whose names are rightfully on the ballot would not have received fair consideration in the voting process."
UPDATE July 19, 2012 - The AMHF today announced that it would conduct another vote on the induction of Nobby Clark to the 2012 Hall of Fame. For more information, click HERE.
