Governor Kay Ivey has removed and replaced the entire Motorsports Hall of Fame Commission after a state audit found 35 violations involving finances, governance, and the handling of public assets at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in Talladega.
The decision was made “for cause” and was effective immediately, according to a letter sent to now-former board chairman and retired State Senator Gerald Dial.
Ivey’s office told Alabama Daily News the action reflects the expectation that all state entities operate with accountability and transparency.
“After the governor reviewed the audit on the Motorsports Hall of Fame, she made the decision to remove all members of the Commission and appoint new membership to carry out the mission,” spokeswoman Gina Maiola said, adding that the governor “takes accountability very seriously.”
The October 2025 audit by the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts cited 35 separate findings, including improper expenditures, missing deposits, a lack of internal controls, and violations of state procurement rules.
One recommendation requires former contract employee Karen Lakey to repay $236,600 in misspent funds.
The audit also documented issues unrelated to Lakey, including mishandling of two donated vehicles, a 2001 Pontiac Firebird Firehawk 10th Anniversary Convertible and a 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona, that were never received by the museum, despite a ledger entry recording $150,750 “to book cars sold.”
The newly appointed Commission includes local officials, community leaders and a representative from Ivey’s legal office:
- Dr. George Booker
- Talladega County Circuit Court Judge Scott Brewer
- Jimmy Creed
- Gerald Creel Jr.
- Ricky Goodwin
- Talladega County Commissioner Darrell Ingram
- Talladega County Probate Judge Chad Joiner
- Lincoln City Council member Jennie Jones
- Scott Pierce
- Bruce Ramey Sr.
- Stanley Ruffin
- Tammie Williams
- Former State Rep. Randall Shedd
- Zach Wilson of the governor’s legal team
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
