FILE - In this July 7, 2012, file photo, driver Bill Elliott waves to fans on pit road before the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. NASCAR announced sweeping changes to the Hall of Fame election process Thursday, including tweaks that make Elliott and Mark Martin immediately eligible for enshrinement. Among the six changes: Drivers are now eligible if they have competed for 30 or more years in NASCAR or turned 55 in the calendar year before nominating day. Previously, drivers were not eligible until they had been retired for three years, so drivers can continue to compete and still reach the hall. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)