Zack Albert’s Hall of Fame Class of 2020 ballot

Editor's note: NASCAR.com's Zack Albert is among the 59 voting members -- including the fan vote -- casting ballots to elect the NASCAR Hall of Fame's Class of 2020. This year marks his second time participating in Voting Day. Here, he reveals the reasoning behind the five choices on his ballot and his pick for the Landmark Award. Class of 2020 Selections Tony Stewart -- This year's slam-dunk choice. Smoke's on-track accomplishments as a three-time NASCAR champion combined with an uncanny ability in other motorsports disciplines established him as one of the greats. The success, his hard-nosed driving style and a no-filter demeanor when cameras were rolling endeared Stewart to countless fans. Buddy Baker -- NASCAR's "Gentle Giant" carries a Daytona 500 triumph and a reputation as a fearless record-setter of speed onto the ballot. His post-driving career provided a long tenure as a folksy broadcaster, cementing his legacy. Baker earned a place on my ballot last year, and held firm for the Class of 2020 voting process. Joe Gibbs -- With nearly three decades in the sport, the coach with multiple Super Bowl rings transferred his NFL excellence to stock-car racing, winning nine national series championships. His statistics are every bit the measure of team owners already enshrined, and his leadership qualities head the list of Gibbs' intangibles. MORE: Meet the Class of 2020 Waddell Wilson -- Wilson brought his brand of mechanical wizardry into stock-car racing, with a Holman-Moody pedigree synonymous with horsepower. As an engine builder and crew chief, Daytona 500 wins and championships flowed for some of stock-car racing's all-time legends. Bobby Labonte -- Strong consideration went to Ricky Rudd and candidates from short-track circles (Mike Stefanik, Larry Phillips), but titles in two national series, plus landmark wins at Indianapolis and Darlington carry his name onto the ballot. Landmark Award Edsel Ford II -- Another tough choice among five deserving candidates with extraordinary contributions to stock-car racing, but Ford's lasting influence as an automaker executive earns the vote. Ford's devotion to motorsports continues to transcend manufacturer allegiances. MORE: Official fan ballot