CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- SPEED will air an exclusive one-hour special Thursday at 8 p.m. ET from the site of the new NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, N.C., as NASCAR unveils the 25 nominees for the inaugural class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

“There are a limited number of ‘firsts’ in any area of life,” said SPEED President Hunter Nickell. “So, being able to work with NASCAR and the NASCAR Hall of Fame to bring fans a true first in their favorite sport is a real honor and a lot of fun for everyone at SPEED.”

NASCAR Hall of Fame: The First Class will be hosted by legendary motor sports broadcaster Ken Squier, with guest appearances from NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France and NASCAR Hall of Fame Executive Director Winston Kelly.

The NASCAR Hall of Fame is scheduled to open in May of next year.