A Dawsonville man is among 15 semifinalists for the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame's 2012 class of inductees.

The winner of more than 200 NHRA, IHRA and AHRA sanctioned drag racing events, Dick Brannon was directly involved in the development of the Ford 427 race engines and played an important role in development of the 1967 Ford Fairlane 427, including one in which Mario Andretti won the Daytona 500.

He also worked with A.J. Foyt and Donnie Allison in developing the 1968 Ford Torino, helped develop the Cobra Jet 428 engine and worked on the 429 Boss engine.

A recognized leader in the industry, Brannon is a member of the Super Sock Magazine Hall of Fame, East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame and Drag Racers Reunion Hall of Fame.

The five new inductees will be named at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame's 10th anniversary celebration Saturday in Dawsonville.

The festivities begin at 8 a.m. with a swap meet and a car show. The museum opens at 10 a.m. with a ceremony at 11 a.m. to name the 2012 class of inductees.

There will also be a driver autograph session with members of the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame and current drivers.

Inductees will be recognized at the hall's annual banquet and awards ceremony Oct. 26.
A limited number of seats for the banquet will be available.

For more information, call (706) 216-7223 or go to www.georgiaracinghof.com.