Former Alabama Sportscaster Charged in Motorsports Hall of Fame Probe

Mike Raita accused of using his position on the board for personal gain

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:38pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a car key or other small automotive part lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the investigation into financial irregularities at the motorsports hall of fame.A recent audit exposed alleged mismanagement and misuse of funds at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, leading to the arrest of a former executive director.Today in Birmingham

Mike Raita, a longtime sports anchor in Alabama, has been arrested and charged with using his position on the board of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame for personal gain. Raita, who was the lead sports anchor at ABC 33/40 from 1996 to 2017, served as the hall's executive director from 2020 to 2024. A recent audit found alleged mismanagement and misspending of commission funds during his tenure.

Why it matters

The charges against Raita raise concerns about potential abuse of power and misuse of public funds at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, a prominent institution in the state's sports and racing community. The case also highlights the challenges of oversight and accountability for nonprofit organizations.

The details

According to the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts, Raita allegedly purchased a 1968 Camaro Convertible Pace Car from the hall commission for $15,000 in 2023, after the commission spent nearly $23,000 fixing up the vehicle. Raita's wife also allegedly purchased a 1998 F-150 from the commission for $1,000. Following the audit, the hall's entire board was removed, and a new 18-member board was appointed by Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey in November 2025.

  • Raita served as executive director of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame from 2020 to 2024.
  • The alleged mismanagement and misspending at the hall occurred between 2019 and 2024, according to a 2025 report.
  • Raita was arrested on April 2, 2026 and released the same day after posting $25,000 bond.

The players

Mike Raita

A former lead sports anchor at ABC 33/40 in Alabama who served as the executive director of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame from 2020 to 2024.

Jimmy Kilgore

The Talladega County Sheriff who said Raita's arrest was part of an indictment by a grand jury.

Tommy Tuberville

The Republican U.S. Senator from Alabama, for whom Raita most recently worked as a regional director.

Kay Ivey

The Governor of Alabama who appointed a new 18-member board for the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in November 2025 after the previous board was removed.

Paul Finebaum

An ESPN sports personality who wrote the foreword to Raita's 2019 memoir, 'The Show Goes On.'

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What they’re saying

“There have been many good sportscasters to come through Birmingham over the years. But none have ever been as unique as Mike. He was an original, a one-of-a-kind personality that we had never seen the likes of — and in today's depressed television environment, will likely never see again.”

— Paul Finebaum, ESPN sports personality

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Mike Raita out on bail.

The takeaway

This case raises serious questions about oversight and accountability at nonprofit organizations, especially those with close ties to local sports and entertainment industries. It underscores the need for stronger financial controls and transparency to prevent potential abuse of power and misuse of public funds.