Former Alabama Sportscaster Charged in Motorsports Hall of Fame Probe

Mike Raita, a longtime fixture in Alabama sports media, accused of using his position on the hall's board for personal gain.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:35am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a classic car part, such as a steering wheel or hubcap, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the investigation into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.A recent state audit exposed alleged mismanagement and self-dealing at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, raising concerns about oversight and accountability.Today in Birmingham

Mike Raita, a former 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 served as the hall's executive director from 2020 to 2024, allegedly purchased a classic car from the organization for well below market value and had them spend thousands to fix it up before the sale.

Why it matters

The charges against Raita, a respected figure in Alabama sports media for decades, highlight concerns about potential mismanagement and self-dealing at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. The allegations raise questions about oversight and accountability at the organization, which is an important part of the state's motorsports culture.

The details

According to a state audit, Raita allegedly purchased a 1968 Camaro Convertible Pace Car from the hall's commission for $15,000 in 2023, even though the group had spent nearly $23,000 fixing it up. The audit also found that Raita's wife purchased a 1998 F-150 truck from the commission for just $1,000. Following the audit, the hall's entire board was removed and a new 18-member board was appointed by the governor.

  • Raita served as the executive director of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame from 2020 to 2024.
  • Raita was arrested on April 2, 2026 and charged with using his position or office for personal gain.
  • A state audit in 2025 uncovered the alleged mismanagement and self-dealing at the hall during Raita's tenure.

The players

Mike Raita

A longtime sports anchor in Alabama who was the lead sports anchor at ABC 33/40 from 1996 until 2017. Raita most recently served as the regional director for Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and was 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.

Kay Ivey

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

Tommy Tuberville

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

Dennis Francione

The former Alabama football coach who Raita famously ambushed when Francione was leaving to take the head coaching job at Texas A&M.

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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 highlights concerns about oversight and accountability at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, and raises broader questions about potential mismanagement and self-dealing at similar organizations that play an important role in local communities.