Former Sports Anchor Charged with Stealing from Motorsports Hall of Fame

Mike Raita allegedly used stolen funds to purchase vintage cars for himself and his wife.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:56pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a vintage car key, the metal surface reflecting the harsh light of the camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the investigation into financial fraud at a nonprofit organization.A former sports anchor's alleged theft from a motorsports hall of fame exposes the risks of financial mismanagement at nonprofit organizations.Talladega Today

Mike Raita, a former sports anchor in Alabama, has been arrested and charged with stealing over $200,000 from the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, where he served as executive director from 2020 to 2024. Authorities say Raita used the stolen funds to purchase a 1968 Camaro Convertible Pace Car and a 1998 F-150 pickup truck.

Why it matters

The alleged theft led to the entire board of directors at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame being removed, highlighting the serious consequences of financial mismanagement and abuse of power at nonprofit organizations.

The details

According to the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts, Raita, who was the executive director of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame from 2020 to 2024, misappropriated $236,000 from the organization's funds. The purchases made with the stolen money include a 1968 Camaro Convertible Pace Car that cost $15,000, plus an additional $23,000 in refurbishing costs, as well as a 1998 F-150 pickup truck that cost $1,000.

  • Raita served as the executive director of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame from 2020 to 2024.
  • Raita was arrested on Thursday, April 7, 2026, as part of a Grand Jury indictment.

The players

Mike Raita

A 67-year-old former sports anchor who worked at ABC 33/40 for 20 years before being laid off in 2017. Raita later became the executive director of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame from 2020 to 2024, during which time he is accused of stealing over $200,000 from the organization.

International Motorsports Hall of Fame

A nonprofit organization located in Talladega, Alabama that honors the achievements of individuals in the motorsports industry. An audit of the organization's finances led to the discovery of Raita's alleged theft, resulting in the entire board of directors being removed.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He intends to plead not guilty.”

— Mike Raita

What’s next

Raita is currently out on a $25,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court to face charges of using his position or office for personal gain.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of strong financial oversight and accountability measures at nonprofit organizations, as well as the need for swift action to address any instances of fraud or misappropriation of funds.