NASCAR has officially revealed its Hall of Fame Class of 2026, and it’s packed with talent, history, and heartfelt stories. This year’s inductees are Cup Series champion Kurt Busch, the ever-popular Harry Gant, and modified legend Ray Hendrick. Together, they represent decades of skill, resilience, and unforgettable moments in stock car racing. The induction ceremony will take place on January 23, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Kurt Busch: A Champion’s Journey Comes Full Circle
For Kurt Busch, the call to the Hall of Fame comes as a first-ballot honor—and a well-deserved one. Busch, 46, built a career filled with highlights, starting with his 2004 Cup Series championship, the first under NASCAR’s playoff format. Known for his aggressive yet calculated driving style, he collected 34 career wins over 23 seasons, including crown jewels like the 2017 Daytona 500 and the 2010 Coca-Cola 600.
Busch’s versatility was a standout feature of his career. He’s the only driver in NASCAR history to win races with four different manufacturers: Ford, Dodge, Chevrolet, and Toyota. In 2014, he added an exclamation point by running the “Double”—competing in the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day—finishing an impressive sixth at Indy.
His racing career came to a sudden halt in 2022 after a qualifying crash at Pocono left him with a concussion. Though he stepped away from full-time racing, Busch has remained active in the sport as an ambassador and mentor, making his Hall of Fame selection feel like the perfect next chapter.
Harry Gant: The Bandit Rides Again
Fans of 1980s and early ’90s NASCAR will no doubt smile at the induction of Harry Gant, a fan favorite known as “The Bandit.” At 85, Gant finally gets his Hall of Fame moment after years on the ballot. And few are more deserving.
Gant’s Cup career saw him take 18 trips to Victory Lane, including wins at legendary races like the Southern 500 in both 1984 and 1991. Incredibly, he still holds the record as the oldest driver to win a Cup Series race—scoring a win at Michigan in 1992 at age 52.
He also found success in what’s now known as the Xfinity Series, where he added another 21 wins to his resume. With his calm demeanor, trademark mustache, and green No. 33 car, Gant was—and still is—a beloved figure in the sport. NASCAR honored him in 2023 by naming him one of its 75 Greatest Drivers. Now, he’s officially a Hall of Famer.
Ray Hendrick: A Legend Beyond the Cup Series
While Ray Hendrick might not be a household name to today’s casual fans, his impact on NASCAR’s early years is undeniable. Often called “Mr. Modified,” Hendrick was a fierce competitor in the days before the Cup Series was the be-all and end-all of stock car racing.
Over a 36-year career, Hendrick racked up more than 700 wins in modified and late model sportsman events, mostly in the southern U.S. He was admired for his smooth driving, relentless work ethic, and fierce independence. Though he passed away in 1990, Hendrick’s legacy has only grown. In 2023, he too was named among NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers.
His Hall of Fame induction comes via the Pioneer Ballot, which honors drivers from the sport’s earlier eras whose contributions still echo today.
Landmark Award Goes to ‘Humpy’ Wheeler
In addition to the driver inductions, NASCAR also honored H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler with the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR. As the longtime president and GM of Charlotte Motor Speedway, Wheeler was famous for his showmanship and creativity. He turned race weekends into full-blown spectacles and played a major role in modernizing the fan experience.
His out-of-the-box ideas—like pre-race concerts and fireworks—are now standard across NASCAR tracks, and his influence helped bring the sport into a new era of popularity.
A Class That Reflects NASCAR’s Past, Present, and Heart
The Class of 2026 represents more than just wins and statistics. It’s a mix of old-school grit, modern-day versatility, and tireless passion for racing. Kurt Busch’s contemporary excellence, Harry Gant’s enduring charm, and Ray Hendrick’s grassroots dominance form a class that truly captures NASCAR’s spirit.
The votes were cast by a mix of industry insiders, media, and fans. Busch and Gant led the Modern Era Ballot with 61% of the vote each, while Hendrick claimed 31% of the Pioneer Ballot. Now, with the ceremony just months away, fans will have the chance to celebrate these racing legends in a way that feels personal, emotional, and well-earned.
