Kurt Busch and Harry Gant from the Modern Era Ballot and Ray Hendrick from the Pioneer Ballot have been selected as members of the NASCAR Hall of Fame‘s Class of 2026, it was announced Tuesday. Additionally, H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler has been named as the recipient of the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR.
The announcement came after members of NASCAR‘s voting panel convened Tuesday afternoon in Charlotte, North Carolina, debating and eventually determining the next legends to be enshrined in Hall of Fame glory.
MORE: Scenes from Voting Day
Busch, the 2004 NASCAR Cup Series champion, joins the Hall of Fame in his first year on the ballot. The Las Vegas native won 34 times over his 20-plus-year Cup career, which included a triumph in the 2017 Daytona 500 and 2010 Coca-Cola 600. Busch competed for numerous teams, including Roush Racing, Team Penske, Phoenix Racing, Furniture Row Racing, Stewart-Haas Racing, Chip Ganassi Racing and 23XI Racing.
Gant, the winner of 18 NASCAR premier series races, including two Southern 500 victories, makes it to the Hall in his seventh year on the ballot. The Taylorsville, North Carolina, native’s run of four consecutive victories at age 51 captivated fans in 1991. Gant also won 21 times in what is now known as the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Hendrick, nicknamed “Mr. Modified,” amassed more than 700 victories in modified and late model sportsman series between 1950-88. Despite never capturing a modified championship, he finished top 10 in the standings nine times from 1960-69. The Richmond, Virginia, native, elected in his second year on the ballot, was named to NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers list and NASCAR Modified’s All-Time Top 10 Drivers.
Wheeler, known for his flair for creativity as president and general manager at Charlotte Motor Speedway, helped usher in a new era of race-track promotions. This was the Belmont, North Carolina, native’s first year on the ballot.
Every year, 10 nominees make up the Modern Era Ballot, with five additional nominees comprising the Pioneer Ballot. The voting panel included one ballot from a nationwide fan vote to determine the three inductees. The primary criteria for nomination and induction are based on accomplishments and contributions to the sport.
The newest Hall of Fame group acts as the 16th class to be inducted. With the additions, the NASCAR Hall of Fame will boast 70 members to its ledger. Dale Earnhardt, Bill France Sr., Bill France Jr., Junior Johnson and Richard Petty made up the inaugural class in 2010.
This story will be updated.
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