Kurt Busch, Ray Hendrick, and Harry Gant Enter the NASCAR Hall of Fame
The world of motorsports celebrates the induction of three legends into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Kurt Busch, Ray Hendrick, and Harry Gant have been chosen to be part of the 2026 class, a recognition of their outstanding careers and contributions to the sport.
Kurt Busch, known for his impressive resume, expressed his relief and gratitude at being elected on his first opportunity. “I am very grateful and thankful that this happened the first time,” Busch stated.
At 46 years old, Busch won the Cup Series championship in 2004, surpassing Jimmie Johnson. Throughout his career, he achieved 34 Cup Series victories, with at least one win in 19 of his 21 full seasons before retiring in 2023.“One wants to have that answer as quickly as possible.”
Kurt Busch
Busch’s outstanding career began in 2000 in the Truck Series, foreshadowing his future success. In 2004, he became the first driver to win the title under NASCAR’s “playoff” system, demonstrating his excellence and adaptability.
Ray Hendrick, nicknamed “Mr. Modified”, was also honored. Passed away in 1990 at the age of 61, Hendrick is one of the winningest drivers of all time, with over 700 wins in modified and late model sportsman races between 1950 and 1988. His success began in Virginia, where his number 11 was well-known.
Harry Gant, known as the “Bandit” for his sponsorship with Skoal Bandits, amassed 18 Cup Series victories, including the Southern 500 in 1984 and 1991. Gant also won 21 Xfinity Series races.
The official induction ceremony for the Class of 2026 will be held on January 23, with formal induction in March.
The executive Humpy Wheeler was also recognized with the Landmark Award for his contribution to the sport.The NASCAR Hall of Fame voting panel members met in a closed session at the Charlotte Convention Center to discuss and vote on the 15 nominees for the 2026 Induction Class and the five nominees for the Landmark Award.
Busch and Gant received 61% of the votes on the “modern era” ballot. Hendrick received 31% of the votes on the “pioneers” ballot.Gant, who competed until the age of 50, still holds records such as the oldest driver to win a race (52 years old) and a pole position (54 years old). He was the first to drive a car with a telemetry system at Talladega in 1985.
Wheeler, known for his promotion and innovation, spent 33 years as president and general manager of the Charlotte Motor Speedway. His leadership transformed the event into a world-class facility.
