Legendary Names Enter NASCAR Hall of Fame
Drivers Kurt Busch, Ray Hendrick, and Harry Gant have been elected for induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. In addition, executive Humpy Wheeler was recognized with the Landmark Award for his outstanding contribution to the sport.
The official induction ceremony will take place on January 23, 2026.
Kurt Busch: A Champion of the Track
Kurt Busch, 46 years old, was selected on his first attempt. In 2004, Busch surpassed Jimmie Johnson to win the NASCAR Cup championship. Throughout his career, he achieved 34 Cup victories, including at least one in 19 of his 21 full-time seasons before retiring in 2023.
His path to stardom in NASCAR began in the year 2000 with a rookie season in the Truck Series, which foreshadowed his greatness. In 2004, he became the first driver to win the title under NASCAR’s “playoff” system, demonstrating his excellence and adaptability.
Busch finished in the top ten in the Cup standings ten times.
Ray Hendrick: The Master of the Modified
Ray Hendrick, who died in 1990 at the age of 61, was known as “Mr. Modified.” He is one of the most successful 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 No. 11 was well-recognized.
Hendrick won five championships at South Boston Speedway. He was known for his willingness to compete “anywhere and everywhere,” participating in modified and late model sportsman races up and down the East Coast. He excelled on short tracks, though he also achieved victories at Talladega, Charlotte, and Dover.
Despite not winning a Modified Division championship, Hendrick finished in the top ten in the standings nine times between 1960 and 1969.
Harry Gant: The “Bandit” of Speed
Harry Gant, 85 years old, nicknamed “Bandit” for his sponsorship with Skoal Bandits, accumulated 18 NASCAR Cup victories, including the Southern 500 in 1984 and 1991. In the five seasons from 1981 to 1985, he finished in the top five in points on four occasions, including a second place in the 1984 championship.
He also triumphed in 21 Xfinity Series races.
Gant competed until the age of 50 and still holds records in the premier series as the oldest driver to win a race (52 years old) and a pole position (54 years old). In 1985, he drove the first race car with a telemetry system installed at Talladega and transmitted data to CBS during the event coverage. This was Gant’s seventh time on the ballot.
The three drivers were recognized as part of the 75 Best NASCAR Drivers and one of the 10 Best NASCAR Modified Drivers of All Time.
Humpy Wheeler: An Icon of Promotion
Wheeler became synonymous with promotion and innovation. He spent 33 years as president and general manager of the Charlotte Motor Speedway, transforming the venue into a world-class facility.
Wheeler brought a new dynamic to the sport, with his leadership and creativity shaping the experience of current fans. He introduced pre-race ceremonies and the development of night races at superspeedways.
He was recognized for his innovative promotions and shows.
