Today, NASCAR announced its 2026 Hall of Fame Class, featuring the induction of racing legends Kurt Busch, Harry Gant, and Ray Hendrick. This trio was selected from 15 nominees and will join 67 other distinguished figures in the sport’s history.
Kurt Busch, renowned as the 2004 Cup Series Champion, amassed an impressive 34 victories during his 22-year career. The excitement surrounding his induction was palpable, especially from his younger brother, current Cup Series driver Kyle Busch, who shared his pride on social media. “I couldn’t be prouder of you,” Kyle stated, highlighting Kurt’s impactful journey and resilience in racing.
Kurt Busch began his NASCAR Cup Series career in 2000 and raced for many notable teams, including 23XI Racing, Chip Ganassi Racing, and Stewart–Haas Racing. He achieved a significant milestone by winning NASCAR’s inaugural “Chase for the Cup” championship and became one of only 36 racers to secure victories across all three of NASCAR’s premier divisions: the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Camping World Truck Series. Sadly, his racing career was abruptly halted in 2022 due to a serious accident at Pocono.
Harry Gant, affectionately known as “Handsome Harry,” earned two Southern 500 wins and a total of 18 Cup victories, along with a remarkable 21 wins in the Xfinity Series during the 1980s. Meanwhile, Ray Hendrick, earning the title “Mr. Modified,” is celebrated for his dominance in the short track scene, with over 700 victories in Modified and Late Model Sportsman racing.
The selection of this class involved a voting panel that submitted 65 ballots, including one from a nationwide fan poll. As the induction ceremony on February 6, 2026, approaches, NASCAR’s newest Hall of Fame members will receive recognition and honor for their legendary contributions to the sport.
This announcement not only celebrates individual achievements but also highlights the rich history and legacy of NASCAR, inspiring a new generation of racers and fans alike.