Kurt Busch and Harry Gant from the Modern Era Ballot and Ray Hendrick from the Pioneer Ballot were selected as members of the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026, it was announced Tuesday. Additionally, 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 16th class since 2010 to be enshrined in Hall of Fame glory.
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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 Class of 2026 was determined by votes cast by the Voting Panel, including representatives from NASCAR, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, track owners from major facilities and historic short tracks, media members, manufacturer representatives, competitors (drivers, owners, crew chiefs), recognized industry leaders, a nationwide fan vote conducted through NASCAR.com and the reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion (Joey Logano). In all, 49 votes were cast. The accounting firm of EY presided over the tabulation of the votes.
Busch and Gant both received 61% of the Modern Era ballot votes. Jeff Burton finished third, followed by Harry Hyde and Randy Dorton. Ray Hendrick received 31% of the Pioneer ballot votes. Bob Welborn finished second.
The newest Hall of Fame group will be inducted Jan. 23, 2026. Tickets for the induction ceremony will be available later this month on NASCARHall.com. 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.