Kurt Busch, Harry Gant, and Ray Hendrick have been elected to the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2026, celebrating their significant contributions to the sport. Former Cup Series champion Kurt Busch earned his place through a storied career that includes 34 Cup wins, the 2004 championship, and a Daytona 500 victory. Known for his aggressive yet skillful driving, Busch’s longevity and adaptability across teams cemented his Hall of Fame status.
Harry Gant, affectionately nicknamed “Handsome Harry,” made his mark in the 1980s and early 1990s with 18 Cup Series victories. Gant was revered for his late-career success and his legendary “September Sweep” in 1991, when he won four consecutive races at age 51.
Ray Hendrick, a short-track legend, was recognized posthumously for his dominance in modified and late model sportsman racing. With over 700 wins across his career, Hendrick was a fan favorite and a trailblazer, earning the nickname “Mr. Modified.”
Additionally, H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler, the longtime promoter and president of Charlotte Motor Speedway, received the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR. Wheeler’s showmanship and innovation helped elevate the fan experience and expand the sport’s reach.
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