Sun May 25 21:40:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**NASCAR Announces Hall of Fame Class of 2026**
**CHARLOTTE, N.C. -** Kurt Busch, Ray Hendrick, and Harry Gant have been voted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame as the Class of 2026. Legendary track promoter Humpy Wheeler will receive the Landmark Award for his significant contributions to the sport.
Busch, the 2004 Cup Series champion, was elected on his first ballot. He expressed relief and gratitude, stating, “I’m very grateful and thankful that it happened this first time.” Busch amassed 34 Cup Series wins and consistently finished in the top 10 in the standings, marking a career defined by adaptability and success.
The late Ray Hendrick, known as “Mr. Modified,” also earned his place in the Hall of Fame. Hendrick was a prolific winner in modified and late model sportsman racing, with over 700 victories across the East Coast. While he never won a Modified Division championship, his impact on short-track racing is undeniable.
Harry Gant, the “Bandit,” joins the ranks of legends after multiple appearances on the ballot. Gant won 18 Cup Series races, including two Southern 500s, and boasts impressive records as the oldest driver to win a race and secure a pole. He was also a pioneer in using telemetry data during races.
Humpy Wheeler, the former president of Charlotte Motor Speedway, is recognized for his visionary leadership and transformative impact on the fan experience. His innovative promotions and contributions to the development of night racing have left an enduring legacy on the sport.
The induction ceremony for the Class of 2026 will take place in March, solidifying the legacies of these four NASCAR icons.
First Piper 