The NASCAR Hall of Fame will welcome three new distinguished members in its Class of 2026, as announced Tuesday following deliberations by the voting panel in Charlotte, North Carolina. Kurt Busch and Harry Gant from the Modern Era Ballot, along with Ray Hendrick from the Pioneer Ballot, have been selected for induction. Additionally, H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler has been named as the recipient of the prestigious Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR.

First-Ballot Inductee Kurt Busch

Kurt Busch enters the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, cementing his legacy as one of NASCAR’s elite competitors. The Las Vegas native’s career is highlighted by his 2004 NASCAR Cup Series championship, which he won during the inaugural season of NASCAR’s playoff format. Over his 20-plus year Cup career, Busch collected 34 victories, including crown jewel wins in the 2017 Daytona 500 and 2010 Coca-Cola 600.

Busch’s versatility as a driver was evident in his success across numerous racing organizations, including stints with Roush Racing, Team Penske, Phoenix Racing, Furniture Row Racing, Stewart-Haas Racing, Chip Ganassi Racing, and 23XI Racing. His ability to adapt to different team environments and find success across multiple eras of NASCAR competition distinguished him as one of the sport’s most talented wheelmen.

Harry Gant: “Handsome Harry” Enters the Hall

Harry Gant makes his way into the Hall of Fame in his seventh year on the ballot. The Taylorsville, North Carolina native, often called “Handsome Harry,” captured the hearts of racing fans across multiple decades. His remarkable 1991 season, where he won four consecutive Cup Series races at the age of 51, remains one of NASCAR’s most impressive accomplishments, earning him the nickname “Mr. September.”

Gant’s premier series résumé includes 18 Cup victories, featuring two Southern 500 triumphs at the historic Darlington Raceway. His success extended beyond the Cup Series, with 21 wins in what is now known as the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Gant’s smooth driving style and longevity in the sport—racing competitively well into his 50s—made him a fan favorite throughout his career.

Ray Hendrick: Modified Racing Legend

Ray Hendrick, selected in his second year on the Pioneer Ballot, brings an extraordinary legacy of short-track dominance to the Hall of Fame. Nicknamed “Mr. Modified,” the Richmond, Virginia native amassed more than 700 victories throughout his career spanning from 1950 to 1988, primarily in modified and late model sportsman competition.

Despite never capturing a modified championship, Hendrick’s consistency was remarkable—he finished in the top 10 in the standings nine consecutive years from 1960-69. His contributions to racing were previously recognized with selections to NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers list and NASCAR Modified’s All-Time Top 10 Drivers.

Landmark Award: H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler

H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler receives the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR in his first year on the ballot. As the innovative president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway, Wheeler revolutionized race promotion with creative marketing strategies and fan-focused event experiences. The Belmont, North Carolina native helped transform NASCAR race weekends into full entertainment spectacles, establishing practices that continue to influence motorsports promotion today.

The Class of 2026 will be formally inducted on January 23, 2026, bringing the total number of NASCAR Hall of Fame members to 70 since the inaugural class of Dale Earnhardt, Bill France Sr., Bill France Jr., Junior Johnson, and Richard Petty was enshrined in 2010.