Kurt Busch headlines the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2026, alongside fellow inductees Harry Gant and Ray Hendrick. Busch, a first-time nominee, secured his place with 61% of the Modern Era vote, marking a swift recognition of his impactful career.
Over a distinguished 23-year tenure, Busch amassed 34 Cup Series victories, including the 2017 Daytona 500 and the 2010 Coca-Cola 600. He clinched the 2004 Cup Series championship—the inaugural year of NASCAR’s playoff system—and was a consistent playoff contender, finishing in the top 10 standings 10 times. His versatility is underscored by wins with four different manufacturers: Ford, Dodge, Chevrolet, and Toyota.
Gant, known as the “Bandit,” achieved 18 Cup Series wins and holds the record as the oldest driver to win a Cup race at 52 years and eight months. Hendrick, a pioneer in modified racing, earned over 700 wins and was a foundational figure in NASCAR’s early years.
The official induction ceremony is scheduled for January 23, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina. This event will honor these legends’ enduring contributions to the sport.
