Kurt Bush among those selected for 2026 NASCAR Hall of Fame Class

The voting panel had to choose two names from the modern era voting on Tuesday and two names from a pioneer ballot, eventually deciding on the following persons: Kurt Busch (Modern), Harry Gant (modern), and Re Handric (Pioneer).

Both Busch and Gant got 61% of the voting of the modern era. Jeff Burton finished third, followed by Harry Hyde and Randy Dorton. Handrick received 31% pioneer ballot votes with Bob Wellborn Finishing.

The Hampi Wheeler was also awarded the Landmark Achievement Award, recognizing those who have made significant and effective contribution in the world of NASCAR.

Kurt Busch

It is no surprise that the first -time nominee Bush has been voted in the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. He is the only NASCAR Cup series champion among the modern era ballot nominated people this year, and no one can argue against his skills behind the wheel of a stock car.

Bush won 34 cups of races, did so with five different organizations and four different manufacturers (solers who did so). Busch still had more race to win, if not for an accident at the end of a career in Pocono in 2022. A multi-time race winner in XFINITY and Truck Series, his cup Triumphs also includes 2017 Detona 500, 2010 Coke 600 and 2010 All-Star Race.

Harry Gant

The NASCAR Cup, who won 52 years and eight months in 1992, is an honor of being the oldest winner in the history of the series. His career included 18 cups of winning, all achieved the prestigious number 33 scroll bandit car while driving. He was the 1984 NASCAR Cup Series Championship Runner-Up and he surname ‘Mi. September to win so many races during the time of the year. In fact, Gantt is one of the few drivers of the modern era, who successfully won the four cups of races. Gant’s remarkable career also includes two wins in the prestigious Southern 500, winning the prestigious Darlington event in both 1984 and 1991.

RE Handrick

The original “MR modified,” Handrick and their winged number 11 dominated the small track scene for many years, won more than 700 modified and late model races throughout their career. This included 20 revised races in the historic Martinsville Speedway. His achievements have already recognized him as one of the 50 best drivers of NASCAR in 1998 and again in 2023 as one of the 75 best drivers of NASCAR.

The 2026 Induction ceremony is scheduled to be held at the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Charlotte convention center on Friday, January 23, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina.