NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2026, Landmark Award

Busch, Gant, Hendrick Voted Into Hall’s 16th Class

 

NASCAR announced the inductees who will comprise the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2026. The three-person group – the 16th since the inception of the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2010 – consists of Kurt Busch, Harry Gant and Ray Hendrick. In addition, Humpy Wheeler was named the recipient of the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR.

 

Members of the NASCAR Hall of Fame Voting Panel met today in an in-person closed session at the Charlotte Convention Center to debate and vote upon the 15 nominees for the induction class of 2026 and the five nominees for the Landmark Award.

 

The Class of 2026 was determined by votes cast by the Voting Panel, including representatives from NASCAR, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, track owners from major facilities and historic short tracks, media members, manufacturer representatives, competitors (drivers, owners, crew chiefs), recognized industry leaders, a nationwide fan vote conducted through NASCAR.com and the reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion (Joey Logano). In all, 49 votes were cast. The accounting firm of EY presided over the tabulation of the votes.

 

Busch and Gant both received 61% of the Modern Era ballot votes. Jeff Burton finished third, followed by Harry Hyde and Randy Dorton. Ray Hendrick received 31% of the Pioneer ballot votes. Bob Welborn finished second.

 

Results for the NASCAR.com Fan Vote were: Ray Hendrick (Pioneer); Kurt Busch and Harry Gant (Modern Era).

 

The two Modern Era inductees came from a group of 10 nominees that included: 

• Greg Biffle
• Neil Bonnett
• Tim Brewer
• Jeff Burton
• Kurt Busc
• Randy Dorton
• Harry Gant
• Harry Hyde
• Randy LaJoie
• Jack Sprague.

 

Nominees for the Pioneer Ballot included: 

• Jake Elder
• Ray Hendrick
• Banjo Matthews
• Larry Phillips
• Ralph Moody.

 

Nominees for the Landmark Award included:

• Alvin Hawkins
• Lesa France Kennedy
• Dr. Joseph Mattioli
• Les Richter
• Humpy Wheeler.

 

Ten nominees appeared on the Modern Era ballot, which was selected by the traditional Nominating Committee. The same committee selected the five Landmark Award nominees. The Pioneer ballot, which included five nominees whose careers began in 1966 or earlier, was selected by the Honors Committee.

 

The Class of 2026 Induction Ceremony is set for Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 at the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Tickets for the Induction Ceremony will be available later this month on NASCARHall.com.

 

Class of 2026 Inductees:

Kurt Busch

Kurt Busch’s journey to NASCAR stardom began in 2000 with a Truck Series rookie season that foreshadowed greatness. With four wins and a championship runner-up finish, Busch signaled to fans and competitors alike that he would soon be a force at the top level of the sport. By 2002, Busch was already making waves in the NASCAR Cup Series. His first win came at the famed Bristol Motor Speedway, he finished third in points, and from there, his career soared to new heights. Busch’s big breakthrough came in 2004, when he captured the NASCAR Cup Series Championship, becoming the first driver to win the title under NASCAR’s ‘playoff’ system – a feat that proved both his excellence and adaptability. Busch earned 34 Cup Series wins in 776 starts, including a thrilling victory in the 2017 Daytona 500.

 

Harry Gant

Harry Gant was a man with many nicknames: “Handsome Harry” for his good looks, the “Bandit” due his long-time sponsor Skoal Bandit, “Mr. September” after his four consecutive premier series and two Xfinity series wins in September of 1991 and “High Groove Harry” because of his proficiency in taking the high line through the corner. Gant won 18 premier series races, including the Southern 500 in 1984 and 1991. The North Carolinian also registered 21 wins in the Xfinity Series. In the five seasons from 1981 through 1985, Gant finished in the top five in points four times, including a runner-up championship finish to Terry Labonte in 1984.

 

Ray Hendrick

The original “Mr. Modified,” Ray Hendrick is one of the winningest drivers of all time, amassing more than 700 modified and late model sportsman wins between 1950-88. Hendrick’s success started in his home state of Virginia, where his famous No. 11 was known to all. He won five track championships at South Boston Speedway – four modified and one late model sportsman. Despite never winning a Modified Division championship, Hendrick finished in the top 10 in the standings nine times from 1960-69. Hendrick was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers and one of NASCAR Modified’s All-Time Top 10 Drivers.

 

Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR:

 

Humpy Wheeler

Humpy Wheeler’s name is synonymous with promotion and innovation. Best known for his 33-year tenure as President and General Manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway, Wheeler played a pivotal role in transforming the venue into a world-class facility that attracted a wide range of fans and corporate sponsors. Most notably, Wheeler spearheaded the construction of the iconic Turn 4 grandstands and introduced the "NASCAR Experience," which brought fans even closer to the action. Adding a new dynamic to the sport, Wheeler’s visionary leadership and creativity helped shape today’s fan experience with the introduction of dramatic pre-race ceremonies and the development of night racing at superspeedways.

 

The #NASCARHOF Voting Panel has officially gathered. 👀 pic.twitter.com/4Wu8oePnOV

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 20, 2025

 

source: NASCAR Hall of Fame Media

HSR NASCAR Classic

Presented by Petty’s Garage Series Debuts This Weekend at VIRginia International Raceway

• - Past and Present Stock Car and Road Racing Driving Stars and the Nation's Top Historic Stock Car Drivers Compete in Saturday's Debut Doubleheader Driving Pristinely Restored Historic and Vintage NASCAR Stock Cars
• - Stock Car Racing Legend and Hall of Famer Richard Petty Scheduled to Visit VIR Friday Afternoon at the Petty's Garage Hauler Area in the Main VIR Paddock
• - Additional 2024 Events Include Watkins Glen International for the HSR NASCAR Classic at the NASCAR Go Bowling at the Glen, September 13 - 14, and the HSR NASCAR Classic at the NASCAR Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, October 11 – 12

The HSR NASCAR Classic presented by Petty’s Garage racing series debuts this weekend at VIRginia International Raceway with the HSR NASCAR Classic at the IMSA Michelin GT Challenge at VIR on Friday and Saturday. Today's opening practice and qualifying sessions set the stage for Saturday's doubleheader schedule of races at 8:50 a.m. and 5:20 p.m. EDT.

 

Open to stock cars that have been retired from active competition, the introduction of the HSR NASCAR Classic presented by Petty’s Garage is a direct response to the increasing popularity of HSR's Group 8 Historic Stock Cars category with competitors and race fans alike. The entry list for this weekend's inaugural event has attracted a pristine collection of Historic Stock Cars from the last two decades as well as some earlier examples both in competition and on display at VIR.

 

Past and present stock car and sports car racing notables such as Joe Nemechek, Mike Skeen and PJ Hyett compete this weekend alongside a lineup of top Historic Stock Car and road racing drivers including Ryan Gemmell, Larry Hoopaugh, Jeff McKee, Greg Richardson, Mike Slutz, Donnie Strickland, Rodney Reston, Chris Evans, Carlus Gann, Patrick Womack and Raymond Webb.

 

Even better, legendary NASCAR Champion and Hall of Famer Richard Petty adds to the stout list of notables turning out for the inaugural NASCAR Classic event. "The King" is scheduled to arrive at VIR Friday afternoon to join his teammates at the Petty's Garage hauler area in the main VIR paddock.

 

The Petty’s Garage presenting sponsorship is supported by a full presence in the VIR paddock and the team's recently built and original 2006 Petty Enterprises Dodge Charger carrying the colorful Victory Junction paint scheme and No. 45. Skeen drives the Charger this weekend, which was last raced in its prime by Kyle Petty.

 

The Petty's Garage NASCAR Classic partnership comes at a more than appropriate time as the legendary racing family marks its 75th Anniversary in 2024. The NASCAR Classic partnership adds an on-track competition component to the Petty Family Diamond Jubilee that has been celebrated all year.

 

Eligible NASCAR Classic stock cars include those built to previous NASCAR rule book specifications for Cup, Xfinity, Truck and ARCA competition. Current editions of the rules-eligible cars in each series, such as the Cup series Generation 7 chassis, are not eligible in NASCAR Classic competition.

 

The VIR HSR NASCAR Classic is the first time HSR has been part of an IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race weekend. Spectator tickets for this weekend's races are available at https://virnow.com.

 

 

In addition to this weekend's inaugural #NASCAR Classic race, HSR Historic Stock Cars return to Watkins Glen for the second-straight year on NASCAR weekend, September 13 – 14, for the HSR NASCAR Classic at the Go Bowling at the Glen.

 

The other addition to the new series is the HSR NASCAR Classic at the NASCAR Bank of America ROVAL 400, October 11 – 12, which is HSR's first appearance at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

 

For more information on the HSR NASCAR Classic presented by Petty’s Garage, and HSR overall, please visit https://www.hsrrace.com.

 

source: Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Media 

NASCAR Legend Cale Yarborough Dies

Three-time Cup Champion, Yarborough won four Daytona 500s and became the first NASCAR driver to win three straight titles

 

NASCAR legend Cale Yarborough has died. He was 84.

 

Yarborough is one of the most successful NASCAR drivers ever with 83 Cup Series wins and three championships. Yarborough won those championships in three straight seasons from 1976-78 as he amassed 28 wins and 70 top-five finishes over 90 races in that span.

 

“Cale Yarborough was one of the toughest competitors NASCAR has ever seen,” NASCAR chairman Jim France said in a statement. “His combination of talent, grit and determination separated Cale from his peers, both on the track and in the record book. He was respected and admired by competitors and fans alike and was as comfortable behind the wheel of a tractor as he was behind the wheel of a stock car. On behalf of the France family and NASCAR, I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Cale Yarborough.”

 

One of Yarborough’s most famous moments in NASCAR came right after he won his third and final championship. Yarborough was racing for the lead with Donnie Allison in the 1979 Daytona 500 when the two drivers collided on the backstretch and their cars went sliding through the infield. After climbing from their cars in the infield as Richard Petty ended up winning the race, the two started tussling as Allison’s brother Bobby had also arrived on the scene.

 

 

The fight was a signature moment for NASCAR, which was primarily a regional motorsports series at the time. The 1979 Daytona 500 was the first race televised live from start to finish on broadcast television, and a snowstorm in the Northeast and Midwest led to many tuning into the race because they were stuck at home.

 

Yarborough is one of just seven drivers with more than 80 Cup Series wins and is tied with Jimmie Johnson for the sixth-most wins at NASCAR’s top level behind Petty, David Pearson, Jeff Gordon, Bobby Allison and Darrell Waltrip. Allison and Waltrip finished their careers with one more win than Yarborough.

 

Yarborough was also the first driver in Cup Series history to win three consecutive titles. While Petty, Johnson and Dale Earnhardt each have seven championships, only Johnson won more than two consecutive titles. Johnson tied Yarborough with his third consecutive title in 2008 and went on to win two more to get five straight from 2006-10.

 

Petty is also the only driver to win more Daytona 500s than Yarborough. Petty won seven 500s in his career to Yarborough's four.

 

A South Carolina native, Yarborough attended races at Darlington Raceway as a kid and competed in the 1957 Southern 500 as a 17-year-old even though NASCAR realized how old he was right before it began. Yarborough had lied about his age to enter the race — the minimum age was 21 — and started the race before switching places with a different driver much to NASCAR’s chagrin.

 

Yarborough’s legendary status also comes from his daredevil personality. It’s no stretch to say he’s one of the toughest and boldest NASCAR drivers to ever compete in the series. Just read this story he told Sports Illustrated in 1968 about flying a plane for the first time.

 

"Wib Weatherly and I had bought a plane," Cale said, "a Piper J-4. When it got here, Wib and I started to talking, each of us telling the other about how good we could fly. So finally we went out and got in the plane, and I said, 'I'll turn it over and you take the controls,' and he said, 'Naaw, you take the controls and I'll turn it over.' So I did, and never let on about anything and just taxied and took off as pretty as you please. Every time I'd offer to give the controls over, Wib'd say, 'Naaw, Cale, you're doing just fine.' Well, pretty soon we were running low on fuel and it was time to land and I said, 'Wib, I took off; you land it,' and Wib said, 'Naaw, you're doing fine, Cale. You land it.' Then I confessed that that was the first time I'd been at the controls of an airplane. Wib confessed, too. He said that was the second time he'd ever even been up in an airplane. Well, I brought it in, bouncing all over the place and with Wib's eyes as big as saucers, and the next day I was out there and took off again and practiced landings in this field until I could do it pretty good. Never had a lesson in my life."

 

Yarborough had his most success racing for Junior Johnson’s team. He left Johnson’s team after the 1980 season. He won two of his four Daytona 500s in the 1980s as he won 14 races from 1981-1985 even though he was competing on a part-time basis.

 

He became a car owner ahead of the 1987 season and drove part-time through 1988 before retiring from driving. Yarborough’s team wasn’t very successful; John Andretti won the team’s only race in the 1997 Pepsi 400 before Yarborough shut the team down and sold it in 2000.

 

Yarborough was elected to the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2011 on the hall’s third ballot. He was a finalist to make the hall in each of the first two election cycles but wasn’t among the first 10 inducted.

 

Toughness. That was Cale Yarborough. pic.twitter.com/CHDK5cTiH9

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) December 31, 2023

Statement from Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles on the passing of four-time Indianapolis 500 starter and three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Cale Yarborough. pic.twitter.com/s3Xb87ilii

— Indianapolis Motor Speedway (@IMS) December 31, 2023

This is Cale Yarborough
Windshield was broken from debris. He pitted to remove it, returned to the track without a windshield to run 5 more laps while his crew went to the garage to get a replacement. They replaced the windshield and he finished 5th. RIP 🏁 pic.twitter.com/3dXtloeGDW

— Eddie Wood (@woodchopper16) January 1, 2024

Statement from @WinstonKelley on the passing of Class of 2012 NASCAR Hall of Famer Cale Yarborough. We offer our sincere condolences to the entire Yarborough family. #NASCARHall #NASCAR #ForeverLegends pic.twitter.com/F82Y0dAmJI

— NASCAR Hall of Fame (@NASCARHall) December 31, 2023

We are saddened by the loss of Cale Yarborough, a true racer whose competitive spirit was felt by all through his relentless drive and unwavering commitment to excellence. He set the standard for generations of racers and inspired fans at every turn. His impact on the sport will… pic.twitter.com/ohrhJPa1Aq

— Ford Performance (@FordPerformance) December 31, 2023

source: Yahoo Sports Media

2024 NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductees

 

Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus, who as a driver and crew chief duo won a NASCAR record-tying seven Cup Series titles, lead the newest class of inductees into NASCAR’s Hall of Fame.

Two drivers – one from the Pioneer Ballot and one from the Modern Era Ballot – and one crew chief were elected Wednesday to become the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s class of inductees in 2024.

 

Joining the Hall of Fame from the Modern Era Ballot:

 

Jimmie Johnson: Johnson, 47, won seven Cup championships, equal with Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt for the most all-time. Five of those titles came in succession between 2006 and 2010, a NASCAR record. That stretch of success surpassed the previous mark held by Cale Yarborough, who won three straight titles from 1976-78.

 

Johnson also won 83 races in a career dating back to 2001 and spanning 689 races. He is a two-time winner of the Daytona 500 (2006 and 2013). He also won four times each in the Coca-Cola 600 and Brickyard 400, adding two Southern 500 crowns along the way.

 

Johnson’s racing career began with motorcycles and off-road trucks. He eventually moved to asphalt – first in the American Speed Association circuit and then a brief stint in what is now the Xfinity Series. Once there, he caught the attention of current Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon, who advocated for his addition to Hendrick Motorsports.

 

It is an incredible honor to be voted into the @NASCARHall with the Class of 2024.

What makes this moment even more special is being inducted with @chadknaus. We re-wrote the record books together, so it’s only fitting we are inducted together. Congratulations also to Donnie… pic.twitter.com/HQSeBTmISo

— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) August 2, 2023

Chad Knaus: Leading his father to multiple track championships as a teenager, Knaus was destined to be a successful crew chief at stock car racing’s highest level. His NASCAR start came at Hendrick Motorsports as an assistant in the body shop, learning under Hall of Famer Ray Evernham as part of the “Rainbow Warriors.” His breakthrough came in 2002 when he was paired with Johnson on a fourth Hendrick team – the start of one of the most productive partnerships in sports history.

 

The pair combined for seven Cup championships, including a NASCAR-record five in a row. They won 81 races over 19 seasons. Knaus won his 82nd – and final – race with Hendrick driver William Byron in 2020. He trails only Dale Inman and Leonard Wood for all-time wins by a crew chief. Knaus, 51, currently serves as Vice President of Competition for Hendrick Motorsports.

 

Joining the Hall of Fame from the Pioneer Ballot:

 

Donnie Allison: After winning the 1967 Cup Series Rookie of the Year, Allison partnered with famed mechanic Banjo Matthews where he experienced his most success. In 1970, Allison won three races for Matthews, including the Coca-Cola 600. The following weekend he finished fourth in the Indianapolis 500, setting a record for best-combined finish in the two-race crossover that still stands today.

 

Allison, 83, who ended his career with 10 wins and 17 poles in 242 starts, might be best-known for his role in NASCAR’s most famous moment – his 1979 Daytona 500 fight with Cale Yarborough.

 

Donnie Allison reflects on career after Hall of Fame selection | NASCAR https://t.co/MV7nuJrsbT pic.twitter.com/GoVklEjepT

— Flyin18T Motorsports (@Flyin18T) August 3, 2023

Landmark Award

Janet Guthrie:The first woman to compete in the Daytona 500, will be honored with the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR.

 

The 2024 Hall of Fame class will be formally inducted in January 2024.

 

This was the third class determined under the redesigned format for Hall inductions.

 

There were 10 nominees on the Modern Era ballot and five on the Pioneer ballot – designed to honor those whose careers began more than 60 years ago. Two Modern Era candidates and one Pioneer candidate now compose each Hall class.

 

We’re proud to announce that Janet Guthrie will receive the NASCAR Hall of Fame 2024 Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to #NASCAR. #NASCARHall pic.twitter.com/RPZslmPHVM

— NASCAR Hall of Fame (@NASCARHall) August 2, 2023

 

source: Motorsports.com Media

2022 #NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductees

Hershel McGriff (Driver), Matt Kenseth (Driver),  Kirk Shelmerdine (Crew Chief)

Each year, three inductees from a pool of fifteen significant contributors to the sport of NASCAR are selected to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

 

With an extensive list of accomplishments throughout their careers, , Hershel McGriff , Matt Kenseth and Kirk Shelmerdine have secured their place in NASCAR history.

 

We're just ONE MONTH away from Induction 2023.Setting the stage for a night to remember,this year Hershel McGriff, Kirk Shelmerdine & Matt Kenseth will be officially inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Join us for a weekend celebrating NASCAR legends:https://t.co/tQDgEik8GQ pic.twitter.com/G6l5NElrbh

— NASCAR Hall of Fame (@NASCARHall) December 20, 2022

Hershel McGriff

McGriff exhibited a competitive passion that lasted longer than any driver in NASCAR history.

Hershel McGriff looks on as his crew goes to work on his
Oldsmobile in the first Carrera Panamericana in 1950.

 

His first race was the 1950 Southern 500, in the NASCAR Cup Series' sophomore season, at the age of 22.

 

His final NASCAR race was at Tucson Speedway in the NASCAR Pro Series West – in 2018 at the age of 90.

 

McGriff started 85 races in parts of 28 NASCAR Cup Series seasons, capturing four wins – all in 1954, when he finished sixth in championship points.

 

But McGriff was one of the best drivers in what is now known as the ARCA Menards Series West. Competing in parts of 35 seasons, McGriff won 37 races, good for third on the all-time West Series wins list.

 

His signature year came in 1986 when he won the series title, part of a string of 10 consecutive seasons with finishes in the top 10 of championship points.

 

In 1998, McGriff was named one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers.

 

Matt Kenseth

Kenseth’s unassuming, every-man demeanor disguised an inarguable truth: He was one of NASCAR’s greatest drivers ever.

The emotions flowed freely for the usually staid Matt Kenseth
after his victory in the 2012 Daytona 500.

 

A quick glance at Matt Kenseth's resume would prove his brilliance behind the wheel.

 

Over 18 full-time seasons Kenseth quietly filled his trophy cases, conquering every major milestone on the Cup Series schedule including two Daytona 500s, the Southern 500, Coca-Cola 600 and the All-Star Race. His 39 Cup wins tie for 21st on the all-time list and include wins at 19 of the 23 tracks at which he competed more than once.

 

His crowning achievement was his 2003 Cup Series championship, a thoroughly impressive season in which he led the points standings for the final 32 weeks of the season. And though he ‘only’ captured that one title, Kenseth was consistently in championship contention – he made the Playoffs in 13 of 14 seasons and finished runner-up twice.

 

Success came early to the 2000 Cup Series Rookie of the Year. He finished sixth in his first Cup Series start and finished runner-up in the standings in his first Xfinity Series season. Kenseth has 29 career Xfinity wins, eighth-best all time.

 

Kirk Shelmerdine

Shelmerdine won four premier series championships with Dale Earnhardt in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Kirk Shelmerdine – Champion #NASCAR Crew Chief With Dale Sr.

 

Not many reach the pinnacle of their professions as quickly as Kirk Shelmerdine.

 

At age 25 in 1983, Shelmerdine guided Ricky Rudd to victory at Riverside, the first of two wins during that season. And a scant three years later, he directed Dale Earnhardt to the 1986 Cup Series championship.

 

More than a flash in the pan, Shelmerdine won four total Cup Series championships with Earnhardt (1986, ’87, ’90, ’91). Over his 16-year crew chief career with Earnhardt, Rudd, James Hylton and Richard Childress, he won 46 races and posted top-10 finishes in more than half his starts.

 

In 1987, Shelmerdine won 11 races with Earnhardt, including four in a row and six of seven.

 

Shelmerdine retired from life as a crew chief in 1992 to pursue a career as a driver. In the cockpit, he made 41 starts across all three NASCAR national series.

 

It’s our honor to introduce the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Inductees Matt Kenseth, Hershel McGriff and Kirk Shelmerdine. #NASCARHall #NASCARHOF #NASCAR #NASCARHistory #racing pic.twitter.com/PQRLpnN19v

— NASCAR Hall of Fame (@NASCARHall) May 4, 2022

 

source: NASCAR Hall of Fame Media