Celebrate NASCAR Hall of Fame’s 2026 Star Harry Gant

Harry Gant has earned his place in the NASCAR Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026. The announcement was made on May 20, 2025, bringing recognition to an impressive racing career.

Gant, from Taylorsville, North Carolina, collected 18 wins in the NASCAR Cup Series and became known for his strong performances well into his 50s. In 1991, he made history by winning four consecutive races at the age of 51, marking the longest streak of his career and showing that age was just a number on the track.

Gant’s racing resume also includes 21 wins in what is now the NASCAR Xfinity Series. His NASCAR journey started with a reputation as “Handsome Harry” and later as the “Bandit,” thanks to both his good looks and his partnership with Skoal Bandits.

Gant finished as a runner-up in the 1984 Cup Series points standings and was a top-five points finisher four times in his career. His success came on a variety of tracks, from Darlington Raceway to superspeedways like Talladega and Charlotte. For more details on NASCAR’s historic tracks, you can explore the National Register of Historic Places.

Joining Gant in the Hall of Fame’s 2026 class are Kurt Busch and Ray Hendrick. Busch, a 34-time Cup Series winner, also received election in his first year of eligibility. He is known for his 2004 Cup Series championship and victories at events such as the 2017 Daytona 500 and 2010 Coca-Cola 600. For a deeper dive into NASCAR’s championship history, check out the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s official records.

Ray Hendrick, often called “Mr. Modified,” raced mainly in Virginia and notched over 700 wins during his long career. Hendrick’s No. 11 car was a familiar sight at short tracks, and his competitive spirit made him a popular figure in the sport. To learn more about modified racing history, visit the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.

Humpy Wheeler will also be honored in 2026 with the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR. Wheeler spent 33 years leading Charlotte Motor Speedway, introducing new ideas and entertaining fans with his promotional skills and creative race presentations. His contributions helped shape the modern NASCAR fan experience. For insights into motorsports marketing, the Sports Business Journal offers valuable industry perspectives.

The voting panel for the 2026 class consisted of NASCAR leaders, track owners, past champions, industry figures, and a fan vote. There were 49 total votes cast, with both Gant and Busch earning a majority from the Modern Era ballot. Hendrick received recognition from the Pioneer Era ballot, making this a diverse and well-rounded group of inductees. The new Hall of Fame members will officially join the sport’s elite on January 23, 2026, at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte.

Their achievements bring the total number of Hall of Fame members to 70, adding new chapters to NASCAR’s storied history. The 2026 class stands as a tribute to both racing excellence and the ongoing impact of these legends on the sport.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.