Inside Hall of Fame Voter Zack Albert’s 2026 Ballot Picks

NASCAR Hall of Fame voter Zack Albert shared his Class of 2026 ballot ahead of the announcement in May 2025, giving fans a rare glimpse at his selection process. This vote marked Albert’s seventh appearance in deciding which names would be added to the Hall.

He detailed both his primary picks and a few who came close. Albert’s choices reflect a blend of performance, influence, and long-lasting impact on the sport.

Kurt Busch was one of the first drivers Albert wrote on his ballot. Busch, known for his fiery attitude, boasts a record that few can match.

With 34 wins in the NASCAR Cup Series, including the 2017 Daytona 500, Busch also captured a Cup championship during the playoff era. The numbers argue strongly for his place in history, with his durability and consistent competitiveness setting the standard for many years.

While his personality has been polarizing at times, Busch’s career stats stand as proof of his legacy.

Another name on the ballot was Harry Gant, who became a fan favorite over decades of hard racing. Gant often joked he was more skilled as a carpenter than a driver, but his time on the track told a different story.

His reputation was built across many years of late model success and a Cup career stretching through his fifties, setting records for age and performance that may never be matched. Gant’s blend of grit and humility made him one of the sport’s most respected figures.

His popularity with fans never faded.

For the Pioneer Ballot, Albert picked Banjo Matthews. Matthews played a unique role, contributing both as a driver early in his career and later as a designer and builder.

His engineering skills reshaped how teams built their cars. In 1978, every Cup Series race was won using Matthews-designed chassis, a feat that highlighted his influence. For more on the history of NASCAR engineering, see this Smithsonian Institution resource.

Matthews also worked to make racing safer, adding value to his long list of contributions.

Albert acknowledged that this year’s ballot was especially difficult. Randy Dorton received strong consideration for his engine-building work, which left a mark at Hendrick Motorsports and added a technical layer to the sport’s evolution.

Jeff Burton stood out for his on-track efforts, his broadcast work after racing, and his dedication to improving NASCAR in several ways. Ray Hendrick, a standout short-track racer, was recognized for his deep impact, and his induction into this year’s class is viewed as well-deserved.

In the selection for the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR, Albert’s nod went to H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler. Wheeler transformed the fan experience, from pioneering night racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway to bringing new ideas that made races more exciting.

His legacy as a promoter is still felt every time fans enjoy the spectacle of a NASCAR event. Although Alvin Hawkins and Lesa France Kennedy also earned strong praise from Albert, Wheeler’s creative approach set him apart. For further insights into NASCAR’s promotional history, visit the Library of Congress archives.

As the 2026 Hall of Fame class takes shape, attention turns to how these selections will help tell the story of NASCAR’s past and shape its future. Inductees like Kurt Busch, Harry Gant, and Banjo Matthews will join other legends in the Hall.

Those given a close look this year may see their time come in future voting cycles. The process continues to celebrate the drivers, builders, and innovators who made a difference on and off the track.