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San Francisco Chronicle
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- San Francisco Chronicle
Kurt Busch, Ray Hendrick and Harry Gant voted into NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2026
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Given his resume, Kurt Busch knew it was a matter of when, not if, he would be selected into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Still, getting voted in on the first ballot on Tuesday was a huge relief for Busch, who let out an emotional sigh of relief after hearing his named called at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. 'I'm very grateful and thankful that it happened this first time,' Busch said. 'You want to have that answer as fast as you can.' Ray Hendrick and Harry Gant were also voted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Tuesday, while executive Humpy Wheeler was named the Landmark Award winner for his contribution to the sport. A ceremony will be held to officially induct the Class of 2026 into the Hall of Fame in March. The 46-year-old Busch held off Jimmie Johnson to win the 2004 Cup Series championship and went on to win 34 Cup races, including at least one victory in 19 of his 21 full-time seasons on the premier circuit before he retired in 2023. His journey to NASCAR stardom began in 2000 with a Truck Series rookie season that foreshadowed greatness. His big breakthrough came in 2004, when he became the first driver to win the title under NASCAR's 'playoff' system – a feat that proved both his excellence and adaptability. The consistent Busch finished in the top 10 in the Cup Series standings 10 times. 'Things happened fast for me in this sport and I don't know how or why,' Busch said. 'There was no template, there wasn't the ladder that these days you see the kids that have a system where it is going to be this or that. For me it was being in the right place at the right time and the universe smiled down on me.' Hendrick, who died in 1990 at age 61, was the original 'Mr. Modified." He is one of the winningest drivers of all time, with than 700 modified and late model sportsman wins between 1950-88. His success started in his home state of Virginia, where his No. 11 was well know. He won five track championships at South Boston Speedway — four modified and one late model sportsman. He was known as a driver that was willing to race 'anywhere and everywhere,' and did just that. He filled his schedule with modified and late model sportsman races across the East coast. Hendrick was known best for his wins on short tracks, but also produced victories at Talladega, Charlotte and Dover. Despite never winning a Modified Division championship, Hendrick finished in the top 10 in the standings nine times from 1960-69. The 85-year-old Gant, known as the 'Bandit' for his long-time sponsorship with Skoal Bandits, won 18 Cup Series races, including the Southern 500 in 1984 and 1991. In the five seasons from 1981 through 1985, he finished in the top five in points four times, including a runner-up championship finish to Terry Labonte in 1984. He also won 21 Xfinity Series races. Members of the NASCAR Hall of Fame Voting Panel met Tuesday in an in-person closed session at the Charlotte Convention Center to debate and vote on the 15 nominees for the induction class of 2026 and the five nominees for the Landmark Award. The 49-person voting panel included representatives from NASCAR, the 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 and the reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion (Joey Logano). Busch and Gant both received 61% of the "modern era" ballot votes. Jeff Burton finished third, followed by Harry Hyde and Randy Dorton. Hendrick received 31% of the 'pioneer' ballot votes. Bob Welborn finished second. Gant raced into his 50s, and still holds premier series records for oldest driver to win a race (52 years old) and a pole (54). He drove the first race car with a telemetry system installed in it at Talladega in 1985 and relayed the data to CBS during its coverage of the event. This was the Gant's seventh time on the ballot. He did not attend the announcement ceremony on Tuesday and was not available for comment. All three were among NASCAR's 75 Greatest Drivers and one of NASCAR Modified's All-Time Top 10 Drivers. Wheeler became synonymous with promotion and innovation. He spent 33 years as the president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway and played a pivotal role in transforming the venue into a world-class facility. Wheeler added a new dynamic to the sport, a visionary whose leadership and creativity helped shape today's fan experience with the introduction of dramatic prerace ceremonies and the development of night racing at superspeedways. He was known for his innovative promotions and stunts. ___
Winnipeg Free Press
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Winnipeg Free Press
Kurt Busch, Ray Hendrick and Harry Gant voted into NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2026
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Drivers Kurt Busch, Ray Hendrick and Harry Gant were voted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Tuesday, while executive Humpy Wheeler was named the Landmark Award winner for his contribution to the sport. The Class of 2026 will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at a ceremony in March. The 46-year-old Busch, a first-ballot selection, held off Jimmie Johnson to win the 2004 Cup Series championship and went on to win 34 Cup races, including at least one in 19 of 21 of his full-time seasons on the premier circuit before retiring in 2023. Busch said it was extra special to get in on the first ballot. 'I guess it was a matter of not if but when, but I'm very grateful and thankful that it happened this first time,' Busch said. 'You want to have that answer (of whether you got in) as fast as you can.' His journey to NASCAR stardom began in 2000 with a Truck Series rookie season that foreshadowed greatness. His big breakthrough came in 2004, when he became the first driver to win the title under NASCAR's 'playoff' system – a feat that proved both his excellence and adaptability. The consistent Busch finished in the top 10 in the Cup Series standings 10 times. 'Things happened fast for me in this sport and I don't know how or why,' Busch said. 'There was no template, there wasn't the ladder that these days you see the kids that have a system where it is going to be this or that. For me it was being in the right place at the right time and the universe smiled down on me.' Hendrick, who died in 1990 at age 61, was the original 'Mr. Modified.' He is one of the winningest drivers of all time, with than 700 modified and late model sportsman wins between 1950-88. His success started in his home state of Virginia, where his No. 11 was well know. He won five track championships at South Boston Speedway — four modified and one late model sportsman. He was known as a driver that was willing to race 'anywhere and everywhere,' and did just that. He filled his schedule with modified and late model sportsman races across the East coast. Hendrick was known best for his wins on short tracks, but also produced victories at Talladega, Charlotte and Dover. Despite never winning a Modified Division championship, Hendrick finished in the top 10 in the standings nine times from 1960-69. The 85-year-old Gant, known as the 'Bandit' for his long-time sponsorship with Skoal Bandits, won 18 Cup Series races, including the Southern 500 in 1984 and 1991. In the five seasons from 1981 through 1985, he finished in the top five in points four times, including a runner-up championship finish to Terry Labonte in 1984. He also won 21 Xfinity Series races. Gant raced into his 50s, and still holds premier series records for oldest driver to win a race (52 years old) and a pole (54). He drove the first race car with a telemetry system installed in it at Talladega in 1985 and relayed the data to CBS during its coverage of the event. This was the Gant's seventh time on the ballot. He did not attend announcement ceremony on Tuesday . All three were among NASCAR's 75 Greatest Drivers and one of NASCAR Modified's All-Time Top 10 Drivers. Wheeler became synonymous with promotion and innovation. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. He spent 33 years as the president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway and played a pivotal role in transforming the venue into a world-class facility. Wheeler added a new dynamic to the sport, a visionary whose leadership and creativity helped shape today's fan experience with the introduction of dramatic prerace ceremonies and the development of night racing at superspeedways. He was known for his innovative promotions and stunts. ___ AP auto racing:
Fox Sports
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Fox Sports
Kurt Busch, Ray Hendrick and Harry Gant voted into NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2026
Associated Press CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Drivers Kurt Busch, Ray Hendrick and Harry Gant were voted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Tuesday, while executive Humpy Wheeler was named the Landmark Award winner for his contribution to the sport. A ceremony will be held to officially induct the Class of 2026 into the Hall of Fame. The 46-year-old Busch, a first-ballot selection, held off Jimmie Johnson to win the 2004 Cup Series championship and went on to win 34 Cup races, including at least one in 19 of 21 of his full-time seasons on the premier circuit before retiring in 2023. His journey to NASCAR stardom began in 2000 with a Truck Series rookie season that foreshadowed greatness. His big breakthrough came in 2004, when he became the first driver to win the title under NASCAR's 'playoff' system – a feat that proved both his excellence and adaptability. The consistent Busch finished in the top 10 in the Cup Series standings 10 times. Hendrick, who died in 1990 at age 61, was the original 'Mr. Modified." He is one of the winningest drivers of all time, with than 700 modified and late model sportsman wins between 1950-88. His success started in his home state of Virginia, where his No. 11 was well know. He won five track championships at South Boston Speedway — four modified and one late model sportsman. He was known as a driver that was willing to race 'anywhere and everywhere,' and did just that. He filled his schedule with modified and late model sportsman races across the East coast. Hendrick was known best for his wins on short tracks, but also produced victories at Talladega, Charlotte and Dover. Despite never winning a Modified Division championship, Hendrick finished in the top 10 in the standings nine times from 1960-69. The 85-year-old Gant, known as the 'Bandit' for his long-time sponsorship with Skoal Bandits, won 18 Cup Series races, including the Southern 500 in 1984 and 1991. In the five seasons from 1981 through 1985, he finished in the top five in points four times, including a runner-up championship finish to Terry Labonte in 1984. He also won 21 Xfinity Series races. Gant raced into his 50s, and still holds premier series records for oldest driver to win a race (52 years old) and a pole (54). He drove the first race car with a telemetry system installed in it at Talladega in 1985 and relayed the data to CBS during its coverage of the event. This was the Gant's seventh time on the ballot. All three were among NASCAR's 75 Greatest Drivers and one of NASCAR Modified's All-Time Top 10 Drivers. Wheeler became synonymous with promotion and innovation. He spent 33 years as the president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway and played a pivotal role in transforming the venue into a world-class facility. Wheeler added a new dynamic to the sport, a visionary whose leadership and creativity helped shape today's fan experience with the introduction of dramatic prerace ceremonies and the development of night racing at superspeedways. He was known for his innovative promotions and stunts. ___ AP auto racing: recommended in this topic
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Kurt Busch, Ray Hendrick and Harry Gant voted into NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2026
Driver Kurt Busch was voted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Charlotte, NC on his first ballot. (AP Photo/Steve Reed) Driver Kurt Busch was voted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Charlotte, NC on his first ballot. (AP Photo/Steve Reed) Driver Kurt Busch was voted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Charlotte, NC on his first ballot. (AP Photo/Steve Reed) CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Drivers Kurt Busch, Ray Hendrick and Harry Gant were voted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Tuesday, while executive Humpy Wheeler was named the Landmark Award winner for his contribution to the sport. A ceremony will be held to officially induct the Class of 2026 into the Hall of Fame. Advertisement The 46-year-old Busch, a first-ballot selection, held off Jimmie Johnson to win the 2004 Cup Series championship and went on to win 34 Cup races, including at least one in 19 of 21 of his full-time seasons on the premier circuit before retiring in 2023. His journey to NASCAR stardom began in 2000 with a Truck Series rookie season that foreshadowed greatness. His big breakthrough came in 2004, when he became the first driver to win the title under NASCAR's 'playoff' system – a feat that proved both his excellence and adaptability. The consistent Busch finished in the top 10 in the Cup Series standings 10 times. Hendrick, who died in 1990 at age 61, was the original 'Mr. Modified." Advertisement He is one of the winningest drivers of all time, with than 700 modified and late model sportsman wins between 1950-88. His success started in his home state of Virginia, where his No. 11 was well know. He won five track championships at South Boston Speedway — four modified and one late model sportsman. He was known as a driver that was willing to race 'anywhere and everywhere,' and did just that. He filled his schedule with modified and late model sportsman races across the East coast. Hendrick was known best for his wins on short tracks, but also produced victories at Talladega, Charlotte and Dover. Despite never winning a Modified Division championship, Hendrick finished in the top 10 in the standings nine times from 1960-69. The 85-year-old Gant, known as the 'Bandit' for his long-time sponsorship with Skoal Bandits, won 18 Cup Series races, including the Southern 500 in 1984 and 1991. In the five seasons from 1981 through 1985, he finished in the top five in points four times, including a runner-up championship finish to Terry Labonte in 1984. Advertisement He also won 21 Xfinity Series races. Gant raced into his 50s, and still holds premier series records for oldest driver to win a race (52 years old) and a pole (54). He drove the first race car with a telemetry system installed in it at Talladega in 1985 and relayed the data to CBS during its coverage of the event. This was the Gant's seventh time on the ballot. All three were among NASCAR's 75 Greatest Drivers and one of NASCAR Modified's All-Time Top 10 Drivers. Wheeler became synonymous with promotion and innovation. He spent 33 years as the president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway and played a pivotal role in transforming the venue into a world-class facility. Advertisement Wheeler added a new dynamic to the sport, a visionary whose leadership and creativity helped shape today's fan experience with the introduction of dramatic prerace ceremonies and the development of night racing at superspeedways. He was known for his innovative promotions and stunts. ___ AP auto racing:
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Kurt Busch, Harry Gant and Ray Hendrick selected to 2026 NASCAR Hall of Fame class
CHARLOTTE — Former Cup champion Kurt Busch headlines the 2026 NASCAR Hall of Fame class that was selected Tuesday. Busch and Harry Gant were selected on the Modern Era ballot. Modified racer Ray Hendrick was selected on the Pioneer Era ballot. Track promoter Humpy Wheeler was selected as the Landmark Award winner. Advertisement Busch and Gant each received 61% of the votes on the Moderan Era ballot. Jeff Burton finished third, followed by Harry Hyde and Randy Dorton. Hendrick received 31% of the votes on the Pioneer Era Ballot. Bob Welborn finished second. There were 49 ballots. Forty-eight voters and the fan vote. The fan vote had Ray Hendrick from the Pioneer Era and Kurt Busch and Harry Gant from the Modern Era. Busch, Gant and Hendrick — who will be inducted Jan. 23, 2026 — will join 67 others in the NASCAR Hall of Fame and represent the Hall's 16th class. The mercurial Busch was known as much for his success as his temper. He competed in Cup from 2000-22. Busch won at least one race 10 consecutive years. He had a streak of nine consecutive seasons with at least a victory when he was forced out of the car due to a concussion he suffered in a crash at Pocono in July 2022. Advertisement Busch scored 34 career victories, including the 2010 Coca-Cola 600 and 2017 Daytona 500. He had memorable run-ins with Jimmy Spencer, NASCAR officials and media during his career, adding to his reputation as a fiery competitor. This was the first year on the ballot for the 46-year-old Busch. This was the sixth year on the ballot for the 85-year old Gant. He won 18 races, including two Southern 500s and was known as 'Mr. September' for winning four consecutive Cup races in 1991. Gant finished third in balloting for the Class of 2025, a class that had Ricky Rudd and Carl Edwards.
