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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:
Reuters
11-04-2025
- Automotive
- Reuters
Stubbs: Bristol an ideal venue for Hamlin's race for three straight
April 11 - Denny Hamlin has the chance to reach a mark no NASCAR Cup Series driver has reached since all the way back in March -- and despite the fact that only a month has gone by since it was last accomplished, it would be very impressive. Christopher Bell's three wins in a row at Atlanta, Circuit of the Americas and Phoenix Raceway may lighten the impact of what Hamlin could accomplish in Sunday's Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, but make no mistake, winning three NASCAR races in a row is no small feat. If Hamlin crosses the line first, it would be his third consecutive win after he collected victories at Martinsville Speedway (March 30) and Darlington Raceway (April 6). Bristol is the perfect venue for Hamlin to go for his third win in a row. In the four Next-Gen races held at "Thunder Valley," Hamlin hasn't finished worse than ninth. That four-race stretch includes wins in the 2023 Bristol night race and the 2024 Food City 500. His finishes at Bristol before the current era vary on a wider scale, but there's no denying that Bristol has been Hamlin's playground with the Next-Gen car. Hamlin has no short list of rivals threatening to end his winning streak at two. Kyle Larson hasn't finished worse than fifth at Bristol in the Next-Gen era. The winner of the 2024 Bristol night race is seeking history of his own this weekend, as he looks to be the first driver other than Kyle Busch to complete a triple sweep and win all three NASCAR races on a given weekend. Hamlin won't win a third consecutive race without competition from the last driver to win three in a row. Bell hasn't finished worse than 10th in the four Bristol races with the Next-Gen car, and in eight races this season, he has five top-five finishes. After an uncharacteristically poor two-race stretch at Las Vegas and Homestead (12th, 29th), the No. 20 team bounced back with top-five finishes at Martinsville and Darlington. Comparing Hamlin's potential streak to Bell's and the drivers that have won three in a row before them provides more context to Hamlin's own run. In 2021, Larson won the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte, Sonoma and Nashville consecutively. Before Bell, he was the last driver to win three races in a row, and nearly made it four at Pocono before a flat tire on the final lap gave the win to Alex Bowman. In 2018, Brad Keselowski won the Southern 500 at Darlington, the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis and the Cup Series playoff opener at Las Vegas consecutively. Like the drivers that won three in a row after him, Keselowski found his three wins at three very different racetracks. The bottom line? It's hard to win three NASCAR Cup Series races in a row, especially in a modern era where the variety of the schedule puts different disciplines of racing on tap constantly. Only the best drivers can accomplish such a feat. Just take a look at those who came before Keselowski, Larson and Bell. Jimmie Johnson won four Chase races in a row in 2007 en route to his second consecutive championship, while Mark Martin won four in a row in the summer of 1993. In 1992, Bill Elliott won four of the first five races of the season before ultimately falling just shy of the 1992 championship. Hamlin's resume and legacy already rival those whose feat he will try to match inside the "Last Great Colosseum" on Sunday, but winning three races in a row would just be another accolade on a long list of them for a man who is currently the best driver in NASCAR history to never win a Cup Series title.
