Fresh names but familiar faces- NASCAR’s 2026 Hall of Fame nominees are back again. From the induction of NASCAR’s founders and drivers like Bill France Sr., Bill France Jr., and Dale Earnhardt to Carl Edwards, Ricky Rudd, and Ralph Moody, the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s journey has been long. With Carl Edwards added to the Hall of Fame despite his abrupt leave from the sport in 2025, the fans are now banking on their favorite driver to receive a familiar treatment.
NASCAR’s list of Hall of Fame nominees for 2026 has already stormed the internet, featuring 15 legendary names. The list boasts renowned former champions Kurt Busch and Randy LaJoie. Busch, known as one of NASCAR’s elite group of 36 drivers and a performer in all top divisions, is an expected name on the list. Alongside him stands Randy LaJoie, one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers and winner of the 1996 and 1997 Xfinity Series. Other than Busch and LaJoie, the list has some other interesting features: Neil Bonnett, Jack Sprague, Harry Grant, Harry Hyde, Tim Brewer, Randy Dorton, and Jeff Burton. They are all under the Modern Era Nominees.
However, it doesn’t end there. After the Modern Era Nominees come the Pioneer Era, featuring stalwarts like the NASCAR Grand National/ Winston Cup Series crew chief Jake Elder. He helped Dale Earnhardt win the Rookie of the Year title in 1979, and the very next year, the Intimidator would bag his first of seven championships. Another popular name on the Pioneer Era is Mr. Modified, aka Ray Hendrick, who collected more than 700 wins in the late model races. Hendrick is already a celebrated driver as he’s a part of the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.
Kurt Busch and Randy LaJoie are the new Modern Era nominees for NASCAR Hall of Fame. Jake Elder now on the Pioneer ballot.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) April 21, 2025
But the list doesn’t end here, as legendary names like Benjo Matthews, Bob Welborn, and Larry Philips are also part of the Pioneer Era. When the Modern Era and Pioneer Era already seemed flashing with legendary names, NASCAR proudly announced its Landmark Award Nominees for their contribution to the sport. Unlike the other two lists, this one seemed interesting, featuring renowned jurists, former track managers, and businessmen. Alvin Hawkins, Dr. Joseph Mattioli, Les Richter, lesa France Kennedy and Humpy Wheeler graced the list.
Like every year, the list of 2026 Nominees excited the NASCAR enthusiasts. Although most of the fans were in agreement with Kurt Busch being elected in one of the two spots open for the Modern era ballot. But fans had different opinions on who their second choice would be.
Fans side with Kurt Busch for the 2026 NASCAR Hall of Fame
With a championship win and 34 victory lane visits in the premier series, fans were unanimous in Kust Busch’s selection. However, Rowdy Busch’s brother was known for more than just his racing prowess. We all know drivers tend to lose their cool under pressure and vent it out on the radio. But Busch was notorious for his rants, one of the famous ones being from the 2011 Richmond race, where he targeted Penske technical director Tom German. And the fans couldn’t help but highlight these instances while endorsing his Hall of Fame induction. “Kurt deserves it based on his contributions to Radioactive alone, add in the championship and race wins and it’s a no-brainer.”
But some made the case for drivers who have been ignored for some time now. “Harry Gant has been on the list to get in for way too long,” a user on Reddit commented. Better known as Handsome Harry, the veteran driver has 21 wins in the Busch Series along with 18 wins at the Cup level. He did come close to championship glory in 1984, finishing runner-up to Terry Labonte. Interestingly, this was the same year when Rick Hendrick won his first NASCAR race as a team owner.
Despite a strong support for Busch, fans couldn’t forget legendary Bonnett, who compiled 20 poles and 18 wins in his 18-year career. He was named NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers (1998) for a good reason, with a resume flaunting a 1981 Southern 500 victory, 1982 and 1983 World 600 wins, Winner of the first NASCAR race outside North America, and so on. Alongside Bonnett, others also vouched for Jack Sprague, the most notable Craftsman Truck Series driver.
Some people expressed their disapproval of Randy Lajoie in the list. “Weird that Randy Lajoie was nominated to the HOF, last I heard he only won races that didn’t matter in front of 12 people,” commented another NASCAR fan. This fan wasn’t ready to accept LaJoie’s 1996 and 1997 Xfinity Series wins, equivalent to the other names like Kurt Busch’s.
On the other hand, Greg Biffle and Jeff Burton’s nominations didn’t make sense to this fan. “I don’t think Greg Biffle or Jeff Burton should even be nominated. If those guys get in then there really is so little significance to being in the Hall of Fame.” Biffle has a Busch and a Truck Series championship to his name, along with 19 Cup wins. Not to forget, his efforts when he provided aid to everyone after Hurricane Helene, sparking a major relief operation. Burton, on the other hand, is still providing value with his appearance as a broadcaster and has won crown jewel races like the Southern 500 and the Coca-Cola 600.
So, do you agree with the fans? Who is your pick for the 2026 NASCAR Hall of Fame? Tell us in the comment box.
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