NASCAR will induct three new members into its Hall of Fame on Friday night. This will include Kurt Busch, Harry Gant, and Ray Hendrick.
The ceremony will take place at 8 p.m. ET and can be watched on the NASCAR Channel. However, if you love the lead-up, you can also tune into the red carpet at 4:45 p.m. ET and the fireside chats, beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Advertisement
Here’s a look back at each driver’s illustrious career.
Kurt Busch
Now 47 years old, Kurt Busch‘s career spanned 23 years, all in the Cup Series. He did spend three years in the Truck Series, overlapping with his Cup career in 2000-2001, and 2012. Busch also ran five years in the now-branded NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Busch ran the series in 2006-2007, and 2011 to 2013.
In total, Busch racked up 34 career Cup Series victories, as well as five wins in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and four wins in the Truck Series. Busch’s career is highlighted by one win at the Daytona 500 (2017), a NASCAR Cup Series Championship (2004), and being named among NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers.
Advertisement
Former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Harry Gant during a race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
Harry Gant
Gant, also known as “Handsome Harry,” gains his induction to the Hall of Fame following a 22-year career from 1973 to 1994. Gant made his NASCAR debut a bit late, at the ripe age of 33. He won 18 times in the Cup Series. Gant also ran 11 years in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, winning 21 races. In the truck series, he just ran one career race being in 1996.
A man of many names, Gant had a flair about him that was famed at the time. He was known as “Bandit”, “Mr. September” for four straight wins in the Cup Series, and “High Groove Harry.”
Advertisement
The career highlights of Gant include that of two Southern 500 victories, and though winning no titles, he was always a pest, always in the mix, and a well-respected long-time legend of the sport.
Ray Hendrick
Hendrick joins the Hall of Fame as a late-inductee. We have been without Hendrick since his passing in 1990, but his legend will continue to live on. He ran a total of 39 years in motorsports from 1950 to 1988.
Between all series, Hendrick is a legend, having amassed more than 700 total wins. He was a versatile driver, known to compete wherever, whenever. Hendrick never won a Modified Division Championship, but he did finish top-10 for a decade straight, from 1960 to 1969.
Advertisement
As far as NASCAR goes, Hendrick only ever raced 27 times across all three series, though he didn’t register a win. Regardless, Hendrick is a legend of the sport, not just NASCAR itself. That shows with his standing among NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the Racing section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
