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NASCAR has unveiled its complete list of nominees for the upcoming Hall of Fame class, although the final decision for the 2026 inductees remains pending. While I won’t be part of the voting panel in May, I felt compelled to share my commentary on who may deserve a spot in this esteemed group.
The previous Hall of Fame class for 2025 included prominent racers such as Carl Edwards and Ricky Rudd selected from the Modern Era Ballot, along with team owner Ralph Moody from the Pioneer Ballot. The nomination process requires the selection of two inductees from the Modern Era and one from the Pioneer era, a challenge given the strength of the candidate pool this year. Here’s a look at the nominees:
Modern Era: Kurt Busch, Randy LaJoie, Randy Dorton, Greg Biffle, Neil Bonnett, Tim Brewer, Jeff Burton, Harry Hyde, Jack Sprague, Harry Gant.
Pioneer Era: Jake Elder, Banjo Matthews, Larry Phillips, Ray Hendrick, Bob Welborn.
This list is impressive, with each individual holding their own merits for eventual induction. However, determining who will be honored this time around is a thoughtful endeavor. Here are my reflections on a couple of standout nominees.
Kurt Busch – Modern Era Ballot
Kurt Busch, Stewart-Haas Racing Ford
Photo by: Chris Graythen – Getty Images
Busch stands out as a clear frontrunner in his inaugural nomination year. He is the only former NASCAR Cup Series champion among this list, and his prowess on the racetrack is beyond debate. With a remarkable tally of 34 Cup race victories under his belt, Busch’s legacy is defined not only by the wins but also by his ability to achieve success across multiple teams and manufacturers. His career was truncated by an unfortunate accident at Pocono in 2022, but prior to that, he had an impressive track record, including victories in notable events like the 2017 Daytona 500 and the 2010 Coke 600. Selecting Busch for this honor seems almost like the simplest decision in the process.
Randy Dorton – Modern Era Ballot
Visit of Hendrick Motorsports: Hendrick Engines building
Photo by: Eric Gilbert
This is where the selection process becomes significantly tougher. Among the many deserving candidates on the ballot, I chose to focus on someone who contributed greatly behind the scenes. Randy Dorton’s name recurrently surfaces as a key figure. As the engine builder for Hendrick Motorsports, which is the most decorated team in NASCAR history, he laid the groundwork for success that would later be amplified by figures like Chad Knaus and Ray Evernham, both of whom are Hall of Famers. Dorton’s role was integral to building a winning engine shop that propelled Hendrick to five Cup championships. Tragically, he lost his life in the Hendrick plane crash in late 2004, but his impact on the sport endures.
Bob Welborn – Pioneer Ballot
Bob Welborn
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My choice to highlight Bob Welborn might raise some eyebrows, given that his Cup race victories total just nine. However, one of those wins was historic, marking the first-ever NASCAR Cup race held at Daytona’s high banks—not the 500, but the accompanying qualifying race. Moreover, what truly elevates Welborn in my opinion is his remarkable performance in a lesser-known NASCAR division. His achievements in the all-convertible series from 1956 to 1959 were impressive, as he clinched three consecutive championships and won nearly 20% of the races he entered. Welborn faced fierce competition from future Hall of Famers, solidifying his rightful place in this discussion as the King of the Convertibles.
As we ponder these compelling choices, we invite fans to share their opinions. Who do you believe should be inducted into the Hall of Fame? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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