NASCAR Unveils 2026 Hall of Fame Ballot, Featuring New Nominees Kurt Busch and Randy LaJoie
NASCAR has officially released its 2026 Hall of Fame ballot, with two standout new additions drawing attention: 2004 Cup Series champion Kurt Busch and two-time Xfinity Series champion Randy LaJoie.
Busch, who spent over two decades competing at NASCAR’s highest level, saw his career come to a premature end following a concussion sustained during a 2022 qualifying crash at Pocono. The incident was linked to the rigid design of the original Next Gen car. Busch recorded 34 wins and 28 poles over his storied career and, alongside his brother Kyle, forms the winningest sibling duo in NASCAR history.
LaJoie, known for his 15 wins, nine poles, and two championships, has also made significant contributions off the track. He’s a vocal advocate for safety in motorsports, working through his company The Safer Racer to enhance driver protection across all racing levels. His legacy continues through his son, Corey LaJoie, a current Cup Series driver and TV analyst.
Their simultaneous inclusion on the ballot feels appropriate, uniting a pair who have impacted the sport both competitively and through safety innovation.
2026 NASCAR Hall of Fame Ballot
Modern Era Ballot:
Greg Biffle
Neil Bonnett
Tim Brewer
Jeff Burton
Kurt Busch
Randy Dorton
Harry Gant
Harry Hyde
Randy LaJoie
Jack Sprague
Pioneer Ballot:
Jake Elder
Ray Hendrick
Banjo Matthews
Larry Phillips
Bob Welborn
Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions:
Alvin Hawkins
Lesa France Kennedy
Dr. Joseph Mattioli
Les Richter
Humpy Wheeler
Voting will take place on May 20, when a panel of drivers, executives, media members—and fan vote results—will determine the inductees. Two Modern Era candidates and one Pioneer nominee will be enshrined in the Class of 2026, along with one Landmark Award honoree.
