Busch, LaJoie, and Elder Join the 2026 NASCAR Hall of Fame Ballot

What’s Happening?

NASCAR has released the 15-person list of 2026 NASCAR Hall of Fames nominees. This Class of nominees includes champions from all three NASCAR National Series alongside legendary Crew Chiefs of the sport.

• The newest additions to the list of nominees include Kurt Busch, the 2004 Cup Series Champion; Randy LaJoie, a multi-time Xfinity Series Champion; and Jake Elder, a 44-race and championship-winning Crew Chief. They join those returning nominees from last year’s ballot.
• In total, 12 drivers, crew chiefs, engine builders, and owners have returned as nominees from the Class of 2025 ballot. Other nominees include notable names like two-time National Series champion Greg Biffle and NASCAR legends Neil Bonnett and Harry Gant.
• There are two total ballots for the Class of 2026. The Modern Era Ballot features ten individuals, with two to be elected this year. The Pioneer Ballot features five individuals, with one to be elected this year.
• Last year, Carl Edwards, Ricky Rudd, and Ralph Moody were inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Of the current nominees on the ballot for 2026, former Crew Chief Harry Hyde is the longest-tenured, having first appeared on the Class of 2016 ballot in 2015.
• The NASCAR Hall of Fame Voting panel will meet to vote on Tuesday, May 20; however, the fan vote is now open until May 18.

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