Kurt Busch reacts to being named NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2026 nominee

One of the best to ever do it, Kurt Busch, is closer to taking the final step in his NASCAR career, the Hall of Fame. The last time he will go head-to-head against greats like Jeff Burton, Randy LaJoie, Jack Sprague, and others.

Kurt Busch has a first-ballot Hall of Fame resume. 34 race wins, 28 pole awards, a Cup Series champion – that doesn’t take into account his NHRA, IndyCar, or other racing endeavors. Unfortunately, his Cup Series career was cut short by a 2022 injury at Pocono.

With the news that he has been named a NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2026 nominee, Busch shared a few words online. A well-deserved honor.

“I am very grateful to be nominated for NASCAR’s Hall of Fame. It’s an honor to be recognized at this top level,” Busch wrote on X/Twitter. “Thank you to NASCAR, my race teams, my family and to the race fans.”

I am very grateful to be nominated for NASCAR’s Hall of Fame. It’s an honor to be recognized at this top level. Thank you to NASCAR, my race teams, my family and to the race fans. pic.twitter.com/Syb9tTtXZL

— Kurt Busch (@KurtBusch) April 21, 2025

Kurt Busch was nominated to the Modern Era Ballot along with Randy LaJoie. Also on the Modern Era Ballot: Greg Biffle, Neil Bonnett, Tim Brewer, Jeff Burton, Randy Dorton, Harry Gant, Harry Hyde, Randy LaJoie, and Jack Sprague.

During his career, Busch won with four different manufacturers. He was one of the most versatile drivers of his generation, racing in the Indianapolis 500 in 2014 and finishing P6.

Modern Era Ballot: Greg Biffle, Neil Bonnett, Tim Brewer, Jeff Burton, Kurt Busch, Randy Dorton, Harry Gant, Harry Hyde, Randy LaJoie, and Jack Sprague
Pioneer Ballot: Jake Elder, Ray Hendrick, Banjo Matthews, Larry Phillips, and Bob Welborn
Landmark Award: Alvin Hawkins, Lesa France Kennedy, Dr. Jospeh Mattioli, Les Richter, and Humpy Wheeler

Kurt Busch named NASCAR Hall of Fame nominee

Kurt Busch made his impact on NASCAR in his own way. He was not afraid to be himself, and that showed throughout his career. The only driver to win with four different manufacturers (Ford, Dodge, Chevrolet, Toyota), a Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600 winner, IROC champion, and a total competitor.

When you look at the Modern Era ballot, it looks challenging to make a decision. That is the ballot that most people pay attention to, given that these are contemporary figures from recent history. So, it’s a tough task for voters.

Biffle, Bonnett, Burton, Busch, LaJoie, and Sprague are all driver names we have heard for years. Either while they were competing or in the years since their careers ended. Tim Brewer won championships with Cale Yarborough and Darrell Waltrip for Junior Johnson. During his time, Randy Dorton was the mastermind behind the Hendrick engines that won 9 total NASCAR national series championships. Harry Hyde was a legendary mechanic in his time.

While his career was cut short by this Next Gen car, Kurt Busch has never complained. He has taken his retirement in stride and done it with dignity. There are many reasons that Busch could be upset at NASCAR. Rightfully so. Instead, he has remained a proponent and ambassador of the sport.