Richmond native Ray Hendrick elected to the 2026 NASCAR Hall of Fame Class

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond native Ray Hendrick, one of the most legendary short-track drivers in NASCAR history, has been elected to the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Known as “Mr. Modified,” Hendrick earned his spot from the Pioneer Ballot, recognizing his lasting impact on the sport during NASCAR’s earlier years.

Hendrick built a remarkable career spanning nearly four decades. Between 1950 and 1988, he amassed more than 700 victories in modified and late model sportsman series. While he never claimed a championship title, his consistency was unmatched, finishing in the top 10 in modified points standings nine times during the 1960s. His relentless success and popularity earned him a spot on NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers list and a place among the Modified Division’s All-Time Top 10 Drivers.

This is Hendrick’s second year on the Hall of Fame ballot. He received the highest percentage of votes (31%) from the Pioneer Ballot, securing his place among the sport’s elite.

Also elected to the 2026 Hall of Fame class are Kurt Busch and Harry Gant, both selected from the Modern Era Ballot. Busch, the 2004 Cup Series champion, won 34 career races, including the Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600. Gant, a fan favorite in the 1990s, tallied 18 Cup wins and 21 in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

The Class of 2026 will be officially inducted on January 23, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.