NASCAR officials announced on Tuesday in Charlotte, North Carolina, the induction of three new members into the 2026 NASCAR Hall of Fame class. Meanwhile, Kyle Larson remains the top favorite for the 2025 NASCAR championship, continuing to demonstrate his strength in the sport.
New Inductees to NASCAR Hall of Fame Revealed
The newest Hall of Famers—Kurt Busch, Harry Gant, and Ray Hendrick—were chosen through a rigorous voting process from an initial list of 15 candidates. Each honoree has left a lasting impact on NASCAR history and motorsports overall.
Kurt Busch, with a career spanning 24 years in the Cup Series, accumulated 34 wins and 339 top-10 finishes. His notable achievements include victories in the 2010 Coca-Cola 600 and the 2017 Daytona 500, two of NASCAR’s most prestigious races.
Harry Gant earned 18 race wins during his career, including two Southern 500 titles. At age 51, he made headlines by winning four consecutive Cup races in 1991, and he also secured 21 titles in the Xfinity Series, showcasing his versatility and skill.
Known as “Mr. Modified,” Ray Hendrick achieved over 700 wins between 1950 and 1988 across modified and late model sportsman categories, establishing himself as one of NASCAR Modified’s top drivers.
In addition, Humpy Wheeler received the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR, recognizing his influential role beyond the track.
Kyle Larson’s Status as 2025 Championship Favorite
Kyle Larson, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion, continues to solidify his presence as a major contender for future titles. He entered Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 as the favorite according to BetOnline Sportsbook, with +275 odds, demonstrating his readiness following participation in the Indianapolis 500 earlier the same day.
Other notable drivers with strong odds include All-Star Race winner Christopher Bell at +400, and 2023 series champion Ryan Blaney at +600, marking a competitive field as the 2025 season approaches.
Forecast for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Championship Odds
As of All-Star week, BetOnline Sportsbook listed the following top contenders for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series drivers’ championship, reflecting the current landscape of the sport:
Kyle Larson’s continued dominance and his status as the top favorite illustrate both his talent and the high expectations placed on him for the upcoming seasons. The induction of Busch, Gant, and Hendrick into the Hall of Fame further enriches NASCAR’s legacy, honoring legends who helped shape the sport.
