NASCAR Honors Gant

Taylorsville native and NASCAR legend Harry Gant will be honored as part of the Class of 2026 induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte this January.

Gant, 85, was selected for the Hall’s Modern Era ballot and earned induction after a distinguished racing career that included 18 victories in the NASCAR Cup Series and 21 wins in what is now the Xfinity Series. He also captured two Southern 500 victories and was known for remarkable longevity on the track, winning races into his early 50s and setting records as one of the oldest drivers to win a premier series event.

Gant’s career began on short tracks around North Carolina before he made his first NASCAR Cup Series start in 1973. He became a fan favorite in the 1980s and early 1990s, racing the iconic No. 33 Skoal Bandit car and earning nicknames like “Handsome Harry” and “Mr. September” for his performances, including a stretch of four consecutive Cup wins in 1991 that captivated racing fans.

In addition to his race victories, Gant was recognized for his consistency and competitive spirit throughout more than two decades at NASCAR’s highest levels. His selection to the Hall of Fame adds him to an elite group of drivers who have shaped the sport’s history.

Gant will be inducted alongside fellow honorees, with the official ceremony scheduled for January 23, 2026, in Charlotte. The event will celebrate his contributions to racing and his enduring legacy in NASCAR.

Fans reflect on Gant’s career with admiration for both his success on the track and his journey from local competitor to one of the sport’s most respected figures. His Hall of Fame induction marks a long-awaited recognition for one of North Carolina’s racing icons.