The NASCAR Hall of Fame announced its nominees for the Class of 2027 on Sunday in Charlotte, setting up one of the most competitive ballots in recent years. The list includes drivers, crew chiefs, and builders who made a strong impact on NASCAR across different eras.
Ten names appear on the Modern Era ballot, while five are listed on the Pioneer Era side. Three people will be inducted in total. The process will include fan voting and a panel decision before the final class is confirmed.
One of the biggest names on the ballot is Kevin Harvick, who becomes eligible for the first time after a long and successful career. The announcement begins the next step in recognizing key figures who helped shape NASCAR.
Kevin Harvick Headlines the NASCAR Hall of Fame Modern Era Ballot
Kevin Harvick leads the Modern Era nominees in his first year of eligibility. He won the 2014 NASCAR Cup Series championship and recorded 60 career race wins. His career included time with Richard Childress Racing and Stewart-Haas Racing, where he remained a consistent playoff contender.
The Modern Era ballot also includes Greg Biffle, Neil Bonnett, Tim Brewer, Jeff Burton, Randy Dorton, Ray Elder, Ernie Elliott, Randy LaJoie, and Jack Sprague.
These nominees represent different roles across NASCAR, from drivers to technical leaders behind the scenes. Two individuals from this group will be selected for induction into the Hall of Fame.
Pioneer Era Ballot Highlights Early NASCAR Figures
The Pioneer Era ballot focuses on figures whose careers began before 1966. One person from this group will earn induction.
The nominees are Ray Fox, Harry Hyde, Banjo Matthews, Herb Nab and Larry Phillips.
These names reflect the early years of NASCAR and the people who helped build the sport. Their work in engineering, mechanics, and competition laid the foundation for the national series that exists today. Many of these figures played key roles in developing race cars, improving performance, and shaping team operations during NASCAR’s early growth.
NASCAR Hall of Fame Voting Process and Timeline
The selection process combines fan voting with a final decision from a panel. Fan voting will open on April 14 and run through May 17 on NASCAR’s official website. This allows fans to help choose the next class.
A 43-member panel will meet on May 19 to make the final selections. The panel includes Hall of Famers, media members, track representatives, and others from across NASCAR. Their votes will decide which nominees are inducted.
NASCAR Hall of Fame will induct three people as part of the 2027 class. Two will come from the Modern Era ballot, and one will come from the Pioneer Era ballot.
The 2027 class follows the 2026 inductees, which included Kurt Busch, Harry Gant and Ray Hendrick. Each year, the Hall of Fame continues to recognize the drivers and contributors who played important roles in NASCAR history.
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