Current NASCAR Cup Series Field Includes At Least 5 Future Hall Of Famers
Recently retired Kevin Harvick and Kurt Busch are also locks to make the Hall when eligible for ballot.
Kevin Harvick and Kurt Busch Likely to Join NASCAR Hall of Fame
There are currently 27 Cup Series champions who are in the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte. Within a few years, though, Kevin Harvick and Kurt Busch almost certainly will join the other champions at the big table. Recently retired after last season, they must now wait two years before becoming Hall-eligible. Of course, there are no guarantees, but their impressive careers make them strong candidates for induction.
Kevin Harvick is a lead-pipe cinch for the Hall, probably on his first try. His Hall credentials are undeniable with his numerous victories and championships in both the Cup and Xfinity Series. Similarly, Kurt Busch is certainly Hall-worthy, although his off-track incidents might cause some voters delay for maybe a year. Nevertheless, his on-track resume and accomplishments with different competitive teams make him a strong candidate as well.
Other Potential Hall of Fame Inductees
In addition to Harvick and Busch, several other former champions and Daytona 500 winners will likely appear on the Hall of Fame ballot by the end of this decade. Some of these individuals, such as Joey Logano and Kyle Busch, are still actively racing and building their legacies. Logano, at just 33 years old, has already achieved numerous victories and championships, while Kyle Busch has amassed an impressive number of wins across all three of NASCAR's top series. Others, like Martin Truex Jr. and Brad Keselowski, have hinted at retirement and may become Hall of Famers fairly quickly after retiring.
With a logjam of Hall-worthy candidates expected in the coming years, there may be a need for a bigger table at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Looking Ahead to the Future of NASCAR
Looking ahead, young drivers such as Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, and Ryan Blaney are expected to have long careers and achieve many wins and championships. These drivers, who are still in their 20s, have already made a strong impact in the sport and will likely be contenders for future Hall of Fame inductions. As the NASCAR Cup Series continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these drivers and others shape the future of the sport.
The NASCAR Hall of Fame plays a vital role in honoring the sport's greatest drivers and contributors. With new candidates emerging each year, the Hall of Fame ensures that the rich history of NASCAR is celebrated and preserved for generations to come.
