Charlotte, NC, October 7, 2025
News Summary
Harry Gant, the 85-year-old racing legend from Taylorsville, NC, has been inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Gant expressed gratitude for this honor alongside notable racers Kurt Busch and Ray Hendrick. He made his first NASCAR Cup Series start at 33 and earned the nickname ‘Mr. September’ after his remarkable success in the sport, including 18 Cup Series wins. Gant’s impact on racing also extends to Hollywood, where he appeared in several films. The induction ceremony is set for January 24, marking a momentous occasion in NASCAR history.
Charlotte, NC – Harry Gant Inducted into NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2026
Harry Gant has been named as one of the honorees in the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2026 alongside renowned racers Kurt Busch and Ray Hendrick. At 85 years old, Gant is a native of Taylorsville, North Carolina, and has expressed his surprise and appreciation for this prestigious recognition during a media availability held in Charlotte.
Before embarking on his racing career, Gant was a homebuilder. He made his first NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) start at the age of 33 in 1973 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Initially, Gant participated in occasional short-track races, but his schedule quickly expanded to include 70-80 races per year as he gained traction in the racing scene. Gant’s passion for racing developed when he attended his first race at Charlotte and went on to witness events at Darlington in 1955.
Notably, Gant earned the nickname “Mr. September” after winning four consecutive races in September 1991. During this impressive period, he claimed victories at Darlington, Richmond, Dover, and Martinsville. Over his racing career, Gant compiled substantial accomplishments, achieving 18 NCS wins in 474 starts, along with 123 top-five finishes, 208 top-ten finishes, and 17 poles. Beyond the NCS, he also had a successful stint in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he made 128 starts and secured 21 victories along with 52 top fives, 71 top tens, and 14 poles.
Gant’s racing journey began at the age of 24 in a hobby car at Hickory Motor Speedway and he competed for Rookie of the Year in 1979 at the age of 39, racing against notable contemporaries Dale Earnhardt and Terry Labonte. He made history in the sport by becoming the oldest driver to win a Cup Series race at 52 years and 219 days old.
Before his NASCAR career, Gant established himself in short-track racing, amassing over 300 wins. His appeal extends beyond racing as he is recognized for his Hollywood associations, featuring in films such as “Stroker Ace,” “Days of Thunder,” and “Cannonball Run.” Despite retiring from competitive racing, Gant remains active within the racing community through charity events, including participation in the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America, showcasing his continual dedication to the sport.
Gant’s family continues the racing legacy with his grandson, Chase Pollard, currently competing in four-cylinder cars at Hickory Speedway. The solemn ceremony honoring Gant and his fellow inductees is scheduled for January 24, 2026, marking a significant moment in NASCAR history.
Key Achievements of Harry Gant
- Total NASCAR Cup Series Wins: 18
- Total NASCAR Xfinity Series Wins: 21
- Total NASCAR Cup Series Starts: 474
- Total NASCAR Xfinity Series Starts: 128
- Notable Nickname: Mr. September
- Oldest Driver to Win a Cup Series Race: 52 years, 219 days
FAQ
Who was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2026?
Harry Gant was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2026 alongside Kurt Busch and Ray Hendrick.
How old is Harry Gant?
Harry Gant is 85 years old.
What was Harry Gant’s profession before racing?
Before his racing career, Gant was a homebuilder.
When did Harry Gant start racing?
Gant made his first NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) start at the age of 33 in 1973 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
How many wins did Harry Gant achieve in his NASCAR Cup Series career?
Gant compiled a career record of 18 NCS wins in 474 starts.
What is one of Harry Gant’s notable nicknames?
Harry Gant is known by the nickname “Mr. September.”
What is one of Harry Gant’s associations with Hollywood?
Gant appeared in films such as “Stroker Ace,” “Days of Thunder,” and “Cannonball Run.”
Key Features of Harry Gant’s Career
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total NASCAR Cup Series Wins | 18 |
| Total NASCAR Xfinity Series Wins | 21 |
| Total NASCAR Cup Series Starts | 474 |
| Total NASCAR Xfinity Series Starts | 128 |
| Nickname | Mr. September |
| Oldest Cup Series Race Winner | 52 years, 219 days |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- NASCAR: Harry Gant’s NASCAR Career
- Wikipedia: Harry Gant
- North State Journal: Alexander Sports
- Google Search: Harry Gant
- NBC Sports: Where Are They Now? Handsome Harry Gant
- Google News: Harry Gant
- Taylorsville Times: Alexander Sports Hall of Fame
- Google Scholar: Harry Gant
- NASCAR: Where Have You Gone, Mr. September?
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Harry Gant
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