The roaring engines of motorsports greatness are set to echo through the corridors of the Hall of Fame as the 2026 class welcomes iconic figures including the legendary Dale Earnhardt Jr. and six other outstanding personalities.
In a thrilling announcement ahead of the historic 50th Grand Prix of Long Beach, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (MSHFA) revealed the star-studded lineup for next year’s induction ceremony. The prestigious event, scheduled for March in Daytona Beach, Florida, promises to be a riveting celebration of racing excellence.
Leading the pack is the revered two-time Daytona 500 champion, Dale Earnhardt Jr. The NASCAR icon, who enjoyed an illustrious 15-year reign as the sport’s Most Popular Driver, is poised to add another accolade to his impressive collection. Having already been inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2021 and the Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2017, Dale Jr.’s legacy in motorsports is unquestionable.
Joining him in the Hall of Fame spotlight are luminaries such as NHRA Competition Director Steve Gibbs, a stalwart figure in the industry known for overseeing over 400 events during his 25-year tenure. Also gracing the esteemed list is 2000 MotoGP World Champion Kenny Roberts Jr., a trailblazer in motorcycle racing who has etched his name in the annals of the sport’s history.
The lineup further includes accomplished sports car racer John Morton, whose triumphs at prestigious events like the Le Mans 24 and the Rolex 24 at Daytona have solidified his place among the racing elite. Sprint car racing legend Sammy Swindell, a three-time World of Outlaws champion boasting victories in marquee events like the Knoxville Nationals and the Chili Bowl, adds to the star power of the class.
Rounding out the group are powerboat racing maestro Dave Villwock, the winningest driver in Unlimited Hydroplane history, and motorsports journalism icon Pete Lyons. Their contributions to the adrenaline-fueled world of motorsports have left an indelible mark, earning them well-deserved recognition in the hallowed halls of the MSHFA.
President of the MSHFA, George Levy, expressed excitement about the upcoming induction, hailing the Class of 2026 as “all-time motorsports greats” and “Heroes of Horsepower” who will inspire future generations of champions. The esteemed voting panel, comprising racing luminaries such as Mario Andretti, Chip Ganassi, Richard Petty, and others, has once again curated a lineup that exemplifies excellence and passion for the sport.
As the countdown begins to the momentous induction ceremony in March, anticipation is running high to witness these legends take their rightful place among the titans of motorsports history.