The NASCAR Hall of Fame will welcome a new class in 2027, honoring drivers Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton and Larry Phillips, alongside a special tribute to industry pioneer Lesa France Kennedy. The announcement, made by NASCAR officials, underscores the series' commitment to celebrating both on‑track excellence and off‑track innovation.
A Legacy of Speed and Innovation
Harvick, nicknamed “The Closer,” leaves the sport with 60 victories at the premier level and a 2014 championship that capped a career that began when he stepped into the seat vacated by the late Dale Earnhardt. His 2007 Daytona 500 win and the 2014 title stand as bookends to a decade‑long reign that reshaped the competitive landscape.
Burton, a 1994 Rookie of the Year, amassed 21 Cup Series wins and twice captured the Coca‑Cola 600, cementing his place among the sport’s most consistent performers. Over a 20‑year career he became known for his strategic acumen and his role in elevating the sport’s broadcast profile.
Phillips, celebrated as a pioneer on the sport’s early circuit, is credited with an estimated 1,000 to 2,000 wins across a variety of tracks. His contributions helped lay the groundwork for the modern era of NASCAR, influencing everything from race‑format experimentation to fan engagement strategies.
Lesa France Kennedy, a key figure in the France family that owns the sport, will be honored with the Landmark Award for her leadership in revitalizing Phoenix Raceway and spearheading the Daytona Rising project. Her vision has been credited with breathing new life into historic venues while preserving NASCAR’s heritage.
The induction ceremony, scheduled for early 2027, will bring together drivers, teams, and fans to celebrate a lineage that spans from the sport’s early days to its present‑day global reach. As the new class steps onto the Hall’s hallowed floor, their stories will inspire the next generation of competitors and innovators.