2026 Motorsports Hall of Fame class welcomes Dale Earnhardt Jr., six others

The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (MSHFA) honors racers and notable people within the industry across the United States. Ahead of the 50th running of the Grand Prix of Long Beach, they announced next year's class, which touches several forms of racing from coast to coast.

The 38th annual induction ceremony will take place in Daytona Beach, Florida next March, where two-time Daytona 500 winner Dale Earnhardt Jr., who spent 15 consecutive years as NASCAR's Most Popular Driver is expected to be inducted.  It won't be the first Hall of Fame he has been a part of as Dale Jr. joined the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2021 and the Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2017.

Winner Dale Earnhardt Jr., Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

Photo by: Alexander Trienitz

He will be joined by NHRA Competition Director Steve Gibbs, who spent 25 years conducting over 400 events, and 2000 MotoGP World Champion Kenny Roberts Jr., who is already a member of the various motorcycle racing hall of fames. Roberts Jr. and the late Nicky Hayden are the only two Americans to have won a MotoGP title during the 21st century.

Kenny Roberts Jr., Team Roberts

Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

The list also includes John Morton, an accomplished sports car racer who has two class victories at the Le Mans 24 and a class win at the Rolex 24 at Daytona as well. Sprint car racing legend Sammy Swindell also joins. A three-time World of Outlaws champion, Swindell's many achievements include victories in the Knoxville Nationals, Kings Royal, and the Chili Bowl.

Sammy Swindell

Photo by: Boyd Adams

Finally, there's the winningest Powerboat driver in Unlimited Hydroplane history Dave Villwock and legendary motorsports reporter Pete Lyons.

“Once again, our voters have chosen a group of all-time motorsports greats,” said MSHFA president George Levy. “True ‘Heroes of Horsepower’ who will be admired today and inspire the champions of tomorrow. The Class of 2026 is another revered and accomplished group of racers, and we can’t wait to welcome them into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America next March.”

Among the voting panel were racing icons Mario Andretti, Chip Ganassi, Richard Petty, Rusty Wallace, Don Prudhomme, Scott Parker, Don Garlits, and Tom D’Eath.