Harvick Wins Heavy Panel Support; Biffle Tops Fan Vote but Misses Hall

The NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2027 was announced at the Charlotte Convention Center, naming Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton and Pioneer-ballot selection Larry Phillips. The announcement drew backlash after the exclusion of the late Greg Biffle, who topped NASCAR.com’s fan vote but finished fifth on the 50-member panel ballots and prompted heated discussion on social media. The Hall’s selection process combined a 50-member voting panel with the fan vote; panel support heavily favored Harvick, who received 46 of 50 votes. Burton received 32 percent of panel ballots and claimed the second Modern Era spot.

Defenders of Burton cited his on-track résumé and off-track work, including 21 Cup wins, 27 Xfinity wins, victories in the 1999 Coca-Cola 600 and the 2001 Southern 500, a run of 15 wins from 1997–2000 with Roush Racing, safety advocacy, service as head of the Drivers Advisory Council from 2022–2025, and visibility as an NBC broadcaster since 2015. After the induction announcement Burton used his platform to press for consideration of Biffle, called Biffle’s death "horrible," and spoke at Biffle’s public memorial.

Supporters of Biffle pointed to his on-track résumé, including the 2000 Craftsman Truck Series title, the 2002 Xfinity Series championship, 19 Cup wins and 56 wins across NASCAR’s three national series, and a runner-up finish in the 2005 Cup standings. They also cited his humanitarian work, including using his helicopter during Hurricane Helene relief in September 2024, roughly 3,500 flight hours, and the 2024 NMPA Myers Brothers Award. Media coverage also noted an off-track complication: a $15 million lawsuit has been filed against Biffle’s estate, which some reports said could complicate posthumous recognition. The Class will be enshrined in January.