After more than seven decades of producing champions and helping launch some of stock car racing’s biggest names, Hickory Motor Speedway has unveiled the inaugural class of its new Hall of Fame.
The speedway announced the Class of 2026 this week, honoring 14 drivers whose accomplishments helped establish the historic 0.363-mile oval as “The Birthplace of NASCAR Stars.” A special recognition will also be presented to longtime competitor Marshall Sutton.
The inaugural class will be formally enshrined during the annual Jack Ingram Memorial event at Hickory Motor Speedway.
Track officials announced the class through a video posted on social media, describing the selection process as difficult given the speedway’s rich 76-year history.
The inaugural class is organized by decade and features many of the drivers whose names became synonymous with success at Hickory.
The 1950s are represented by Ralph Earnhardt and Ned Jarrett.
Earnhardt, father of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr., captured five track championships during the decade and established himself as one of the most successful racers of his era. Jarrett won the 1955 championship before going on to claim two NASCAR premier-series championships. He later served as promoter of Hickory Motor Speedway and remained closely connected to the track throughout his life.
Jarrett’s induction comes just weeks after his death on June 4 at the age of 93, adding additional significance to his selection.
The 1960s inductees are Glenn Killian, Ned Setzer and Jack Ingram.
Killian claimed consecutive championships in 1960 and 1961, while Setzer added a title as the decade came to a close. Ingram earned the first of his Hickory championships in 1968 and later became one of the most celebrated competitors in the history of short-track racing. The annual Jack Ingram Memorial race honors his legacy.
Representing the 1970s are Harry Gant, Tommy Houston and Morgan Shepherd.
Gant won Hickory championships in 1969 and 1973 before building a successful NASCAR career that ultimately earned him selection to the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026. Houston captured back-to-back track championships, while Shepherd became one of the sport’s most respected competitors during a career that spanned decades and included consecutive national Sportsman championships.
The 1980s class includes John Settlemyre and Max Prestwood.
Settlemyre dominated the decade’s early years, winning five consecutive championships. Prestwood became one of Hickory’s most accomplished late-model racers, collecting championships across both the 1980s and 1990s.
Scott Kilby and Shane Huffman represent the 1990s.
Kilby won two track championships during the decade, while Huffman captured the 1999 title before advancing to a successful national touring career.
The 2000s inductees are Andy Loden and Pete Silva.
Silva earned the 2002 championship, while Loden put together one of the most impressive runs in recent track history, winning three consecutive championships from 2006 through 2008.
In addition to the Hall of Fame class, Hickory Motor Speedway will present a special recognition award to Marshall Sutton.
Now in his 80s, Sutton remains an active competitor at the speedway and continues racing regularly. According to track officials, Sutton first raced in 1967 and has accumulated approximately 15 championships across Hickory and other regional tracks during a career spanning nearly six decades.
HMS officials called Sutton an icon of the speedway and noted that he currently remains among the leaders in the Street Stock division standings.
While the first class focuses primarily on championship-winning drivers, track officials indicated future Hall of Fame classes could expand to include car owners, mechanics and other contributors whose work helped shape the speedway’s legacy.
For generations, Hickory Motor Speedway has served as a proving ground for future NASCAR stars while maintaining its place as one of the nation’s most respected short tracks. The inaugural Hall of Fame class represents the first step in preserving that history and recognizing the individuals who helped build the speedway’s reputation over the last 76 years.
The inaugural Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place during the Jack Ingram Memorial at Hickory Motor Speedway on August 1.