Late Alabama driver comes up short with NASCAR Hall of Fame voters for seventh time

For the seventh time, the late Alabama racing legend Neil Bonnett has fallen just short of enshrinement in the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Despite his lasting legacy in the sport, Bonnett was once again bypassed during the selection process for the Class of 2027.

The Class of 2027

On Tuesday, the NASCAR Hall of Fame officially announced its newest inductees. Drivers Kevin Harvick and Jeff Burton secured their spots from the modern-era ballot, while Larry Phillips was selected from the pioneer-era category.

According to NASCAR, Harvick earned a spot on 92 percent of modern-era ballots, with Burton appearing on 32 percent. Bonnett finished in third place, though exact vote counts were not disclosed.

A Legacy Forged in Hueytown

Bonnett’s journey to racing prominence began as a protégé of the legendary Alabama Gang. Hailing from Hueytown, Bonnett cut his teeth working on Bobby Allison’s cars before carving out his own path as a driver. His peers, including original Alabama Gang members Bobby Allison, Donnie Allison, and Red Farmer, are already enshrined in the Hall of Fame, as is Davey Allison.

During his 18-season Cup Series career, Bonnett was a formidable force on the track. He claimed 18 victories—including back-to-back World 600 wins in 1982 and 1983—and earned 83 top-five finishes. One of his most memorable career highlights occurred in 1980 when he took the checkered flag at Talladega Superspeedway driving the No. 21 Purolator Mercury for the Wood Brothers.

Tragedy struck on February 11, 1994, when Bonnett lost his life in a practice crash at Daytona International Speedway. Despite his untimely passing, his impact remains undeniable; in 2023, he was rightfully named one of NASCAR’s 75 greatest drivers.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming induction ceremony for the Class of 2027 is scheduled for January 22, 2027, at the museum in Charlotte. Other notable nominees who appeared on this year’s ballots included Greg Biffle, Randy Lajoie, Jack Sprague, and pioneer-era figures like Ray Fox and Harry Hyde.

While the wait continues for Bonnett’s supporters, Alabama remains well-represented in the Hall of Fame by iconic figures such as Tim Flock and Red Byron.