Two NASCAR legends, Kurt Busch and Harry Gant, will be front and center at the 2026 Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway. They will serve as co-Grand Marshals for the NASCAR Cup Series race on March 22.
Busch and Gant will deliver the starting command at Darlington Raceway, a historic 1.366-mile oval that features an egg-shaped layout and carries the reputation as “The Lady in Black.”
Their appearance is part of Darlington’s NASCAR Alumni Weekend, honoring figures who shaped the sport. As co-Grand Marshals, they connect NASCAR’s past with today’s Cup Series drivers.
Kurt Busch’s Career and Darlington Connection
Kurt Busch built a career defined by success and consistency at the highest level of NASCAR competition. He won the NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2004 and recorded 34 Cup Series victories.
One of Busch’s most memorable races at Darlington Raceway was the 2003 showdown with Ricky Craven, ending in a dramatic, contact-filled finish that remains one of NASCAR’s most famous moments.
Craven edged out Busch by 0.002 seconds, marking the closest finish in NASCAR Cup Series history and cementing Darlington’s reputation for thrilling conclusions.
Busch’s commanding performance that day secured his celebrated place in Darlington history. His career later included wins with multiple teams and continued success in the Cup Series, all of which NASCAR fans continue to celebrate.
According to Jayski.com, Busch’s career was marked by versatility, toughness, and championship-level performance.
His role as co-Grand Marshal brings a former Darlington standout back for a major race weekend.
Harry Gant’s Legacy and the “Mr. September” Run
Harry Gant also enjoys a celebrated place in NASCAR history and at Darlington Raceway. He was one of the sport’s most popular and respected drivers during the 1980s and early 1990s, earning admiration from fans and peers alike.
Gant won 18 NASCAR Cup Series races during his career. A highlight of Gant’s career was his 1991 streak. At age 51, he won four straight Cup Series races in September, starting with Darlington.
This streak earned him the nickname “Mr. September” and showcased his late-career excellence.
According to Jayski.com, Gant’s Darlington victory launched the four-race winning streak now celebrated as one of the most memorable late-career runs in NASCAR history.
Gant’s connection to the track makes his selection as co-Grand Marshal a natural fit for the event.
NASCAR Alumni Weekend at Darlington Raceway
Darlington Raceway will host NASCAR Alumni Weekend from March 20 through March 22. The event brings together former drivers and key figures from the sport while also featuring races from all three national series.
The weekend begins Friday with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race, Buckle Up South Carolina. The NASCAR Xfinity Series race, the Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help a Hero 200, will take place on Saturday.
The NASCAR Cup Series will conclude the weekend with the Goodyear 400 on Sunday.
Darlington Raceway President Josh Harris explained the decision to have Busch and Gant serve as co-Grand Marshals.
“Much like Goodyear’s legacy in NASCAR spans generations, these two legends represent more than four decades of excellence. Their incredible careers and deep connections to this historic track make them the perfect choices to give the command for one of the most anticipated and exciting races of the NASCAR Cup Series season.”
The Goodyear 400 will give current NASCAR Cup Series drivers the chance to compete at one of the sport’s most historic tracks while honoring the drivers who helped build the sport’s legacy.
Kurt Busch and Harry Gant Set for Special Role at 2026 Darlington Goodyear 400