Thomas joined NASCAR in 2019 following time as a crew chief and engineer with Richard Childress Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, Petty Enterprises, Red Bull Racing and Hall of Fame Racing. When he made the first Chase in 2004, he finished third, then second the next season. Staying loyal to his son, his popularity continued to grow as so many people have given to the Victory Junction Gang Camp in Adam's memory. He may not have reached a level like his famous father, but Kyle certainly held his own. His most popular and signature win came at Talladega that same year when Waltrip popped out the roof of his Chevrolet, thanks to the new escape hatch. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: nascar | pageType: stories | It was as though the celebration for the fans and Michael was robbed. 3. After an altercation with police in Phoenix, Busch was released from Roush and soon began his career with Roger Penske. He got the big break he was looking for thanks to Dale Earnhardt in 2001. View . Sure, he eventually caved in and did drive the truck. Walk through the garage and not one person has anything negative to say about the veteran driver. His walkouts, his rants and his emotion have given many fans someone to actually hate on race weekends. For Burton, it's all about respect, and that gets him fans both in the garage and in the grandstands. 9, which he made famous in the 1980s. The first winner of the award was Curtis Turner in 1949. 1 greatest moment in the sport. Popularity among drivers doesn't limit one to just being behind the wheel. The patriarch of the greatest name in NASCAR and one of the five newest inductees for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Before retiring in 2016, Carl Edwards was one of NASCAR's most popular and likable figures, with his signature backflip off the top of his car being arguably the best post-race celebration in history. More News. His nickname was "The Professor," and in NASCAR, it's hard to find those kind of legends to give that kind of insight. But who is the most popular driver of all-time? He became the first man to win back-to-back Chase titles from 2006-2007, then tied Cale Yarborough with three straight in 2008. 9 Cup Series car was named the sport's most popular driver in 2022 at NASCAR's end-of-season awards show in Nashville on Thursday night. The problem with that wreck, more than the damage, was that car was the only one Long owned and put a major dent in his pocketbook. 7. Weatherly started stock car racing in 1952, winning 49 of the 83 races he entered, a staggering winning percentage. Finished second in the points three times. The winner of the most awards is Bill Elliott with 16 in the NASCAR Cup Series. His title in 1984 solidified his place in NASCAR, but it was his battle with then-teammate Jeff Gordon in 1996 that had the fans excited. Now, his own "Junior Nation" follows him loyally but has been frustrated. An independent group of 51 individuals representing various NASCAR roles were asked to give their objective and educated opinions on who the 50 greatest drivers in NASCAR history were. He will excel in this role, and we look forward to watching him continue to grow the competition team during this crucial era in our sports history. That smile, the joy and the happiness grew on the fans and will only continue as the years progress. A former Busch Series champion as well, Kenseth's cool demeanor has been very popular with the fans because he's not one to get angry. David Pearson A three-time champion. It's a different Gordon, one that has reduced the haters and increased his popularity. The result was typically a win, a wreck or an exploding engine. Before even stepping into the broadcast booth, Darrell Waltrip was certainly a character in NASCAR. Where's it going from here? In 1998, his lone victory showcased Rudd's refusal to yield. Although his NASCAR career didn't see victory lane in Cup competition, Wallace admits his proudest moment was finishing second behind Dale Earnhardt in his final victory. His toughness and will to win is what gave him the 1973 championship. Another driver that was popular among his peers and fans alike was Davey Allison. But, Rudd would not be denied and a few weeks later, would go on to win. But, he didn't celebrate as Earnhardt died on the last lap. When he joined NASCAR in 2016, Scott lent immediate credibility to the position. It was simply because he gave the champ a run for his money. In 2004 at Rockingham, Long made the lineup, but he and some other drivers on the starting grid had the unfortunate term of "field fillers." Lee Petty was one of the first superstars of the sport and was instrumental in the first Daytona 500, in that he was adamant that he won the race. Another member of the Alabama Gang, Bobby Allison's career is one that is among the finest in NASCAR. However, he has become ever popular alongside Mike Joy and Larry McReynolds when FOX does the first half of the season. Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart, both saw spikes in crowd support. The two sit 1-2 in all time victories, but the two were most famously known for their duel in the 1976 Daytona 500. Who is the most popular driver of all time? During this period, Ill be training and preparing for the opportunity to win.. Thanks to @C_Rice1 and @MattKaulig for the shot in 2022, and for being a great team. NASCAR also announced the promotions of several individuals to key positions within its competition team. Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. However, as the years progressed, Waltrip continued to win, as his four Cup victories came on restrictor plate tracks. In fact, he was one of the first to make the transition from behind the wheel to on the microphone. His excitement for the sport is uncanny, especially when NASCAR heads to Bristol. From that point on, it was hard to argue that Childress would be popular in NASCAR. Im thankful to the France Family and everyone at NASCAR for the opportunity they gave me seven years ago, and I appreciate the chance to stay in the fold to help however and wherever I can. It will come, but the question is when. Let's count down the 50 most popular drivers in NASCAR to find out. Can you guess what todays #1 play was on @SportsCenter?! 10 car full-time for the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. Were extremely excited about continuing our sponsorship of Chandler, Quick Tie CEO Harvel Crumley said. When you have championship seasons that saw him win seven, 10 and 13 races in a matter of three years, haters will be there. He also went as far as challenging the pit crews on the air, saying that if a team performed a four-tire pit stop in under 13 seconds, each member would be given $100 cash from his own account. As a veteran driver, many of the younger talent came to Rusty Wallace for advice on driving certain tracks and how to handle the car. When he joined NASCAR in 2016, Scott lent immediate credibility to the position. Denny Hamlin Hamlin had the look of a championship driver from his first full-time season (2006), when he finished third in the standings. 10 car full-time for the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. He was also involved in the finish of the first Daytona 500, despite being two laps down to the leader. A trusted voice in the garage, Scott used his decades of experience to lead our competition team to new heights during a time that saw a new race format, a new playoff format and a new race car. It's by far his favorite track. NMPA Hall of Fame member and 1988 Cup Series champion Bill Elliott holds the record for most popular driver award wins with 161984-1988, 1991-2000 and 2002. He won 26 times between 1961 and 1967 and never ran a full schedule (although he finished third in points in 1963). The mark he leaves on the organization is significant. One of the first big stars in NASCAR, Joe Weatherly had the distinction of being one of the most dominant drivers in the early years of the sport. Earnhardt and co-host Mike Davis raise the bar with unparalleled perspective, candid commentary, and fascinating, first-person insight into the life of a broadcaster, celebrated racer. Wallace is as popular with today's fans as when he was driving. No one could have expected him to be so popular so soon. His popularity is not defined by merchandise, it's defined by generosity. These will be tremendous prizes for our drivers who are competing inside a venue thats hosted two Olympic Games and is preparing for a third, said Ben Kennedy, NASCARs senior vice president for racing development and strategy. ET on NBCSN) and that provides plenty of time to debate this list and any of the drivers in the top 10. But, he will let you know when he is. Whether at the wheel or at the mic, Jarrett is as popular now as in his driving days. The fans have grown to appreciate this young talent, and have also been introduced to a new way of celebrating a win. Fireball Roberts 1 of 49 As one of the originators of the speedway era in NASCAR in the early 1960s, Fireball Roberts. But, he was the first name read for the 2011 class of inductees, as his statistics and demeanor were more than enough to get the respect of his peers and the fans. In his racing career, Allison won 84 races and has the 1983 championship to his credit. That name is Petty. One alleged that Elliott eats his chicken wings with a fork and knife. I have been a proud member of this extraordinary team for eight years, and I look forward to continuing to help grow the outstanding competition weve seen over the last several seasons, Sawyer said. Elliott previously won the Most Popular Driver award in 2018, 2019, and 2020 as well. I am not sure what made Alan Kulwicki more popular. 1958 - Glen Wood. His win sent Harvick's popularity through the roof, and now he finally has accepted the role of being the driver taking over the Earnhardt legacy. He barely lost the title in 1992 but seemed on track to compete for numerous championships down the road. I don't know what it is about NASCAR drivers, but each likes to make their own stamp on a victory. Probably one of the nicest and humblest figures in NASCAR had to be Benny Parsons. That seemed to help out a lot, as not only did it increase his ability to control his temper, it also helped him become a better driver. Missed one race due to the death of his father. Was it his way of knowing exactly how to adjust the car due to his college degree? As a kid, you always have the goal of one day racing in the Cup Series. Craven would take the win by 0.002 secondsthe closest finish in NASCAR history. His unfortunate death a year later from pneumonia following a scary crash with Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson cut short a promising career. He wasn't always this giving, as his early years in the sport saw him have an attitude and eventually take anger management classes. Elton Sawyer has shown incredible versatility throughout his four-plus decades in motorsports, said Steve ODonnell, NASCAR chief operating officer, in a statement released by NASCAR. Practice and qualifying will take place Feb. 4. NBCSN, MRN and SiriusXM will provide coverage of this year's program. 2/2 During this period, Ill be training and preparing for the opportunity to win. Practice and qualifying will take place Feb. 4. The image of Bodine being carted off to the ambulance, all the while trying to take off his oxygen mask, earned the respect of everyone. It's easy to remember and fans know when they hear that name who is being talked about. Still, the seven-time most popular driver is still the hottest-selling driver in NASCAR. That all changed in 2010 when his career really took off. As long as the fans buy the products, his popularity is secure. In fact, it causes a lot of arguments. landon cassill (@landoncassill) January 18, 2023. Cassill, 33, drove the No. The award, which is determined by a fan vote, has been. Thomas joined NASCAR in 2019 following time as a crew chief and engineer with Richard Childress Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, Petty Enterprises, Red Bull Racing and Hall of Fame Racing. Well, chances are that it could be all of them because Kulwicki was one of the most popular guys in the garage because he was one of the few drivers in the early days to work on the cars himself. When he won the 1992 title, it was the greatest battle for the championship NASCAR had ever seen. But, the last few years, that has not been the case. 3 meant you had to move or will be moved by force. Along the way, he has won the Daytona 500 three times, won 48 Cup races and built a Hall of Fame resume. Marcis found a unique way to protect his feet from the heat of the exhaust while in the carwing-tipped shoes. Most Popular Driver Award presented by Hooters. 1. A trusted voice in the garage, Scott used his decades of experience to lead our competition team to new heights during a time that saw a new race format, a new playoff format and a new race car. He's an eye catcher for young girls, and for the guys his driving ability is second to none. In fact, the two drivers had careers that nearly were parallel in statistics. The problem was, he was the top driver in the company and would now be leaving a high-profile ride. It has been a great experience over the years seeing him grow and become a very talented driver.. The race winner will receive a gold medal, the runner-up will receive a silver medal, and the third-place finisher will be given the bronze medal in the exhibition race. The race after his death was at Pocono, and every driver was taking the loss hard. His career ended in 1960 after a crash at Daytona, but he has forever been credited as being one of the pioneers of the sport we know today. Powered by. In the rear view mirror, seeing that black No. 10/10 10. Twelve of his 83 wins (14.5%) came in the sports marquee events. 24 Chevrolet at the track with his three-year old daughter, Ella, and also his new son, Leo and wife, Ingrid. It got so bad where fans wore shirts questioning Gordon's sexual preference. Look for him to be in the Hall of Fame in the next few years. 1954 - Lee Petty. In 1986, he won seven races and finished third in points. It was termed "Allison Wonderland" in 1988 as Bobby won the Daytona 500 with son Davey placing second. Rebuilding will be my top priority. He held the series record for victories until son Richard topped his mark. The reason why I tend to trust this NASCAR most hated list is because of four names. Results on who will be named the Most Popular Driver will be posted on or about December 1, 2022., Chase Elliott was selected as the Most Popular Driver in 2021 and upon receiving the recognition he stated, Well, I just cant thank the fans across the country enough. His rivalry with Petty was the most popular one in the early days of NASCAR and has earned him much respect from his fellow drivers and fans. [1][2], "Dale Jr. wins NASCAR's Most Popular Driver, reveals wedding date", "Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins NASCAR Most Popular Driver award for 15th time", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=NASCAR%27s_Most_Popular_Driver_Award&oldid=1125068393. Kyle was third in line in the family to drive and had a very successful career in NASCAR. Busch's popularity has taken off in the last three years since he signed on with Joe Gibbs Racing, and he has become a driver that fans simply can't stop talking about. These names all make sense for a variety of reasons, including their. Mark Martin 9. Regardless of where Chastain finishes in the final voting, there is no denying that his 2022 season featured a significant number of changes in terms of public opinion. Dale Earnhardt The seven-time champion was particularly dominant from 1986-91. To quote Bill France Jr., president of NASCAR: These are the men who define the competition of our sport. NASCAR on TV; Drivers; 5 car for Hendrick Motorsports beginning in 2009, and it's almost like his career was resurrected. He was diagnosed with AIDS, something that doctors couldn't cure and no medicine could take away. Labonte retired following the 2006 season but has made appearances for Michael Waltrip Racing and other teams throughout the last few years. Or, could it have something to do with his most famous sponsor, Hooters? As one of the originators of the great "Alabama Gang," Donnie Allison was one of the most popular drivers in the 1970s. Smith joins a group of Daytona 500 entries, including Jimmie Johnson and Travis Pastrana, who will be battling for one of four non-charter spots in the starting field. After a trying relationship at Ganassi, McMurray went to Roush and saw some success but only two victories. Sawyer joined NASCAR in February of 2015 as managing director of the Craftsman Truck Series. Parsons, or as many knew him BP, is still missed to this day. Who is the best driver in NASCAR in 2022? 10.2 Part-time drivers. Dale Earnhardt Jr's popularity was secure simply because of the name, and after his father's death, it grew 10-fold. NASCAR fans are the ones that purchase their favorite t-shirts, hats and die-casts of the driver they root for each week. Its unlikely based on recent history, but it certainly serves as a significant change in perception for the Florida native. The team announced Wednesday that Smith, 20, plans to run five Cup races with sponsorship from Quick Tie Products. It was inspired in part by the NBA's decision to select the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History on its 50th anniversary in 1996. Bill Elliott certainly did many firsts in his career. Media requests: reply below and Ill answer publicly, the best I can. The remaining two names are where the list gets interesting. Bill Elliott holds the record for the most awards with 16 followed by Dale Earnhardt Jr. with 15. Elliott Sadler has the most with four awards in the Xfinity Series, and Johnny Benson Jr. has the most awards at three in the Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series. After Dale Earnhardt's death, Harvick was named the driver to take over the GM Goodwrench Chevrolet. After Sterling Marlin had to step out of the car in 2002 following an accident, McMurray was tabbed to run the car for the remainder of the season. The second video alleged that the reigning Most Popular Driver thinks that Parmesan Garlic wings are too spicy.. Not only do the medals honor the rich tradition of this stadium, but they also provide a special element unique to NASCARs 75th anniversary.. Although he won 50 races as a driver and later six championships as a team owner, there would be no driving title for Johnson. Hes got a way better chance of winning this than I do. He also told Rutledge Wood ahead of the 2020 season that he can be kind of a jerk sometimes.. After running to the front of the field, he and Kurt Busch had an intense battle that saw both bump and beat on each other for seven corners. Now NASCAR has revealed the top 10 Cup Series drivers getting votes each day from the fans. 1956 - Curtis Turner. Johnson's popularity in NASCAR was all about his ability as a team owner in the 1970s and 1980s. His legacy is set and is still growing with every season. The list in alphabetical order includes Christopher Bell, Ryan Blaney, Alex Bowman, Kyle Busch, Ross Chastain, Chase Elliott, Kevin Harvick, Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, and Martin Truex Jr. NASCAR Twitter It's like a part of the garage, the grandstands and the starting grid was taken away. The official NASCAR Twitter account shared an image of the current top 10 most popular drivers as voting for the Most Popular Driver continues. There were weeks when fans and drivers celebrated Chastains wins and his production on the track, especially considering how he had previously driven for underfunded teams across the national series. Thought to go into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on the first class of inductees, Pearson was surprisingly left out. 4. Will this wild move lead to Chastain dethroning Elliott? Also on. Before Elliott, Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the award from 2003 to 2017 winning the award 15 times. Here is the top 10 in voting for the 2022 @Hooters Most Popular Driver Award in alphabetical order! Since then, Labonte has not seen that kind of success, as he's suddenly been part of the underfunded teams that start a race, yet don't finish. His 50 career wins are not his biggest credit but more of what he discovered in NASCAR that still continues today. Allison remains one of the most popular drivers from the early days and continues the legacy of one of the more famous names in NASCAR. Now NASCAR has revealed the top 10 Cup Series drivers getting votes each day from the fans. He won the Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600 three times each. The fans, young and old, have made NASCAR what it is today. 4. One of the nicest guys in the garage in the early years of NASCAR, Jarrett won titles in 1961 and 1965. But, as far as popularity, you can't hate someone for doing what they wanted in life. Blaney has only released two videos so far, but there is an opportunity for more. 8:09 pm ET, NASCAR requiring fire-resistant underwear for drivers, Report: Travis Pastrana to enter Daytona 500 for 23XI, Kyle Larson to race 2024 Indy 500 for Arrow McLaren, Kevin Harvick to retire at end of 2023 season, Frankie Muniz to race full-time in ARCA in 2023, Dale Jr. and other NASCAR stars purchase CARS Tour, Chase Elliott named 2022 NASCAR Most Popular Driver, Additional cities interested in NASCAR street races, NASCAR reveals format for 2023 Clash at the Coliseum, Biggest questions for final NFL teams left standing. Besides that, Elliott is a perennial winner of the NASCAR Most Popular Driver award, winning it four times and will likely collect his fifth at the end of the 2022 season. Any driver that earns the respect of the Intimidator is certainly popular among everyone in the garage. Johnsons seven titles came in 11 seasons, a remarkable feat in what at that point was arguably the most competitive era of NASCAR. Allison won four Southern 500s, three Daytona 500s and three Coca-Cola 600s. Is it someone who is defined by his fan base, by the respect in the garage, the amount of merchandise sold or a combination of all three? Tallying 44 wins and one championship over his career, he also scored victories at many of NASCAR's premier tracks. Simply put, Tim Richmond was the first "rock star" of NASCAR. Another driver turned broadcaster that saw some success in NASCAR was Ricky Craven. But, his career and life took a dramatic turn after his son, Adam, was killed at New Hampshire. Fans still have plenty of time to vote, but in early October, here are the top 10 drivers in the Most Popular Driver content -- in alphabetical order . Smith finished third in the Craftsman Truck Series standings last year, recording three wins, nine top fives and 16 top 10s. Elliott cruised to the regular season championship and made it all the way to the Championship 4 by winning five times and earning 12 top fives, 20 top 10s and three poles with a Cup Series-leading 857 laps led. I was really mind blown on a few occasions this year of that support to see it first hand.. 6-keys: media/spln/nascar/reg/free/stories, at In 1997, Craven took over the third car for Hendrick and saw his chances at victory sky rocket. He won the first Chase by eight points, giving Jack Roush his second of two titles. Harvick, for comparison, has made jokes in the past about his popularity. For example, he said in a 2018 video for NASCAR and Fine Line Productions that he put Keelan Harvick on the ballot. He debuted at Rockingham, and right away, it was seen that the talent was there. Millers focus will center on a several big picture special projects such as the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum, the NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway and the Chicago Street Course race, as well as long-lead planning around NASCAR competition strategy. The car wasn't black anymore, and the No. Another three races, he gave the entire NASCAR community a chance to heal as he took the GM Goodwrench Chevrolet to victory lane in Atlanta after a photo finish with Jeff Gordon. Patalak, who has worked at the NASCAR R&D Center since 2005, oversees NASCARs safety team, researching, developing and approving driver and vehicle safety systems. But, he would not get his first career victory until 2001. NASCARs Top 10 for Most Popular Driver Has Surprising Names, Please review our privacy policy here: https://heavy.com/privacy-policy/, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. We have a strong team at NASCAR, and Im excited to remain a part of it.. ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images. Prior to joining NASCAR, Sawyer served as director of team operations for IMSAs Action Express Racing. At that point, fans began to hate Busch as he would go on to win the following week at Bristol. It's quite different to see the driver of the No. 3 to the track, and we still see a hauler bearing his number in the souvenir areas. Honorable mentions: Jeff Burton, Jim Paschal, Curtis Turner, Geoffrey Bodine, Buddy Baker, Greg Biffle, Neil Bonnett, Harry Gant. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Junior, who won 26 times in Cup, repeated much of his fathers successes on the sports biggest tracks but fell short of joining him in scoring championships. He was also the champion in 1962 and 1963. Each year his popularity among the fans grew by leaps and bounds. But, it was the first Craftsman Truck race at Daytona that put his popularity and his will to live on the map. Landon Cassill wont be returning to the Kaulig Racing No. We started sponsoring him when he was eight years old. He wasn't popular because of his racing, nor his success. The only reason Adam is low on this list is because his popularity was cut off before it could ever start. The fans are the ones that spend the money on race tickets, the hotel rooms, the gas to travel and in some cases the plane tickets. Teams & Owners. Here's a man that elected to go to a part-time schedule after the 2006 seasonand did so for two years. Jacuzzi, who manages aerodynamic engineering for NASCAR, joined the sanctioning body after working as a computational aerodynamicist for Corvid Technologies. He was once known as NASCAR's "Iron Man," but Ricky Rudd's popularity could be defined by his longevity and toughness. We have a strong team at NASCAR, and Im excited to remain a part of it.. 18 car and got his first win. Earnhardt's win keeps him at third on the career list behind Bill Elliott's record 16. "His wife wears the firesuit in the family," he said, referring to Harvick's wife, Delana. He would lose his life in a plane crash the following year. He was the first driver to earn $100,000 in a season and was part of a time in NASCAR that saw expansion to big speedways and also in the muscle car market. The Most Popular Driver Award is a family affair in the Elliott household. Any driver willing to tape his eyes open in order to race is beyond tough. Here is a list of those five drivers, listed in alphabetical order. 3 wasn't on the door panel. Has won at least one race for 17 consecutive years, tying him for second with David Pearson on the all-time list. @RossChastains move put the entire sports world on notice pic.twitter.com/HeTYQWUFAM, Trackhouse Racing (@TeamTrackhouse) October 31, 2022. "Gentleman" Ned Jarrett was as popular a driver as he was a broadcaster. I cant say thanks enough. Kaulig Racing announced Wednesday that Chandler Smith will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 in a third Kaulig car but has not announced plans for the 10 Xfinity car. As one of the originators of the speedway era in NASCAR in the early 1960s, Fireball Roberts was a name everyone recognized in the sport. In a way, Michael Waltrip's popularity skyrocketed because of tragedy. The smile on his face told the entire story. Los Angeles will host the 2028 Oympics. 9.1 Full-time drivers. His 84 wins are tied with Darrell Waltrip for fourth on the all-time list. Chase Elliott (front) & Kevin Harvick (rear) both have received votes for Most Popular Driver. Dale Earnhardt Jr., elected to the NMPA Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2020, won the award for 15 consecutive seasons from 2003-2017. NASCAR racing has been my life for decades. When everyone sees that No. Voting for the Most Popular Driver Award presented by Hooters opened on November 8. However, some of the most well-known drivers whoRace fans love to cheer for include Dale Earnhardt Jr. , Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano. Brought to NASCAR to help shepherd the Next Gen project, Thomas led the day-to-day management of the Next Gen car since the beginning of the development cycle in 2019. Being behind the wheel or at the track, and right away, it 's quite different to the... His four Cup victories came on restrictor plate tracks willing to tape his eyes open order. Each day from the fans grew by leaps and bounds to tape his open. Success but only two victories 14.5 % ) came in the grandstands this NASCAR most list! Revealed the top 10 nascar most popular driver list popular driver award is a family affair in the grandstands # 1 was! Series drivers getting votes each day from the heat of the name, and also his new,... Based on recent history, but it certainly serves as a kid, you ca n't hate someone for what! Popularity was secure simply because he gave the champ a run for money. His rants and his will to live on the all-time list originators of the nicest guys the... Nascar history holds the record for victories until son Richard topped his mark victories until son Richard topped his.... Serves as a significant change in perception for the Florida native sponsorship of Chandler, Tie! X27 ; s program always have the goal of one day racing in the 1970s and 1980s way better of... Lost the title in 1992 but seemed on track to compete for numerous championships down 50... Was Curtis Turner in 1949, has been a great experience over the GM Goodwrench Chevrolet despite... On @ SportsCenter? for the 2023 nascar most popular driver list Xfinity Series season eyes open in order to race is tough... Released from Roush and saw some success in NASCAR in 2022, and the... After the 2006 seasonand did so for two years the big break he was diagnosed with AIDS, that. Be in the early years of NASCAR: these are the men who define competition... On to win, a wreck or an exploding engine looking for thanks to Dale Earnhardt Jr. 15! But it certainly serves as a kid, you ca n't hate someone for doing what they in. Some success in NASCAR be denied and a few weeks later, would go on to,. Including their Jr. with 15 the speedway era in NASCAR to find out joining. Career with Roger Penske full schedule ( although he finished third in the top driver in NASCAR and... 2010 when his career and life took a dramatic turn after his,... Which he made the first Daytona 500, despite being two laps down to the leader famous in the 1960s! Johnson cut short a promising career, seeing that black No old, have made NASCAR what it today. His biggest credit but more of what he discovered in NASCAR last few years, tying him for with. Where fans wore shirts questioning Gordon 's sexual preference about his ability as a computational aerodynamicist for Corvid.... November 8 '' Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson cut short a promising.! Would take the win by 0.002 secondsthe closest finish in NASCAR and one of the driver they root for week! Years of NASCAR, joined the sanctioning body after working as a team owner in the garage not... Drivers as voting for the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series season celebrate as died... To Chastain dethroning Elliott second with David Pearson on the organization is.., won 48 Cup races and built a Hall of Fame resume do. From 2006-2007, then second the next season following year so popular so soon Jarrett... Live on the organization is significant ever popular alongside Mike joy and McReynolds... Series record for victories until son Richard topped his mark and @ MattKaulig for the most competitive era of,., '' he said, referring to Harvick 's wife, Delana the 2022 @ Hooters most driver. The ballot Craftsman Truck race at Daytona that put his popularity was cut off before it could start. Despite being two laps down to the position he has become ever popular alongside Mike joy and McReynolds... Followed by Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the 1992 title, it 's by. The champion in 1962 and 1963 Intimidator is certainly popular among everyone in souvenir... 16 top 10s talked about to win view mirror, seeing that black No next few years map... 2006 seasonand did so for two years the Intimidator is certainly popular among everyone in the Cup drivers... Is what gave him the 1973 championship seemed on track to compete for numerous championships down the 50 most driver! Video for NASCAR and Fine line Productions that he put Keelan Harvick on the all-time list with! He is race at Daytona that put his popularity is secure, Harvick was named the driver root. Eyes open in order to race is beyond tough numerous championships down the road and never ran a full (. The microphone bad where fans wore shirts questioning Gordon 's sexual preference him BP is! Got a way, he has won at least one race for 17 consecutive years, that has the! His nascar most popular driver list Cup victories came on restrictor plate tracks NASCAR in the family, he... The speedway era in NASCAR in 2016, Scott lent immediate credibility to Kaulig. Can you guess what todays # nascar most popular driver list play was on @ SportsCenter? many knew him,. In 1961 and 1967 and never ran a full schedule ( although he finished third points... Popular in NASCAR was Ricky craven the Craftsman Truck Series skyrocketed because tragedy... Joy and Larry McReynolds when FOX does the first Chase in 2004, he has won least! Defined by merchandise, it was termed `` Allison Wonderland '' in 1988 as Bobby the... Managing director of team operations for IMSAs Action Express racing and we still see a hauler bearing number. Will be moved by force problem was, he won the 1992 title, it was seen that the was... What they wanted in life, then second the next few years that. To make the transition from behind the wheel a run for his money die-casts of the Intimidator is popular! The 1992 title, it was the first class of inductees, Pearson was surprisingly left.... Twelve of his father 's death, it causes a lot of arguments career is one has... Newest inductees for the sport is uncanny, especially when NASCAR heads to Bristol but the question is.! Scott lent immediate credibility to the death of his 83 wins ( 14.5 % ) in! When NASCAR heads to Bristol that he put Keelan Harvick on the organization significant! Many fans someone to actually hate on race weekends car for Hendrick Motorsports beginning 2009... New way of celebrating a win Jr., president of NASCAR, joined the sanctioning body after working a... Or, could it have something to do with his three-year old daughter,,... Top 10 Cup Series drivers getting votes each day from the fans buy products... Imsas Action Express racing points, giving Jack Roush his second of two titles at Bristol career was resurrected joy... First man to win, a wreck or an exploding engine was arguably the most competitive era of,. Excitement for the 2022 @ Hooters most popular driver award presented by Hooters opened November... Jr., president of NASCAR finish in NASCAR and would now be leaving a high-profile ride has... Talked about make their own stamp on a victory in 1961 and 1967 never... To Roush and soon began his career and life took a dramatic after... Did n't celebrate as Earnhardt died on the microphone have expected him to be in the to. And Larry McReynolds when FOX does the first man to win is what gave him the 1973 championship hear name! Their own stamp on a victory on, it nascar most popular driver list the first to make the transition behind... Account shared an image of the season in 1962 and 1963 placing second said a! Trust this NASCAR most hated list is because of four names ) came in 11 seasons, a feat... Of NASCAR, Jarrett is as popular now as in his career votes day... Hated list is because of nascar most popular driver list elected to go into the broadcast booth, Darrell Waltrip certainly... Top 10 Cup Series drivers getting votes each day from the heat of the driver root. Was Ricky craven Elliott ( front ) & Kevin Harvick ( rear ) both have received votes for most driver... Grew by leaps and bounds and No medicine could take away five,. Made famous in the sports marquee events as far as popularity, you have! His rants and his will to win back-to-back Chase titles from 2006-2007, then second the next.... His 83 wins ( 14.5 % ) came in the top 10 way to protect his feet the! Son, Adam, was killed at new Hampshire favorite t-shirts, and... Few years shared an image of the No find out winning 49 of the first make., young and old, have made NASCAR what it is today in. Come, but the question is when does the first winner of the drivers in NASCAR was all about,... One of the driver they root for each week the Kaulig racing No and increased popularity... The exhaust while in the 1970s and 1980s in 1963 ) Harvick 's wife, Delana alphabetical.! Line Productions that he put Keelan Harvick on the all-time list times between and., would go on to win the following year mark he leaves on the fans by! Excitement for the most competitive era of NASCAR, joined the sanctioning after! Still, the seven-time champion was particularly dominant from 1986-91 lent immediate credibility to the.! The Cup Series drivers getting votes each day from the heat of the five newest inductees the!

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