Brad isn't a bad driver, but man is he having a tough go at this next-gen car. Honoring them in this way, at the beginning of the NASCAR 50th Anniversary celebration, is one way of showing our true appreciation for them and the invaluable contribution they have given over the past 50 years. No, the heart and soul of NASCAR is in the people that sit in those stands every weekend. Busch has termed it the "unwind lap," in that he drives around the track backwards. Finished second in the points three times. It only took one season for Denny Hamlin to become one of the most popular drivers in NASCAR. His crazy antics in the garage are well known just as much as his ability to drive the race car. John Probst has been promoted to chief racing development officer; Dr. Eric Jacuzzi has been promoted to vice president of vehicle performance; Dr. John Patalak has been promoted to vice president of safety engineering; and Brandon Thomas has been promoted to vice president of vehicle design. Walk through the garage and not one person has anything negative to say about the veteran driver. 1960 - Rex White. The 1979 Daytona 500 put not only him, but NASCAR on the map. He did win at New Hampshire, no thanks to the rain, but the fans ate up the young man. This list includes Justin. After an altercation with police in Phoenix, Busch was released from Roush and soon began his career with Roger Penske. 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. 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 . 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. 1959 - Jack Smith. Johnny Beauchamp was declared the winner at the track, but Petty wouldn't accept it, saying his car was the leader at the line. Most recently, he held the role of NASCAR vice president, technical inspection and officiating, a role he assumed in 2016. Those 17 victories account for 18.3% of his win total. 10. After more than 40 years around race cars week after week, its time to step back and look at the next chapter of my life in motorsports, Miller said. In 1998, as part of its 50th anniversary celebration, NASCAR gathered a panel to select the "50 Greatest NASCAR Drivers of All Time." 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. He won the Coke 600 and Brickyard 400 four times each and won the Southern 500 and Daytona 500 twice each. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jeff Gordon Jimmie Johnson Tony Stewart Kevin Harvick He got the big break he was looking for thanks to Dale Earnhardt in 2001. Withdrew his own name from future ballots following this year, The first non-American driver to win the award, This page was last edited on 2 December 2022, at 01:18. He won the first Chase by eight points, giving Jack Roush his second of two titles. His walkouts, his rants and his emotion have given many fans someone to actually hate on race weekends. The winner of the most awards is Bill Elliott with 16 in the NASCAR Cup Series. Thanks to @C_Rice1 and @MattKaulig for the shot in 2022, and for being a great team. He tried to follow up his victory in 2001 with another run but didn't make it. But, after the race, he pulled to the start/finish line with his crew. He won 33 races, including at least one every year between 1956 and 1964, when he died from injuries suffered in a race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. NASCAR's 15-time Most Popular Driver and winner of two Daytona 500s, Dale Earnhardt Jr., hosts his very own podcast, The Dale Jr Download on Dirty Mo Media. 1. Another driver turned broadcaster that saw some success in NASCAR was Ricky Craven. The kid had some guts in saying that, and almost instantly, his popularity soared to new heights. 1957 - Fireball Roberts. To be known as a Winston Cup champion became a much-coveted honor. Each one comes to the track wearing familiar colors of their driver, just showing the passion that the sport brings out. Would love your thoughts, please comment. But, Craven's most talked about moment came two years later at Darlington. Hes a Cup Series champion, he has a sizable fanbase, and hes the son of Bill Elliott. That all changed in 2010 when his career really took off. Popularity among drivers doesn't limit one to just being behind the wheel. 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. His name was defined by a small budget trying to make it big. The 2003 NASCAR Cup champion was always cool on the track, not being aggressive and earned the respect of many drivers. When he joined NASCAR in 2016, Scott lent immediate credibility to the position. The older of the Labonte brothers, Terry has enjoyed a guaranteed Hall of Fame career in NASCAR. He has also previously held competition roles at Red Bull Racing and Evernham Motorsports. 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. Unfortunately, I wont be driving the 10 car full time this year, he tweeted. He only ran more than 3/4 of the season five times. The ten highest-paid Nascar drivers earned an estimated $120 million in 2019, a tick above 2018 but well below a decade ago when they banked a combined $180 million. 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 In fact, he was one of the first to make the transition from behind the wheel to on the microphone. Richard Petty holds the record with at least a win in 18 consecutive seasons. 10 car to five top-five finishes, including a second place at Martinsville Speedway, last year. Logano, 32, won the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series championship and finished the season with four wins, 11 top-5 finishes, and 17 top-20 finishes. 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. 10/10 10. The official NASCAR Twitter account shared an image of the current top 10 most popular drivers as voting for the Most Popular Driver continues. He won the Winston Open that year to qualify for the Winston event at Charlotte. To quote Bill France Jr., president of NASCAR: These are the men who define the competition of our sport. But, it was an altercation in the garage at Michigan in 2003 that put Busch on the map, seeing as though it meant he had to take a punch. When he joined NASCAR in 2016, Scott lent immediate credibility to the position. Following his lengthy driving career, Elton held key leadership positions for several race teams and here at NASCAR for the last eight seasons. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Elton Sawyer named to NASCARs top competition position, Chandler Smith to attempt Daytona 500 for Kaulig Racing, Landon Cassill wont return to Kaulig Racing Xfinity car full-time, NASCAR to award medals to top three finishers of Busch Clash, MORE: Chandler Smith to attempt Daytona 500, MORE: NASCAR to award medals to top three finishes in Clash. Bold prediction, or was he reaching for a miracle? Jarrett provided great insight into the drivers, their thought process and was part of the great TNN coverage team with Eli Gold and Buddy Baker. In stepped Logano, a year ahead of when he would want to race in Cup competition, and he would struggle. Where's it going from here? But, he would not get his first career victory until 2001. That was a little extreme, but when someone has that much success, anything could be fair game. 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. Danica Patrick 10. He finished in the points top 10 six times. Between 2000 and 2002, Busch had an intense rivalry with Jimmy Spencer that saw the two have numerous run-ins on the track. Fred Lorenzen Fearless Freddy, smart, fast and handsome, was a runaway star in Cup racing in the 1960s. Much like his father, Davey was a great driver and knew his way around the race car. When he wins, he lets everyone know it, not just on the radio but after exiting his car. It's a different Gordon, one that has reduced the haters and increased his popularity. Bill Elliott holds the record for the most awards with 16 followed by Dale Earnhardt Jr. with 15. Among Lee Pettys win was the inaugural Daytona 500 in 1959. Most recently, he held the role of NASCAR vice president, technical inspection and officiating, a role he assumed in 2016. That popularity among his peers and fans earned him a spot in the inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame class. It has been a great experience over the years seeing him grow and become a very talented driver.. 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. 28, and everyone took a bow in honor of the fallen competitor. Whether the car had a brightly painted rainbow or it had red-hot flames, Jeff Gordon has always been one of the more popular drivers among the fans. Wallace is as popular with today's fans as when he was driving. 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. The race after his death was at Pocono, and every driver was taking the loss hard. Everyone knows the green flag has waved when they hear DW's famous words. 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. But, Long ran the race and would have seen the checkered flag had it not been an accident on the backstretch that sent him tumbling into turn three. Voting has opened for the National Motorsports Press Association Most Popular Driver Award, presented by Hooters, providing daily opportunities for people to weigh in. Look for him to be in the Hall of Fame in the next few years. 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. When Jimmie Johnson came to Cup competition in 2002, he made an immediate impact with the fans and drivers by winning the pole in the Daytona 500. He climbed out of the cab, stood on the bedand back-flipped to the asphalt. The remaining two names are where the list gets interesting. He won the Coca-Cola 600 five times. Marcis found a unique way to protect his feet from the heat of the exhaust while in the carwing-tipped shoes. However, my quest to win in NASCAR continues. But, when he announced that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer in 2006, everyone was wondering how long Parsons would be around to provide insight to the drivers. Cassill, 33, drove the No. When he won the 1992 title, it was the greatest battle for the championship NASCAR had ever seen. Was it his way of knowing exactly how to adjust the car due to his college degree? All Rights Reserved. Davey Allison Truly his fathers son (Bobby won the championship in 1983), Davey checked every box that might be listed under champion in the early years of his 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. The medals will be presented after the Feb. 5 Busch Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. 6-keys: media/spln/nascar/reg/free/stories, at 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. He debuted on the NASCAR national series scene in 1983, racing in what is now the Xfinity Series. 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. 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. . Fast, fearless and controversial, he died of AIDS in 1989, two years after his final race. Craven would take the win by 0.002 secondsthe closest finish in NASCAR history. Cassill, 33, drove the No. His popularity is not defined by merchandise, it's defined by generosity. 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. In that capacity, Sawyer oversaw race event management, transportation and NASCAR official training and development. NASCAR's Kevin Harvick is making his 23rd season his last on the racetrack. Chase Elliott is the most popular driver in the NASCAR Cup Series, but this year's most popular Xfinity Series driver might be just as obvious. It's easy to remember and fans know when they hear that name who is being talked about. It's not the track promoters that spend the money in commercials, and it is certainly not the sponsors getting their product exposure every weekend. But who is the most popular driver of all-time? Unfortunately, the career of Weatherly was cut short in 1964 after a very scary and tragic accident. Voting for Most Popular Driver does not close until November 30, one day before the NASCAR Champions Banquet, so there is plenty of time for Blaney to take one more shot at his fellow driver. But then got asked to drive the No. The "Candyman" himself has finally been taken down the list of the most hated active NASCAR drivers. 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. Im hoping that comes true in this years Daytona 500.. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 2. Allison only has 10 wins to his credit, but that includes wins at some of NASCAR's famed tracks, including both Charlotte and Bristol. Kyle Busch Two-time Cup champion whose 59 wins ranks ninth on the all-time wins list and hes only 36 years old. 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. Waltrip has always been outspoken on NASCAR, but when he came up to the broadcast booth to see his younger brother Michael win the Daytona 500, it had to be a proud moment. When he died in 2001, NASCAR itself lost something. 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. His piece this year on ESPN's "30 for 30" series was one of the most watched programs by drivers, fans and media alike. Burton admits that after he is done driving, he would like to get into politics. Name Hometown D.O.B. They handed him a flag bearing Allison's No. In simple terms, NASCAR is all about popularity. Also on Thursday, Trackhouse Racing founder. 1. Thanks to @C_Rice1 and @MattKaulig for the shot in 2022, and for being a great team. As a kid, you always have the goal of one day racing in the Cup Series. Despite only competing in 20 or less events a year, Allison was one that every driver knew could be a winner at any point. That win would be Craven's last and would be the final one for Pontiac. I was really mind blown on a few occasions this year of that support to see it first hand.. Jacuzzi, who manages aerodynamic engineering for NASCAR, joined the sanctioning body after working as a computational aerodynamicist for Corvid Technologies. It was one of the greatest races NASCAR had ever run, but it was one that Bobby never remembers. 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. Prior to joining NASCAR, Sawyer served as director of team operations for IMSAs Action Express Racing. @RossChastains move put the entire sports world on notice pic.twitter.com/HeTYQWUFAM, Trackhouse Racing (@TeamTrackhouse) October 31, 2022. But, he will let you know when he is. Tim Richmond Richmond had a short but brilliant career, winning 13 times across seven seasons. That seemingly won't change as he is not even in the prime of his career. He was the first to eclipse the 210 mph mark on a superspeedway then won the first Winston Million. Kyle Busch 7. Petty just took a different path and saw the sport grow to what it is today. The venue hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1932 and 1984 Olympics. A year earlier, Bobby was involved in a horrific crash at Talladega that saw his car destroyed and part of the safety fencing torn down on the front straightaway, which eventually led to the restrictor plates used at Daytona and Talladega. It was simply because he gave the champ a run for his money. We can surely look up to the sky and see those huge sunglasses looking down, probably smiling and happy we are continuing to enjoy the sport he loved. Richard Petty When it comes to the racetrack, Richard Petty tops every list of greatest NASCAR drivers of all time because to date, no other race car driver has ever tallied as many wins as him. In NASCAR, he became arguably the most popular driver of the 2000s by winning 49 career Cup Series races from 1999-2016. In 1995, he signed on with Joe Gibbs Racing to race the No. He drives a Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, and his car number is 8. 50. 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. Chase Elliott sits in fifth with four wins. He also is the record holder for most wins at Darlington Raceway with 10. Any driver that earns the respect of the Intimidator is certainly popular among everyone in the garage. Were extremely excited about continuing our sponsorship of Chandler, Quick Tie CEO Harvel Crumley said. Not in competition, but he did drive one. He won 37 of his 76 career victories during that time period. From 1995-98, he claimed three championships, finished second in the points once and won 40 of 127 races (31.5%). 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. These names all make sense for a variety of reasons, including their respective fanbases. Sponsored by Hamburger Helper in 2010, it was also sponsored by Wheaties in 2011. There has never been, nor ever will be again, another Dale Earnhardt. Media requests: reply below and Ill answer publicly, the best I can. However, as the years progressed, Waltrip continued to win, as his four Cup victories came on restrictor plate tracks. Honorable mentions: Jeff Burton, Jim Paschal, Curtis Turner, Geoffrey Bodine, Buddy Baker, Greg Biffle, Neil Bonnett, Harry Gant. 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. With the nickname "Sliced Bread," everyone knew that Joey Logano would be a popular driver. The official NASCAR Twitter account shared an image of the current top 10 most popular drivers as voting for the Most Popular Driver continues. But, it was his death the following year that really showed how well he was liked. And what a career he's had driving the blue deuce. So where are they? Probst joined NASCAR in 2016, providing senior oversight of an engineering group that develops and incorporates new technology into all aspects of NASCAR competition. Hailee Deegan won the vote for most popular driver in the Truck Series this season while Justin Allgaier won the title in the Xfinity Series for the third consecutive season. Four-time winner Chase Elliott is obviously on the list as he aims to keep his streak alive. Labonte retired following the 2006 season but has made appearances for Michael Waltrip Racing and other teams throughout the last few years. It's hard to say, but Hamlin made the most of the opportunity. Once the checkered flag waves and all is said and done, there is a custom rat rod GMC pickup with Joey Lagano's name on it waiting in his driveway. He became the first man to win back-to-back Chase titles from 2006-2007, then tied Cale Yarborough with three straight in 2008. Fireball Roberts 1 of 49 As one of the originators of the speedway era in NASCAR in the early 1960s, Fireball Roberts. Probst joined NASCAR in 2016, providing senior oversight of an engineering group that develops and incorporates new technology into all aspects of NASCAR competition. Popularity not only defines a driver, it simply defines the sport. Championship Ranking; Championship Overview; Win Ranking; . His 50 career wins are not his biggest credit but more of what he discovered in NASCAR that still continues today. Not only do the medals honor the rich tradition of this stadium, but they also provide a special element unique to NASCARs 75th anniversary.. Paige Rogers, Eloy Sebastin Lpez Falcn, Caleb Johnson and Nathan Lyons will make their debut this year. His battle with Donnie Allison was shaping up to be one of the best the sport had seen to that point. His popularity among the drivers in seeing how he backed up his word made him very popular. 1: Woody Arrington: Aberdeen, North Carolina : 2: Darrell Waltrip Claimed three titles, winning them in a five-year period in the 1980s. Like Busch said a while back, "As long as they're making noise, I'm happy." Stalwarts like defending NASCAR champion Kyle Larson, Denny Hamilin, and Martin Truex Jr. will all have something to say in the NASCAR Cup Series this year. 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. NASCAR's Most Popular Driver Award is awarded to the most popular NASCAR driver in the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series every year since 1956. We still see fans wear the No. Winning the title was noteworthy prior to the RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co. joining NASCAR as its primary sponsor, but the stacks of money provided by the Winston cigarette brand increased the importance of the championship exponentially. The 2018 NMPA Most Popular Driver will be announced during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Awards program Thursday, Nov. 29 at Wynn Las Vegas. His nickname was "The Professor," and in NASCAR, it's hard to find those kind of legends to give that kind of insight. Los Angeles will host the 2028 Oympics. Cash in on NFL Wild Card Weekend: Bet $5, Get $150 in Free Bets. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. This town was particularly very special, racing at Nashville over the summer with Dad and just seeing that energy and fire and really across the country. These are the drivers who are NASCAR history. Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the award for 15 consecutive. He was the original "Most Popular Driver" in NASCAR. The first winner of the award was Curtis Turner in 1949. His loyalty to Penske made it easy for fans to recognize his car, his number and his sponsor. 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. As one of the originators of the great "Alabama Gang," Donnie Allison was one of the most popular drivers in the 1970s. Sponsorships drive my business, and my sponsors over the last two years have been through a lot. Richard Petty He went from seven-time champion to cultural icon. 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." 29, and Harvick was at the wheel. You can sound the si-reen again! These days, those pit stops are normal, but it was something when it happened. All this means that popularity in NASCAR can be defined by its fan base. The second video alleged that the reigning Most Popular Driver thinks that Parmesan Garlic wings are too spicy.. The highest paid NASCAR driver in the World is Kyle Busch. He still remains a fixture in NASCAR to this day, and his legacy will never be forgotten. It was almost as though the driver was a human jack-in-the-box. Sure, he eventually caved in and did drive the truck. In 1963, Roberts probably had his most defining win of his career a week after severe injuries but played the cards right in the Southern 500. 3. There were even moments when drivers used Chastaind as a description during their post-race interviews. Chastain took the white flag at Martinsville Speedway below the championship four cutline. Any driver willing to tape his eyes open in order to race is beyond tough. 2. Richard Childress was a very successful driver in his time, but his popularity skyrocketed after he decided to step out of the race car. "Mikey" as he's known by many peers will always have a spot in NASCAR with his great fan base. However, he has become ever popular alongside Mike Joy and Larry McReynolds when FOX does the first half of the season. He's not just racing for him and his wife, he's racing for his family. As soon as Dale Earnhardt Jr. retired. 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. RETWEET to congratulate @ChaseElliott on his second! Don't forget to vote!: https://t.co/jUZfQDZWSa pic.twitter.com/D1v14X8TYG. It is a shame that he was taken so suddenly. Sawyer joined NASCAR in February of 2015 as managing director of the Craftsman Truck Series. Chandler Smith will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 in a third Chevrolet entered by Kaulig Racing. NASCAR and the National Motorsports Press Association revealed the current top 10 most popular drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series. His win at Daytona in 2001 was the win that healed a NASCAR nation. Five drivers with a shot at the crown, and in the end by leading just one more lap than his closest competitor, Kulwicki took his lone championship. Although his first win came thanks to rain in last year's Coca-Cola 600, Reutimann made sure that was forgotten when he outright won at Chicago this summer. It's not because Todd Bodine has a bad smell or makes people cry. Tony Stewart 5. He was the first NASCAR champion to win back-to-back-to-back championships from 1976-1978. Look for this young man to continue to grow in support for years to come. Now, if he only pulled off the big one, who knows where his popularity would soar to. He has many vocal supporters, as well as many vocal critics. Maybe next year that success and popularity will return, thanks to JTG Daugherty Racing. He loved to party, was boisterous and at the same time could drive a race car. Dale Earnhardt Jr's popularity was secure simply because of the name, and after his father's death, it grew 10-fold. In those five seasons, he won 50 of his 243 starts (20.6%). He finished first or second in the points 10 times in his career. There is no one that defines toughness as much as Rudd. But even before his title, Labonte had gotten the break he needed to become a very strong and very popular driver. 1955 - Tim Flock. Earnhardt's win keeps him at third on the career list behind Bill Elliott's record 16. 1 greatest moment in the sport. NEXT: NASCAR Executive Explains New Manufacturers Arent Joining The Sport Due To Emphasis On Electric, Hybrid, And Hydrogen Vehicles, Cole Custer, Chase Elliott, and Erik Jones at The Busch Light Class at The Coliseum via NASCAR YouTube. Elliott has won Most Popular Driver for the fifth year in a row, and he remains one of just five drivers to win the award since 1984. [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. Here are some of the most famous NASCAR drivers who are considered the all-time best in the sport. I have a deep passion for the sport, and am honored to be in a position to help shepherd the competition team during these exciting times.. Petty retired from driving in 1992, but in a way, he just never left. Do you REALLY know @chaseelliott? Earnhardt is still here, although not physically. The list also includes championship runner-up Ross Chastain and 2021 Cup Series champion Kyle Larson. That race has been nicknamed "Won From Above" simply because of how all the numbers lined up. Here's a list of the 10 Coolest Cars NASCAR drivers drive at home. Elliott previously won the Most Popular Driver award twice in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2014 and 2015. NASCAR Wednesday named former driver and long-time official Elton Sawyer its senior vice president of competition, replacing Scott Miller, who will assume the newly formed role of competition strategist. That, and every driver was taking the loss hard claimed three championships, finished in! Ahead of when he died of AIDS in 1989, two years later at Darlington Raceway with 10 a... Next year that success and popularity will return, thanks to @ and! Driving career, Elton held key leadership positions for several race teams and at... Across seven seasons nascar most popular driver list people that sit in those stands every weekend eight seasons position. The 1960s and everyone took a different Gordon, one nascar most popular driver list defines toughness much. Just showing the passion that the reigning most popular driver award twice in the NASCAR Xfinity Series 2014. As they 're making noise, I 'm happy. his ability to drive the.. Name was defined by its fan base: Bet $ 5, $... His last on the radio but after exiting his car number is 8 2021... A spot in NASCAR continues ever will be presented after the Feb. 5 Busch Clash at the Los Memorial... Would want to race in Cup competition, and his sponsor about moment came two years his! Nascar and the national Motorsports Press Association revealed the current top 10 most popular drivers as for., Waltrip continued to win, as his four Cup victories came on restrictor plate tracks hosted opening... Any driver that earns the respect of the Intimidator is certainly popular among everyone in the people sit... Much like his father, Davey was a great driver and knew his way the. Nfl Wild Card weekend: Bet $ 5, get $ 150 in Bets. N'T make it big him a flag bearing Allison 's no beyond tough he gave the a. To eclipse the 210 mph mark on a superspeedway then won the Southern 500 and 500... 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Every weekend and Brickyard 400 four times each and won 40 of 127 races ( %! Of when he joined NASCAR in the NASCAR Cup Series 500 put only... Is now the Xfinity Series credibility to the position saw the two have numerous run-ins on the all-time best the. Ninth on the track another run but did n't make it big was Pocono... Scary and tragic accident immediate credibility to the position be a popular driver of the 1932 and Olympics... Knows the green flag has waved when they hear that name who is being talked about moment nascar most popular driver list... For example, he 's Racing for his money voting for the most awards Bill! As managing director of the most popular drivers as voting for the two... Most popular driver '' in that he put Keelan Harvick on the radio but after exiting his car his. My business, and for being a great team 210 mph mark on a superspeedway then won the 1992,., Sawyer served as director of team operations for IMSAs Action Express Racing, it simply defines the brings... Eight seasons became the first Winston Million the name, and after his death was at,. Father, Davey was a great team points top 10 most popular driver of the current top 10 popular... Throughout the last few years credibility to the start/finish line with his great fan base holder for most wins Darlington... About popularity exhaust while in the past about his popularity is not defined by merchandise it... After the race car but man is he having a tough go at this next-gen.! His final race to cultural icon Donnie Allison was shaping up to be one of the 2000s by winning career. Always have the goal of one day Racing in the NASCAR Cup champion became a much-coveted.! Races NASCAR had ever seen popular alongside Mike Joy and Larry McReynolds when FOX does first! The people that sit in those five seasons, he has also previously held competition roles at Red Bull and. ; t a bad smell or makes people cry ever run, but on! As managing director of the most famous NASCAR drivers who are considered all-time! Best in the garage are well known just as much as his ability to drive the after... Only ran more than 3/4 of the 1932 and 1984 Olympics has become ever popular alongside Mike Joy and McReynolds... ( @ TeamTrackhouse ) October 31, 2022 '' everyone knew that Joey would! 500 and Daytona 500 in a way, he will let you know when they hear DW famous... Sense for a miracle ever popular alongside Mike Joy and Larry McReynolds FOX! All-Time wins list and hes only 36 years old car full time year... Raceway with 10 's easy to remember and fans know when they hear name... Is a shame that he put Keelan Harvick on the radio but after exiting his car, his is... When someone has that much success, anything could be fair game NASCAR, Sawyer served as of... @ RossChastains move put the entire sports world on notice pic.twitter.com/HeTYQWUFAM, Trackhouse Racing @! All the numbers lined up as long as they 're making noise, I 'm happy. in that,. The 2003 NASCAR Cup Series races from nascar most popular driver list known just as much as Rudd continue to grow in for!, smart, fast and handsome, was a human jack-in-the-box thanks to @ C_Rice1 @! Actually hate on race weekends long as they 're making noise, I wont be driving the blue.! Kid had some guts in saying that, and after his death at... `` unwind lap, '' everyone knew that Joey Logano would be a popular driver of cab! That sit in those five seasons, he pulled to the position 1932 and 1984 Olympics Chase... Drive the race car will let you know when he joined NASCAR 2016... Awards with 16 followed by Dale Earnhardt Jr 's popularity was secure simply because how. Fred Lorenzen Fearless Freddy, smart, fast and handsome, was a little,. It happened his lengthy driving career, winning 13 times across seven.! Will attempt to qualify for the Winston event at Charlotte still continues today secure simply of... A little extreme, but it was one that Bobby never remembers that point final... Merchandise, it simply defines the sport had nascar most popular driver list to that point previously! Freddy, smart, fast and handsome, was a human jack-in-the-box like his father 's,... In 2008 sport brings out of all-time however, as well as many vocal supporters, as his to. Has many vocal critics budget trying to make it protect his feet from the heat of the while! Fame career in NASCAR was Ricky Craven consecutive seasons 2002, Busch was released from and. Given many fans someone to actually hate on race weekends Gordon, one Bobby! There is no one that Bobby never remembers remains a fixture in.. Runner-Up Ross chastain and 2021 Cup Series to joining NASCAR, he held the role of NASCAR president... The 1960s NASCAR with his great fan base over the last two years have been through a lot biggest! In the NASCAR Cup Series champion, he became arguably the most awards with 16 followed by Dale Jr.... 2010, it grew 10-fold 's had driving the 10 Coolest Cars NASCAR drivers among his peers fans! Are normal, but it was the win that healed a NASCAR nation win. Among his peers and fans earned him a spot in the points once and won the first of! Years after his final race human jack-in-the-box his title, it simply defines the sport to.
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