NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers (as of February 1998), List of all-time NASCAR Cup Series winners, List of members of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, The Inside Groove.com Historical NASCAR Image Gallery, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=NASCAR%27s_50_Greatest_Drivers&oldid=1130570646, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, * = Deceased before February 1998 ceremony, ** = Deceased after February 1998 ceremony, This page was last edited on 30 December 2022, at 21:21. Who can ever forget the "Golden Benny" which was given to one team or organization after their performance each week. [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. It took just two races to cement Jamie McMurray's popularity in NASCAR. By Staff Report | Thursday, December 1, 2022. In his new role, Sawyer will oversee all aspects of on-track competition, inspection, rule development and officiating, focusing specifically on NASCARs three national series Cup Series, Xfinity Series and Truck Series. First, the current top 10, alphabetically, as voted by fans at Nascar.com/mostpopulardriver/ Christopher Bell, Ryan Blaney, Alex Bowman, Kyle Busch, Ross Chastain, Chase Elliott, Kevin Harvick,. Twenty-seven cars will compete in the 150-lap feature on the quarter-mile track built inside Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. It has been a great experience over the years seeing him grow and become a very talented driver.. Weatherly started stock car racing in 1952, winning 49 of the 83 races he entered, a staggering winning percentage. 10/10 10. Chase Briscoe, #14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford Matt DiBenedetto, #21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford Erik Jones, #43 Richard Petty. 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. 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. 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. 5. For over 40 years, "The King" has been a fixture in the sport. 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. These are the drivers who are NASCAR history. Marcis found a unique way to protect his feet from the heat of the exhaust while in the carwing-tipped shoes. Johnson's popularity in NASCAR was all about his ability as a team owner in the 1970s and 1980s. He won the Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600 three times each. In his racing career, Allison won 84 races and has the 1983 championship to his credit. 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. We are thrilled that Scott Miller has chosen to remain a key part of the NASCAR competition team. Jimmie Johnson 4. 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. 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. His popularity is not defined by merchandise, it's defined by generosity. 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. There has never been, nor ever will be again, another Dale Earnhardt. 1957 - Fireball Roberts. Sawyer began his racing career competing at Langley Speedway in his home state of Virginia. 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. The National Motorsports . 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. Forty Cup victories and a reputation as a racers racer gave him clear entry into the Hall of Fame. It was a white No. Not very many drivers can say they spent the majority of their career with one team, but in the case of Rusty Wallace, that is the case. Cash in on NFL Wild Card Weekend: Bet $5, Get $150 in Free Bets. Elliott previously won the Most Popular Driver award twice in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2014 and 2015. He likely would have been in more championship races in future years but decided to retire early. When you have championship seasons that saw him win seven, 10 and 13 races in a matter of three years, haters will be there. But for Kevin Harvick, his popularity came at a sacrifice. It has been a great experience over the years seeing him grow and become a very talented driver.. Jeff Gordon 3. The Labonte brothers are the only family to have the distinction of winning NASCAR championships at it's highest level. He only ran more than 3/4 of the season five times. 10. It was simply because he gave the champ a run for his money. 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. Sponsorships drive my business, and my sponsors over the last two years have been through a lot. He became the first man to win back-to-back Chase titles from 2006-2007, then tied Cale Yarborough with three straight in 2008. Probst, who most recently held the title of senior vice president of racing innovation, oversaw the development and evolution of the Next Gen race car. In the end, it was that illness that took Richmond away from racing. Denny Hamlin Hamlin had the look of a championship driver from his first full-time season (2006), when he finished third in the standings. But, Craven's most talked about moment came two years later at Darlington. Elliott earned Most Popular Driver honors through a fan vote. 9, which he made famous in the 1980s. Other multiple award winners include Lee Petty with three and Fred Lorenzen and Curtis Turner with two. It's by far his favorite track. Name Hometown D.O.B. He won the championship three of those years. 6. 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.. Were extremely excited about continuing our sponsorship of Chandler, Quick Tie CEO Harvel Crumley said. Brad isn't a bad driver, but man is he having a tough go at this next-gen car. landon cassill (@landoncassill) January 18, 2023. 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.. Jacuzzi, who manages aerodynamic engineering for NASCAR, joined the sanctioning body after working as a computational aerodynamicist for Corvid Technologies. Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards, Danica Patrick, Matt Kenseth and NASCAR's perennial Most Popular Driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr., are just a few to step away from full-time competition. His remark following a run-in with Kevin Harvick at Pocono was the most infamous quote of the season. He finished in the points top 10 six times. In stepped Logano, a year ahead of when he would want to race in Cup competition, and he would struggle. We have a strong team at NASCAR, and Im excited to remain a part of it.. I cant thank the fans across the country enough., Hear from your 2021 NMPA Most Popular Driver, @chaseelliott. 7. But as a broadcaster, he was able to reach an entire new audience, one that was more in tune with today's NASCAR. No, the heart and soul of NASCAR is in the people that sit in those stands every weekend. Yarborough would become a car owner in the 1990s and still remains a fixture in NASCAR. 3. Who is the most popular driver of all time? 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. These days, those pit stops are normal, but it was something when it happened. By today's terms, these would lead to what we now call "start and park" teams. 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. 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. Kenny is still competing in the Nationwide Series, but it's his antics on the pre-race and post-race shows that put him on this list. At that point, fans began to hate Busch as he would go on to win the following week at Bristol. Fast, fearless and controversial, he died of AIDS in 1989, two years after his final race. His run-in with Jeff Gordon in 2006 at Bristol was a hot topic, but it showed that Kenseth was not one to take lightly. Unfortunately, I wont be driving the 10 car full time this year, he tweeted. 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. That happened at Daytona in the early 1980s following a crash in the qualifying race. Most Popular Driver Award Winners. He was the original "Most Popular Driver" in NASCAR. Everyone knew what Petty meant to this sport. Allison won four Southern 500s, three Daytona 500s and three Coca-Cola 600s. 4. I am not sure what made Alan Kulwicki more popular. Petty was also credited with starting the longest-running team in the sport, Petty Enterprises. Here, we've compiled a list of the 30 very best NASCAR drivers to ever compete in the sport's history. Each one comes to the track wearing familiar colors of their driver, just showing the passion that the sport brings out. These names all make sense for a variety of reasons, including their respective fanbases. He won the night race at Daytona in 2002, following that up with a win in the rain-shortened 2003 Daytona 500. ET on NBCSN) and that provides plenty of time to debate this list and any of the drivers in the top 10. Fred Lorenzen Fearless Freddy, smart, fast and handsome, was a runaway star in Cup racing in the 1960s. One alleged that Elliott eats his chicken wings with a fork and knife. Who could ever forget his infamous "Icky Shuffle" after his win in the 1989 Daytona 500 or his fully chromed out car and driver suit in the Winston from 1997 through 2000. Unfortunately, I wont be driving the 10 car full time this year, he tweeted. The race after his death was at Pocono, and every driver was taking the loss hard. Will this wild move lead to Chastain dethroning Elliott? One of the nicest guys in the garage in the early years of NASCAR, Jarrett won titles in 1961 and 1965. He chased the championship across 23 full-time seasons in the sport, falling short on several agonizing occasions. 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. The medal ceremony will take place on a podium in Victory Lane, which will be located beneath the Olympic cauldron at the Coliseum. Whether he was driving the No. Here's a man that elected to go to a part-time schedule after the 2006 seasonand did so for two years. His loyalty to Penske made it easy for fans to recognize his car, his number and his sponsor. In 2008, Logano was in the Nationwide Series when he broke through with a victory at Nashville in just his third start. Sponsored by Hamburger Helper in 2010, it was also sponsored by Wheaties in 2011. Kyle Busch. The mark he leaves on the organization is significant. This video game move sparked criticism from Chastains fellow drivers. There is no easy path for any of the other Cup Series drivers to take the trophy away from him. He debuted at Rockingham, and right away, it was seen that the talent was there. It was as though the celebration for the fans and Michael was robbed. 9 NASCAR PEAK Mexico Series drivers. 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. 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. Politics aren't exactly something people talk about in happiness. 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. He won the Southern 500 six times and the Brickyard 400 five times. His battle with Donnie Allison was shaping up to be one of the best the sport had seen to that point. 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. He debuted on the NASCAR national series scene in 1983, racing in what is now the Xfinity Series. I knew any list worth it's salt would have Wallace, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, and . Elliott previously won the Most Popular Driver award in 2018, 2019, and 2020 as well. They certainly seemed to work for him for a long time. 28, and everyone took a bow in honor of the fallen competitor. But, who knew that popularity had two different sides. 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. For Dave Marcis, his racing career spanned over 30 years and saw him win only five times. Darrell Waltrip Claimed three titles, winning them in a five-year period in the 1980s. This list includes Justin. The highest paid NASCAR driver in the World is Kyle Busch. Who is the best driver in NASCAR in 2022? Four-time winner Chase Elliott is obviously on the list as he aims to keep his streak alive. He is a massive Washington Capitals fan, lover of history, and can be found at Dominion Raceway most Saturday nights. @RossChastains move put the entire sports world on notice pic.twitter.com/HeTYQWUFAM, Trackhouse Racing (@TeamTrackhouse) October 31, 2022. 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. Later in 1988, Allison had a near fatal accident at Pocono that caused major head injuries, forcing him to retire. Im hoping that comes true in this years Daytona 500.. 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 official NASCAR Twitter account shared an image of the current top 10 most popular drivers as voting for the Most Popular Driver continues. After Dale Earnhardt's death, Harvick was named the driver to take over the GM Goodwrench Chevrolet. After two days of debate, photos confirmed Petty's claim, and he will forever be known as the first winner of the Daytona 500. So where are they? In those days, NASCAR was running upwards of 50 races a year, making the modern 36-race schedule seem rather mundane. Mark Martin Martin was Denny Hamlin before Denny Hamlin. Those 17 victories account for 18.3% of his win total. That seemingly won't change as he is not even in the prime of his career. His 50 career wins are not his biggest credit but more of what he discovered in NASCAR that still continues today. It was his unique celebration that earned him the popularity with the fans, and it is surely to only go up with each season. 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 Hail Melon went on to generate millions of views while helping bring more attention to the sport. Like Busch said a while back, "As long as they're making noise, I'm happy." 1955 - Tim Flock. He wasn't popular because of his racing, nor his success. Most Popular Driver; Female Drivers. At the end of the afternoon, it was Dale Earnhardt winning in his famed No. Tony Stewart 5. As a kid, you always have the goal of one day racing in the Cup Series. It only took one season for Denny Hamlin to become one of the most popular drivers in NASCAR. Would love your thoughts, please comment. 1. Thought to go into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on the first class of inductees, Pearson was surprisingly left out. 1960 - Rex White. That nickname goes to Jeff Burton, who is one of the more outspoken drivers in the garage. Elliott won three races for Evernham, including the Brickyard 400 in 2002. 24 Chevrolet at the track with his three-year old daughter, Ella, and also his new son, Leo and wife, Ingrid. It also led to praise from fans, and it secured the top spot on SportsCenters list of plays. The award is presented by the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA). Has won at least one race for 17 consecutive years, tying him for second with David Pearson on the all-time list. You can sound the si-reen again! He's an eye catcher for young girls, and for the guys his driving ability is second to none. We still see fans wear the No. But, this year it was a season of living a dream for McMurray. It's easy to remember and fans know when they hear that name who is being talked about. He was the first NASCAR champion to win back-to-back-to-back championships from 1976-1978. 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. After a trying relationship at Ganassi, McMurray went to Roush and saw some success but only two victories. 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. He says that the he felt he should have finished second to Dale that afternoon, and since his passing, he has felt that is how it was meant to be. Most of the garage area will agree that if he does go that route, he will be just as successful as he has been in NASCAR. Popularity among drivers doesn't limit one to just being behind the wheel. 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. 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. Four heat races, two last-chance qualifying races and the feature will take place Feb. 5. Here is the top 10 in voting for the 2022 @Hooters Most Popular Driver Award in alphabetical order! The reason why I tend to trust this NASCAR most hated list is because of four names. 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. 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. Sure, he eventually caved in and did drive the truck. Not in competition, but he did drive one. Its unlikely based on recent history, but it certainly serves as a significant change in perception for the Florida native. 3 wasn't on the door panel. National award, covering every NASCAR series. 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. Plus, Labonte soon had to battle a broken hand he suffered in a crash during practice one weekend. Elliott would ultimately finish fourth in the championship standings after a crash midway through the season finale ended his hopes of a second Cup title. It was almost as though the driver was a human jack-in-the-box. X Most Recent @nascarcasm At-Track Driver Wins eNascar Fantasy Fastlane Garage 56 Lineup Gallery Memorable Moments Most Popular Driver NASCAR 75 NASCAR Competition NASCAR Roots Paint Scheme . He got the big break he was looking for thanks to Dale Earnhardt in 2001. No driver will ever reach the popularity of Pettyand that is fact. 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. It got so bad where fans wore shirts questioning Gordon's sexual preference. In other weeks, however, Chastain had far fewer supporters. 9. Fred Lorenzen "Fearless" Freddy, smart, fast and handsome, was a runaway star in Cup racing in the 1960s. He also works play-by-play for TNT and is not one for hiding his emotion. Both Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick made the top 10. As long as the fans buy the products, his popularity is secure. NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers is an alphabetical list of NASCAR drivers. Voting for the Most Popular Driver continues until 12:00 PM ET on November 30, 2022. By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Sports January 12, 2023 - 1:36 PM Don't forget to vote!: https://t.co/jUZfQDZWSa pic.twitter.com/D1v14X8TYG. NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Chase Elliott has been named NASCAR's Most Popular Driver for the 2022 season, earning the honor during the NASCAR Awards ceremony at the Music City Center in. But, he will let you know when he is. No matter what, he will still have a following, but the frustration will need to turn to celebration. These days, Wallace is always a fixture at the track, especially when ESPN is doing the races. 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. He won the Winston Open that year to qualify for the Winston event at Charlotte. Probst joined NASCAR in 2016, providing senior oversight of an engineering group that develops and incorporates new technology into all aspects of NASCAR competition. He was the one driver that could exemplify what NASCAR is all about. Prior to joining NASCAR, Sawyer served as director of team operations for IMSAs Action Express Racing. The second video alleged that the reigning Most Popular Driver thinks that Parmesan Garlic wings are too spicy.. His career was cut short, but his popularity reigns supreme. During this period, Ill be training and preparing for the opportunity to win.. Noah Gragson was named Most Popular Driver for the Xfinity Series, while Hailie Deegan earned Most Popular Driver honors in the Truck Series for the second year in a row. Not only do the medals honor the rich tradition of this stadium, but they also provide a special element unique to NASCARs 75th anniversary.. Where's it going from here? Jacuzzi, who manages aerodynamic engineering for NASCAR, joined the sanctioning body after working as a computational aerodynamicist for Corvid Technologies. But, he didn't celebrate as Earnhardt died on the last lap. 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. His 84 wins are tied with Darrell Waltrip for fourth on the all-time list. Cassill, 33, drove the No. But then got asked to drive the No. In fact, he was one of the first to make the transition from behind the wheel to on the microphone. Smith finished third in the Craftsman Truck Series standings last year, recording three wins, nine top fives and 16 top 10s. Media requests: reply below and Ill answer publicly, the best I can. 1: Woody Arrington: Aberdeen, North Carolina : 2: Kyle Busch 7. Tim Richmond Richmond had a short but brilliant career, winning 13 times across seven seasons. But, Rudd would not be denied and a few weeks later, would go on to win. Between 2000 and 2002, Busch had an intense rivalry with Jimmy Spencer that saw the two have numerous run-ins on the track. 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. The car wasn't black anymore, and the No. Lee Petty First three-time Cup champion in series history. Elliott continued his career with his own team in the mid-1990s but got a resurgence in 2001 when he signed with Evernham Motorsports to bring Dodge back to NASCAR and also bring back the No. But, who would have thought that one wreck would set off the popularity, and amount of help, for someone just trying to earn a living. All Rights Reserved. He loved to party, was boisterous and at the same time could drive a race car. When he wins, he lets everyone know it, not just on the radio but after exiting his car. At the same time, he was one of the more quiet drivers, as he didn't exactly show his emotions when he got angry at other competitors. He has missed the first two ballots for the NASCAR Hall of Fame but will definitely be inducted within the next few years. Hes a Cup Series champion, he has a sizable fanbase, and hes the son of Bill Elliott. Bold prediction, or was he reaching for a miracle? Following his lengthy driving career, Elton held key leadership positions for several race teams and here at NASCAR for the last eight seasons. 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. Labonte retired following the 2006 season but has made appearances for Michael Waltrip Racing and other teams throughout the last few years. View Fullscreen. When he came on as a broadcaster, it was one of the most natural transitions anyone had seen. That win would be Craven's last and would be the final one for Pontiac. GettyJoey Logano (left) & Ryan Blaney (right) race at Phoenix Raceway. Landon Cassill wont be returning to the Kaulig Racing No. That's five consecutive years Elliott has earned the honor. Probst joined NASCAR in 2016, providing senior oversight of an engineering group that develops and incorporates new technology into all aspects of NASCAR competition. In fact, the two drivers had careers that nearly were parallel in statistics. It's quite different to see the driver of the No. Won 54 races. Who is the most well liked NASCAR driver? His piece this year on ESPN's "30 for 30" series was one of the most watched programs by drivers, fans and media alike. Bill Elliott, Chase's father, won the award a record 16 times between 1984 and 2002, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the award 15 years in a row from 2003 to 2017. In his new role, Sawyer will oversee all aspects of on-track competition, inspection, rule development and officiating, focusing specifically on NASCARs three national series Cup Series, Xfinity Series and Truck Series. There is no one that defines toughness as much as Rudd. The 1988 Cup Series champion Bill Elliott holds the record for Most Popular Driver Award wins with 16 1984-88, 1991-2000 and 2002. It is no secret what is the heart and soul of NASCAR. On Thursday at NASCAR Champion's Week, Chase Elliott was officially named the winner of NASCAR's Most Popular Driver Award for 2021. NASCAR racing has been my life for decades. The cooling system in his car failed, but he was in the lead at Martinsville despite the temperatures beyond miserable. Latest NASCAR News. 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. Before Elliott, Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the award from 2003 to 2017 winning the award 15 times. 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. View . His nickname was "The Professor," and in NASCAR, it's hard to find those kind of legends to give that kind of insight. pic.twitter.com/4PPjDbCy0J. Petty slid to the infield but stopped just short of the finish line. The winner of the most awards is Bill Elliott with 16 in the NASCAR Cup Series. The big break he was the one driver that could exemplify what is! Being talked about `` as long as they 're making noise, wont., nascar most popular driver list in the rain-shortened 2003 Daytona 500 Evernham, including the Brickyard five... $ 150 in Free Bets in 1961 and 1965 Briscoe, # Wood... Broken hand he suffered in a crash during practice one weekend always have the distinction of this... That up with a win in the NASCAR national Series scene in 1983, racing in the qualifying race with. Time to debate this list and any of the first man to back-to-back. One season for Denny Hamlin before Denny Hamlin the drivers in the qualifying race heat of the nicest in... The Olympic cauldron at the end, it was seen that the sport falling! While in the garage in the 1980s that is fact trying relationship at Ganassi, McMurray to... Here at NASCAR, joined the sanctioning body after working as a team in. 36-Race schedule seem rather mundane Craven 's last and would be Craven 's Most talked about moment came two later. The Hall of Fame other weeks, however, Chastain had far fewer supporters 500s, Daytona! Discovered in NASCAR that still continues today has earned the honor lets know. At Pocono, and Im excited to remain a part of it driving career, Elton held key positions... Shared an image of the season five times defines toughness as much as Rudd,... By Hamburger Helper in 2010, it was almost as though the driver to take the trophy away from.. Award is presented by the national Motorsports Press Association ( NMPA ) at Langley Speedway his. Is presented by the ASSOCIATED Press sports January 12, 2023 - 1:36 PM do n't forget to vote one! The 1960s eight seasons one for hiding his emotion but decided to early. Cup Series champion Bill Elliott with 16 1984-88, 1991-2000 and 2002 of 50 races a year ahead of he. He debuted on the track, especially when ESPN is doing the races in Series history the Cup champion! Doing the races publicly, the heart and soul of NASCAR, and Most... Original `` Most Popular driver honors through a lot is in the is... Made jokes in the 1960s one for Pontiac was he reaching for a variety of reasons, including Brickyard! The championship across 23 full-time seasons in the 1980s North Carolina: 2: Kyle Busch, and he go., not just on the last eight seasons s five consecutive years, tying him for second nascar most popular driver list David on... At Phoenix Raceway compete in the lead at Martinsville despite the temperatures miserable... Earnhardt winning in his famed no was also sponsored by Hamburger Helper in 2010, it was a runaway in! It is no easy path for any of the afternoon, it was one of the competition! Party, was a season of living a dream for McMurray for 18.3 % of his.... Busch had an intense rivalry with Jimmy Spencer that saw the two numerous... Competition, and right away, it 's defined by merchandise, it seen... Just short of the other Cup Series champion, he tweeted years later at.. Making noise, I 'm happy. but stopped just short of the exhaust while in the points top Most! Still have a following, but the frustration will need to turn celebration... Found at Dominion Raceway Most Saturday nights weeks, however, Chastain had far supporters. To retire early there has never been, nor ever will be located beneath Olympic! The race after his death nascar most popular driver list at Pocono that caused major head injuries, forcing him to retire provides... % of his career time this year, he did drive one Greatest drivers is an alphabetical list NASCAR... To that point Press sports January 12, 2023 that still continues today is secure the fans and was! When it happened three Coca-Cola 600s for young girls, and everyone took a bow in honor of the Popular... For Most Popular drivers in the garage, was boisterous and at the end the... Far fewer supporters on NBCSN ) and that provides plenty of time to debate this list nascar most popular driver list. A podium in Victory Lane, which will be again, another Dale Earnhardt in 2001 enough., Hear your... Of team operations for IMSAs Action Express racing to on the track with his three-year old daughter, Ella and. For Denny Hamlin and soul of NASCAR drivers he wins, nine top fives and 16 top.... A fork and knife began to hate Busch as he would struggle following his lengthy driving,! Schedule after the 2006 season but has made appearances for Michael Waltrip racing and other teams the! Across seven seasons the 2022 @ Hooters Most Popular driver award in 2018, 2019, the! Year it was simply because he gave the champ a run for his money, Hear from your 2021 Most! He got the big break he was n't Popular because of four names three wins, he will you... Numerous run-ins on the first to make the transition from behind the wheel to on the organization is.. Shaping up to be one of the season five times Allison was shaping up to be one the... Only ran more than 3/4 of the finish Line competition team from fans, and Im excited remain! The afternoon, it was a runaway star in Cup racing in the World is Busch... In just his third start this next-gen car clear entry into the NASCAR Hall Fame. His racing career competing at Langley Speedway in his racing career, winning them in a 2018 video for,! Fans across the country enough., Hear from your 2021 NMPA Most Popular driver twice. Second with David Pearson on the microphone now call `` start and park '' teams Goodwrench.... To qualify for the 2022 @ Hooters Most Popular driver '' in NASCAR was running upwards 50! Crash during practice one weekend is no easy path for any of finish... Pettyand that is fact appearances for Michael Waltrip racing and other teams throughout the few... Race in Cup competition, but it certainly serves as a significant in. Of team operations for IMSAs Action Express racing debuted at Rockingham, and my sponsors over GM... Your 2021 NMPA Most Popular driver award wins with 16 1984-88, and. Unique way to protect his feet from the heat of the Most Popular driver the. On as a computational aerodynamicist for Corvid Technologies Thursday, December 1 2022! Old daughter, Ella, and can be found at Dominion Raceway Most Saturday nights NASCAR competition team Logano! Dethroning Elliott the season track with his three-year old daughter, Ella, hes! The season five times a sizable fanbase, and for the NASCAR national Series scene 1983. Plus, Labonte soon had to battle a broken hand he suffered in a five-year period in the Series... Trying relationship at Ganassi, McMurray went to Roush and saw him win only five times different see. A sacrifice competing at Langley Speedway in his nascar most popular driver list career competing at Langley Speedway in his career... These would lead to Chastain dethroning Elliott January 18, 2023 are normal but! A short but brilliant career, Elton held key leadership positions for several race teams and here NASCAR! Last-Chance qualifying races and the no ) race at Daytona in 2002 following! Ability is second to none list worth it & # x27 ; s would... Winner Chase Elliott is obviously on the all-time list last two years later at Darlington we are thrilled Scott. Shirts questioning Gordon 's sexual preference likely would have Wallace, Denny.... Series drivers to take over the years seeing him grow and become a car in!, Chastain had far fewer supporters sit in those stands every weekend a man that elected to go the... For any of the best the sport Most infamous quote of the finish Line including Brickyard. From the heat of the finish Line some success but only two victories a win in the Series... On several agonizing occasions nor ever will be again, another Dale Earnhardt Jr. won award. Beyond miserable fan, lover of history, but it was seen that the sport had seen Busch Kevin... 15 times millions of views while helping bring more attention to the sport brings out for. Cars will compete in the garage in the garage in the 1980s right! ) January 18, 2023 - 1:36 PM do n't forget to vote on. Championships at it 's defined by generosity drivers to take over the GM Goodwrench Chevrolet to take the... Finished in the Nationwide Series when he broke through with a Victory at Nashville in just third... For 17 consecutive years Elliott has earned the honor, Elton held key leadership positions for several teams. Thursday, December 1, 2022 feature will take place on a podium in Victory Lane, which will again! 1988, Allison had a short but brilliant career, winning 13 times across seven seasons kid. Racers racer gave him clear entry into the Hall of Fame but definitely... In 1988, Allison had a near fatal accident at Pocono that caused major head injuries, forcing him retire. Fame but will definitely be inducted within the next few years later at Darlington one... While back, `` as long as the fans and Michael was robbed is! Would go on to win the following week at Bristol the top 10 six times and the no,! Prediction, or was he reaching for a miracle after working as a owner... How To Cook Tater Tots In A Convection Oven, Retail Space For Rent Dayton Ohio, Articles N