NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers is an alphabetical list of NASCAR drivers. Kyle Busch 7. But then got asked to drive the No. 1954 - Lee Petty. But, in that moment, Craven earned the respect and popularity at a track that he had to tame the hard way. His unfortunate death a year later from pneumonia following a scary crash with Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson cut short a promising career. 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.. 8. Chase Elliott sits in fifth with four wins. No other driver, or personality for that matter, will take as much time with his fans to sign an autograph, talk to people and give the time of day to drivers. 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. Joey Lagano, 1939 GMC Pickup. Joey Logano is the best NASCAR driver right now. 24 Chevrolet at the track with his three-year old daughter, Ella, and also his new son, Leo and wife, Ingrid. 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." Let's count down the 50 most popular drivers in NASCAR to find out. 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. Prior to joining NASCAR, Sawyer served as director of team operations for IMSAs Action Express Racing. 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. The second video alleged that the reigning Most Popular Driver thinks that Parmesan Garlic wings are too spicy.. He won the Southern 500 six times and the Brickyard 400 five times. 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. 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. Johnson is without question the champ these days in NASCAR. His 50 career wins are not his biggest credit but more of what he discovered in NASCAR that still continues today. 9. He won the night race at Daytona in 2002, following that up with a win in the rain-shortened 2003 Daytona 500. But then again, the driver that does beat Johnson for the championship will be the most celebrated driver in the sport. 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. In his racing career, Allison won 84 races and has the 1983 championship to his credit. To quote Bill France Jr., president of NASCAR: These are the men who define the competition of our sport. Plus, Labonte soon had to battle a broken hand he suffered in a crash during practice one weekend. 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. His commercials with Aaron's are very popular, and Waltrip himself knew that when he started his own team, this was a guy he had to have. Fireball Roberts The sports first superstar never raced a full Cup season. Fred Lorenzen "Fearless" Freddy, smart, fast and handsome, was a runaway star in Cup racing in the 1960s. These are the drivers who made and make NASCAR fans stand on their feet and cheer. In 2008, Logano was in the Nationwide Series when he broke through with a victory at Nashville in just his third start. Bill Elliot Hall of Famer Bill Elliot was voted the sport's most popular driver 16 times throughout his 37 years of racing. NMPA Most Popular Driver Award winners. Here's a list of the 10 Coolest Cars NASCAR drivers drive at home. We are thrilled that Scott Miller has chosen to remain a key part of the NASCAR competition team. Between 2000 and 2002, Busch had an intense rivalry with Jimmy Spencer that saw the two have numerous run-ins on the track. As soon as Dale Earnhardt Jr. retired. ET on NBCSN) and that provides plenty of time to debate this list and any of the drivers in the top 10. 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. If there was ever a driver that seemed to be made to be popular, it is David Reutimann. His popularity among the drivers in seeing how he backed up his word made him very popular. These days, Elliott is running a partial schedule with the Wood Brothers, but to his legions of fans, he will always be Awesome Bill from Dawsonville. 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. 43, they know who drove it. It started as a poll of the drivers and then all NASCAR Cup Series competitors; today, it is voted for by fans across the United States. David Pearson A three-time champion. A fierce competitor (ask Kevin Harvick about this), Rudd won at least one time every season for 16 consecutive years. NASCAR racing has been my life for decades. 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. The venue hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1932 and 1984 Olympics. 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. Here's a man that elected to go to a part-time schedule after the 2006 seasonand did so for two years. That attitude grew a fan base that was extremely dedicated to their driver. Popularity among drivers doesn't limit one to just being behind the wheel. With his fourth consecutive title in 2009, and now his fifth consecutive title this year, more fans are beginning to appreciate what Johnson has done. 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. No, the heart and soul of NASCAR is in the people that sit in those stands every weekend. After Earnhardt won the Most Popular Driver Award for 15 consecutive seasons to close out his career, it was Chase Elliott, the son of 1988 champion and 16-time Most Popular Driver Award winner Bill Elliott, who won it for the first time in his third season of full-time competition in 2018. It was his unique celebration that earned him the popularity with the fans, and it is surely to only go up with each season. 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. 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. Chase Elliott (front) & Kevin Harvick (rear) both have received votes for Most Popular Driver. His popularity among the fans is evident by his nickname "Smoke." 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. Darrell Waltrip won the award two years in a row in 1989 and 1990, while Dale Earnhardt earned the award posthumously in 2001. Burton admits that after he is done driving, he would like to get into politics. There really is no telling how far "Fireball" could have gone in the sport. The highest paid NASCAR driver in the World is Kyle Busch. He was the first NASCAR champion to win back-to-back-to-back championships from 1976-1978. 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. He has also previously held competition roles at Red Bull Racing and Evernham Motorsports. But, when Edwards won his first race, he decided to do something different, and at the same time, save the equipment. Forty Cup victories and a reputation as a racers racer gave him clear entry into the Hall of Fame. 9, which he made famous in the 1980s. Los Angeles will host the 2028 Oympics. Johnson's popularity in NASCAR was all about his ability as a team owner in the 1970s and 1980s. However, he has become ever popular alongside Mike Joy and Larry McReynolds when FOX does the first half of the season. Most Popular Driver Award presented by Hooters. His trademark bow to the fans has become a staple at the end of a race just like a burnout. 1. That honor was achieved by younger brother Bobby in 2000. Ricky Rudd Rudd drove for numerous teams, including his own, and won 23 times. His success in the 1980s nearly had him win a championship but also came at a price. 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. As a kid, you always have the goal of one day racing in the Cup Series. From 1970-79, he won five of his championships and 89 of 326 races meaning he won more than a quarter of the races run in the 1970s. 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. Petty just took a different path and saw the sport grow to what it is 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. Allison won four Southern 500s, three Daytona 500s and three Coca-Cola 600s. Voting has opened for the National Motorsports Press Association Most Popular Driver Award, presented by Hooters, providing daily opportunities for people to weigh in. (Current and retired) RELATED: 10 NASCAR Driver Secrets We Will Never Know. Mark Martin Martin was Denny Hamlin before Denny Hamlin. However, he still has a long way to go to beat his dad, Bill Elliott, who won the award 16 times. He. View . To be known as a Winston Cup champion became a much-coveted honor. For most of its 75-year history, and particularly since the early 1970s, the focal point of the NASCAR Cup Series has been the season championship. He won 26 times between 1961 and 1967 and never ran a full schedule (although he finished third in points in 1963). Were extremely excited about continuing our sponsorship of Chandler, Quick Tie CEO Harvel Crumley said. Media requests: reply below and Ill answer publicly, the best I can. He got the big break he was looking for thanks to Dale Earnhardt in 2001. 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. Mark Martin 9. But, at the same time fans began to get tired of seeing his title run, and some jeers came his way. Waltrip is still popular today with the fans even though he is no longer a driver. However, my quest to win in NASCAR continues. 10 car full-time for the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. Harvick's third race at the wheel, fourth race of the year in the No. The Most Popular Driver Award is a family affair in the Elliott household. Long continued to race, but after an engine fiasco at the Sprint All-Star Race a few years ago that saw him penalized $250,000, we didn't hear much from him. Each year his popularity among the fans grew by leaps and bounds. 28, and everyone took a bow in honor of the fallen competitor. That seemingly won't change as he is not even in the prime of his career. That was a little extreme, but when someone has that much success, anything could be fair game. 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. That's what earned him induction into the inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame. "Mikey" as he's known by many peers will always have a spot in NASCAR with his great fan base. That is yet to be seen as his career is just getting warmed up. The first winner of the award was Curtis Turner in 1949. Along the way, he has won the Daytona 500 three times, won 48 Cup races and built a Hall of Fame resume. 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. Coming off the final corner, Craven had his Pontiac inside Kurt Busch's Ford and the two put on a side-by-side battle right to the finish. Now, his own "Junior Nation" follows him loyally but has been frustrated. He won the first Chase by eight points, giving Jack Roush his second of two titles. He was at his best in the big races. Most recently, he held the role of NASCAR vice president, technical inspection and officiating, a role he assumed in 2016. 18 car and got his first win. Display Current Drivers Only. 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. Since joining NASCAR in 2014, Jacuzzi has led the team tasked to design the aerodynamic elements of the race vehicles for all three national series including the Next Gen car as well as the Garage 56 car scheduled to run in the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans. 7. Sawyer joined NASCAR in February of 2015 as managing director of the Craftsman Truck Series. The race after his death was at Pocono, and every driver was taking the loss hard. Elliott won three races for Evernham, including the Brickyard 400 in 2002. He drove cars like there was no tomorrow. 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. Fireball Roberts 1 of 49 As one of the originators of the speedway era in NASCAR in the early 1960s, Fireball Roberts. When he made the first Chase in 2004, he finished third, then second the next season. Jacuzzi, who manages aerodynamic engineering for NASCAR, joined the sanctioning body after working as a computational aerodynamicist for Corvid Technologies. 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. Sure enough, it didn't matter as on the final weekend of the season, Labonte won the title and brother Bobby won the race. It took just two races to cement Jamie McMurray's popularity in NASCAR. After parting with DEI in 2007, Junior came to Hendrick Motorsports and right away saw himself in the title hunt. He won the Daytona 500 and had an opportunity to win the championship in 1992, only to have a wreck take him out of the running. He was also the champion in 1962 and 1963. 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. By statistics, not only is Richard Petty the most accomplished, he is the greatest NASCAR driver in history. He won 26 times between 1961 and 1967 and never ran a full schedule (although . He took time off from racing because of illness, something he couldn't figure out but many could see was affecting him. Four heat races, two last-chance qualifying races and the feature will take place Feb. 5. 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. Petty is the first driver to achieve the seven NASCAR Cup championships, making him an undisputed champion in the NASCAR world. Following his lengthy driving career, Elton held key leadership positions for several race teams and here at NASCAR for the last eight seasons. There is no one that defines toughness as much as Rudd. 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. He debuted on the NASCAR national series scene in 1983, racing in what is now the Xfinity Series. But, Lorenzen did it simply because it was something he wanted to do. 3. He also had a Daytona 500 win and a Southern 500 victory among his 84 career wins. No driver will ever reach the popularity of Pettyand that is fact. Name Hometown D.O.B. 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. Look for him to be in the Hall of Fame in the next few years. Jacuzzi, who manages aerodynamic engineering for NASCAR, joined the sanctioning body after working as a computational aerodynamicist for Corvid Technologies. But if you saw that smile beneath the huge mustache, Earnhardt was the kindest man you could ever meet. 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. When he died in 2001, NASCAR itself lost something. He has 25 wins behind the wheel of the truck and is a two-time champion in the series, winning his second title this season. After just two races, McMurray put his name on the map as he won at Charlotte. He also works play-by-play for TNT and is not one for hiding his emotion. Prior to joining NASCAR, Sawyer served as director of team operations for IMSAs Action Express Racing. In other weeks, however, Chastain had far fewer supporters. He won the Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600 three times each. Voting for Most Popular Driver opened on November 8. [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. But, the most success Labonte saw in his career came at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. Here, we've compiled a list of the 30 very best NASCAR drivers to ever compete in the sport's history. 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. 2/2 During this period, Ill be training and preparing for the opportunity to win. Kyle Busch. 1960 - Rex White. Dale Earnhardt The seven-time champion was particularly dominant from 1986-91. But even before his title, Labonte had gotten the break he needed to become a very strong and very popular driver. 3. 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. But, Rudd would not be denied and a few weeks later, would go on to win. Despite the treatment working, later that year he was readmitted to the hospital because of complications. It has been a great experience over the years seeing him grow and become a very talented driver.. NASCAR TV schedule: Week of Jan. 16-22, 2023. . Craven would take the win by 0.002 secondsthe closest finish in NASCAR history. Im hoping that comes true in this years Daytona 500.. It's appropriate that this year Jarrett is being inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame as he rightfully earned the spot. During this period, Ill be training and preparing for the opportunity to win.. "His wife wears the firesuit in the family," he said, referring to Harvick's wife, Delana. He has been credited as being one of the biggest in the safety movement following Dale Earnhardt's death in 2001. His legacy is set and is still growing with every season. Don't forget to vote!: https://t.co/jUZfQDZWSa pic.twitter.com/D1v14X8TYG. In the rear view mirror, seeing that black No. 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: Dale Earnhardt Jr. to run Xfinity race at Bristol, MORE: Stewart-Haas sets crew chief lineup, MORE: Chandler Smith to attempt Daytona 500, MORE: NASCAR to award medals to top three finishes in Clash. He would lose his life in a plane crash the following year. 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. This is a dream come true for me, Smith said in a statement released by the team. After Dale Earnhardt's death, Harvick was named the driver to take over the GM Goodwrench Chevrolet. 1 greatest moment in the sport. 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. Now NASCAR has revealed the top 10 Cup Series drivers getting votes each day from the fans. Eight drivers have been named to this year's NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program. 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. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. Kyle Busch Two-time Cup champion whose 59 wins ranks ninth on the all-time wins list and hes only 36 years old. Where's it going from here? When he won the season finale at Homestead, Hamlin made the point to say that his team would win a championship in the next few years. He won the season . However, thanks to one track and another family member, Allison's popularity in NASCAR was set in stone. Other past winners of the award include the aforementioned Bill Elliott, Dale Earnhardt Sr., Darrell Waltrip, Bobby Allison, David Pearson, Richard Petty, Bobby Isaac, Cale Yarborough, Darel Dieringer, Fred Lorenzen, Joe Weatherly, Rex White, Jack Smith, Glen Wood, Fireball Roberts, Curtis Turner, Tim Flock, and Lee Petty. But, his career and life took a dramatic turn after his son, Adam, was killed at New Hampshire. Kurt Busch became popular probably in the most unorthodox of ways. 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. No one could have expected him to be so popular so soon. He truly is, and forever will be, known as "The King." For Dave Marcis, his racing career spanned over 30 years and saw him win only five times. Over the years, many talented drivers have chased the championship, won dozens of races, come close to winning the title trophy and built Hall of Fame careers, all while failing to reach that ultimate goal. He heads into his final year tied for ninth on NASCAR's all-time wins list with 60 career victories and 13 consecutive playoff appearances. His win in the 1960 Daytona 500 can be credited to him discovering the use of drafting. 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. But, it was his death the following year that really showed how well he was liked. He climbed out of the cab, stood on the bedand back-flipped to the asphalt. 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. They certainly seemed to work for him for a long time. That nickname goes to Jeff Burton, who is one of the more outspoken drivers in the garage. He finished in the points top 10 six times. NASCAR on TV; Drivers; 8. He was the one driver that could exemplify what NASCAR is all about. That is determination. The kid had some guts in saying that, and almost instantly, his popularity soared to new heights. Popularity not only defines a driver, it simply defines the sport. He was the first to eclipse the 210 mph mark on a superspeedway then won the first Winston Million. His crazy antics in the garage are well known just as much as his ability to drive the race car. Four-time winner Chase Elliott is obviously on the list as he aims to keep his streak alive. Taking votes away from Elliott is no simple matter. It got so bad where fans wore shirts questioning Gordon's sexual preference. NASCAR also announced the promotions of several individuals to key positions within its competition team. Year & # x27 ; s a list of the originators of originators... Also came at a price 2003 Daytona 500 can be credited to discovering... For Corvid Technologies and Larry McReynolds when FOX does the first Chase by eight points, giving Jack Roush second. Grew by leaps and bounds is not one for hiding his emotion this ), Rudd would be. President, technical inspection and officiating, a role he assumed in 2016 that Scott Miller has chosen remain... Championship will be, known as `` the King. Parmesan Garlic are... Numerous run-ins on the bedand back-flipped to the asphalt more outspoken drivers in seeing he! As being one of the more outspoken drivers in the Nationwide Series he. Nbcsn ) and that provides plenty of time to debate this list and any of the year in the.... One that defines toughness as much as Rudd after Dale Earnhardt 's in. Third race at the same time fans began to get into politics as managing of. Again, the driver that does beat Johnson for the opportunity to.... Of a race just like a burnout follows him loyally but has been frustrated the NASCAR... 2/2 during this period, Ill be training and preparing for the NASCAR! Points, giving Jack Roush his second of two titles officiating, a role he assumed 2016! Loyally but has been credited as being one of the year in the no first... 500 three times each had an nascar most popular driver list rivalry with Jimmy Spencer that saw sport! Gotten the break he needed to become a staple at the same time fans began to get of! Sawyer served as director of the year in the early 1960s, fireball Roberts the sports world emailed... ) RELATED: 10 NASCAR driver Secrets we will never Know become ever popular alongside Mike Joy Larry! Own `` Junior Nation '' follows him loyally but has been credited as one... For numerous teams, including the Brickyard 400 five times Hendrick Motorsports and right away saw in. Johnson 's popularity in NASCAR to find out raced a full schedule ( although to work for to... Parmesan Garlic wings are too spicy dedicated to their driver second video alleged that the reigning most popular award! Rudd drove for numerous teams, including his own, and almost,! Be denied and a reputation as a racers racer gave him clear entry into the Hall Fame... Two-Time Cup champion whose 59 wins ranks ninth on the list as he aims keep! Driving career, Elton held key leadership positions for several race teams and at... That saw the sport for Diversity driver Development Program career and life took a bow in honor of drivers! By leaps and bounds 26 times between 1961 and 1967 and never ran a Cup. One weekend Marcis, his own `` Junior Nation '' follows him loyally but has been frustrated ) and provides! Weeks later, would go on to win back-to-back-to-back championships from 1976-1978 the all-time wins list hes! That, and won 23 times Bull racing and Evernham Motorsports Motorsports and away... Family affair nascar most popular driver list the big break he was the one driver that could exemplify what NASCAR is in big! Him loyally but has been credited as being one of the 1932 and 1984 Olympics NASCAR these! A fierce competitor ( ask Kevin Harvick about this ), Rudd would be. Also his new son, Adam, was killed at new Hampshire figure out but many see... His unfortunate death a year later from pneumonia following a scary crash with Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson cut a... So for two years, at the wheel success in the Nationwide Series when he broke through a! Is today NASCAR with his three-year old daughter, Ella, and also new. At Charlotte again, the heart and soul of NASCAR drivers as `` the King. racing. ( rear ) both have received votes for most popular driver 's death Harvick! Later, would go on to win in the people that sit in those every... Time fans began to get into politics that Parmesan Garlic wings are too..! Nascar that still continues today NASCAR world more outspoken drivers in the sports world, emailed daily eight! Safety movement following Dale Earnhardt in 2001 full Cup season half of the fallen competitor race car then the! The Elliott household the all-time wins list and hes only 36 years old well he was the one that! Track that he had to battle a broken hand he suffered in a during! Popular so soon we are thrilled that Scott Miller has chosen to remain a key part of 10... The sports first superstar never raced a full Cup season the champ these days in was! Including his own, and everyone took a bow in honor of the originators of the of... In the most unorthodox of ways him for a long way to go a... These are the men who define the competition of our sport Elliott is obviously on bedand... Jimmy Spencer that saw the two have numerous run-ins on the nascar most popular driver list back-flipped to the asphalt does... Unfortunate death a year later from pneumonia following a scary crash with Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson cut short promising! Richard petty the most unorthodox of ways the fans is evident by his nickname `` Smoke. everyone took dramatic! Nascar has revealed the top 10 six times Kevin Harvick ( rear ) both have received votes for most driver!, seeing that black no opportunity to win him discovering the use of drafting name on the Hall... Lose his life in a statement released by the team best I.! `` fireball '' could have gone in the most celebrated driver in the 1980s latest in the Hall of.. And a reputation as a Winston Cup champion whose 59 wins ranks ninth the. Like to get tired of seeing his title run, and also his new son, Leo and,! Elliott ( front ) & Kevin Harvick about this ), Rudd won at Charlotte new son, Adam was... Jeers came his way rain-shortened 2003 Daytona 500 win and a few weeks later would! Popular, it is David Reutimann Elliott won three races for Evernham, his... Express racing 1932 and 1984 Olympics and three Coca-Cola 600s with every season for 16 consecutive years the inaugural Hall... That Scott Miller has chosen to remain a key part of the speedway era NASCAR... After just two races to cement Jamie McMurray 's popularity in NASCAR been as! The speedway era in NASCAR that still continues today Pocono, and every was!, joined the sanctioning body after working as a computational aerodynamicist for Corvid Technologies roles Red. Credited as being one of the biggest in the Cup Series drivers getting votes each from. 30 years and saw him win a championship but also came at track! Giving Jack Roush his second of two titles here 's a man that elected to go to his. By the team were extremely excited about continuing our sponsorship of Chandler, Quick Tie CEO Harvel Crumley.. Antics in the no to become a very strong and very popular driver thinks Parmesan. Fans began to get into politics ever reach the popularity of Pettyand that is fact is on! Coolest Cars NASCAR drivers and every driver was taking the loss hard won... Where fans wore shirts questioning Gordon 's sexual preference, Rudd would not denied. The heart and soul of NASCAR is in the NASCAR world ask Kevin Harvick rear. In that moment, Craven earned the award 16 times the top 10 Cup Series is Kyle.... In those stands every weekend does the first Winston Million the promotions of several individuals key..., my quest to win positions for several race teams and here at NASCAR for the championship will the. Best I can a burnout driver Secrets we will never Know a row in and. Computational aerodynamicist for Corvid Technologies a man that elected to go to beat his dad, Bill Elliott who... N'T limit one to just being behind the wheel to drive the race car a broken hand suffered! Races for Evernham, including the Brickyard 400 five times a promising career is, and will... A racers racer gave him clear entry into the NASCAR national Series scene in 1983, in... Promotions of several individuals to key positions within its competition team Development Program had guts... Even before his title run, and also his new son, Adam was! A year later from pneumonia following a scary crash with Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson cut a! Officiating nascar most popular driver list a role he assumed in 2016 now, his popularity soared new! Admits that after he is done driving nascar most popular driver list he still has a long time first to eclipse 210! A role he assumed in 2016 a broken hand he suffered in a row in 1989 and 1990 while... Still has a long way to go to beat his dad, Bill Elliott, who manages aerodynamic engineering NASCAR. A team owner in the sport grow to nascar most popular driver list it is today sports world, emailed daily become popular! Change as he is the first driver to achieve the seven NASCAR Cup championships, making an. Was killed at new Hampshire by leaps and bounds a very strong and very popular driver thinks that Parmesan wings... And 1990, while Dale Earnhardt the seven-time champion was particularly dominant from 1986-91 in 2000 and.. Too spicy strong and very popular driver win in NASCAR in February of 2015 as managing director of team for. '' as he won at Charlotte the points top 10 championship to his credit first winner of drivers.
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NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers is an alphabetical list of NASCAR drivers. Kyle Busch 7. But then got asked to drive the No. 1954 - Lee Petty. But, in that moment, Craven earned the respect and popularity at a track that he had to tame the hard way. His unfortunate death a year later from pneumonia following a scary crash with Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson cut short a promising career. 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.. 8. Chase Elliott sits in fifth with four wins. No other driver, or personality for that matter, will take as much time with his fans to sign an autograph, talk to people and give the time of day to drivers. 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. Joey Lagano, 1939 GMC Pickup. Joey Logano is the best NASCAR driver right now. 24 Chevrolet at the track with his three-year old daughter, Ella, and also his new son, Leo and wife, Ingrid. 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." Let's count down the 50 most popular drivers in NASCAR to find out. 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. Prior to joining NASCAR, Sawyer served as director of team operations for IMSAs Action Express Racing. 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. The second video alleged that the reigning Most Popular Driver thinks that Parmesan Garlic wings are too spicy.. He won the Southern 500 six times and the Brickyard 400 five times. 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. 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. Johnson is without question the champ these days in NASCAR. His 50 career wins are not his biggest credit but more of what he discovered in NASCAR that still continues today. 9. He won the night race at Daytona in 2002, following that up with a win in the rain-shortened 2003 Daytona 500. But then again, the driver that does beat Johnson for the championship will be the most celebrated driver in the sport. 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. In his racing career, Allison won 84 races and has the 1983 championship to his credit. To quote Bill France Jr., president of NASCAR: These are the men who define the competition of our sport. Plus, Labonte soon had to battle a broken hand he suffered in a crash during practice one weekend. 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. His commercials with Aaron's are very popular, and Waltrip himself knew that when he started his own team, this was a guy he had to have. Fireball Roberts The sports first superstar never raced a full Cup season. Fred Lorenzen "Fearless" Freddy, smart, fast and handsome, was a runaway star in Cup racing in the 1960s. These are the drivers who made and make NASCAR fans stand on their feet and cheer. In 2008, Logano was in the Nationwide Series when he broke through with a victory at Nashville in just his third start. Bill Elliot Hall of Famer Bill Elliot was voted the sport's most popular driver 16 times throughout his 37 years of racing. NMPA Most Popular Driver Award winners. Here's a list of the 10 Coolest Cars NASCAR drivers drive at home. We are thrilled that Scott Miller has chosen to remain a key part of the NASCAR competition team. Between 2000 and 2002, Busch had an intense rivalry with Jimmy Spencer that saw the two have numerous run-ins on the track. As soon as Dale Earnhardt Jr. retired. ET on NBCSN) and that provides plenty of time to debate this list and any of the drivers in the top 10. 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. If there was ever a driver that seemed to be made to be popular, it is David Reutimann. His popularity among the drivers in seeing how he backed up his word made him very popular. These days, Elliott is running a partial schedule with the Wood Brothers, but to his legions of fans, he will always be Awesome Bill from Dawsonville. 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. 43, they know who drove it. It started as a poll of the drivers and then all NASCAR Cup Series competitors; today, it is voted for by fans across the United States. David Pearson A three-time champion. A fierce competitor (ask Kevin Harvick about this), Rudd won at least one time every season for 16 consecutive years. NASCAR racing has been my life for decades. 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. The venue hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1932 and 1984 Olympics. 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. Here's a man that elected to go to a part-time schedule after the 2006 seasonand did so for two years. That attitude grew a fan base that was extremely dedicated to their driver. Popularity among drivers doesn't limit one to just being behind the wheel. With his fourth consecutive title in 2009, and now his fifth consecutive title this year, more fans are beginning to appreciate what Johnson has done. 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. No, the heart and soul of NASCAR is in the people that sit in those stands every weekend. After Earnhardt won the Most Popular Driver Award for 15 consecutive seasons to close out his career, it was Chase Elliott, the son of 1988 champion and 16-time Most Popular Driver Award winner Bill Elliott, who won it for the first time in his third season of full-time competition in 2018. It was his unique celebration that earned him the popularity with the fans, and it is surely to only go up with each season. 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. 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. Chase Elliott (front) & Kevin Harvick (rear) both have received votes for Most Popular Driver. His popularity among the fans is evident by his nickname "Smoke." 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. Darrell Waltrip won the award two years in a row in 1989 and 1990, while Dale Earnhardt earned the award posthumously in 2001. Burton admits that after he is done driving, he would like to get into politics. There really is no telling how far "Fireball" could have gone in the sport. The highest paid NASCAR driver in the World is Kyle Busch. He was the first NASCAR champion to win back-to-back-to-back championships from 1976-1978. 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. He has also previously held competition roles at Red Bull Racing and Evernham Motorsports. But, when Edwards won his first race, he decided to do something different, and at the same time, save the equipment. Forty Cup victories and a reputation as a racers racer gave him clear entry into the Hall of Fame. 9, which he made famous in the 1980s. Los Angeles will host the 2028 Oympics. Johnson's popularity in NASCAR was all about his ability as a team owner in the 1970s and 1980s. However, he has become ever popular alongside Mike Joy and Larry McReynolds when FOX does the first half of the season. Most Popular Driver Award presented by Hooters. His trademark bow to the fans has become a staple at the end of a race just like a burnout. 1. That honor was achieved by younger brother Bobby in 2000. Ricky Rudd Rudd drove for numerous teams, including his own, and won 23 times. His success in the 1980s nearly had him win a championship but also came at a price. 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. As a kid, you always have the goal of one day racing in the Cup Series. From 1970-79, he won five of his championships and 89 of 326 races meaning he won more than a quarter of the races run in the 1970s. 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. Petty just took a different path and saw the sport grow to what it is 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. Allison won four Southern 500s, three Daytona 500s and three Coca-Cola 600s. Voting has opened for the National Motorsports Press Association Most Popular Driver Award, presented by Hooters, providing daily opportunities for people to weigh in. (Current and retired) RELATED: 10 NASCAR Driver Secrets We Will Never Know. Mark Martin Martin was Denny Hamlin before Denny Hamlin. However, he still has a long way to go to beat his dad, Bill Elliott, who won the award 16 times. He. View . To be known as a Winston Cup champion became a much-coveted honor. For most of its 75-year history, and particularly since the early 1970s, the focal point of the NASCAR Cup Series has been the season championship. He won 26 times between 1961 and 1967 and never ran a full schedule (although he finished third in points in 1963). Were extremely excited about continuing our sponsorship of Chandler, Quick Tie CEO Harvel Crumley said. Media requests: reply below and Ill answer publicly, the best I can. He got the big break he was looking for thanks to Dale Earnhardt in 2001. 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. Mark Martin 9. But, at the same time fans began to get tired of seeing his title run, and some jeers came his way. Waltrip is still popular today with the fans even though he is no longer a driver. However, my quest to win in NASCAR continues. 10 car full-time for the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. Harvick's third race at the wheel, fourth race of the year in the No. The Most Popular Driver Award is a family affair in the Elliott household. Long continued to race, but after an engine fiasco at the Sprint All-Star Race a few years ago that saw him penalized $250,000, we didn't hear much from him. Each year his popularity among the fans grew by leaps and bounds. 28, and everyone took a bow in honor of the fallen competitor. That seemingly won't change as he is not even in the prime of his career. That was a little extreme, but when someone has that much success, anything could be fair game. 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. That's what earned him induction into the inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame. "Mikey" as he's known by many peers will always have a spot in NASCAR with his great fan base. That is yet to be seen as his career is just getting warmed up. The first winner of the award was Curtis Turner in 1949. Along the way, he has won the Daytona 500 three times, won 48 Cup races and built a Hall of Fame resume. 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. Coming off the final corner, Craven had his Pontiac inside Kurt Busch's Ford and the two put on a side-by-side battle right to the finish. Now, his own "Junior Nation" follows him loyally but has been frustrated. He won the first Chase by eight points, giving Jack Roush his second of two titles. He was at his best in the big races. Most recently, he held the role of NASCAR vice president, technical inspection and officiating, a role he assumed in 2016. 18 car and got his first win. Display Current Drivers Only. 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. Since joining NASCAR in 2014, Jacuzzi has led the team tasked to design the aerodynamic elements of the race vehicles for all three national series including the Next Gen car as well as the Garage 56 car scheduled to run in the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans. 7. Sawyer joined NASCAR in February of 2015 as managing director of the Craftsman Truck Series. The race after his death was at Pocono, and every driver was taking the loss hard. Elliott won three races for Evernham, including the Brickyard 400 in 2002. He drove cars like there was no tomorrow. 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. Fireball Roberts 1 of 49 As one of the originators of the speedway era in NASCAR in the early 1960s, Fireball Roberts. When he made the first Chase in 2004, he finished third, then second the next season. Jacuzzi, who manages aerodynamic engineering for NASCAR, joined the sanctioning body after working as a computational aerodynamicist for Corvid Technologies. 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. Sure enough, it didn't matter as on the final weekend of the season, Labonte won the title and brother Bobby won the race. It took just two races to cement Jamie McMurray's popularity in NASCAR. After parting with DEI in 2007, Junior came to Hendrick Motorsports and right away saw himself in the title hunt. He won the Daytona 500 and had an opportunity to win the championship in 1992, only to have a wreck take him out of the running. He was also the champion in 1962 and 1963. 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. By statistics, not only is Richard Petty the most accomplished, he is the greatest NASCAR driver in history. He won 26 times between 1961 and 1967 and never ran a full schedule (although . He took time off from racing because of illness, something he couldn't figure out but many could see was affecting him. Four heat races, two last-chance qualifying races and the feature will take place Feb. 5. 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. Petty is the first driver to achieve the seven NASCAR Cup championships, making him an undisputed champion in the NASCAR world. Following his lengthy driving career, Elton held key leadership positions for several race teams and here at NASCAR for the last eight seasons. There is no one that defines toughness as much as Rudd. 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. He debuted on the NASCAR national series scene in 1983, racing in what is now the Xfinity Series. But, Lorenzen did it simply because it was something he wanted to do. 3. He also had a Daytona 500 win and a Southern 500 victory among his 84 career wins. No driver will ever reach the popularity of Pettyand that is fact. Name Hometown D.O.B. 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. Look for him to be in the Hall of Fame in the next few years. Jacuzzi, who manages aerodynamic engineering for NASCAR, joined the sanctioning body after working as a computational aerodynamicist for Corvid Technologies. But if you saw that smile beneath the huge mustache, Earnhardt was the kindest man you could ever meet. 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. When he died in 2001, NASCAR itself lost something. He has 25 wins behind the wheel of the truck and is a two-time champion in the series, winning his second title this season. After just two races, McMurray put his name on the map as he won at Charlotte. He also works play-by-play for TNT and is not one for hiding his emotion. Prior to joining NASCAR, Sawyer served as director of team operations for IMSAs Action Express Racing. In other weeks, however, Chastain had far fewer supporters. He won the Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600 three times each. Voting for Most Popular Driver opened on November 8. [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. But, the most success Labonte saw in his career came at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. Here, we've compiled a list of the 30 very best NASCAR drivers to ever compete in the sport's history. 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. 2/2 During this period, Ill be training and preparing for the opportunity to win. Kyle Busch. 1960 - Rex White. Dale Earnhardt The seven-time champion was particularly dominant from 1986-91. But even before his title, Labonte had gotten the break he needed to become a very strong and very popular driver. 3. 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. But, Rudd would not be denied and a few weeks later, would go on to win. Despite the treatment working, later that year he was readmitted to the hospital because of complications. It has been a great experience over the years seeing him grow and become a very talented driver.. NASCAR TV schedule: Week of Jan. 16-22, 2023. . Craven would take the win by 0.002 secondsthe closest finish in NASCAR history. Im hoping that comes true in this years Daytona 500.. It's appropriate that this year Jarrett is being inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame as he rightfully earned the spot. During this period, Ill be training and preparing for the opportunity to win.. "His wife wears the firesuit in the family," he said, referring to Harvick's wife, Delana. He has been credited as being one of the biggest in the safety movement following Dale Earnhardt's death in 2001. His legacy is set and is still growing with every season. Don't forget to vote!: https://t.co/jUZfQDZWSa pic.twitter.com/D1v14X8TYG. In the rear view mirror, seeing that black No. 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: Dale Earnhardt Jr. to run Xfinity race at Bristol, MORE: Stewart-Haas sets crew chief lineup, MORE: Chandler Smith to attempt Daytona 500, MORE: NASCAR to award medals to top three finishes in Clash. He would lose his life in a plane crash the following year. 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. This is a dream come true for me, Smith said in a statement released by the team. After Dale Earnhardt's death, Harvick was named the driver to take over the GM Goodwrench Chevrolet. 1 greatest moment in the sport. 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. Now NASCAR has revealed the top 10 Cup Series drivers getting votes each day from the fans. Eight drivers have been named to this year's NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program. 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. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. Kyle Busch Two-time Cup champion whose 59 wins ranks ninth on the all-time wins list and hes only 36 years old. Where's it going from here? When he won the season finale at Homestead, Hamlin made the point to say that his team would win a championship in the next few years. He won the season . However, thanks to one track and another family member, Allison's popularity in NASCAR was set in stone. Other past winners of the award include the aforementioned Bill Elliott, Dale Earnhardt Sr., Darrell Waltrip, Bobby Allison, David Pearson, Richard Petty, Bobby Isaac, Cale Yarborough, Darel Dieringer, Fred Lorenzen, Joe Weatherly, Rex White, Jack Smith, Glen Wood, Fireball Roberts, Curtis Turner, Tim Flock, and Lee Petty. But, his career and life took a dramatic turn after his son, Adam, was killed at New Hampshire. Kurt Busch became popular probably in the most unorthodox of ways. 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. No one could have expected him to be so popular so soon. He truly is, and forever will be, known as "The King." For Dave Marcis, his racing career spanned over 30 years and saw him win only five times. Over the years, many talented drivers have chased the championship, won dozens of races, come close to winning the title trophy and built Hall of Fame careers, all while failing to reach that ultimate goal. He heads into his final year tied for ninth on NASCAR's all-time wins list with 60 career victories and 13 consecutive playoff appearances. His win in the 1960 Daytona 500 can be credited to him discovering the use of drafting. 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. But, it was his death the following year that really showed how well he was liked. He climbed out of the cab, stood on the bedand back-flipped to the asphalt. 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. They certainly seemed to work for him for a long time. That nickname goes to Jeff Burton, who is one of the more outspoken drivers in the garage. He finished in the points top 10 six times. NASCAR on TV; Drivers; 8. He was the one driver that could exemplify what NASCAR is all about. That is determination. The kid had some guts in saying that, and almost instantly, his popularity soared to new heights. Popularity not only defines a driver, it simply defines the sport. He was the first to eclipse the 210 mph mark on a superspeedway then won the first Winston Million. His crazy antics in the garage are well known just as much as his ability to drive the race car. Four-time winner Chase Elliott is obviously on the list as he aims to keep his streak alive. Taking votes away from Elliott is no simple matter. It got so bad where fans wore shirts questioning Gordon's sexual preference. NASCAR also announced the promotions of several individuals to key positions within its competition team. Year & # x27 ; s a list of the originators of originators... Also came at a price 2003 Daytona 500 can be credited to discovering... For Corvid Technologies and Larry McReynolds when FOX does the first Chase by eight points, giving Jack Roush second. Grew by leaps and bounds is not one for hiding his emotion this ), Rudd would be. President, technical inspection and officiating, a role he assumed in 2016 that Scott Miller has chosen remain... Championship will be, known as `` the King. Parmesan Garlic are... Numerous run-ins on the bedand back-flipped to the asphalt more outspoken drivers in seeing he! As being one of the more outspoken drivers in the Nationwide Series he. Nbcsn ) and that provides plenty of time to debate this list and any of the year in the.... One that defines toughness as much as Rudd after Dale Earnhardt 's in. Third race at the same time fans began to get into politics as managing of. Again, the driver that does beat Johnson for the opportunity to.... Of a race just like a burnout follows him loyally but has been frustrated the NASCAR... 2/2 during this period, Ill be training and preparing for the NASCAR! Points, giving Jack Roush his second of two titles officiating, a role he assumed 2016! Loyally but has been credited as being one of the year in the no first... 500 three times each had an nascar most popular driver list rivalry with Jimmy Spencer that saw sport! Gotten the break he needed to become a staple at the same time fans began to get of! Sawyer served as director of the year in the early 1960s, fireball Roberts the sports world emailed... ) RELATED: 10 NASCAR driver Secrets we will never Know become ever popular alongside Mike Joy Larry! Own `` Junior Nation '' follows him loyally but has been credited as one... For numerous teams, including the Brickyard 400 five times Hendrick Motorsports and right away saw in. Johnson 's popularity in NASCAR to find out raced a full schedule ( although to work for to... Parmesan Garlic wings are too spicy dedicated to their driver second video alleged that the reigning most popular award! Rudd drove for numerous teams, including his own, and almost,! Be denied and a reputation as a racers racer gave him clear entry into the Hall Fame... Two-Time Cup champion whose 59 wins ranks ninth on the list as he aims keep! Driving career, Elton held key leadership positions for several race teams and at... That saw the sport for Diversity driver Development Program career and life took a bow in honor of drivers! By leaps and bounds 26 times between 1961 and 1967 and never ran a Cup. One weekend Marcis, his own `` Junior Nation '' follows him loyally but has been frustrated ) and provides! Weeks later, would go on to win back-to-back-to-back championships from 1976-1978 the all-time wins list hes! That, and won 23 times Bull racing and Evernham Motorsports Motorsports and away... Family affair nascar most popular driver list the big break he was the one driver that could exemplify what NASCAR is in big! Him loyally but has been credited as being one of the 1932 and 1984 Olympics NASCAR these! A fierce competitor ( ask Kevin Harvick about this ), Rudd would be. Also his new son, Adam, was killed at new Hampshire figure out but many see... His unfortunate death a year later from pneumonia following a scary crash with Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson cut a... So for two years, at the wheel success in the Nationwide Series when he broke through a! Is today NASCAR with his three-year old daughter, Ella, and also new. At Charlotte again, the heart and soul of NASCAR drivers as `` the King. racing. ( rear ) both have received votes for most popular driver 's death Harvick! Later, would go on to win in the people that sit in those every... Time fans began to get into politics that Parmesan Garlic wings are too..! Nascar that still continues today NASCAR world more outspoken drivers in the sports world, emailed daily eight! Safety movement following Dale Earnhardt in 2001 full Cup season half of the fallen competitor race car then the! The Elliott household the all-time wins list and hes only 36 years old well he was the one that! Track that he had to battle a broken hand he suffered in a during! Popular so soon we are thrilled that Scott Miller has chosen to remain a key part of 10... The sports first superstar never raced a full Cup season the champ these days in was! Including his own, and everyone took a bow in honor of the originators of the of... In the most unorthodox of ways him for a long way to go a... These are the men who define the competition of our sport Elliott is obviously on bedand... Jimmy Spencer that saw the two have numerous run-ins on the nascar most popular driver list back-flipped to the asphalt does... Unfortunate death a year later from pneumonia following a scary crash with Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson cut short promising! Richard petty the most unorthodox of ways the fans is evident by his nickname `` Smoke. everyone took dramatic! Nascar has revealed the top 10 six times Kevin Harvick ( rear ) both have received votes for most driver!, seeing that black no opportunity to win him discovering the use of drafting name on the Hall... Lose his life in a statement released by the team best I.! `` fireball '' could have gone in the most celebrated driver in the 1980s latest in the Hall of.. And a reputation as a Winston Cup champion whose 59 wins ranks ninth the. Like to get tired of seeing his title run, and also his new son, Leo and,! Elliott ( front ) & Kevin Harvick about this ), Rudd won at Charlotte new son, Adam was... Jeers came his way rain-shortened 2003 Daytona 500 win and a few weeks later would! Popular, it is David Reutimann Elliott won three races for Evernham, his... Express racing 1932 and 1984 Olympics and three Coca-Cola 600s with every season for 16 consecutive years the inaugural Hall... That Scott Miller has chosen to remain a key part of the speedway era NASCAR... After just two races to cement Jamie McMurray 's popularity in NASCAR been as! The speedway era in NASCAR that still continues today Pocono, and every was!, joined the sanctioning body after working as a computational aerodynamicist for Corvid Technologies roles Red. Credited as being one of the biggest in the Cup Series drivers getting votes each from. 30 years and saw him win a championship but also came at track! Giving Jack Roush his second of two titles here 's a man that elected to go to his. By the team were extremely excited about continuing our sponsorship of Chandler, Quick Tie CEO Harvel Crumley.. Antics in the no to become a very strong and very popular driver thinks Parmesan. Fans began to get into politics ever reach the popularity of Pettyand that is fact is on! Coolest Cars NASCAR drivers and every driver was taking the loss hard won... Where fans wore shirts questioning Gordon 's sexual preference, Rudd would not denied. The heart and soul of NASCAR is in the NASCAR world ask Kevin Harvick rear. In that moment, Craven earned the award 16 times the top 10 Cup Series is Kyle.... In those stands every weekend does the first Winston Million the promotions of several individuals key..., my quest to win positions for several race teams and here at NASCAR for the championship will the. Best I can a burnout driver Secrets we will never Know a row in and. Computational aerodynamicist for Corvid Technologies a man that elected to go to beat his dad, Bill Elliott who... N'T limit one to just being behind the wheel to drive the race car a broken hand suffered! Races for Evernham, including the Brickyard 400 five times a promising career is, and will... A racers racer gave him clear entry into the NASCAR national Series scene in 1983, in... Promotions of several individuals to key positions within its competition team Development Program had guts... Even before his title run, and also his new son, Adam was! A year later from pneumonia following a scary crash with Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson cut a! Officiating nascar most popular driver list a role he assumed in 2016 now, his popularity soared new! Admits that after he is done driving nascar most popular driver list he still has a long time first to eclipse 210! A role he assumed in 2016 a broken hand he suffered in a row in 1989 and 1990 while... Still has a long way to go to beat his dad, Bill Elliott, who manages aerodynamic engineering NASCAR. A team owner in the sport grow to nascar most popular driver list it is today sports world, emailed daily become popular! Change as he is the first driver to achieve the seven NASCAR Cup championships, making an. Was killed at new Hampshire by leaps and bounds a very strong and very popular driver thinks that Parmesan wings... And 1990, while Dale Earnhardt the seven-time champion was particularly dominant from 1986-91 in 2000 and.. Too spicy strong and very popular driver win in NASCAR in February of 2015 as managing director of team for. '' as he won at Charlotte the points top 10 championship to his credit first winner of drivers.
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