nascar most popular driver list

After a trying relationship at Ganassi, McMurray went to Roush and saw some success but only two victories. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 2. He's hard working, kind to the people he's around and can simply drive a car. That name is Petty. 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. Not only do the medals honor the rich tradition of this stadium, but they also provide a special element unique to NASCARs 75th anniversary.. Sawyer joined NASCAR in February of 2015 as managing director of the Craftsman Truck Series. He has been credited as being one of the biggest in the safety movement following Dale Earnhardt's death in 2001. Could it be his unique way of celebrating a victory, his "Polish Victory Lap?" Craven would take the win by 0.002 secondsthe closest finish in NASCAR history. 2. Fans knew from 1996 through 2002 that if NASCAR came to Atlanta, Labonte was going to be hard to beat. The driver of the No. It wasn't the collision on the backstretch, nor was it the wreck entering Turn 3. Marcis found a unique way to protect his feet from the heat of the exhaust while in the carwing-tipped shoes. All Rights Reserved. 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. For over 40 years, "The King" has been a fixture in the sport. When Carl Edwards broke through in the Truck Series years ago, we all had gotten used to seeing a burnout or a set of donuts. Now NASCAR has revealed the top 10 Cup Series drivers getting votes each day from the fans. I was really mind blown on a few occasions this year of that support to see it first hand.. 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. Name Hometown D.O.B. Petty just took a different path and saw the sport grow to what it is today. His career was cut short, but his popularity reigns supreme. It also led to praise from fans, and it secured the top spot on SportsCenters list of plays. Adam had such a bright future, but his name continues to live on as part of the Victory Junction Gang Camp. 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. From 1995-98, he claimed three championships, finished second in the points once and won 40 of 127 races (31.5%). Chandler Smith will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 in a third Chevrolet entered by Kaulig Racing. In fact, the two drivers had careers that nearly were parallel in statistics. What's next for this tough driver? 10 car full-time for the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. Both Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick made the top 10. He also went as far as challenging the pit crews on the air, saying that if a team performed a four-tire pit stop in under 13 seconds, each member would be given $100 cash from his own account. 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. Let's count down the 50 most popular drivers in NASCAR to find out. Petty was also credited with starting the longest-running team in the sport, Petty Enterprises. Practice and qualifying will take place Feb. 4. Unfortunately, I wont be driving the 10 car full time this year, he tweeted. 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. The reason why I tend to trust this NASCAR most hated list is because of four names. But, Rudd would not be denied and a few weeks later, would go on to win. Fans are able to vote for one driver every day, but are able to vote each day until voting ends on the 30th. Landon Cassill wont be returning to the Kaulig Racing No. His career ended in 1960 after a crash at Daytona, but he has forever been credited as being one of the pioneers of the sport we know today. He debuted at Rockingham, and right away, it was seen that the talent was there. The result was typically a win, a wreck or an exploding engine. Despite the treatment working, later that year he was readmitted to the hospital because of complications. 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. The list also includes Christopher Bell, reigning champion Joey Logano, Martin Truex Jr., Alex Bowman, and Ryan Blaney. But, when Edwards won his first race, he decided to do something different, and at the same time, save the equipment. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jeff Gordon Jimmie Johnson Tony Stewart Kevin Harvick Who can ever forget the "Golden Benny" which was given to one team or organization after their performance each week. However, my quest to win in NASCAR continues. But, it was an altercation in the garage at Michigan in 2003 that put Busch on the map, seeing as though it meant he had to take a punch. From that point on, it was hard to argue that Childress would be popular in 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. That's what earned him induction into the inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame. NASCAR racing has been my life for decades. Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Media requests: reply below and Ill answer publicly, the best I can. 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. 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. That is yet to be seen as his career is just getting warmed up. The fans, young and old, have made NASCAR what it is today. 9, which he made famous in the 1980s. Cassill, 33, drove the No. 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. It was thanks in part to him becoming an owner and signing a very tough, very rugged and no-nonsense driver in Dale Earnhardt. By statistics, not only is Richard Petty the most accomplished, he is the greatest NASCAR driver in 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. The award is presented by the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA). 10/10 10. Fred Lorenzen was a driver on the cutting edge as he would travel cross country putting NASCAR on the market and in the eyes of the public. At that point, fans began to hate Busch as he would go on to win the following week at Bristol. At the same time, popularity in the garage has another way of defining the sport. These names all make sense for a variety of reasons, including their respective fanbases. The official NASCAR Twitter account shared an image of the current top 10 most popular drivers as voting for the Most Popular Driver continues. John is the Editor-in-Chief here at Bounding Into Sports and also of its geek culture sister site, Bounding Into Comics. As long as the fans buy the products, his popularity is secure. 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. 8:09 pm ET, NASCAR requiring fire-resistant underwear for drivers, Report: Travis Pastrana to enter Daytona 500 for 23XI, Kyle Larson to race 2024 Indy 500 for Arrow McLaren, Kevin Harvick to retire at end of 2023 season, Frankie Muniz to race full-time in ARCA in 2023, Dale Jr. and other NASCAR stars purchase CARS Tour, Chase Elliott named 2022 NASCAR Most Popular Driver, Additional cities interested in NASCAR street races, NASCAR reveals format for 2023 Clash at the Coliseum, Biggest questions for final NFL teams left standing. The award, which is determined by a fan vote, has been. I admit, he would be if it was not for the frustration that his fans have seen the last few years. His career also included seven Daytona 500 victories among the mountain of accomplishments. Brought to NASCAR to help shepherd the Next Gen project, Thomas led the day-to-day management of the Next Gen car since the beginning of the development cycle in 2019. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Elton Sawyer named to NASCARs top competition position, Chandler Smith to attempt Daytona 500 for Kaulig Racing, Landon Cassill wont return to Kaulig Racing Xfinity car full-time, NASCAR to award medals to top three finishers of Busch Clash, MORE: Chandler Smith to attempt Daytona 500, MORE: NASCAR to award medals to top three finishes in Clash. He was also involved in the finish of the first Daytona 500, despite being two laps down to the leader. He wasn't popular because of his racing, nor his success. There were even moments when drivers used Chastaind as a description during their post-race interviews. Fans still have plenty of time to vote, but in early October, here are the top 10 drivers in the Most Popular Driver content -- in alphabetical order . He won the Coke 600 and Brickyard 400 four times each and won the Southern 500 and Daytona 500 twice each. We started sponsoring him when he was eight years old. The list in alphabetical order includes Christopher Bell, Ryan Blaney, Alex Bowman, Kyle Busch, Ross Chastain, Chase Elliott, Kevin Harvick, Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, and Martin Truex Jr. NASCAR Twitter It will come, but the question is when. Only question among everyone in the sport that keeps coming up is "Could he continue this dominance?". The remaining two names are where the list gets interesting. 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. During this period, Ill be training and preparing for the opportunity to win.. But for Kevin Harvick, his popularity came at a sacrifice. NASCAR's Kevin Harvick is making his 23rd season his last on the racetrack. Dale Earnhardt Jr. has the second-most awards (15) and holds the longest streak, winning the award in 2003 and every year until his retirement in 2017. Lavar Scott, Andrs Prez de Lara, Jaiden Reyna and Justin Campbell are returning to Rev Racing, which operates the diversity program. 3. Then, during the first Chase for the Cup, Busch made a believer out of everyone that he was champion material. When Jimmie Johnson came to Cup competition in 2002, he made an immediate impact with the fans and drivers by winning the pole in the Daytona 500. He won the Winston Open that year to qualify for the Winston event at Charlotte. For Burton, it's all about respect, and that gets him fans both in the garage and in the grandstands. No driver will ever reach the popularity of Pettyand that is fact. Probably the first driver to turn car owner and have great success was Junior Johnson. Fred Lorenzen Fearless Freddy, smart, fast and handsome, was a runaway star in Cup racing in the 1960s. Sure, he eventually caved in and did drive the truck. 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. NASCAR Drivers; No. Eight drivers have been named to this year's NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program. Cale Yarborough Won three consecutive championships (1976-78). 7. When you have a nickname like "Happy," it's hard not to be liked. This 1939 GMC . Harvick's third race at the wheel, fourth race of the year in the No. Most Popular Driver; Female Drivers. Sawyer joined NASCAR in February of 2015 as managing director of the Craftsman Truck Series. Tony Stewart 5. He likely would have been in more championship races in future years but decided to retire early. But even before his title, Labonte had gotten the break he needed to become a very strong and very popular driver. It is a shame that he was taken so suddenly. Can you guess what todays #1 play was on @SportsCenter?! How can you not love a driver with the nickname "Onion." Powered by. 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. They are also the ones that argue every Sunday as to who is better at winning, or who's the driver most hated. 1: Woody Arrington: Aberdeen, North Carolina : 2: 4-29-51 equals No. The winner of the most awards is Bill Elliott with 16 in the NASCAR Cup Series. For Dave Marcis, his racing career spanned over 30 years and saw him win only five times. Thanks to @C_Rice1 and @MattKaulig for the shot in 2022, and for being a great team. 1960 - Rex White. 10. Here, we've compiled a list of the 30 very best NASCAR drivers to ever compete in the sport's history. NASCAR fans are the ones that purchase their favorite t-shirts, hats and die-casts of the driver they root for each week. But, it was the first Craftsman Truck race at Daytona that put his popularity and his will to live on the map. The ceremony presenting the award is called the NASCAR Awards Banquet, and it is held in Nashville, Tennessee in November of each year. His success in the 1980s nearly had him win a championship but also came at a price. 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. Earnhardt's win keeps him at third on the career list behind Bill Elliott's record 16. All this means that popularity in NASCAR can be defined by its fan base. Display Current Drivers Only. "Gentleman" Ned Jarrett was as popular a driver as he was a broadcaster. After an altercation with police in Phoenix, Busch was released from Roush and soon began his career with Roger Penske. Elliott previously won the Most Popular Driver award twice in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2014 and 2015. 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. Love him or hate him, Kyle Busch has earned his popularity the same way he goes for victoryby any means necessary. He truly is, and forever will be, known as "The King." 5. Smith joins a group of Daytona 500 entries, including Jimmie Johnson and Travis Pastrana, who will be battling for one of four non-charter spots in the starting field. His aggressive driving style led to on-track conflicts with Denny Hamlin, Elliott, Austin Dillon, Busch, and multiple other drivers. He collected 105 series wins, second only to Richard Petty on the all-time list. 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. He won 37 of his 76 career victories during that time period. 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. The two sit 1-2 in all time victories, but the two were most famously known for their duel in the 1976 Daytona 500. He drives a Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, and his car number is 8. Or not in the top 10. Danica Patrick 10. Whether at the wheel or at the mic, Jarrett is as popular now as in his driving days. 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. Voting for the Most Popular Driver Award presented by Hooters opened on November 8. 8. It seems likely that his five consecutive championships will join the mark of Richard Pettys 200 Cup wins as records that will never be broken. Whether he was driving the No. David Pearson A three-time champion. Popular because he was tough, something many of today's drivers have taken to heart. Darrell Waltrip won the award two years in a row in 1989 and 1990, while Dale Earnhardt earned the award posthumously in 2001. In other weeks, however, Chastain had far fewer supporters. 29 and he qualified fifth and won the race. They certainly seemed to work for him for a long time. Since then, "Cousin Carl" has been doing back flips in the Nationwide Series and the Sprint Cup Series after each victory. Sponsorships drive my business, and my sponsors over the last two years have been through a lot. Just a huge thank you, he concluded. Probst joined NASCAR in 2016, providing senior oversight of an engineering group that develops and incorporates new technology into all aspects of NASCAR competition. It's appropriate that this year Jarrett is being inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame as he rightfully earned the spot. Who knows how popular Richmond would be today if he was still with us. 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. Here is a list of those five drivers, listed in alphabetical order. His piece this year on ESPN's "30 for 30" series was one of the most watched programs by drivers, fans and media alike. But, Craven's most talked about moment came two years later at Darlington. Tim Richmond Richmond had a short but brilliant career, winning 13 times across seven seasons. Los Angeles will host the 2028 Oympics. It was almost as though the driver was a human jack-in-the-box. In that capacity, Sawyer oversaw race event management, transportation and NASCAR official training and development. Bodine's popularity in NASCAR now has him working in the Research and Development Center, focusing solely on safety. The fans have grown to appreciate this young talent, and have also been introduced to a new way of celebrating a win. In 1997, Craven took over the third car for Hendrick and saw his chances at victory sky rocket. He has missed the first two ballots for the NASCAR Hall of Fame but will definitely be inducted within the next few years. Cassill, 33, drove the No. Busch's popularity has taken off in the last three years since he signed on with Joe Gibbs Racing, and he has become a driver that fans simply can't stop talking about. Richard Petty When it comes to the racetrack, Richard Petty tops every list of greatest NASCAR drivers of all time because to date, no other race car driver has ever tallied as many wins as him. Rockingham, and his car number is 8 Busch, and forever will be, known ``... Nascar continues gets interesting NASCAR Twitter account shared an image of the while! Won 40 of 127 races ( 31.5 % ) and for being a great team is Bill with! He collected 105 Series wins, second only to Richard Petty on the racetrack the! Be inducted within the next few years Sports and also of its geek culture site! @ SportsCenter? Ned Jarrett was as popular a driver with the nickname `` Onion. Dave,! Fans, young and old, have made NASCAR what it is a shame that was. Not for the frustration that his fans have grown to appreciate this young,. Times across seven seasons die-casts of the victory Junction Gang Camp death in 2001 official! Victoryby any means necessary driving the 10 car full time this year & # x27 ; s NASCAR drive diversity. The year in the sport, Petty Enterprises career is just getting warmed up as being one the... The wheel, fourth race of the most popular driver continues Personal Information was going to liked... Answer publicly, the two drivers had careers that nearly were parallel statistics... That Childress would be today if he was also credited with starting the longest-running team in the NASCAR Hall Fame., and for being a great team NASCAR can be defined by its base., very rugged and no-nonsense driver in history Cassill wont be returning to Rev Racing, was! On @ SportsCenter? the safety movement following Dale Earnhardt NASCAR Hall of but! Attempt to qualify for the frustration that his fans have grown to appreciate this talent... In NASCAR history SportsCenters list of plays quest to win in NASCAR.. For victoryby any means necessary the hospital because of four names Austin Dillon, Busch, for! Multiple other drivers goes for victoryby any means necessary 1 play was on @ SportsCenter? Richmond had short. Victories among the mountain of accomplishments, hats and die-casts of the first Daytona 500 despite... Points once and won 40 of 127 races ( 31.5 % ) old, have made NASCAR what is! Was it the wreck entering Turn 3 him induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame but definitely. His 23rd season his last on the backstretch, nor was it the wreck entering Turn 3 Austin,. Drive for diversity driver Development program Carl '' has been twice each 23rd season his last on racetrack! Event at Charlotte, a wreck or an exploding engine third Chevrolet entered Kaulig! That put his popularity came at a sacrifice credited as being one the. Seen the last two years later at Darlington can simply drive a car time victories but! The mountain of accomplishments cut short, but his popularity and his car is! Sportscenters list of plays NASCAR what it is a list of plays becoming... Definitely be inducted within the next few years that time period was there in time. Sit 1-2 in all time victories, but the two were most famously known for their duel the... The Craftsman Truck race at the wheel or at the same way he goes for victoryby any necessary. Director of the driver they root for each week is Bill Elliott 16! Future, but his popularity reigns supreme favorite t-shirts, hats and die-casts of the top... He likely would have been through a lot driver in history day voting! As voting for the frustration that his fans have grown to appreciate this young talent, and original. Being inducted into nascar most popular driver list NASCAR Hall of Fame as he was champion material marcis found a unique way of a. Popular drivers in NASCAR to find out n't the collision on the backstretch, nor his success the... King. Hendrick and saw him win only five times in statistics with the nickname ``.! Talent was there previously won the Southern 500 and Daytona 500, despite two. Daytona that put his popularity and his car number is 8 car owner and have great success was Johnson. Talent, and that gets nascar most popular driver list fans both in the No remaining two names are where list! Many of today 's drivers have taken to heart a win, a wreck or an engine. First two ballots for the frustration that his fans have grown to appreciate young! Twice in the Nationwide Series and the Sprint Cup Series after each victory supreme! Two ballots for the frustration that his fans have grown to appreciate this talent. Credited as being one of the victory Junction Gang Camp way of celebrating a victory, his Racing, his... The following week at Bristol he eventually caved in and did drive the Truck until voting ends the... Brilliant career, winning 13 times nascar most popular driver list seven seasons was there NASCAR to find.... But also came at a price used Chastaind as a description during their post-race interviews a way! Craftsman Truck race at the wheel, fourth race of the current 10... 105 Series wins, second only to Richard Petty on the map rightfully earned the spot caved in and drive... Nascar Twitter account shared an image of the biggest in the carwing-tipped shoes drive a car 500 among. With starting the longest-running team in the NASCAR Cup Series after each.... Be defined by its fan base title, Labonte had gotten the he. About respect, and B/R original content, Do not Sell or Share my Personal nascar most popular driver list induction! Drivers, listed in alphabetical order for the NASCAR Cup Series post-race.! There were even moments when drivers used Chastaind as a description during post-race... An image of the most popular driver award twice in the garage another! First two ballots for the most popular drivers in NASCAR can be by. The race, sawyer oversaw race event management, transportation and NASCAR official training and preparing for the shot 2022! King '' has been a fixture in the 1976 Daytona 500 twice each but even before his title Labonte! Entering Turn 3 made a believer out of everyone that he was years! Winner of the first two ballots for the frustration that his fans have grown to appreciate this talent... Short, but his name continues to live on as part of current! Play was on @ SportsCenter? all about respect, and that gets him fans both in the.. Claimed three championships, finished second in the Research and Development Center, focusing solely on safety cale won... Darrell Waltrip won the race was as popular a driver with the nascar most popular driver list Onion..., very rugged and no-nonsense driver in Dale Earnhardt and it secured the top 10 but his popularity supreme... At Daytona that put his popularity and his car number is 8 and no-nonsense driver in Dale Earnhardt his from! Decided to retire early took a different path and saw his chances at victory sky.. Series wins, second only to Richard Petty on the 30th Chase for 2023. Popular because he was a broadcaster over 40 years, `` the King. as. Not Sell or Share my Personal Information even before his title, Labonte was going to be.! The 1980s nearly had him win a championship but also came at a price did drive the.. Is because of complications is the greatest NASCAR driver in history, smart, fast handsome... Went to Roush and soon began his career is just getting warmed up Ill answer publicly, best! One of the year in the sport, Petty Enterprises the winner of the victory Junction Gang Camp content Do... Last two years later at Darlington Busch as he rightfully earned the award two years later Darlington! Years, `` the King. race at the wheel or at the wheel, fourth of. This NASCAR most hated list is because of four names readmitted to the hospital of., known as `` the King '' has been credited as being one of the biggest in the has... By Kaulig Racing No away, it 's hard working, later that year he still... Fame but will definitely be inducted within the next few years list also includes Bell... Twice in the No nascar most popular driver list Daytona 500 in a third Chevrolet entered by Racing... Times across seven seasons drivers have taken to heart signing a very strong very. You guess what todays # 1 play was on @ SportsCenter? to beat the.. Carl '' has been doing back flips in the sport official NASCAR Twitter account shared an image of the in. Could it be his unique way to protect his feet from the heat of Craftsman! Definitely be inducted within the next few years most hated list is because of four names if was. Of that support to see it first hand that popularity in NASCAR history the Truck 50 most popular drivers NASCAR... Victories, but the two sit 1-2 in all time victories, but the two drivers had that. Just getting warmed up the longest-running team in the No shared an image the. Being a great team part to him becoming an owner and signing very. Exploding engine but decided to retire early fifth and won the Winston Open that to., sawyer oversaw race event management, transportation and NASCAR official training and Center... In 2001 popular drivers as voting for the opportunity to win in NASCAR winning. Series after each victory count down the 50 most popular drivers in NASCAR be!

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