8. Fireball Roberts 1 of 49 As one of the originators of the speedway era in NASCAR in the early 1960s, Fireball Roberts. It took just two races to cement Jamie McMurray's popularity in NASCAR. His trademark bow to the fans has become a staple at the end of a race just like a burnout. The 1979 Daytona 500 put not only him, but NASCAR on the map. Dale Earnhardt Jr has been NASCAR's most popular driver for 14 straight years. That nickname goes to Jeff Burton, who is one of the more outspoken drivers in the garage. Voting for the Most Popular Driver Award presented by Hooters opened on November 8. Who is the most well liked NASCAR driver? He's not overly loud, but when Matt Kenseth talks, many listen. Twenty-seven cars will compete in the 150-lap feature on the quarter-mile track built inside Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. David Pearson A three-time champion. The list also includes Christopher Bell, reigning champion Joey Logano, Martin Truex Jr., Alex Bowman, and Ryan Blaney. 29, and Harvick was at the wheel. He debuted on the NASCAR national series scene in 1983, racing in what is now the Xfinity Series. 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. Finished second in the points three times. However, he has become ever popular alongside Mike Joy and Larry McReynolds when FOX does the first half of the season. section: | slug: chase-elliott-wins-nascar-most-popular-driver-award-for-a-fifth-straight-year | sport: nascar | route: article_single.us | By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Sports January 12, 2023 - 1:36 PM Here are some of the most famous NASCAR drivers who are considered the all-time best in the sport. Where's it going from here? In 1997, Craven took over the third car for Hendrick and saw his chances at victory sky rocket. Cassill, 33, drove the No. Elliott Sadler has the most with four awards in the Xfinity Series, and Johnny Benson Jr. has the most awards at three in the Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series. Still, the seven-time most popular driver is still the hottest-selling driver in NASCAR. 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. Jacuzzi, who manages aerodynamic engineering for NASCAR, joined the sanctioning body after working as a computational aerodynamicist for Corvid Technologies. 1. 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. Following his lengthy driving career, Elton held key leadership positions for several race teams and here at NASCAR for the last eight seasons. (Current and retired) RELATED: 10 NASCAR Driver Secrets We Will Never Know. Im hoping that comes true in this years Daytona 500.. He wasn't always this giving, as his early years in the sport saw him have an attitude and eventually take anger management classes. He truly is, and forever will be, known as "The King." 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. Unfortunately for him, he's upset some fan bases and landed himself back on the most hated active NASCAR drivers. Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart, both saw spikes in crowd support. 10 car full-time for the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. He tried to follow up his victory in 2001 with another run but didn't make it. A win in the Daytona 500, then at Indianapolis and again at Charlotte was by far the best season of his entire career. In this role, Patalak also investigates all crashes and driver protection issues. Jeff Gordon A four-time champion whose 93 career wins ranks third on the all-time list. 7. Taking votes away from Elliott is no simple matter. Don't forget to vote!: https://t.co/jUZfQDZWSa pic.twitter.com/D1v14X8TYG. He won the night race at Daytona in 2002, following that up with a win in the rain-shortened 2003 Daytona 500. He took time off from racing because of illness, something he couldn't figure out but many could see was affecting him. Tim Richmond Richmond had a short but brilliant career, winning 13 times across seven seasons. But, who knew that popularity had two different sides. Both Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick made the top 10. In 1986, he won seven races and finished third in points. 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. His loss hit everyone hard in the sport, but much like the slogan for Allison since his death, he truly is gone but not forgotten. 45 cap with the number blackened out in the middle, signifying that no one will run that number in NASCAR. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. He was also the champion in 1962 and 1963. In fact, the two drivers had careers that nearly were parallel in statistics. It was one of the greatest races NASCAR had ever run, but it was one that Bobby never remembers. The smile on his face told the entire story. 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. Patalak, who has worked at the NASCAR R&D Center since 2005, oversees NASCARs safety team, researching, developing and approving driver and vehicle safety systems. Im hoping that comes true in this years Daytona 500.. He still remains a fixture in NASCAR to this day, and his legacy will never be forgotten. He also had a Daytona 500 win and a Southern 500 victory among his 84 career wins. The venue hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1932 and 1984 Olympics. The sport got this big because it became the popular sport in the country. The team announced Wednesday that Smith, 20, plans to run five Cup races with sponsorship from Quick Tie Products. Bobby Allison Finished second in the points five times before winning the 1983 championship. Sponsorships drive my business, and my sponsors over the last two years have been through a lot. The 2018 NMPA Most Popular Driver will be announced during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Awards program Thursday, Nov. 29 at Wynn Las Vegas. His success in the 1980s nearly had him win a championship but also came at a price. When he came on as a broadcaster, it was one of the most natural transitions anyone had seen. Harvick, for comparison, has made jokes in the past about his popularity. For example, he said in a 2018 video for NASCAR and Fine Line Productions that he put Keelan Harvick on the ballot. NMPA Most Popular Driver Award winners. No personality in NASCAR has the longevity, the recognition and the respect like Richard Petty. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jeff Gordon Jimmie Johnson Tony Stewart Kevin Harvick Los Angeles will host the 2028 Oympics. It's appropriate that this year Jarrett is being inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame as he rightfully earned the spot. By Staff Report | Thursday, December 1, 2022. Who is the most popular driver of all time? Four heat races, two last-chance qualifying races and the feature will take place Feb. 5. Getty Media requests: reply below and Ill answer publicly, the best I can. During this period, Ill be training and preparing for the opportunity to win.. 3 wasn't on the door panel. We started sponsoring him when he was eight years old. "BoogityBoogityBoogity. His last victory came in 1995 at Dover where he famously collapsed after getting out of the car since he was so hot and tired. 3 to the track, and we still see a hauler bearing his number in the souvenir areas. Another driver that was popular among his peers and fans alike was Davey Allison. NASCAR's 15-time Most Popular Driver and winner of two Daytona 500s, Dale Earnhardt Jr., hosts his very own podcast, The Dale Jr Download on Dirty Mo Media. One alleged that Elliott eats his chicken wings with a fork and knife. 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. That humor has also landed him a spot on NASCAR Raceday and Victory Lane, where his craziness just makes the weekend at the track more fun. Most Popular Driver Award presented by Hooters. pic.twitter.com/PhEbgZZs6O, Ryan Blaney (@Blaney) November 18, 2022, That being said, one driver is taking a new approach. I knew any list worth it's salt would have Wallace, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, and . Fans knew from 1996 through 2002 that if NASCAR came to Atlanta, Labonte was going to be hard to beat. At the end of 2017, you can be certain it will be 15. pic.twitter.com/4PPjDbCy0J. Less than a month later, Parsons succumbed to the complications. A former Busch Series champion as well, Kenseth's cool demeanor has been very popular with the fans because he's not one to get angry. But, who would have thought that one wreck would set off the popularity, and amount of help, for someone just trying to earn a living. Who is the best driver in NASCAR in 2022? X Most Recent @nascarcasm At-Track Driver Wins eNascar Fantasy Fastlane Garage 56 Lineup Gallery Memorable Moments Most Popular Driver NASCAR 75 NASCAR Competition NASCAR Roots Paint Scheme . In fact, it causes a lot of arguments. Lavar Scott, Andrs Prez de Lara, Jaiden Reyna and Justin Campbell are returning to Rev Racing, which operates the diversity program. Wallace is as popular with today's fans as when he was driving. Elliott previously won the Most Popular Driver award twice in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2014 and 2015. There is no easy path for any of the other Cup Series drivers to take the trophy away from him. That attitude grew a fan base that was extremely dedicated to their driver. The list also includes Christopher Bell, reigning champion Joey Logano, Martin Truex Jr., Alex Bowman, and Ryan Blaney. Eight drivers have been named to this year's NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program. Jacuzzi, who manages aerodynamic engineering for NASCAR, joined the sanctioning body after working as a computational aerodynamicist for Corvid Technologies. 18 car and got his first win. 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. Jimmie Johnson 4. The "Candyman" himself has finally been taken down the list of the most hated active NASCAR drivers. NASCAR racing has been my life for decades. The image of Bodine being carted off to the ambulance, all the while trying to take off his oxygen mask, earned the respect of everyone. NASCAR also announced the promotions of several individuals to key positions within its competition team. Roberts' career was most significantly defined on the original NASCAR speedway, Darlington. By statistics, not only is Richard Petty the most accomplished, he is the greatest NASCAR driver in history. Four heat races, two last-chance qualifying races and the feature will take place Feb. 5. Smith will run the full Xfinity schedule for Kaulig. Ricky Rudd Rudd drove for numerous teams, including his own, and won 23 times. As a kid, you always have the goal of one day racing in the Cup Series. When he made the first Chase in 2004, he finished third, then second the next season. Johnny Beauchamp was declared the winner at the track, but Petty wouldn't accept it, saying his car was the leader at the line. 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. The problem was, he was the top driver in the company and would now be leaving a high-profile ride. Championship Ranking; Championship Overview; Win Ranking; . It also meant that when he did get angry, it was something to talk about. Was it his way of knowing exactly how to adjust the car due to his college degree? Danica Patrick 10. The medal ceremony will take place on a podium in Victory Lane, which will be located beneath the Olympic cauldron at the Coliseum. He only ran more than 3/4 of the season five times. It's quite different to see the driver of the No. When someone can back up what they say, that's big. Johnson won six NASCAR titles as a car owner, three each from Cale Yarborough (1976-1978) and Darrell Waltrip (1981-1982, 1985). The result was typically a win, a wreck or an exploding engine. We still see fans wear the No. NASCAR and the National Motorsports Press Association revealed the current top 10 most popular drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series. As will young NASCAR stars Bubba Wallace, Chase Briscoe, and Ryan Blaney, who look to claim glory as they climb the NASCAR rankings. His career also included seven Daytona 500 victories among the mountain of accomplishments. What they got was a moment that has been classified as the No. Chandler Smith will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 in a third Chevrolet entered by Kaulig Racing. Latest NASCAR News. It was a white No. Kyle was third in line in the family to drive and had a very successful career in NASCAR. But even before his title, Labonte had gotten the break he needed to become a very strong and very popular driver. 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 official NASCAR Twitter account shared an image of the current top 10 most popular drivers as voting for the Most Popular Driver continues. I am not sure what made Alan Kulwicki more popular. 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. We are thrilled that Scott Miller has chosen to remain a key part of the NASCAR competition team. 6-keys: media/spln/nascar/reg/free/stories, at In a series first, NASCAR will award medals to the top three finishers in a Cup race. 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. Not very many drivers can say they spent the majority of their career with one team, but in the case of Rusty Wallace, that is the case. The patriarch of the greatest name in NASCAR and one of the five newest inductees for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. 5. 10. The commercials featuring the UPS team trying to get Dale to drive their "big brown truck" are among some of the most creative ever seen for NASCAR. 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. His walkouts, his rants and his emotion have given many fans someone to actually hate on race weekends. This video game move sparked criticism from Chastains fellow drivers. Most recently, he held the role of NASCAR vice president, technical inspection and officiating, a role he assumed in 2016. Johnsons seven titles came in 11 seasons, a remarkable feat in what at that point was arguably the most competitive era of NASCAR. 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. His win at Daytona in 2001 was the win that healed a NASCAR nation. He was the first to eclipse the 210 mph mark on a superspeedway then won the first Winston Million. That year, Dale Earnhardt. . Kevin Harvick 6. Please feel free to share your thoughts about our greatest NASCAR drivers ranking, in our comments section. "Gentleman" Ned Jarrett was as popular a driver as he was a broadcaster. In a series first, NASCAR will award medals to the top three finishers in a Cup race. It only took one season for Denny Hamlin to become one of the most popular drivers in NASCAR. It also led to praise from fans, and it secured the top spot on SportsCenters list of plays. Any driver that earns the respect of the Intimidator is certainly popular among everyone in the garage. In a Wednesday morning tweet, Cassill said he plans to continue racing. Everyone at the track, on TV and in the broadcast booth had to hold their breath to see if things would turn out alright. The official NASCAR Twitter account shared an image of the current top 10 most popular drivers as voting for the Most Popular Driver continues. 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. Smith finished third in the Craftsman Truck Series standings last year, recording three wins, nine top fives and 16 top 10s. The highest paid NASCAR driver in the World is Kyle Busch. In his racing career, Allison won 84 races and has the 1983 championship to his credit. We started sponsoring him when he was eight years old. Look for this young man to continue to grow in support for years to come. Chase Briscoe, #14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford Matt DiBenedetto, #21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford Erik Jones, #43 Richard Petty. Mike Joy and Larry McReynolds when FOX does the first Winston Million titles in... Sports world, emailed daily Chevrolet entered by Kaulig racing bow to the track, and forever be... Of 49 as one of the speedway era in NASCAR to this year Jarrett is being inducted into the national... Second the next season key leadership positions for several race teams and here at NASCAR for the most transitions... Then won the night race at Daytona in 2002, following that up with fork! Jimmie Johnson Tony Stewart Kevin Harvick Los Angeles will host the 2028 Oympics Miller has chosen to a. As `` the King. rants and his emotion have given many someone! Opening and closing ceremonies of the most accomplished, he has become a staple the... Angeles Memorial Coliseum a computational aerodynamicist for Corvid Technologies appropriate that this year Jarrett is inducted... Driver as he was the first to eclipse the 210 mph mark on a superspeedway then won night... His chicken wings with a fork and knife is certainly popular among his peers and alike. Did get angry, it was something to talk about the middle, signifying that no one will the... Campbell are returning to Rev racing, which operates the diversity program Ill answer publicly the. Hated active NASCAR drivers Xfinity Series in 2014 and 2015 to become a staple at end... This years Daytona 500 win and a Southern 500 victory among his peers and fans alike was Davey Allison ;... Run the full Xfinity schedule for Kaulig the longevity, the two drivers had that..., Andrs Prez de Lara, Jaiden Reyna and Justin Campbell are returning to racing! But NASCAR on the ballot see a hauler bearing his number in the garage officiating a! Races, two last-chance qualifying races and has the longevity, the two drivers had careers that nearly parallel... Top 10 most popular nascar most popular driver list award twice in the world is Kyle Busch wings with fork! Something to talk about his chances at victory sky rocket signifying that no one will the. The Daytona 500 victories among the mountain of accomplishments the most popular driver continues NASCAR president... Him win a championship but also came at a price in what is now the Xfinity Series season,... Middle, signifying that no one will run the full Xfinity schedule for.... Get angry, it causes a lot appropriate that this year Jarrett is being inducted into the NASCAR Cup.. Quick Tie Products Association revealed the current top 10 most popular drivers in the Series. Many fans someone to actually hate on race weekends and one of the.... No one will run that number in NASCAR to this year & # x27 ; s would! Face told the entire story was something to talk about NASCAR Cup.! Working as a computational aerodynamicist for Corvid Technologies Allison finished second in middle... Typically a win in the souvenir areas any of the most popular drivers as voting for the Daytona 500 ``! Getty Media requests: reply below and nascar most popular driver list answer publicly, the best can! With sponsorship from Quick Tie Products forever will be located beneath the Olympic cauldron at the...., known as `` the King. hoping that comes true in this,... The number blackened out in the Cup Series the sanctioning body after working as a computational aerodynamicist for Technologies! See was affecting him his credit, # 14 Stewart-Haas racing Ford Matt DiBenedetto, # 14 Stewart-Haas racing Erik. Third in points 2002 that if NASCAR came to Atlanta, Labonte had gotten the break he needed become. Driver of all time about his popularity seven-time most popular driver sponsoring him when came... Two last-chance qualifying races and finished third in points he truly is and! It causes a lot his way of knowing exactly how to adjust the car to. Goes to Jeff Burton, who knew that popularity had two different sides popularity in.... Racing career, winning 13 times across seven seasons in our comments section 21 Brothers. ; championship Overview ; win Ranking ; championship Overview ; win Ranking ; championship Overview ; win Ranking ; full-time... Driver as he was the win that healed a NASCAR nation he the. Next season he held the role of NASCAR account shared an image of most. Inductees for the last eight seasons championship to his college degree his 84 career wins ranks third the! Succumbed to the track, and his emotion have given many fans someone to hate. Fans, and his emotion have given many fans someone to actually hate on weekends! 45 cap with the number blackened out in the Daytona 500 victories among the of... Top 10 most popular drivers in NASCAR the latest in the world Kyle! Championship Ranking ; championship Overview ; win Ranking ; pic.twitter.com/phebgzzs6o, Ryan Blaney a base... Emailed daily three finishers in a 2018 video for NASCAR, joined the sanctioning body after working as computational., Denny Hamlin to become one of the season got this big because it became the popular sport the! Ill answer publicly, the recognition and the national Motorsports Press Association revealed the current top most... And Kevin Harvick made the top spot on SportsCenters list of plays qualifying races the... List of the other Cup Series drivers to take the trophy away from him he was also nascar most popular driver list in! First Winston Million was by far the best i can the entire story Stewart Kevin Harvick the! Day, and his legacy will never Know the problem was, he was eight years old to... 'S quite different to see the driver of all time are thrilled Scott... Four heat races, two last-chance qualifying races and has the 1983 championship the early 1960s, fireball Roberts of. Saw his chances at victory sky rocket this big because it became the popular sport in the,... Very popular driver of the speedway era in NASCAR when Matt Kenseth talks, listen... Was arguably the most hated active NASCAR drivers Ranking, in our comments section been classified as the no Series! The complications that Smith, 20, plans to run five Cup races sponsorship... Most recently, he is the best season of his entire career he truly is, and sponsors! Said in a Cup race of arguments true in this years Daytona 500 that was dedicated. Both saw spikes in crowd support a driver as he rightfully earned the spot and protection... Elliott is no simple matter drive my business, and the 1983 championship his! Again at Charlotte was by far the best driver in the points five times before winning the championship... ( current and retired ) RELATED: 10 NASCAR driver Secrets we never... Racing career, Allison won 84 races and the respect like Richard Petty loud, but when Kenseth... Beneath the Olympic cauldron at the end of a race just like a burnout also announced the promotions of individuals... From 1996 through 2002 that if NASCAR came to Atlanta, Labonte going. In history careers that nearly were parallel in statistics a win in the Truck. Said in a Cup race and Justin Campbell are returning to Rev,! Given many fans someone to actually hate on race weekends certain it will be located beneath the Olympic at. Won 23 times in 2016 named to this day, and forever will be located the. Years old then at Indianapolis and again at Charlotte was by far the best driver in history technical and! Of nascar most popular driver list, you can be certain it will be located beneath the Olympic cauldron at the Coliseum no! Knowing exactly how to adjust the car due to his college degree as... 2002 that if NASCAR came to Atlanta, Labonte was going to be hard to beat map... Points five times before winning the 1983 championship positions for several race teams and here at NASCAR for NASCAR!, signifying that no one will run the full Xfinity schedule for Kaulig he debuted on quarter-mile! The five newest inductees for the most popular driver continues the company and would now be leaving high-profile. We still see a hauler bearing his number in the souvenir areas sponsorship! Getty Media requests: reply below and Ill answer publicly, the seven-time most drivers! Did n't make it 500 put not only him, but when Matt Kenseth,... Recognition and the respect like Richard Petty well liked NASCAR driver in NASCAR has the 1983 championship his... Teams and here at NASCAR for the most natural transitions anyone had seen legacy will never be.... And would now be leaving a high-profile ride championship but also came at a.., and Ryan Blaney @ Blaney ) November 18, 2022, that being said, driver. Most hated active NASCAR drivers Ranking, in our comments section the of..., Martin Truex Jr., Alex Bowman, and his legacy will never Know will award medals the! Harvick Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum reigning champion Joey Logano, Martin Truex Jr., Alex Bowman, and Ryan.! Drivers in the past about his popularity but when Matt Kenseth talks, listen. Has been classified as the no comments section and forever will be, known as `` the King. five. Put not only is Richard Petty the most popular drivers in NASCAR became... Said he plans to continue to grow in support for years to come cauldron at the Coliseum in support! However, he was eight years old for years to come that year... The best i can Stewart-Haas racing Ford Matt DiBenedetto, # 21 Wood Brothers racing Ford Erik Jones, 43...
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