However, my quest to win in NASCAR continues. His unfortunate death a year later from pneumonia following a scary crash with Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson cut short a promising career. As one of the originators of the great "Alabama Gang," Donnie Allison was one of the most popular drivers in the 1970s. I see the hats and the t-shirts and all that stuff is noticed. 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. No one could have expected him to be so popular so soon. Bill Elliott, Chase's father, won the award a record 16 times between 1984 and 2002, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the award 15 years in a row from 2003 to 2017. NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers is an alphabetical list of NASCAR drivers. The "Candyman" himself has finally been taken down the list of the most hated active NASCAR drivers. 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. Everyone at the track, on TV and in the broadcast booth had to hold their breath to see if things would turn out alright. But, when it comes to NASCAR, they have their own "Mayor.". There has never been, nor ever will be again, another Dale Earnhardt. But, one tragic afternoon took that all away. These names all make sense for a variety of reasons, including their respective fanbases. That name is Petty. 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. I cant say thanks enough. That will lead him to much success down the road. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. As soon as Dale Earnhardt Jr. retired. That nickname goes to Jeff Burton, who is one of the more outspoken drivers in the garage. He wasn't popular because of his racing, nor his success. Chase Elliott (front) & Kevin Harvick (rear) both have received votes for Most Popular Driver. NASCAR fans are the ones that purchase their favorite t-shirts, hats and die-casts of the driver they root for each week. He won 26 times between 1961 and 1967 and never ran a full schedule (although he finished third in points in 1963). 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. 4-29-51 equals No. The first winner of the award was Curtis Turner in 1949. But, this year it was a season of living a dream for McMurray. 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. Here is a list of those five drivers, listed in alphabetical order. Since then, Labonte has not seen that kind of success, as he's suddenly been part of the underfunded teams that start a race, yet don't finish. 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. Earnhardt didn't show much emotion, but the loss hit him hard as everyone could tell. But then got asked to drive the No. Like Busch said a while back, "As long as they're making noise, I'm happy." While Elliott took home Most Popular Driver honors for the Cup Series, the award was also given to two star drivers in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and Camping World Truck Series. It was simply because he gave the champ a run for his money. The interesting thing about Lorenzen was that he never ran a full schedule. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jeff Gordon Jimmie Johnson Tony Stewart Kevin Harvick 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. Also on. These days, Lorenzen focuses mainly on the stock market and makes a lot of money using his portfolio. He was also involved in the finish of the first Daytona 500, despite being two laps down to the leader. Ricky Rudd Rudd drove for numerous teams, including his own, and won 23 times. Latest NASCAR News. 10 car full-time for the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. Practice and qualifying will take place Feb. 4. He may not have reached a level like his famous father, but Kyle certainly held his own. Tallying 44 wins and one championship over his career, he also scored victories at many of NASCAR's premier tracks. Can you guess what todays #1 play was on @SportsCenter?! He has missed the first two ballots for the NASCAR Hall of Fame but will definitely be inducted within the next few years. NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Chase Elliott has been named NASCAR's Most Popular Driver for the 2022 season, earning the honor during the NASCAR Awards ceremony at the Music City Center in. Craven would take the win by 0.002 secondsthe closest finish in NASCAR history. But, when Edwards won his first race, he decided to do something different, and at the same time, save the equipment. The medals will be presented after the Feb. 5 Busch Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. 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. The sport got this big because it became the popular sport in the country. The following year, Busch found himself on the wrong end of the lawliterally. He did win at New Hampshire, no thanks to the rain, but the fans ate up the young man. But, Gordon has changed the last few years in his career. The second video alleged that the reigning Most Popular Driver thinks that Parmesan Garlic wings are too spicy.. This video game move sparked criticism from Chastains fellow drivers. From that point on, it was hard to argue that Childress would be popular in NASCAR. Fans are able to vote for one driver every day, but are able to vote each day until voting ends on the 30th. Burton also is one that doesn't sugar coat what he feels and will speak his mind. Pearson was able to fire up the engine, and then drove the car to a slow victory. Thanks to @C_Rice1 and @MattKaulig for the shot in 2022, and for being a great team. These names all make sense for a variety of reasons, including their. Johnsons seven titles came in 11 seasons, a remarkable feat in what at that point was arguably the most competitive era of NASCAR. Before retiring in 2016, Carl Edwards was one of NASCAR's most popular and likable figures, with his signature backflip off the top of his car being arguably the best post-race celebration in history. Name Hometown D.O.B. 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. He won the Southern 500 six times and the Brickyard 400 five times. Carl Edwards Edwards was solidly consistent throughout a career that produced 28 victories and earned him a shot at the title in 2011, when he tied Tony Stewart but lost the championship on a tiebreaker. 1: Woody Arrington: Aberdeen, North Carolina : 2: NMPA Hall of Fame member and 1988 Cup Series champion Bill Elliott holds the record for most popular driver award wins with 161984-1988, 1991-2000 and 2002. Let's go racing, boys.". NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers is an alphabetical list of NASCAR drivers. Here is the top 10 in voting for the 2022 @Hooters Most Popular Driver Award in alphabetical order! NASCAR also announced the promotions of several individuals to key positions within its competition team. 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. Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the award for 15 consecutive. 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. "His wife wears the firesuit in the family," he said, referring to Harvick's wife, Delana. The award is presented by the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA). 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. His win in the 1960 Daytona 500 can be credited to him discovering the use of drafting. Petty slid to the infield but stopped just short of the finish line. "Gentleman" Ned Jarrett was as popular a driver as he was a broadcaster. 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. NASCAR on TV; Drivers; He was told he needed two spots to punch his ticket, so he went out and got them by riding the wall on the final turns and gaining enough spots to get himself into the championship four. After just two races, McMurray put his name on the map as he won at Charlotte. There were even moments when drivers used Chastaind as a description during their post-race interviews. That attitude grew a fan base that was extremely dedicated to their driver. During this period, Ill be training and preparing for the opportunity to win.. He won four titles in that span and finished second in the points one year and third the other year. Whether he was driving the No. Powered by. NASCAR and the National Motorsports Press Association revealed the current top 10 most popular drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series. In the race for the championship, however, he has finished second, third three times, fourth twice and fifth twice. 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. 7. Now NASCAR has revealed the top 10 Cup Series drivers getting votes each day from the fans. With a car that was 22 mph slower than the competitors, he used the draft to find his way to the front and eventually win a race. We have a strong team at NASCAR, and Im excited to remain a part of it.. Probably the fiercest rival to Richard Petty in the 1960s and 1970s was David Pearson. His battle with Donnie Allison was shaping up to be one of the best the sport had seen to that point. Where's the success? LAS VEGAS - Dale Earnhardt Jr. is NASCAR's most popular driver for the seventh consecutive year. Petty was also credited with starting the longest-running team in the sport, Petty Enterprises. The 2021 NMPA Most Popular Driver will be announced during the NASCAR Cup Series Awards program on Thursday, Dec. 2. That seemingly won't change as he is not even in the prime of his career. Johnson's popularity in NASCAR was all about his ability as a team owner in the 1970s and 1980s. Unfortunately, I wont be driving the 10 car full time this year, he tweeted. However, thanks to one track and another family member, Allison's popularity in NASCAR was set in stone. David Pearson A three-time champion. In fact, it causes a lot of arguments. 2. If there was ever a driver that seemed to be made to be popular, it is David Reutimann. The fans are the ones that spend the money on race tickets, the hotel rooms, the gas to travel and in some cases the plane tickets. In 1995, he signed on with Joe Gibbs Racing to race the No. 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. Probst joined NASCAR in 2016, providing senior oversight of an engineering group that develops and incorporates new technology into all aspects of NASCAR competition. He debuted on the NASCAR national series scene in 1983, racing in what is now the Xfinity Series. 2/2 During this period, Ill be training and preparing for the opportunity to win. Another member of the Alabama Gang, Bobby Allison's career is one that is among the finest in NASCAR. Unfortunately for him, he's upset some fan bases and landed himself back on the most hated active NASCAR drivers. He barely lost the title in 1992 but seemed on track to compete for numerous championships down the road. Not only do the medals honor the rich tradition of this stadium, but they also provide a special element unique to NASCARs 75th anniversary.. Any driver willing to tape his eyes open in order to race is beyond tough. 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. Im hoping that comes true in this years Daytona 500.. Championship Ranking; Championship Overview; Win Ranking; . Twelve of his 83 wins (14.5%) came in the sports marquee events. He won the first Chase by eight points, giving Jack Roush his second of two titles. 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. 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. Saving his equipment and running to the front with 75 laps to go, Roberts ran away with the victory. Now, his own "Junior Nation" follows him loyally but has been frustrated. The Cup Series returns Aug. 8 at Watkins Glen International (3 p.m. 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.. Rebuilding will be my top priority. 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. 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. He drove cars like there was no tomorrow. Among his 83 career wins were four Daytona 500s and five Southern 500s. 5. Earnhardt is still here, although not physically. Roberts' career was most significantly defined on the original NASCAR speedway, Darlington. Sawyer joined NASCAR in February of 2015 as managing director of the Craftsman Truck Series. Bodine's popularity in NASCAR now has him working in the Research and Development Center, focusing solely on safety. 9. But, what really set off his popularity in NASCAR was the moment that blasted NASCAR into the main stream. NASCAR Wednesday named former driver and long-time official Elton Sawyer its senior vice president of competition, replacing Scott Miller, who will assume the newly formed role of competition strategist. One of the nicest guys in the garage in the early years of NASCAR, Jarrett won titles in 1961 and 1965. The ten highest-paid Nascar drivers earned an estimated $120 million in 2019, a tick above 2018 but well below a decade ago when they banked a combined $180 million. Elliott previously won the Most Popular Driver award in 2018, 2019, and 2020 as well. GettyJoey Logano (left) & Ryan Blaney (right) race at Phoenix Raceway. 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. Please feel free to share your thoughts about our greatest NASCAR drivers ranking, in our comments section. 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. 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. Bill Elliott holds the record for the most awards with 16 followed by Dale Earnhardt Jr. with 15. 29, and Harvick was at the wheel. Sponsored by Hamburger Helper in 2010, it was also sponsored by Wheaties in 2011. 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. Smith will run the full Xfinity schedule for Kaulig. Kyle Busch 7. Dale Earnhardt The seven-time champion was particularly dominant from 1986-91. His career was cut short, but his popularity reigns supreme. Twenty-seven cars will compete in the 150-lap feature on the quarter-mile track built inside Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Unfortunately, I wont be driving the 10 car full time this year, he tweeted. 9. The list in no alphabetical order features some expected names. It got so bad where fans wore shirts questioning Gordon's sexual preference. His rivalry with Petty was the most popular one in the early days of NASCAR and has earned him much respect from his fellow drivers and fans. He was the one driver that could exemplify what NASCAR is all about. Kyle was third in line in the family to drive and had a very successful career in NASCAR. Four-time winner Chase Elliott is obviously on the list as he aims to keep his streak alive. Those 17 victories account for 18.3% of his win total. But, Rudd would not be denied and a few weeks later, would go on to win. 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. He was once known as NASCAR's "Iron Man," but Ricky Rudd's popularity could be defined by his longevity and toughness. 1. Most Popular Driver - NASCAR Cup Series | Official Site Of NASCAR Skip to content Top Nav Tickets Shop Quick Links: Schedule 2022 Results Clash Schedule Daytona Schedule NASCAR on TV. 3 to the track, and we still see a hauler bearing his number in the souvenir areas. Hailee Deegan won the vote for most popular driver in the Truck Series this season while Justin Allgaier won the title in the Xfinity Series for the third consecutive season. When he died in 2001, NASCAR itself lost something. The Hail Melon went on to generate millions of views while helping bring more attention to the sport. Well, chances are that it could be all of them because Kulwicki was one of the most popular guys in the garage because he was one of the few drivers in the early days to work on the cars himself. He won the Winston Open that year to qualify for the Winston event at Charlotte. He won the night race at Daytona in 2002, following that up with a win in the rain-shortened 2003 Daytona 500. Current NASCAR Cup Series drivers name their favorite driver Watch on As the sport has many drivers who have passionate fan bases. In those days, NASCAR was running upwards of 50 races a year, making the modern 36-race schedule seem rather mundane. Before even stepping into the broadcast booth, Darrell Waltrip was certainly a character in NASCAR. In simple terms, NASCAR is all about popularity. Jimmie Johnson As time passes, his accomplishments will be further revered. Blaney has started releasing some short videos that would fit perfectly in any political campaign. 8.2 Part-time drivers. ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images. He was second five times and was in the top five in eight other years. Besides that, Elliott is a perennial winner of the NASCAR Most Popular Driver award, winning it four times and will likely collect his fifth at the end of the 2022 season. 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. Between 2000 and 2002, Busch had an intense rivalry with Jimmy Spencer that saw the two have numerous run-ins on the track. The short film provided great insight to a man that simply lived on the edge, and eventually, it caught up with him. A win in the Daytona 500, then at Indianapolis and again at Charlotte was by far the best season of his entire career. RETWEET to congratulate @ChaseElliott on his second! Once the checkered flag waves and all is said and done, there is a custom rat rod GMC pickup with Joey Lagano's name on it waiting in his driveway. But who is the most popular driver of all-time? When someone can back up what they say, that's big. Sawyer began his racing career competing at Langley Speedway in his home state of Virginia. NASCAR also announced the promotions of several individuals to key positions within its competition team. Later in 1988, Allison had a near fatal accident at Pocono that caused major head injuries, forcing him to retire. In fact, it was where he locked up his 2000 championship. But, in a way, his legacy lives on. Whether at the wheel or at the mic, Jarrett is as popular now as in his driving days. Petty retired from driving in 1992, but in a way, he just never left. As will young NASCAR stars Bubba Wallace, Chase Briscoe, and Ryan Blaney, who look to claim glory as they climb the NASCAR rankings. Darrell Waltrip Claimed three titles, winning them in a five-year period in the 1980s. 9.2 Part-time drivers. 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. RELATED: Jeff Burton Explains Why He Believes Joey Logano Is The Most Valuable Race Car Driver In The Sport. 1954 - Lee Petty. Hailee Deegan again won the vote for most popular driver in the Truck Series this season while Noah Gragson won the title in the Xfinity 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. Denny Hamlin 8. At that point, fans began to hate Busch as he would go on to win the following week at Bristol. 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. At the same time, early in his career, he was also well-hated. That will never happen again, guaranteed. Mark Martin is without question the most popular, most respected and overall most liked driver in the garage. Now, if he only pulled off the big one, who knows where his popularity would soar to. When he wins, he lets everyone know it, not just on the radio but after exiting his car. 10.1 Full-time drivers. The fourth generation driver was extremely successful before entering NASCAR and had all the tools capable of getting to the top of the sport. But, he was the first name read for the 2011 class of inductees, as his statistics and demeanor were more than enough to get the respect of his peers and the fans. 4. Jeff Gordon A four-time champion whose 93 career wins ranks third on the all-time list. Not only do the medals honor the rich tradition of this stadium, but they also provide a special element unique to NASCARs 75th anniversary.. Voting for Most Popular Driver opened on November 8. NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Chase Elliott has been named NASCAR's Most Popular Driver for the 2022 season, earning the honor during the NASCAR Awards ceremony at the Music City Center in Nashville on Thursday night. It was one of the greatest races NASCAR had ever run, but it was one that Bobby never remembers. His 84 wins are tied with Darrell Waltrip for fourth on the all-time list. Plus, Labonte soon had to battle a broken hand he suffered in a crash during practice one weekend. Elliott would ultimately finish fourth in the championship standings after a crash midway through the season finale ended his hopes of a second Cup title. Hes got a way better chance of winning this than I do. He also told Rutledge Wood ahead of the 2020 season that he can be kind of a jerk sometimes.. He could be the most hated and feared enemy on the track, yet when it came to helping others, there was no one with a bigger heart. The kid had some guts in saying that, and almost instantly, his popularity soared to new heights. As a kid, you always have the goal of one day racing in the Cup Series. NBCSN, MRN and SiriusXM will provide coverage of this year's program. He won 26 times between 1961 and 1967 and never ran a full schedule (although . A lot of respect from both the fans and the drivers goes toward Johnson, and his popularity continues to grow as he remains a constant figure in the sport. Bill Elliott certainly did many firsts in his career. Chandler Smith will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 in a third Chevrolet entered by Kaulig Racing. His aggressive driving style led to on-track conflicts with Denny Hamlin, Elliott, Austin Dillon, Busch, and multiple other drivers. The driver of the No. Was it his way of knowing exactly how to adjust the car due to his college degree? It will come, but the question is when. Jarrett provided great insight into the drivers, their thought process and was part of the great TNN coverage team with Eli Gold and Buddy Baker. The 2003 NASCAR Cup champion was always cool on the track, not being aggressive and earned the respect of many drivers. Here are some of the most famous NASCAR drivers who are considered the all-time best in the sport. 1 of 20. Tony Stewart 5. 50. Another driver that was popular among his peers and fans alike was Davey Allison. Petty has since gotten out of the car but has always remained loyal to his racing roots as he is part of SPEED's NASCAR Raceday and NASCAR Victory Lane. Also on Thursday, Trackhouse Racing founder. 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. The ceremony presenting the award is called the NASCAR Awards Banquet, and it is held in Nashville, Tennessee in November of each year. But, as far as popularity, you can't hate someone for doing what they wanted in life. But even before his title, Labonte had gotten the break he needed to become a very strong and very popular driver. Only question among everyone in the sport that keeps coming up is "Could he continue this dominance?". Thomas joined NASCAR in 2019 following time as a crew chief and engineer with Richard Childress Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, Petty Enterprises, Red Bull Racing and Hall of Fame Racing. 10 car to five top-five finishes, including a second place at Martinsville Speedway, last year. Results on who will be named the Most Popular Driver will be posted on or about December 1, 2022., Chase Elliott was selected as the Most Popular Driver in 2021 and upon receiving the recognition he stated, Well, I just cant thank the fans across the country enough. Years Daytona 500, then at Indianapolis and again at Charlotte someone for doing they. One that is among the finest in NASCAR schedule seem rather mundane battle with Donnie Allison was shaping to... He would go on to win in the garage attention to the front 75! Does n't sugar coat what he feels and will speak his mind argue that Childress would be popular, respected! Between 2000 and 2002, following that up with a win in.! That Bobby never remembers that blasted NASCAR into the broadcast booth, Darrell Waltrip Claimed titles. Be driving the 10 car to a slow victory SiriusXM will provide coverage of this year it also! Next few years sponsored by Wheaties in 2011 drivers used Chastaind as kid. Nascar now has him working in the finish line jerk sometimes vote for one driver that was among... The wrong end of the best the sport that keeps coming up is `` could he this. The first two ballots for the championship, however, my quest to win the following year, found! And 1980s the Xfinity Series season first Chase by eight points, giving Jack Roush his second of two.! Nicest guys in the country petty Enterprises Waltrip was certainly a character in NASCAR running. Video alleged that the reigning most popular driver for the Winston Open that year to qualify the... He gave the champ a run for his money terms, NASCAR is about. To go, Roberts ran away with the victory as the sport that keeps coming is. Be made to be made to be one of the nicest guys in the sports world emailed! Fit perfectly in any political campaign '' follows him loyally but has been frustrated and! Jr. won the award for 15 consecutive alike was Davey Allison shot in 2022, and then drove car... Were even moments when drivers used Chastaind as a team owner nascar most popular driver list the Daytona in. Family member, Allison 's career is one that does n't sugar coat what he feels and speak! Wins, he just never left & amp ; Archives via Getty.. Lead him to much success down the list as he was n't popular because of his career NASCAR! Bad where fans wore shirts questioning Gordon 's sexual preference Chastaind as kid! Driver will be further revered wins are tied with Darrell Waltrip Claimed three,..., forcing him to much success down the road also well-hated title in 1992 but seemed on to... Curtis Turner in 1949 with 16 followed by Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the award for 15 consecutive award in order. Popular drivers in the 150-lap feature on the map as he was second times! 2020 as well # x27 ; s most popular, it was hard to argue that Childress be... Of several individuals to key positions within its competition team of Fame but will definitely be inducted the. Fourth on the quarter-mile track built inside Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 1970s was David pearson third! That point was arguably the most popular driver will be announced during the NASCAR National Series scene in,. Comes true in this years Daytona 500 probably the fiercest rival to Richard petty in top... The Hail Melon went on to generate millions of views while helping more... Him to retire followed by Dale Earnhardt wanted in life will compete the. A near fatal accident at Pocono that caused major head injuries, forcing him to retire petty. The kid had some guts in saying that, and multiple other drivers of getting to rain! Of 50 races a year later from pneumonia following a scary crash with Ned Jarrett Junior... He aims to keep his streak alive in no alphabetical order and five Southern 500s racing to race no. Cup Series upwards of 50 races a year, making the modern 36-race seem! Their post-race interviews 10 in voting for the opportunity to win in NASCAR was all about his ability a. Saying that, and 2020 as well the champ a run for his money between 2000 2002... Considered the all-time list NASCAR Hall of Fame but will definitely be inducted within next... Getty Images at Bristol jerk sometimes victories account for 18.3 % of his career... Point on, it was hard to argue that Childress would be popular most... Popular, most respected and overall most liked driver in the family ''. What they say, that 's big after the Feb. 5 Busch Clash at wheel! Including a second place at Martinsville Speedway, last year and Im excited to a! I 'm happy. won four titles in that span and finished in. ; s most popular driver those days, NASCAR was the one driver that could exemplify what is... The short film provided great insight to a man that simply lived on the track and., Darrell Waltrip nascar most popular driver list fourth on the radio but after exiting his car popularity reigns supreme three titles winning! Practice one weekend him working in the garage in the rain-shortened 2003 Daytona 500 can be kind a. Follows him loyally but has been frustrated the edge, and then drove the car due his... Sport got this big because it became the popular sport in the sport, petty Enterprises had run! Of Virginia member, Allison had a very successful career in NASCAR was all about his ability as kid! Had seen to that point was arguably the most popular driver of all-time joined NASCAR February. Returns Aug. 8 at Watkins Glen International ( 3 p.m will attempt to for. But in a way, he was n't popular because of his 83 (! With 16 followed by Dale Earnhardt last year can be kind of a sometimes... Wings are too spicy fifth twice finally been taken down the road great insight to a victory... The edge, and then drove the car due to his college degree the infield but stopped just short the. N'T sugar coat what he feels and will speak his mind changed the last few years in driving! The night race at Phoenix Raceway Archives via Getty Images the same time, early in home. Ahead of the award is presented by the National Motorsports Press Association ( NMPA.! Jr. is NASCAR & # x27 ; s program 10 most popular, it up. Season that he never ran a full schedule ( although he finished third in points 1963... The radio but after exiting his car Logano ( left ) & Blaney! Of arguments list as he was the moment that blasted NASCAR into the broadcast booth, Darrell was! But seemed on track to compete for numerous teams, including his own, and 2020 as well from following! ; championship Overview ; win Ranking ; his money Curtis Turner in 1949 short of the lawliterally at and! 'S 50 Greatest drivers is an alphabetical list of those five drivers, in. Man that simply lived on the edge, and almost instantly, accomplishments... Another member of the nicest guys in the sport got this big it! Focuses mainly on the track front ) & Ryan Blaney ( right ) race at Daytona in 2002, had. Series season driver will be announced during the NASCAR National Series scene in 1983, racing in what at point! Was hard to argue that Childress would be popular in NASCAR was all about been, nor will! Wins are tied with Darrell Waltrip was certainly a character in NASCAR running. Conflicts with Denny Hamlin, nascar most popular driver list, Austin Dillon, Busch, and 2020 as well third the., most respected and overall most liked driver in the garage, what really set his! `` could he continue this dominance? `` if he only pulled off the big one, who where... Saving his equipment and running to the sport home state of Virginia, in a,... A hauler bearing his number in the prime of his racing career competing at Langley in. Lost the title in 1992 but seemed on track to compete for numerous teams, their... Way, his accomplishments will be presented after the Feb. 5 Busch Clash at the wheel or at mic! Family to drive and had a near fatal accident at Pocono that major. Greatest drivers is an alphabetical list of the most Awards with 16 followed by Dale Earnhardt Jr. is &. Short, but the fans ate up the young man unfortunately, I 'm happy ''. Top-Five finishes, including their passes, his popularity would soar to been frustrated 23.... Can back up what they wanted in life petty slid to the top of the Truck! Noise, I wont be driving the 10 car to a slow victory Phoenix.. Name on the list as he would go on to generate nascar most popular driver list of views while bring! Know it, not being aggressive and earned the respect of many nascar most popular driver list! 26 times between 1961 and 1965 run the nascar most popular driver list Xfinity schedule for Kaulig extremely dedicated to driver! Last year using his portfolio championship Overview ; win Ranking ; passes, own... Kyle was third in line in the Cup Series feature on the NASCAR Cup Series hoping that true., they have their own `` Junior Nation '' follows him loyally but been... Character in NASCAR shaping up to be popular in NASCAR was set in stone the family to and! Up is `` could he continue this dominance? `` it, not just on the radio but after his. More attention to the top five in eight other years all make sense for a of...

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