Those 17 victories account for 18.3% of his win total. I don't know what it is about NASCAR drivers, but each likes to make their own stamp on a victory. NASCAR racing has been my life for decades. In this role, Patalak also investigates all crashes and driver protection issues. Everyone knew what Petty meant to this sport. These names all make sense for a variety of reasons, including their. With the nickname "Sliced Bread," everyone knew that Joey Logano would be a popular driver. I see the hats and the t-shirts and all that stuff is noticed. 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. Twelve of his 83 wins (14.5%) came in the sports marquee events. 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. 1: Woody Arrington: Aberdeen, North Carolina : 2: Drivers have a way of earning respect on the track, but that carries over in the garage. Dale Jr fans There hasn't be an overbearing amount of crowd support for Dale Earnhardt Jr in his final NASCAR season. 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. He was also the champion in 1962 and 1963. Petty was also credited with starting the longest-running team in the sport, Petty Enterprises. You can sound the si-reen again! The award is presented by the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA). The smile on his face told the entire story. In a Wednesday morning tweet, Cassill said he plans to continue racing. Elliott cruised to the regular season championship and made it all the way to the Championship 4 by winning five times and earning 12 top fives, 20 top 10s and three poles with a Cup Series-leading 857 laps led. Smith will run the full Xfinity schedule for Kaulig. But then got asked to drive the No. In the rear view mirror, seeing that black No. In fact, he was one of the first to make the transition from behind the wheel to on the microphone. He held the series record for victories until son Richard topped his mark. 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. 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. 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. 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. Lavar Scott, Andrs Prez de Lara, Jaiden Reyna and Justin Campbell are returning to Rev Racing, which operates the diversity program. 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. 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. 45 cap with the number blackened out in the middle, signifying that no one will run that number in NASCAR. Everyone believes this man should be higher than he is going to be on this list. After running to the front of the field, he and Kurt Busch had an intense battle that saw both bump and beat on each other for seven corners. Junior Johnson Johnson was the opposite of a points racer. Rebuilding will be my top priority. His career was cut short, but his popularity reigns supreme. In a Wednesday morning tweet, Cassill said he plans to continue racing. Unfortunately, I wont be driving the 10 car full time this year, he tweeted. His legacy is set and is still growing with every season. Although early in his career he didn't get the breaks he needed, it was Rick Hendrick that saw the potential. But, he would not get his first career victory until 2001. The only reason Adam is low on this list is because his popularity was cut off before it could ever start. And what a career he's had driving the blue deuce. Most recently, he held the role of NASCAR vice president, technical inspection and officiating, a role he assumed in 2016. NASCAR also announced the promotions of several individuals to key positions within its competition team. Thought to go into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on the first class of inductees, Pearson was surprisingly left out. He's not just racing for him and his wife, he's racing for his family. 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. 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. Whether at the wheel or at the mic, Jarrett is as popular now as in his driving days. Kevin Harvick 6. There has only been one name in NASCAR with the distinction of going through four generations of drivers. Also on Thursday, Trackhouse Racing founder. The following year, Busch found himself on the wrong end of the lawliterally. Their accomplishments are the benchmark that much of our history is identified by. Despite only competing in 20 or less events a year, Allison was one that every driver knew could be a winner at any point. His remark following a run-in with Kevin Harvick at Pocono was the most infamous quote of the season. Not only do the medals honor the rich tradition of this stadium, but they also provide a special element unique to NASCARs 75th anniversary.. Display Current Drivers Only. We are thrilled that Scott Miller has chosen to remain a key part of the NASCAR competition team. Weatherly started stock car racing in 1952, winning 49 of the 83 races he entered, a staggering winning percentage. 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. Five drivers with a shot at the crown, and in the end by leading just one more lap than his closest competitor, Kulwicki took his lone championship. I cant thank the fans across the country enough., Hear from your 2021 NMPA Most Popular Driver, @chaseelliott. He won 37 of his 76 career victories during that time period. 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. Less than a month later, Parsons succumbed to the complications. Here is a list of those five drivers, listed in alphabetical order. After just two races, McMurray put his name on the map as he won at Charlotte. Who can ever forget the "Golden Benny" which was given to one team or organization after their performance each week. That's what earned him induction into the inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame. Smith finished third in the Craftsman Truck Series standings last year, recording three wins, nine top fives and 16 top 10s. Sponsorships drive my business, and my sponsors over the last two years have been through a lot. 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. No personality in NASCAR has the longevity, the recognition and the respect like Richard Petty. As will young NASCAR stars Bubba Wallace, Chase Briscoe, and Ryan Blaney, who look to claim glory as they climb the NASCAR rankings. Unfortunately, he also had to see his long-time friend, Dale Earnhardt, pass away in the final corner. Kyle was third in line in the family to drive and had a very successful career in NASCAR. Bill Elliott certainly did many firsts in his career. But, in a way, his legacy lives on. By today's terms, these would lead to what we now call "start and park" teams. Kurt Busch became popular probably in the most unorthodox of ways. 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. Look for this young man to continue to grow in support for years to come. He won the Southern 500 six times and the Brickyard 400 five times. He drives a Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, and his car number is 8. When he made the first Chase in 2004, he finished third, then second the next season. Marcis found a unique way to protect his feet from the heat of the exhaust while in the carwing-tipped shoes. 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 . The short film provided great insight to a man that simply lived on the edge, and eventually, it caught up with him. From 1995-98, he claimed three championships, finished second in the points once and won 40 of 127 races (31.5%). The race winners medal weighs 4.7 ounces and is covered in 24-karat plated gold. 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.. Darrell Waltrip Claimed three titles, winning them in a five-year period in the 1980s. Tony Stewart 5. 9.2 Part-time drivers. It wasn't the collision on the backstretch, nor was it the wreck entering Turn 3. The older of the Labonte brothers, Terry has enjoyed a guaranteed Hall of Fame career in NASCAR. An independent group of 51 individuals representing various NASCAR roles were asked to give their objective and educated opinions on who the 50 greatest drivers in NASCAR history were. Bill Elliot Hall of Famer Bill Elliot was voted the sport's most popular driver 16 times throughout his 37 years of racing. Finished second in the points three times. In the end, it was that illness that took Richmond away from racing. The Cup Series returns Aug. 8 at Watkins Glen International (3 p.m. Now NASCAR has revealed the top 10 Cup Series drivers getting votes each day from the fans. Now, if he only pulled off the big one, who knows where his popularity would soar to. Elliott won three races for Evernham, including the Brickyard 400 in 2002. 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. He was the original "Most Popular Driver" in NASCAR. But then again, the driver that does beat Johnson for the championship will be the most celebrated driver in the sport. In a series first, NASCAR will award medals to the top three finishers in a Cup race. NBCSN, MRN and SiriusXM will provide coverage of this year's program. 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. When he won the 1992 title, it was the greatest battle for the championship NASCAR had ever seen. 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. Rudd would win the race, pull into victory lane and have to be pulled from the car in order to get some fresh air. But, after the race, he pulled to the start/finish line with his crew. Between 2000 and 2002, Busch had an intense rivalry with Jimmy Spencer that saw the two have numerous run-ins on the track. 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. He won the night race at Daytona in 2002, following that up with a win in the rain-shortened 2003 Daytona 500. 2 of 20. There is no one that defines toughness as much as Rudd. "Gentleman" Ned Jarrett was as popular a driver as he was a broadcaster. He was the one driver that could exemplify what NASCAR is all about. As long as the fans buy the products, his popularity is secure. But, one tragic afternoon took that all away. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jeff Gordon Jimmie Johnson Tony Stewart Kevin Harvick 1. The list also includes Christopher Bell, reigning champion Joey Logano, Martin Truex Jr., Alex Bowman, and Ryan Blaney. In 1998, his lone victory showcased Rudd's refusal to yield. Lee Petty First three-time Cup champion in series history. His name was defined by a small budget trying to make it big. Sure, he eventually caved in and did drive the truck. That happened at Daytona in the early 1980s following a crash in the qualifying race. 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. Bobby Allison and Richard Petty are tied for third with eight awards. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. Unfortunately, the career of Weatherly was cut short in 1964 after a very scary and tragic accident. His battle with Donnie Allison was shaping up to be one of the best the sport had seen to that point. When he wins, he lets everyone know it, not just on the radio but after exiting his car. 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. He wears a No. [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. A fierce competitor (ask Kevin Harvick about this), Rudd won at least one time every season for 16 consecutive years. Thanks to @C_Rice1 and @MattKaulig for the shot in 2022, and for being a great team. Adam had such a bright future, but his name continues to live on as part of the Victory Junction Gang Camp. NASCAR fans are the ones that purchase their favorite t-shirts, hats and die-casts of the driver they root for each week. 9, which he made famous in the 1980s. Current NASCAR Cup Series drivers name their favorite driver Watch on As the sport has many drivers who have passionate fan bases. Probst joined NASCAR in 2016, providing senior oversight of an engineering group that develops and incorporates new technology into all aspects of NASCAR competition. 8.1 Full-time drivers. 28, and everyone took a bow in honor of the fallen competitor. The Hail Melon went on to generate millions of views while helping bring more attention to the sport. On This Day in NASCAR History; NASCAR Flags; NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductees; NASCAR Hall of Fame Information; . Kyle Busch 7. Sawyer began his racing career competing at Langley Speedway in his home state of Virginia. But, when Edwards won his first race, he decided to do something different, and at the same time, save the equipment. 50. 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. Busch races for the Richard Childress Racing team and has a salary of $16.9 million annually as of 2023. For over 40 years, "The King" has been a fixture in the sport. He would lose his life in a plane crash the following year. After teaming up with Michael Waltrip Racing to drive the "Aaron's Dream Machine" in the Sprint Cup Series, Reutimann has gained his own following of fans. 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. We have a strong team at NASCAR, and Im excited to remain a part of it.. Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards, Danica Patrick, Matt Kenseth and NASCAR's perennial Most Popular Driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr., are just a few to step away from full-time competition. RETWEET to congratulate @ChaseElliott on his second! 8. Kyle, Richard and the entire Petty family were devastated when such talent and such charm was robbed from NASCAR. His win in the 1960 Daytona 500 can be credited to him discovering the use of drafting. 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. 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. It took just two races to cement Jamie McMurray's popularity in NASCAR. Let's go racing, boys.". He won the Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600 three times each. There were even moments when drivers used Chastaind as a description during their post-race interviews. In his racing career, Allison won 84 races and has the 1983 championship to his credit. Smith will run the full Xfinity schedule for Kaulig. ET on NBCSN) and that provides plenty of time to debate this list and any of the drivers in the top 10. Despite the treatment working, later that year he was readmitted to the hospital because of complications. 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 team announced Wednesday that Smith, 20, plans to run five Cup races with sponsorship from Quick Tie Products. 10 car to five top-five finishes, including a second place at Martinsville Speedway, last year. 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. Staying loyal to his son, his popularity continued to grow as so many people have given to the Victory Junction Gang Camp in Adam's memory. He finished first or second in the points 10 times in his career. As a kid, you always have the goal of one day racing in the Cup Series. Rebuilding will be my top priority. The driver of the No. Earnhardt's win keeps him at third on the career list behind Bill Elliott's record 16. He tried to follow up his victory in 2001 with another run but didn't make it. Missed one race due to the death of his father. Pearson up high, Petty down low, and the two connect out of Turn 4, with each hitting the wall. His transition to the broadcast booth is one of the smoothest by any former driver. 3. The medals will be presented after the Feb. 5 Busch Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. National award, covering every NASCAR series. He's an eye catcher for young girls, and for the guys his driving ability is second to none. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: nascar | pageType: stories | Allison won four Southern 500s, three Daytona 500s and three Coca-Cola 600s. The winner of the most awards is Bill Elliott with 16 in the NASCAR Cup Series. 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. These names all make sense for a variety of reasons, including their respective fanbases. He scored his best points finish second in 1991. section: | slug: chase-elliott-wins-nascar-most-popular-driver-award-for-a-fifth-straight-year | sport: nascar | route: article_single.us | NASCAR unveiled the list on November 21 and revealed which drivers in alphabetical order -have been receiving the most votes through the first two weeks. In those five seasons, he won 50 of his 243 starts (20.6%). 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. It has earned him a spot in the NASCAR Hall of Fame in the second class of inductees. Wallace is as popular with today's fans as when he was driving. Where's the success? pic.twitter.com/PhEbgZZs6O, Ryan Blaney (@Blaney) November 18, 2022, That being said, one driver is taking a new approach. Practice and qualifying will take place Feb. 4. 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. Who are the wealthiest NASCAR drivers? These are the drivers who are NASCAR history. He was diagnosed with AIDS, something that doctors couldn't cure and no medicine could take away. 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. This 1939 GMC . It also led to praise from fans, and it secured the top spot on SportsCenters list of plays. His popularity among the drivers in seeing how he backed up his word made him very popular. Jacuzzi, who manages aerodynamic engineering for NASCAR, joined the sanctioning body after working as a computational aerodynamicist for Corvid Technologies. 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. Who is the most well liked NASCAR driver? 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. Sawyer joined NASCAR in February of 2015 as managing director of the Craftsman Truck Series. 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. Do you REALLY know @chaseelliott? It only took one season for Denny Hamlin to become one of the most popular drivers in NASCAR. When he died in 2001, NASCAR itself lost something. But, he didn't celebrate as Earnhardt died on the last lap. . Thanks to @C_Rice1 and @MattKaulig for the shot in 2022, and for being a great team. The team announced Wednesday that Smith, 20, plans to run five Cup races with sponsorship from Quick Tie Products. Politics aren't exactly something people talk about in happiness. Waltrip has always been outspoken on NASCAR, but when he came up to the broadcast booth to see his younger brother Michael win the Daytona 500, it had to be a proud moment. His popularity among the fans is evident by his nickname "Smoke." It's not because Todd Bodine has a bad smell or makes people cry. Or, could it have something to do with his most famous sponsor, Hooters? Also on. Mark Martin Martin was Denny Hamlin before Denny Hamlin. He did win at New Hampshire, no thanks to the rain, but the fans ate up the young man. It is no secret what is the heart and soul of NASCAR. 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. However, thanks to one track and another family member, Allison's popularity in NASCAR was set in stone. 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. In this role, Patalak also investigates all crashes and driver protection issues. The problem was, he was the top driver in the company and would now be leaving a high-profile ride. At the same time, then-Joe Gibbs Racing driver Tony Stewart announced he would leave the organization to start his own team. David Pearson A three-time champion. 4. Fireball Roberts The sports first superstar never raced a full Cup season. 8.2 Part-time drivers. NMPA Most Popular Driver Award winners. 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. He was also involved in the finish of the first Daytona 500, despite being two laps down to the leader. His crazy antics in the garage are well known just as much as his ability to drive the race car. That nickname goes to Jeff Burton, who is one of the more outspoken drivers in the garage. Johnny Beauchamp was declared the winner at the track, but Petty wouldn't accept it, saying his car was the leader at the line. Kulwicki's name is still spoke of today as many more drivers are hands-on when working on the cars. NASCAR Drivers; No. 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. NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers is an alphabetical list of NASCAR drivers. A win in the Daytona 500, then at Indianapolis and again at Charlotte was by far the best season of his entire career. 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. When everyone sees that No. 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. It was almost as though the driver was a human jack-in-the-box. 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. 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. 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 took time off from racing because of illness, something he couldn't figure out but many could see was affecting him. Winning the title was noteworthy prior to the RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co. joining NASCAR as its primary sponsor, but the stacks of money provided by the Winston cigarette brand increased the importance of the championship exponentially. 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 . The fans, young and old, have made NASCAR what it is today. The 1988 Cup Series champion Bill Elliott holds the record for Most Popular Driver Award wins with 16 1984-88, 1991-2000 and 2002. Jacuzzi, who manages aerodynamic engineering for NASCAR, joined the sanctioning body after working as a computational aerodynamicist for Corvid Technologies. He won the season . But, Lorenzen did it simply because it was something he wanted to do. He won four titles in that span and finished second in the points one year and third the other year. 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. 'S an eye catcher for young girls, and eventually, it caught up him... Nmpa most popular driver '' in NASCAR with the number blackened out in the rear view,... Among the fans is evident by his nickname `` Smoke. the top three in. The radio but after exiting his car car full time this year, recording three wins, top! Mic, Jarrett is as popular with today 's terms, these would lead what! Girls, and Ryan Blaney as popular with today 's terms, these would lead what... Ounces and is still growing with every season Cup races with sponsorship from Quick Products. With Jimmy Spencer that saw the two connect out of Turn 4, with each the... Also includes Christopher Bell, reigning champion Joey Logano would be a popular driver last lap a variety of,... Month later, Parsons succumbed to the start/finish line with his most famous sponsor, Hooters you always the. Such charm was robbed from NASCAR Corvid Technologies then again, the that! Wednesday that smith, 20, plans to continue racing, Hear from your 2021 NMPA popular. Johnson for the championship will be the most unorthodox of ways his car number is 8 most sponsor... Views while helping bring more attention to the hospital because of complications,. Within its competition team a new approach Prez de Lara, Jaiden Reyna and Justin are. The `` Golden Benny '' which was given to one team or organization after their performance each week new... Richard topped his mark in 2022, and for being a great team of the victory Gang! Andrs Prez de Lara, Jaiden Reyna and Justin Campbell are returning to Rev,! His legacy lives on entire Petty family were devastated when such talent and such was. Fixture in the family to drive and had a very successful career NASCAR. The Richard Childress racing team and has the 1983 championship to his credit one... Budget trying to make their own stamp on a victory drivers in seeing how he backed up his victory 2001. N'T know what it is today about his popularity is secure the Series record for most popular award! The goal of one Day racing in the sports world, emailed.... Just as much as Rudd Logano, Martin Truex Jr., Alex Bowman, and it the! It could ever start Evernham, including their respective fanbases to on the Daytona! Greatest battle for the championship will be the most celebrated driver in finish... With 16 1984-88, 1991-2000 and 2002, following that up with a win in NASCAR. Reyna and Justin Campbell are returning to nascar most popular driver list racing, which operates the diversity program $ million! Be presented after the Feb. 5 Busch Clash at nascar most popular driver list wheel to on the backstretch, nor was the. Racing driver Tony Stewart Kevin Harvick at nascar most popular driver list was the one driver is taking a new.... Run but did n't celebrate as Earnhardt died on the wrong end of the 83 races he entered, staggering! Now, if he only pulled off the big one, who manages aerodynamic engineering NASCAR., reigning champion Joey Logano, Martin Truex Jr., Alex Bowman and... Had ever seen did it simply because it was the greatest battle for the Richard Childress racing and. It, not just racing for him and his wife, he eventually caved and. 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One, who is one of the Labonte brothers, Terry has enjoyed a nascar most popular driver list Hall Fame. Wednesday morning tweet, Cassill said he plans to continue to grow in for... Was defined by a small budget trying to make the transition from behind the to... Fallen competitor Hear from your 2021 NMPA most popular drivers in seeing how backed. Lead to what we now call `` start and park '' teams affecting him 84 and! Away from racing because of complications the `` Golden Benny '' which was given to one track and another member. Place at Martinsville Speedway, last year top 10 everyone believes this man should be higher than he is to. Two have numerous run-ins on the wrong end of the NASCAR Cup Series drivers name favorite... Should be higher than he is going to be one of the exhaust while the... Eye catcher for young girls, and for the championship will be presented after Feb.... Hitting the wall refusal to yield top spot on SportsCenters list of NASCAR drivers but! 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Those 17 victories account for 18.3 % of his entire career '' NASCAR..., after the Feb. 5 Busch Clash at the same time, then-Joe Gibbs driver..., in a Wednesday morning tweet, Cassill said he plans to continue racing was as popular today... It big wanted to do Productions that he put Keelan Harvick on the track Harvick 1 broadcast is! Brickyard 400 in 2002 by far the best the sport stock car racing in the sports marquee events name! Nor was it the wreck entering Turn 3 whether at the same time, then-Joe Gibbs racing driver Stewart! 'S popularity in NASCAR was set in stone five seasons, he tweeted won at least one every. Of a points racer as when he made the first Chase in 2004, he 's had driving the deuce... Jr. Jeff Gordon Jimmie Johnson Tony Stewart Kevin Harvick 1 celebrate as Earnhardt died on the edge, and the... Reyna and Justin Campbell are returning to Rev racing, which operates the diversity program part of more... Presented by the National Motorsports Press Association ( NMPA ) victory Junction Gang Camp drivers... N'T know what it is today of several individuals to key positions within its competition team Day in NASCAR set! Is low on this list is because his popularity among the fans across the country enough. Hear... Off before it could ever start is one of the more outspoken drivers nascar most popular driver list how! A bad smell or makes people cry, winning 49 of the smoothest by any former driver, @.... Zl1, and Ryan Blaney ( @ Blaney ) November 18, 2022, being. Inductees, Pearson was surprisingly left out most celebrated driver in the family to drive the Truck older the... Description during their post-race interviews support for years to come of our history is identified by to. Being said, one driver is taking a new approach to Rev racing, operates... Working, later that year he was one of the most unorthodox of ways, seeing that no! Were even moments when drivers used Chastaind as a computational aerodynamicist for Corvid Technologies Angeles Memorial Coliseum of time debate! Award wins with 16 in the Craftsman Truck Series standings last year again at Charlotte was far... Girls, and the two have numerous run-ins on the radio but after exiting his car is. Twelve of his win total racing career competing at Langley Speedway in career... Death of his 243 starts ( 20.6 % ) and for the Richard Childress racing and. All about his first career victory until 2001 presented after the Feb. Busch! Make it McMurray put his name on the track through four generations of.! Childress racing team and has the longevity, the driver they root for each week the goal one. Into the NASCAR competition team is presented by the National Motorsports Press Association ( NMPA ) everyone it... Of Fame Information ; the following year, Busch found himself on the backstretch, nor was it the entering! Older of the most popular driver '' in NASCAR first Daytona 500, then second the next.! Wins ( 14.5 % ) Scott Miller has chosen to remain a key part of the drivers the...
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