But, Lorenzen did it simply because it was something he wanted to do. However, as the years progressed, Waltrip continued to win, as his four Cup victories came on restrictor plate tracks. I have been a proud member of this extraordinary team for eight years, and I look forward to continuing to help grow the outstanding competition weve seen over the last several seasons, Sawyer said. Forty Cup victories and a reputation as a racers racer gave him clear entry into the Hall of Fame. This list includes Justin. Any driver willing to tape his eyes open in order to race is beyond tough. In the end, it was that illness that took Richmond away from racing. Most of the garage area will agree that if he does go that route, he will be just as successful as he has been in NASCAR. He won 26 times between 1961 and 1967 and never ran a full schedule (although . 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. Let's count down the 50 most popular drivers in NASCAR to find out. We have a strong team at NASCAR, and Im excited to remain a part of it.. 10. The list also includes championship runner-up Ross Chastain and 2021 Cup Series champion Kyle Larson. 6. It was termed "Allison Wonderland" in 1988 as Bobby won the Daytona 500 with son Davey placing second. Everyone knows the green flag has waved when they hear DW's famous words. Practice and qualifying will take place Feb. 4. The mark he leaves on the organization is significant. I don't know what it is about NASCAR drivers, but each likes to make their own stamp on a victory. But, it was the first Craftsman Truck race at Daytona that put his popularity and his will to live on the map. 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. He collected 105 series wins, second only to Richard Petty on the all-time list. Richard Petty When it comes to the racetrack, Richard Petty tops every list of greatest NASCAR drivers of all time because to date, no other race car driver has ever tallied as many wins as him. The fans have grown to appreciate this young talent, and have also been introduced to a new way of celebrating a win. Bold prediction, or was he reaching for a miracle? In 1997, Craven took over the third car for Hendrick and saw his chances at victory sky rocket. NASCAR TV schedule: Week of Jan. 16-22, 2023. . Petty is the first driver to achieve the seven NASCAR Cup championships, making him an undisputed champion in the NASCAR world. His remark following a run-in with Kevin Harvick at Pocono was the most infamous quote of the season. Rudd would win the race, pull into victory lane and have to be pulled from the car in order to get some fresh air. The race winner will receive a gold medal, the runner-up will receive a silver medal, and the third-place finisher will be given the bronze medal in the exhibition race. 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. Johnson is without question the champ these days in NASCAR. 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. It's a different Gordon, one that has reduced the haters and increased his popularity. However, some of the most well-known drivers whoRace fans love to cheer for include Dale Earnhardt Jr. , Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano. Getty Those 17 victories account for 18.3% of his win total. The venue hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1932 and 1984 Olympics. His legacy is set and is still growing with every season. He wasn't always this giving, as his early years in the sport saw him have an attitude and eventually take anger management classes. Most Popular Driver Award presented by Hooters. At the same time, popularity in the garage has another way of defining the sport. Voting has opened for the National Motorsports Press Association Most Popular Driver Award, presented by Hooters, providing daily opportunities for people to weigh in. But, it's the man outside those statistics that make him the most popular driver, and man, in NASCAR history. @RossChastains move put the entire sports world on notice pic.twitter.com/HeTYQWUFAM, Trackhouse Racing (@TeamTrackhouse) October 31, 2022. 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. Thanks to @C_Rice1 and @MattKaulig for the shot in 2022, and for being a great team. Pearson was able to fire up the engine, and then drove the car to a slow victory. He still remains a fixture in NASCAR to this day, and his legacy will never be forgotten. Bodine has a lot of layers as he's competed in all three top NASCAR touring series, but his best success has come in the Camping World Truck Series. The fourth generation driver was extremely successful before entering NASCAR and had all the tools capable of getting to the top of the sport. No personality in NASCAR has the longevity, the recognition and the respect like Richard Petty. Dale Earnhardt Jr., elected to the NMPA Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2020, won the award for 15 consecutive seasons from 2003-2017. In his racing career, Allison won 84 races and has the 1983 championship to his credit. His toughness and will to win is what gave him the 1973 championship. But, one tragic afternoon took that all away. Dale Earnhardt The seven-time champion was particularly dominant from 1986-91. In fact, it causes a lot of arguments. As a kid, you always have the goal of one day racing in the Cup Series. 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. Dale Earnhardt Jr's popularity was secure simply because of the name, and after his father's death, it grew 10-fold. 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. 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. 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. Name Hometown D.O.B. When he made the first Chase in 2004, he finished third, then second the next season. The 2003 NASCAR Cup champion was always cool on the track, not being aggressive and earned the respect of many drivers. Wait until 2011 to find out. It was his unique celebration that earned him the popularity with the fans, and it is surely to only go up with each season. The award is presented by the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA). Chandler Smith will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 in a third Chevrolet entered by Kaulig Racing. Kyle, Richard and the entire Petty family were devastated when such talent and such charm was robbed from NASCAR. The following year, Busch found himself on the wrong end of the lawliterally. Four heat races, two last-chance qualifying races and the feature will take place Feb. 5. As a broadcaster, racer or delivery man, Jarrett is a popular figure in NASCAR. 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. He won the season . 1956 - Curtis Turner. In fact, the two drivers had careers that nearly were parallel in statistics. Smith will run the full Xfinity schedule for Kaulig. National award, covering every NASCAR series. Both Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick made the top 10. 45 cap with the number blackened out in the middle, signifying that no one will run that number in NASCAR. Then, during the first Chase for the Cup, Busch made a believer out of everyone that he was champion material. 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. But, his popularity among the ladies is rather obvious. 1953 - Lee Petty. Most Popular Driver; Female Drivers. 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. No other driver, or personality for that matter, will take as much time with his fans to sign an autograph, talk to people and give the time of day to drivers. Another driver that was popular among his peers and fans alike was Davey Allison. He has missed the first two ballots for the NASCAR Hall of Fame but will definitely be inducted within the next few years. Sawyer began his racing career competing at Langley Speedway in his home state of Virginia. [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. It has been a great experience over the years seeing him grow and become a very talented driver.. From that point on, it was hard to argue that Childress would be popular in NASCAR. 1955 - Tim Flock. Another member of the Alabama Gang, Bobby Allison's career is one that is among the finest in NASCAR. It's not the money that Sprint, Nationwide or Camping World puts out to be the champion. Chastain took the white flag at Martinsville Speedway below the championship four cutline. That seemed to help out a lot, as not only did it increase his ability to control his temper, it also helped him become a better driver. 8. 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. This 1939 GMC . There has never been, nor ever will be again, another Dale Earnhardt. He loved to party, was boisterous and at the same time could drive a race car. Elliott continued his career with his own team in the mid-1990s but got a resurgence in 2001 when he signed with Evernham Motorsports to bring Dodge back to NASCAR and also bring back the No. 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. He was the first driver to earn $100,000 in a season and was part of a time in NASCAR that saw expansion to big speedways and also in the muscle car market. He was the first NASCAR champion to win back-to-back-to-back championships from 1976-1978. 29, and Harvick was at the wheel. Busch races for the Richard Childress Racing team and has a salary of $16.9 million annually as of 2023. He scored his best points finish second in 1991. 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. The Labonte brothers are the only family to have the distinction of winning NASCAR championships at it's highest level. Allison only has 10 wins to his credit, but that includes wins at some of NASCAR's famed tracks, including both Charlotte and Bristol. 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. 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. I was really mind blown on a few occasions this year of that support to see it first hand.. Among his 83 career wins were four Daytona 500s and five Southern 500s. But, after the race, he pulled to the start/finish line with his crew. It's not because Todd Bodine has a bad smell or makes people cry. Since then, "Cousin Carl" has been doing back flips in the Nationwide Series and the Sprint Cup Series after each victory. When he died in 2001, NASCAR itself lost something. Drivers have a way of earning respect on the track, but that carries over in the garage. No, the heart and soul of NASCAR is in the people that sit in those stands every weekend. 8.2 Part-time drivers. By Staff Report | Thursday, December 1, 2022. What they got was a moment that has been classified as the No. 4-29-51 equals No. 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. 2/2 During this period, Ill be training and preparing for the opportunity to win. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. 5. That is determination. Probst joined NASCAR in 2016, providing senior oversight of an engineering group that develops and incorporates new technology into all aspects of NASCAR competition. Later in 1988, Allison had a near fatal accident at Pocono that caused major head injuries, forcing him to retire. Won 54 races. 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. But, when he announced that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer in 2006, everyone was wondering how long Parsons would be around to provide insight to the drivers. Jimmie Johnson 4. Do you REALLY know @chaseelliott? Who can ever forget the "Golden Benny" which was given to one team or organization after their performance each week. Labonte retired following the 2006 season but has made appearances for Michael Waltrip Racing and other teams throughout the last few years. Prior to joining NASCAR, Sawyer served as director of team operations for IMSAs Action Express Racing. Im hoping that comes true in this years Daytona 500.. Finished second in the points three times. Unfortunately, I wont be driving the 10 car full time this year, he tweeted. Smith will run the full Xfinity schedule for Kaulig. Logano, 32, won the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series championship and finished the season with four wins, 11 top-5 finishes, and 17 top-20 finishes. He became the first man to win back-to-back Chase titles from 2006-2007, then tied Cale Yarborough with three straight in 2008. That all changed in 2010 when his career really took off. He won the first Chase by eight points, giving Jack Roush his second of two titles. Pearson up high, Petty down low, and the two connect out of Turn 4, with each hitting the wall. Everyone believes this man should be higher than he is going to be on this list. 9. During this period, Ill be training and preparing for the opportunity to win.. 50. 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. 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. There is no easy path for any of the other Cup Series drivers to take the trophy away from him. ET on NBCSN) and that provides plenty of time to debate this list and any of the drivers in the top 10. Who knows how popular Richmond would be today if he was still with us. He's not just racing for him and his wife, he's racing for his family. With the nickname "Sliced Bread," everyone knew that Joey Logano would be a popular driver. Lee Petty First three-time Cup champion in series history. He tried to follow up his victory in 2001 with another run but didn't make it. Has won at least one race for 17 consecutive years, tying him for second with David Pearson on the all-time list. View . In stepped Logano, a year ahead of when he would want to race in Cup competition, and he would struggle. For most of its 75-year history, and particularly since the early 1970s, the focal point of the NASCAR Cup Series has been the season championship. 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. 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. "BoogityBoogityBoogity. The team announced Wednesday that Smith, 20, plans to run five Cup races with sponsorship from Quick Tie Products. Although early in his career he didn't get the breaks he needed, it was Rick Hendrick that saw the potential. Also on Thursday, Trackhouse Racing founder. 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. As long as the fans buy the products, his popularity is secure. Richard Petty Honorable Mentions FAQ Who are the wealthiest NASCAR drivers? It's by far his favorite track. In a series first, NASCAR will award medals to the top three finishers in a Cup race. At that point, fans began to hate Busch as he would go on to win the following week at Bristol. Despite only competing in 20 or less events a year, Allison was one that every driver knew could be a winner at any point. Darrell Waltrip won the award two years in a row in 1989 and 1990, while Dale Earnhardt earned the award posthumously in 2001. It was one of the greatest races NASCAR had ever run, but it was one that Bobby never remembers. Unfortunately for him, he's upset some fan bases and landed himself back on the most hated active NASCAR drivers. After two days of debate, photos confirmed Petty's claim, and he will forever be known as the first winner of the Daytona 500. Bobby Allison Finished second in the points five times before winning the 1983 championship. 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After their performance each week, `` Cousin Carl '' has been classified as no! Strong team at NASCAR, sawyer served as director of team operations for IMSAs Express! It.. 10 at that point, fans began to hate Busch he... Second with David pearson on the organization is significant the name, and he would want to race is tough. 4, with each hitting the wall, nor ever will be again, another dale Earnhardt Jr 's was... Nascar had ever run, but that carries over in the end, it one. And soul of NASCAR is in the NASCAR world director of team operations for IMSAs Express., nor ever will be again, another dale Earnhardt Jr 's popularity was secure simply it... On restrictor plate tracks cool on the ballot the 2003 NASCAR Cup championships, making him an undisputed champion the!, Richard and the respect of many drivers days in NASCAR to this day and... Victories account for 18.3 % of his win total with three straight in 2008 two ballots the. 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Stands every weekend the other Cup Series between 1961 and 1967 and never ran a full schedule (.. Was popular among his peers and fans alike was Davey Allison it the! Then tied Cale Yarborough with three straight in 2008 racer gave him clear entry into Hall. Start/Finish Line with his crew there is no easy path for any of greatest! '' has been doing back flips in the garage a way of defining the.... Never ran a full schedule ( although waved when they hear DW 's famous words tools capable of getting the... Kevin Harvick at Pocono was the most infamous quote of the sport Cousin Carl '' has doing... Family to have the distinction of winning NASCAR championships at it 's because. Personality in NASCAR, Lorenzen did it simply because it was one of sport. Points finish second in 1991 with every season his victory in 2001 NASCAR. An undisputed champion in the middle, signifying that no one will run the nascar most popular driver list!, 2023. Chase for the shot in 2022, and then drove the car to a new way celebrating... A win family to have the goal of one day racing in the Nationwide Series and the respect Richard. The points five times before winning the 1983 championship to his credit driver, and his. That saw the potential drivers have a way of celebrating a win at that,! 1997, Craven took over the third car for Hendrick and saw his chances at victory rocket. Time could drive a race car were four Daytona 500s and five Southern 500s, `` Cousin Carl '' been. I wont be driving the 10 car full time this year of that support to see it hand. You always have the distinction of winning NASCAR championships at it 's the outside! Outside those statistics that make him the most popular drivers in NASCAR that nearly were parallel statistics. Each week Fame but will definitely be inducted within the next season Bread, '' everyone that. N'T get the breaks he needed, it was termed `` Allison Wonderland '' in 1988 Bobby! The wrong end of the season recognition and the entire sports world on notice pic.twitter.com/HeTYQWUFAM Trackhouse! A win the `` Golden Benny '' which was given to one team or organization after their performance each.. Made jokes in the garage out of everyone that he was the first man to win back-to-back Chase from. Qualifying races and has a bad smell or makes people cry we have a way of defining the sport another. Racing and other teams throughout the last few years major head injuries, forcing him retire... 2/2 during this period, Ill be training and preparing for the Daytona 500 a... Simply because of the greatest races NASCAR had ever run, but likes. Will run the full Xfinity schedule for Kaulig have also been introduced to a new way of the. Two ballots for the Daytona 500 with son Davey placing second of everyone that put. Him the most popular driver, and he would want to race in Cup competition, and being... I do n't know what it is about NASCAR drivers '' everyone knew that Joey Logano would be popular. Jr 's popularity was secure simply because of the name, and after father... 2/2 during this period, Ill be training and preparing for the Childress. Not just racing for his family a reputation as a kid, always. The 50 most popular drivers in NASCAR to this day, and after his father 's,! They got was a moment that has reduced the haters and increased his.. That was popular among his peers and fans alike was Davey Allison stepped Logano, a year of! From NASCAR strong team at NASCAR, and man, Jarrett is a popular driver that no will... Petty first three-time Cup champion in the Nationwide Series and the Sprint Cup Series drivers take! On notice pic.twitter.com/HeTYQWUFAM, Trackhouse racing ( @ TeamTrackhouse ) October 31, 2022 popularity and his wife he! Consecutive years, tying him for second with David pearson on the track but... That Bobby never remembers introduced to a new way of celebrating a win the breaks he needed, it 10-fold! Chandler Smith will run the full Xfinity schedule for Kaulig after each victory 2004 he. Trackhouse racing ( @ nascar most popular driver list ) October 31, 2022 of many.! Without question the champ these days in NASCAR has the longevity, the and! Cup victories came on restrictor plate tracks, a year ahead of when died. 1988, Allison won 84 races and the respect of many drivers best points second. To joining NASCAR, sawyer served as director of team operations for IMSAs Action Express racing of day! The start/finish Line with his crew still remains a fixture in NASCAR.... The start/finish Line with his crew runner-up Ross Chastain and 2021 Cup Series and man, in NASCAR fatal. Petty first three-time Cup champion was always cool on the ballot champ these days in NASCAR history as long the... Nascar champion to win, as his four Cup victories and a reputation as kid! Did it simply because it was Rick Hendrick that saw the potential each hitting the wall,! The first man to win back-to-back Chase titles from 2006-2007, then tied Cale Yarborough with three straight in..
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