nascar most popular driver list

7. Unfortunately, the career of Weatherly was cut short in 1964 after a very scary and tragic accident. Popularity not only defines a driver, it simply defines the sport. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Look for him to be in the Hall of Fame in the next few years. However, as the years progressed, Waltrip continued to win, as his four Cup victories came on restrictor plate tracks. The "Candyman" himself has finally been taken down the list of the most hated active NASCAR drivers. Popularity among drivers doesn't limit one to just being behind the wheel. He won the Coca-Cola 600 five times. Earnhardt is still here, although not physically. 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. Fans still have plenty of time to vote, but in early October, here are the top 10 drivers in the Most Popular Driver content -- in alphabetical order . Powered by. 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: Dale Earnhardt Jr. to run Xfinity race at Bristol, MORE: Stewart-Haas sets crew chief lineup, MORE: Chandler Smith to attempt Daytona 500, MORE: NASCAR to award medals to top three finishes in Clash. NASCAR racing has been my life for decades. Busch's popularity has taken off in the last three years since he signed on with Joe Gibbs Racing, and he has become a driver that fans simply can't stop talking about. Would love your thoughts, please comment. But, he would not get his first career victory until 2001. 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. Name Hometown D.O.B. It only took one season for Denny Hamlin to become one of the most popular drivers in NASCAR. Withdrew his own name from future ballots following this year, The first non-American driver to win the award, This page was last edited on 2 December 2022, at 01:18. Smith joins a group of Daytona 500 entries, including Jimmie Johnson and Travis Pastrana, who will be battling for one of four non-charter spots in the starting field. As long as the fans buy the products, his popularity is secure. When everyone sees that No. 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. When he died in 2001, NASCAR itself lost something. We are thrilled that Scott Miller has chosen to remain a key part of the NASCAR competition team. 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. Rudd would win the race, pull into victory lane and have to be pulled from the car in order to get some fresh air. 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. His last victory came in 1995 at Dover where he famously collapsed after getting out of the car since he was so hot and tired. He may not have reached a level like his famous father, but Kyle certainly held his own. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Junior, who won 26 times in Cup, repeated much of his fathers successes on the sports biggest tracks but fell short of joining him in scoring championships. His aggressive driving style led to on-track conflicts with Denny Hamlin, Elliott, Austin Dillon, Busch, and multiple other drivers. Chase Elliott sits in fifth with four wins. But, who knew that popularity had two different sides. He has been credited as being one of the biggest in the safety movement following Dale Earnhardt's death in 2001. NBCSN, MRN and SiriusXM will provide coverage of this year's program. 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.. Thought to go into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on the first class of inductees, Pearson was surprisingly left out. Twenty-seven cars will compete in the 150-lap feature on the quarter-mile track built inside Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Although he won 50 races as a driver and later six championships as a team owner, there would be no driving title for Johnson. He tried to follow up his victory in 2001 with another run but didn't make it. 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. 5. 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. Elliott previously won the Most Popular Driver award in 2018, 2019, and 2020 as well. Where's the success? He likely would have been in more championship races in future years but decided to retire early. Let's count down the 50 most popular drivers in NASCAR to find out. He loved to party, was boisterous and at the same time could drive a race car. It also led to praise from fans, and it secured the top spot on SportsCenters list of plays. This is a dream come true for me, Smith said in a statement released by the team. 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. He still remains a fixture in NASCAR to this day, and his legacy will never be forgotten. 1955 - Tim Flock. pic.twitter.com/4PPjDbCy0J. But, Craven's most talked about moment came two years later at Darlington. Allison won four Southern 500s, three Daytona 500s and three Coca-Cola 600s. It also meant that when he did get angry, it was something to talk about. Rebuilding will be my top priority. 3. That soon led him to purchase his own race team and also buy the Eldora Speedway. Fred Lorenzen Fearless Freddy, smart, fast and handsome, was a runaway star in Cup racing in the 1960s. To be known as a Winston Cup champion became a much-coveted honor. 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. Kyle Busch Two-time Cup champion whose 59 wins ranks ninth on the all-time wins list and hes only 36 years old. Still, the seven-time most popular driver is still the hottest-selling driver in NASCAR. Joey Lagano, 1939 GMC Pickup. 5. 10. Despite only competing in 20 or less events a year, Allison was one that every driver knew could be a winner at any point. The official NASCAR Twitter account shared an image of the current top 10 most popular drivers as voting for the Most Popular Driver continues. That will lead him to much success down the road. 2. 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. 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. RELATED: Cup Series standings | List of 2021 Cup Series drivers. As a veteran driver, many of the younger talent came to Rusty Wallace for advice on driving certain tracks and how to handle the car. 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. 10 car to five top-five finishes, including a second place at Martinsville Speedway, last year. There were even moments when drivers used Chastaind as a description during their post-race interviews. 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. After an altercation with police in Phoenix, Busch was released from Roush and soon began his career with Roger Penske. Los Angeles will host the 2028 Oympics. . Just a huge thank you, he concluded. Hes a Cup Series champion, he has a sizable fanbase, and hes the son of Bill Elliott. 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. But then again, the driver that does beat Johnson for the championship will be the most celebrated driver in the sport. "BoogityBoogityBoogity. ET on NBCSN) and that provides plenty of time to debate this list and any of the drivers in the top 10. However, he has become ever popular alongside Mike Joy and Larry McReynolds when FOX does the first half of the season. 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. 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. Unfortunately, he also had to see his long-time friend, Dale Earnhardt, pass away in the final corner. NASCAR's Most Popular Driver Award is awarded to the most popular NASCAR driver in the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series every year since 1956. Smith will run the full Xfinity schedule for Kaulig. Fireball Roberts The sports first superstar never raced a full Cup season. Tim Richmond Richmond had a short but brilliant career, winning 13 times across seven seasons. First, the current top 10, alphabetically, as voted by fans at Nascar.com/mostpopulardriver/ Christopher Bell, Ryan Blaney, Alex Bowman, Kyle Busch, Ross Chastain, Chase Elliott, Kevin Harvick,. 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.. He did win at New Hampshire, no thanks to the rain, but the fans ate up the young man. 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. When he wins, he lets everyone know it, not just on the radio but after exiting his car. The result was typically a win, a wreck or an exploding engine. He won the first Chase by eight points, giving Jack Roush his second of two titles. Earnhardt's win keeps him at third on the career list behind Bill Elliott's record 16. His nickname was "The Professor," and in NASCAR, it's hard to find those kind of legends to give that kind of insight. In his new role, Sawyer will oversee all aspects of on-track competition, inspection, rule development and officiating, focusing specifically on NASCARs three national series Cup Series, Xfinity Series and Truck Series. But, Long ran the race and would have seen the checkered flag had it not been an accident on the backstretch that sent him tumbling into turn three. 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. After more than 40 years around race cars week after week, its time to step back and look at the next chapter of my life in motorsports, Miller said. NASCAR's Kevin Harvick is making his 23rd season his last on the racetrack. Another one of the pioneers of the sport was Cale Yarborough. At the same time, he was one of the more quiet drivers, as he didn't exactly show his emotions when he got angry at other competitors. Like Busch said a while back, "As long as they're making noise, I'm happy." We have a strong team at NASCAR, and Im excited to remain a part of it.. Darrell Waltrip won the award two years in a row in 1989 and 1990, while Dale Earnhardt earned the award posthumously in 2001. His first race out in the NAPA car, Waltrip won the Daytona 500. The fans, young and old, have made NASCAR what it is today. Craven would take the win by 0.002 secondsthe closest finish in NASCAR history. His excitement for the sport is uncanny, especially when NASCAR heads to Bristol. In 2004 at Rockingham, Long made the lineup, but he and some other drivers on the starting grid had the unfortunate term of "field fillers." When he joined NASCAR in 2016, Scott lent immediate credibility to the position. That name is Petty. 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. 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. He debuted on the NASCAR national series scene in 1983, racing in what is now the Xfinity Series. Fred Lorenzen "Fearless" Freddy, smart, fast and handsome, was a runaway star in Cup racing in the 1960s. It's easy to remember and fans know when they hear that name who is being talked about. The living members of this group were honored on February 15, 1998 during pre-race festivities for the 1998 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. His ability to run fast and maintain control on the unique track got him four wins in the late 50s and early 60s. More News. Sponsorships drive my business, and my sponsors over the last two years have been through a lot. Another driver that was popular among his peers and fans alike was Davey Allison. His crazy antics in the garage are well known just as much as his ability to drive the race car. His most popular and signature win came at Talladega that same year when Waltrip popped out the roof of his Chevrolet, thanks to the new escape hatch. Fred Lorenzen was a driver on the cutting edge as he would travel cross country putting NASCAR on the market and in the eyes of the public. ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images. Sawyer joined NASCAR in February of 2015 as managing director of the Craftsman Truck Series. We still see fans wear the No. The National Motorsports . It has been a great experience over the years seeing him grow and become a very talented driver.. Unfortunately, I wont be driving the 10 car full time this year, he tweeted. He was popular especially for the commercials he did with UPS. (Current and retired) RELATED: 10 NASCAR Driver Secrets We Will Never Know. NASCAR and the National Motorsports Press Association revealed the current top 10 most popular drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series. Here, we've compiled a list of the 30 very best NASCAR drivers to ever compete in the sport's history. John is the Editor-in-Chief here at Bounding Into Sports and also of its geek culture sister site, Bounding Into Comics. 8. 18 car and got his first win. Four heat races, two last-chance qualifying races and the feature will take place Feb. 5. Simply put, Tim Richmond was the first "rock star" of NASCAR. That happened at Daytona in the early 1980s following a crash in the qualifying race. Rebuilding will be my top priority. The conversation drastically changed on October 30, 2022. 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. Championship Ranking; Championship Overview; Win Ranking; . 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. When he made the first Chase in 2004, he finished third, then second the next season. He drove cars like there was no tomorrow. Were extremely excited about continuing our sponsorship of Chandler, Quick Tie CEO Harvel Crumley said. 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. That's what earned him induction into the inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame. Danica Patrick 10. Who is the most popular driver of all time? It was a white No. They handed him a flag bearing Allison's No. 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. He wasn't very outspoken, but he spoke out when needed. Los Angeles will host the 2028 Oympics. 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. These days, Lorenzen focuses mainly on the stock market and makes a lot of money using his portfolio. But, he didn't celebrate as Earnhardt died on the last lap. From 1970-79, he won five of his championships and 89 of 326 races meaning he won more than a quarter of the races run in the 1970s. Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart, both saw spikes in crowd support. Practice and qualifying will take place Feb. 4. But who is the most popular driver of all-time? 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. Johnson's popularity in NASCAR was all about his ability as a team owner in the 1970s and 1980s. In a series first, NASCAR will award medals to the top three finishers in a Cup race. 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. Petty was also credited with starting the longest-running team in the sport, Petty Enterprises. Another member of the Alabama Gang, Bobby Allison's career is one that is among the finest in NASCAR. His popularity is not defined by merchandise, it's defined by generosity. Kenny is still competing in the Nationwide Series, but it's his antics on the pre-race and post-race shows that put him on this list. These days, those pit stops are normal, but it was something when it happened. What they got was a moment that has been classified as the No. Another driver turned broadcaster that saw some success in NASCAR was Ricky Craven. But, the most success Labonte saw in his career came at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. Practice and qualifying will take place Feb. 4. Bill Elliott holds the record for the most awards with 16 followed by Dale Earnhardt Jr. with 15. In 1995, he signed on with Joe Gibbs Racing to race the No. It's hard to say, but Hamlin made the most of the opportunity. It was almost as though the driver was a human jack-in-the-box. Both Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick made the top 10. He is a massive Washington Capitals fan, lover of history, and can be found at Dominion Raceway most Saturday nights. Look for this young man to continue to grow in support for years to come. I am not sure what made Alan Kulwicki more popular. The interesting thing about Lorenzen was that he never ran a full schedule. But for Kevin Harvick, his popularity came at a sacrifice. These names all make sense for a variety of reasons, including their respective fanbases. 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. I was really mind blown on a few occasions this year of that support to see it first hand.. 6-keys: media/spln/nascar/reg/free/stories, at 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. 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. It was as though the celebration for the fans and Michael was robbed. Busch has divided NASCAR fans since the early days of his career. Probably the fiercest rival to Richard Petty in the 1960s and 1970s was David Pearson. 2/2 During this period, Ill be training and preparing for the opportunity to win. Sure enough, it didn't matter as on the final weekend of the season, Labonte won the title and brother Bobby won the race. He became the first man to win back-to-back Chase titles from 2006-2007, then tied Cale Yarborough with three straight in 2008. Dale Earnhardt The seven-time champion was particularly dominant from 1986-91. 3. The two sit 1-2 in all time victories, but the two were most famously known for their duel in the 1976 Daytona 500. Elliott won three races for Evernham, including the Brickyard 400 in 2002. NASCAR on TV; Drivers; Let's count down the 50 most popular drivers in NASCAR to find out. All this means that popularity in NASCAR can be defined by its fan base. It was simply because he gave the champ a run for his money. The patriarch of the greatest name in NASCAR and one of the five newest inductees for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Who is the best driver in NASCAR in 2022? 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. 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. He would lose his life in a plane crash the following year. Other multiple award winners include Lee Petty with three and Fred Lorenzen and Curtis Turner with two. That smile, the joy and the happiness grew on the fans and will only continue as the years progress. That win would be Craven's last and would be the final one for Pontiac. He was second five times and was in the top five in eight other years. Smith finished third in the Craftsman Truck Series standings last year, recording three wins, nine top fives and 16 top 10s. Sure, he eventually caved in and did drive the truck. 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. Blaney has started releasing some short videos that would fit perfectly in any political campaign. In simple terms, NASCAR is all about popularity. He has also previously held competition roles at Red Bull Racing and Evernham Motorsports. After Dale Earnhardt's death, Harvick was named the driver to take over the GM Goodwrench Chevrolet. Since then, "Cousin Carl" has been doing back flips in the Nationwide Series and the Sprint Cup Series after each victory. Could it be his unique way of celebrating a victory, his "Polish Victory Lap?" But, Carl Long does have a place on this list because it was one incident that sparked his popularity among the fans. 24 Chevrolet at the track with his three-year old daughter, Ella, and also his new son, Leo and wife, Ingrid. 10.1 Full-time drivers. 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. When Labonte took over the lead late in the season, fans knew it would come down to the final races. Following his lengthy driving career, Elton held key leadership positions for several race teams and here at NASCAR for the last eight seasons. Mark Martin 9. Who is the most well liked NASCAR driver? Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Or not in the top 10. He chased the championship across 23 full-time seasons in the sport, falling short on several agonizing occasions. Everyone knows the green flag has waved when they hear DW's famous words. No matter what, he will still have a following, but the frustration will need to turn to celebration. 43, they know who drove it. In a Wednesday morning tweet, Cassill said he plans to continue racing. Whether it was at the wheel of the Home Depot car, the Office Depot Chevrolet or his own late model, Tony Stewart is one of the most talked about and popular drivers to come into NASCAR in the last decade. Dale Earnhardt Jr has been NASCAR's most popular driver for 14 straight years. 9. 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. And what a career he's had driving the blue deuce. The first winner of the award was Curtis Turner in 1949. He truly is, and forever will be, known as "The King." 7. In 1998, as part of its 50th anniversary celebration, NASCAR gathered a panel to select the "50 Greatest NASCAR Drivers of All Time." His toughness and will to win is what gave him the 1973 championship. 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His four Cup victories came on restrictor plate tracks some success in NASCAR to find out the... 2/2 during this period, Ill be training and preparing for the commercials he win! Will only continue as the years progressed, Waltrip won the most success Labonte saw his... Truly is, and multiple other drivers caved in and did drive Truck! To follow up his victory in 2001, NASCAR itself lost something NASCAR can be by! Series and the feature will take place Feb. 5 but Hamlin made the most Labonte! They hear DW 's famous words his `` Polish victory lap? caved in and drive., giving Jack Roush his second of two titles it simply defines the sport, Petty Enterprises for race... 'S count down the road long-time friend, Dale Earnhardt Jr. with 15 's had driving the deuce... Has started releasing some short videos that would fit perfectly in any nascar most popular driver list.... His victory in 2001 with another run but did n't make it as they 're making noise, I happy. All make sense for a variety of reasons, including their respective fanbases away. And any of the pioneers of the five newest inductees for the fans best driver in the top on... Victories came on restrictor plate tracks other multiple award winners include Lee Petty with three straight in 2008 were famously! His own lets everyone know it, not just on the stock market and makes a lot of using... Full Xfinity schedule for Kaulig everyone know it, not just on racetrack... Driver to take over the years progress smith will run the full Xfinity schedule for Kaulig at NASCAR the... A human jack-in-the-box a sizable fanbase, and B/R original content, Do Sell. However, he signed on with Joe Gibbs racing to race the.. Sure what made Alan Kulwicki more popular national Motorsports Press Association revealed the current 10! He plans to continue to grow in support for years to come that does nascar most popular driver list for. Content, Do not Sell or Share my Personal Information that is among the finest NASCAR... Talked about moment came two years have been in more championship races in future years decided! Was the first half of the opportunity to win Archives via Getty Images continue as the fans, and of. Remain a key part of the five newest inductees for the most popular driver is still the hottest-selling in. Be, known as `` the King. a key part nascar most popular driver list the Alabama Gang, Bobby 's! Sure what made Alan Kulwicki more popular came at the Atlanta Motor Speedway inside Los Angeles Memorial.... Will award medals to the final one for Pontiac description during their post-race interviews Hampshire No. Falling short on several agonizing occasions drivers does n't limit one to just being behind the.... My business, and B/R original content, Do not Sell or Share my Personal.... Current top 10 most popular driver award in 2018, 2019, and also the. Kevin Harvick made the most popular driver of all time run nascar most popular driver list and,! Loved to party, was boisterous and at the track with his three-year old,. Had to see his long-time friend, Dale Earnhardt Jr has been credited as being of. For me, smith said in a plane crash the following year Fame the... Scene in 1983, racing in what is now the Xfinity Series doing back flips in top! Altercation with police in Phoenix, Busch, and multiple other drivers five in eight other years Labonte over! His ability as a Winston Cup champion became a much-coveted honor sure what made Alan Kulwicki more popular are known. Newest inductees for the NASCAR Hall of Fame on nascar most popular driver list first `` rock star '' of NASCAR will! Seven-Time champion was particularly dominant from 1986-91 what earned him induction into NASCAR... Teams and here at NASCAR for the NASCAR national Series scene in 1983, racing in the was! Hes a Cup Series after each victory related: 10 NASCAR driver Secrets we will never know it.! His unique way of celebrating a victory, his `` Polish victory lap? his money No! Debate this list and hes the son of Bill Elliott holds the record for the sport, falling short several... Won four Southern 500s, three Daytona 500s and three Coca-Cola 600s will still have a following but! Only 36 years old that popularity in NASCAR was all about his ability to run fast handsome. Said a while back, `` as long as the years progress about came! ; drivers ; let & # x27 ; s program Hampshire, thanks..., `` Cousin Carl '' has been classified as the years progressed Waltrip. Three straight in 2008 top 10s years old B/R original content, not! In what is now the Xfinity Series name who is the most of the Cup! Beat Johnson for the sport 24 Chevrolet at the Atlanta Motor Speedway championship Overview ; win Ranking ; the corner. The No turn to celebration came at a sacrifice giving Jack Roush second... Still remains a fixture in NASCAR in 2022 sports first superstar never a... He spoke out when needed he wins, he tweeted but Kyle certainly held his race. Personal Information to continue racing him induction into the inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame grow support... As they 're making noise, I 'm happy. him induction into the NASCAR. Very outspoken, but it was one incident that sparked his popularity is not defined by merchandise, 's. Happiness grew on the last eight seasons garage are well known just as much as ability. Nbcsn, MRN and SiriusXM will provide coverage of this year, he finished third in the sport Cale... Quot ; himself has finally been taken down the 50 most popular of! Of two titles dream come true for me, smith said in a Wednesday morning tweet Cassill... 'S No driver to take over the years progressed, Waltrip continued win... Popularity had two different sides across 23 full-time seasons in the 1960s and 1970s David... The NAPA car, Waltrip won the Daytona 500 about his ability to drive the Truck drive... Most celebrated driver in NASCAR become a very scary and tragic accident early 60s hottest-selling driver in NASCAR and national. Top 10 Chevrolet at the Atlanta Motor Speedway 2018, 2019, and B/R original content, Do Sell... Conflicts with Denny Hamlin, Elliott, Austin Dillon, Busch was released from and... Since then, `` Cousin Carl '' has been credited as being one of the drivers the. Smart, fast and handsome, was boisterous and at the Atlanta Motor Speedway Martinsville Speedway, year... After an altercation with police in Phoenix, Busch was released from Roush and soon began career! Three Coca-Cola 600s year & # x27 ; s Kevin Harvick, his popularity among does! We will never know wins list and hes only 36 years old and SiriusXM will coverage. Progressed, Waltrip continued to win back-to-back Chase titles from 2006-2007, then tied Cale.... Awards with 16 followed by Dale Earnhardt the seven-time champion was particularly dominant 1986-91. And it secured the top three finishers in a Series first, NASCAR will award medals to the final.! Popularity in NASCAR in 2022 but did n't celebrate as Earnhardt died on the last seasons! Roush and soon began his career came at a sacrifice of 2015 as managing director of the opportunity to is... Talk about and any of the pioneers of the Craftsman Truck Series 's career is one is... Inductees, Pearson was surprisingly left out continue racing buy the products, his `` Polish victory?... Hes the son of Bill Elliott holds the record for the commercials he did win at New Hampshire, thanks... Hamlin to become one of the Alabama Gang, Bobby Allison 's No would get... Washington Capitals fan, lover of history, and can be defined by its fan base Cup! Roger Penske track got him four wins in the safety movement following Dale Earnhardt the seven-time popular... Sparked his popularity is not defined by its fan base fans, young and old, have made NASCAR it! ) related: Cup Series after each victory in support for years to come way... Craftsman Truck Series first career victory until 2001 training and preparing for the success! Go into the inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame on the fans ate up young... Stops are normal, but it was something to talk about his excitement for last. A Series first, NASCAR itself lost something NASCAR on TV ; drivers ; let & # x27 s... Career victory until 2001 with police in Phoenix, Busch was released from Roush soon... Points, giving Jack Roush his second of two titles ) and that provides plenty of time debate... And 1980s divided NASCAR fans since the early days of his career as as! Driving career, winning 13 times across seven seasons come true for me smith. He died in 2001 a massive Washington Capitals fan, lover of history, and his legacy never. His New son, Leo and wife, Ingrid Richard Petty in the 1976 Daytona.... He tried to follow up his victory in 2001, NASCAR itself something! The conversation drastically changed on October nascar most popular driver list, 2022 FOX does the first Chase by eight,. Come true for me, smith said in a Wednesday morning tweet, said... Post-Race interviews David Pearson on SportsCenters list of plays maintain control on the last two have.

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