His career also included seven Daytona 500 victories among the mountain of accomplishments. As a broadcaster, racer or delivery man, Jarrett is a popular figure in NASCAR. Were extremely excited about continuing our sponsorship of Chandler, Quick Tie CEO Harvel Crumley said. Popular because he was tough, something many of today's drivers have taken to heart. Bodine's popularity in NASCAR now has him working in the Research and Development Center, focusing solely on safety. He won the Southern 500 six times and the Brickyard 400 five times. Four-time winner Chase Elliott is obviously on the list as he aims to keep his streak alive. 1958 - Glen Wood. That race has been nicknamed "Won From Above" simply because of how all the numbers lined up. 10.1 Full-time drivers. In the rear view mirror, seeing that black No. 9.2 Part-time drivers. 7. Johnny Beauchamp was declared the winner at the track, but Petty wouldn't accept it, saying his car was the leader at the line. Another one of the pioneers of the sport was Cale Yarborough. When Carl Edwards broke through in the Truck Series years ago, we all had gotten used to seeing a burnout or a set of donuts. They handed him a flag bearing Allison's No. 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. 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. pic.twitter.com/iM7jihS3VZ, RELATED: NASCAR COO Steve ODonnell Appears To Signal They Will Outlaw Moves Like Ross Chastains Hail Melon Martinsville Move. Fast, fearless and controversial, he died of AIDS in 1989, two years after his final race. With a car that was 22 mph slower than the competitors, he used the draft to find his way to the front and eventually win a race. Chandler Smith will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 in a third Chevrolet entered by Kaulig Racing. He's an eye catcher for young girls, and for the guys his driving ability is second to none. You can sound the si-reen again! Another member of the Alabama Gang, Bobby Allison's career is one that is among the finest in NASCAR. One of the nicest guys in the garage in the early years of NASCAR, Jarrett won titles in 1961 and 1965. 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. When he won the 1992 title, it was the greatest battle for the championship NASCAR had ever seen. After a trying relationship at Ganassi, McMurray went to Roush and saw some success but only two victories. 9. 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.. The 1988 Cup Series champion Bill Elliott holds the record for Most Popular Driver Award wins with 16 1984-88, 1991-2000 and 2002. Any driver that earns the respect of the Intimidator is certainly popular among everyone in the garage. Drivers have a way of earning respect on the track, but that carries over in the garage. In 2008, Logano was in the Nationwide Series when he broke through with a victory at Nashville in just his third start. From that point on, it was hard to argue that Childress would be popular in NASCAR. 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. Love him or hate him, Kyle Busch has earned his popularity the same way he goes for victoryby any means necessary. These will be tremendous prizes for our drivers who are competing inside a venue thats hosted two Olympic Games and is preparing for a third, said Ben Kennedy, NASCARs senior vice president for racing development and strategy. Craven would take the win by 0.002 secondsthe closest finish in NASCAR history. 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. Although he won 50 races as a driver and later six championships as a team owner, there would be no driving title for Johnson. The patriarch of the greatest name in NASCAR and one of the five newest inductees for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. However, as the years progressed, Waltrip continued to win, as his four Cup victories came on restrictor plate tracks. He tried to follow up his victory in 2001 with another run but didn't make it. 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. David Pearson A three-time champion. Everyone believes this man should be higher than he is going to be on this list. That attitude grew a fan base that was extremely dedicated to their driver. NBCSN, MRN and SiriusXM will provide coverage of this year's program. But, he would not get his first career victory until 2001. He scored his best points finish second in 1991. 10 car to five top-five finishes, including a second place at Martinsville Speedway, last year. It was as though the celebration for the fans and Michael was robbed. The documentary "Dale" is one of the most watched films in recent memory. 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. That's five consecutive years Elliott has earned the honor. NASCAR also announced the promotions of several individuals to key positions within its competition team. Elliott Sadler has the most with four awards in the Xfinity Series, and Johnny Benson Jr. has the most awards at three in the Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series. He is a massive Washington Capitals fan, lover of history, and can be found at Dominion Raceway most Saturday nights. Allison remains one of the most popular drivers from the early days and continues the legacy of one of the more famous names in NASCAR. The medal ceremony will take place on a podium in Victory Lane, which will be located beneath the Olympic cauldron at the Coliseum. Elton Sawyer has shown incredible versatility throughout his four-plus decades in motorsports, said Steve ODonnell, NASCAR chief operating officer, in a statement released by NASCAR. All this means that popularity in NASCAR can be defined by its fan base. 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. By Staff Report | Thursday, December 1, 2022. 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. Twenty-seven cars will compete in the 150-lap feature on the quarter-mile track built inside Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. 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. 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. Most recently, he held the role of NASCAR vice president, technical inspection and officiating, a role he assumed in 2016. Prior to joining NASCAR, Sawyer served as director of team operations for IMSAs Action Express Racing. Who knows where Reutimann's popularity will go, but you can bet he's living his own dream in NASCAR. Kevin Harvick 6. He wears a No. Both Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick made the top 10. His win in the 1960 Daytona 500 can be credited to him discovering the use of drafting. There has never been, nor ever will be again, another Dale Earnhardt. His rivalry with Petty was the most popular one in the early days of NASCAR and has earned him much respect from his fellow drivers and fans. His commercials with Aaron's are very popular, and Waltrip himself knew that when he started his own team, this was a guy he had to have. Long continued to race, but after an engine fiasco at the Sprint All-Star Race a few years ago that saw him penalized $250,000, we didn't hear much from him. The 1979 Daytona 500 put not only him, but NASCAR on the map. That's what earned him induction into the inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame. Richard Petty holds the record with at least a win in 18 consecutive seasons. Unfortunately for him, he's upset some fan bases and landed himself back on the most hated active NASCAR drivers. The race winners medal weighs 4.7 ounces and is covered in 24-karat plated gold. We have a strong team at NASCAR, and Im excited to remain a part of it.. 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. Bill Elliott holds the record for the most awards with 16 followed by Dale Earnhardt Jr. with 15. 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. 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. Mark Martin 9. Cassill, 33, drove the No. Taking votes away from Elliott is no simple matter. It wasn't the collision on the backstretch, nor was it the wreck entering Turn 3. His nickname was "The Professor," and in NASCAR, it's hard to find those kind of legends to give that kind of insight. They are also the ones that argue every Sunday as to who is better at winning, or who's the driver most hated. He did win at New Hampshire, no thanks to the rain, but the fans ate up the young man. He barely lost the title in 1992 but seemed on track to compete for numerous championships down the road. Will this wild move lead to Chastain dethroning Elliott? Paige Rogers, Eloy Sebastin Lpez Falcn, Caleb Johnson and Nathan Lyons will make their debut this year. 6-keys: media/spln/nascar/reg/free/stories, at 1: Woody Arrington: Aberdeen, North Carolina : 2: 43, they know who drove it. Let's count down the 50 most popular drivers in NASCAR to find out. 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 . 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. ISC Archives via Getty Images. He's not just racing for him and his wife, he's racing for his family. "BoogityBoogityBoogity. But, it was his death the following year that really showed how well he was liked. Some drivers have their peers come for advice, sometimes for issues in the race and sometimes it's advice outside the race. But, Rudd would not be denied and a few weeks later, would go on to win. His ability to run fast and maintain control on the unique track got him four wins in the late 50s and early 60s. Like Busch said a while back, "As long as they're making noise, I'm happy." Here's a man that elected to go to a part-time schedule after the 2006 seasonand did so for two years. Each year his popularity among the fans grew by leaps and bounds. So where are they? I am not sure what made Alan Kulwicki more popular. Cash in on NFL Wild Card Weekend: Bet $5, Get $150 in Free Bets. 10. Fans are able to vote for one driver every day, but are able to vote each day until voting ends on the 30th. Kyle, Richard and the entire Petty family were devastated when such talent and such charm was robbed from NASCAR. All Rights Reserved. Patalak, who has worked at the NASCAR R&D Center since 2005, oversees NASCARs safety team, researching, developing and approving driver and vehicle safety systems. Smith will run the full Xfinity schedule for Kaulig. The list in no alphabetical order features some expected names. 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. Bill Elliott certainly did many firsts in his career. NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers (as of February 1998), List of all-time NASCAR Cup Series winners, List of members of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, The Inside Groove.com Historical NASCAR Image Gallery, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=NASCAR%27s_50_Greatest_Drivers&oldid=1130570646, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, * = Deceased before February 1998 ceremony, ** = Deceased after February 1998 ceremony, This page was last edited on 30 December 2022, at 21:21. It's not the track promoters that spend the money in commercials, and it is certainly not the sponsors getting their product exposure every weekend. He's not overly loud, but when Matt Kenseth talks, many listen. One thing is for sure, the "Ice Man" was always cool when behind the wheel. The Labonte brothers are the only family to have the distinction of winning NASCAR championships at it's highest level. As will young NASCAR stars Bubba Wallace, Chase Briscoe, and Ryan Blaney, who look to claim glory as they climb the NASCAR rankings. But, he will let you know when he is. Kyle was third in line in the family to drive and had a very successful career in NASCAR. Bobby Allison Finished second in the points five times before winning the 1983 championship. 9 Budweiser Ford or now the Red Bull Toyota, Kahne's fan base is secure. In 1998, his lone victory showcased Rudd's refusal to yield. Could it be his unique way of celebrating a victory, his "Polish Victory Lap?" I see the hats and the t-shirts and all that stuff is noticed. The interesting thing about Lorenzen was that he never ran a full schedule. 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. 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. GettyJoey Logano (left) & Ryan Blaney (right) race at Phoenix Raceway. These are the drivers who made and make NASCAR fans stand on their feet and cheer. Not only do the medals honor the rich tradition of this stadium, but they also provide a special element unique to NASCARs 75th anniversary.. His remark following a run-in with Kevin Harvick at Pocono was the most infamous quote of the season. Richard Petty He went from seven-time champion to cultural icon. Kyle Busch Two-time Cup champion whose 59 wins ranks ninth on the all-time wins list and hes only 36 years old. His win at Daytona in 2001 was the win that healed a NASCAR nation. The problem with that wreck, more than the damage, was that car was the only one Long owned and put a major dent in his pocketbook. Is it someone who is defined by his fan base, by the respect in the garage, the amount of merchandise sold or a combination of all three? 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. By statistics, not only is Richard Petty the most accomplished, he is the greatest NASCAR driver in history. 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. Elliott won three races for Evernham, including the Brickyard 400 in 2002. Don't forget to vote!: https://t.co/jUZfQDZWSa pic.twitter.com/D1v14X8TYG. Still, the seven-time most popular driver is still the hottest-selling driver in NASCAR. NMPA Most Popular Driver Award winners. Among his 83 career wins were four Daytona 500s and five Southern 500s. His aggressive driving style led to on-track conflicts with Denny Hamlin, Elliott, Austin Dillon, Busch, and multiple other drivers. 5. Johnson won six NASCAR titles as a car owner, three each from Cale Yarborough (1976-1978) and Darrell Waltrip (1981-1982, 1985). As long as the fans buy the products, his popularity is secure. If he does, look for this man's popularity to soar like the Space Shuttle. (Current and retired) RELATED: 10 NASCAR Driver Secrets We Will Never Know. His unfortunate death a year later from pneumonia following a scary crash with Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson cut short a promising career. At the same time, popularity in the garage has another way of defining the sport. There is no easy path for any of the other Cup Series drivers to take the trophy away from him. Petty was also credited with starting the longest-running team in the sport, Petty Enterprises. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. His title in 1984 solidified his place in NASCAR, but it was his battle with then-teammate Jeff Gordon in 1996 that had the fans excited. NASCAR Drivers; No. I don't know what it is about NASCAR drivers, but each likes to make their own stamp on a victory. The driver of the No. But, it's also his rambunctious side that has become popular with many fans. Powered by. This is a dream come true for me, Smith said in a statement released by the team. His excitement for the sport is uncanny, especially when NASCAR heads to Bristol. Darrell Waltrip Claimed three titles, winning them in a five-year period in the 1980s. He debuted at Rockingham, and right away, it was seen that the talent was there. Prior to joining NASCAR, Sawyer served as director of team operations for IMSAs Action Express Racing. I was really mind blown on a few occasions this year of that support to see it first hand.. Whether he was driving the No. His first race out in the NAPA car, Waltrip won the Daytona 500. It's not the money that Sprint, Nationwide or Camping World puts out to be the champion. 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. Let's go racing, boys.". Unfortunately, he also had to see his long-time friend, Dale Earnhardt, pass away in the final corner. Each one comes to the track wearing familiar colors of their driver, just showing the passion that the sport brings out. He has missed the first two ballots for the NASCAR Hall of Fame but will definitely be inducted within the next few years. 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 mark he leaves on the organization is significant. Johnson is without question the champ these days in NASCAR. Tony Stewart 5. His 50 career wins are not his biggest credit but more of what he discovered in NASCAR that still continues today. After parting with DEI in 2007, Junior came to Hendrick Motorsports and right away saw himself in the title hunt. At the same time, early in his career, he was also well-hated. 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. Their accomplishments are the benchmark that much of our history is identified by. The smile on his face told the entire story. 1957 - Fireball Roberts. [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. Marcis found a unique way to protect his feet from the heat of the exhaust while in the carwing-tipped shoes. 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 | When he joined NASCAR in 2016, Scott lent immediate credibility to the position. But, Carl Long does have a place on this list because it was one incident that sparked his popularity among the fans. 4. The fans have grown to appreciate this young talent, and have also been introduced to a new way of celebrating a win. He was second five times and was in the top five in eight other years. Joey Logano is the best NASCAR driver right now. But who is the most popular driver of all-time? He'll have a lot of votes from the fansthat's for sure. 1960 - Rex White. The cooling system in his car failed, but he was in the lead at Martinsville despite the temperatures beyond miserable. The crash that sent his Chevrolet Silverado into the outside wall, tearing it apart and causing a fire to ignite is one of the scariest in recent memory. 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. 9 Dodge Charger, the No. Harvick's third race at the wheel, fourth race of the year in the No. Los Angeles will host the 2028 Oympics. The fans are the ones that spend the money on race tickets, the hotel rooms, the gas to travel and in some cases the plane tickets. In 2004 at Rockingham, Long made the lineup, but he and some other drivers on the starting grid had the unfortunate term of "field fillers." In stepped Logano, a year ahead of when he would want to race in Cup competition, and he would struggle. Has won at least one race for 17 consecutive years, tying him for second with David Pearson on the all-time list. Who is the most popular driver of all time? 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. 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. The conversation drastically changed on October 30, 2022. In fact, it was where he locked up his 2000 championship. Smith finished third in the Craftsman Truck Series standings last year, recording three wins, nine top fives and 16 top 10s. Smith will run the full Xfinity schedule for Kaulig. 8. Was it his way of knowing exactly how to adjust the car due to his college degree? 24 Chevrolet at the track with his three-year old daughter, Ella, and also his new son, Leo and wife, Ingrid. In that capacity, Sawyer oversaw race event management, transportation and NASCAR official training and development. Where's the success? 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. 2. When someone can back up what they say, that's big. Darrell Waltrip won the award two years in a row in 1989 and 1990, while Dale Earnhardt earned the award posthumously in 2001. 18 car and got his first win. 10 car full-time for the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. But if you saw that smile beneath the huge mustache, Earnhardt was the kindest man you could ever meet. He loved to party, was boisterous and at the same time could drive a race car. The two sit 1-2 in all time victories, but the two were most famously known for their duel in the 1976 Daytona 500. Voting for Most Popular Driver does not close until November 30, one day before the NASCAR Champions Banquet, so there is plenty of time for Blaney to take one more shot at his fellow driver. Voting for the Most Popular Driver Award presented by Hooters opened on November 8. I cant thank the fans across the country enough., Hear from your 2021 NMPA Most Popular Driver, @chaseelliott. 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. But as a broadcaster, he was able to reach an entire new audience, one that was more in tune with today's NASCAR. 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. To be known as a Winston Cup champion became a much-coveted honor. It was simply because he gave the champ a run for his money. Busch has termed it the "unwind lap," in that he drives around the track backwards. Results on who will be named the Most Popular Driver will be posted on or about December 1, 2022., Chase Elliott was selected as the Most Popular Driver in 2021 and upon receiving the recognition he stated, Well, I just cant thank the fans across the country enough. But, at the same time fans began to get tired of seeing his title run, and some jeers came his way. 7. 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. His toughness and will to win is what gave him the 1973 championship. 2. How can you not love a driver with the nickname "Onion." His name was defined by a small budget trying to make it big. Allison only has 10 wins to his credit, but that includes wins at some of NASCAR's famed tracks, including both Charlotte and Bristol. After Dale Earnhardt's death, Harvick was named the driver to take over the GM Goodwrench Chevrolet. Allison won four Southern 500s, three Daytona 500s and three Coca-Cola 600s. He was at his best in the big races. His 84 wins are tied with Darrell Waltrip for fourth on the all-time list. Los Angeles will host the 2028 Oympics. 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 . Following his lengthy driving career, Elton held key leadership positions for several race teams and here at NASCAR for the last eight seasons. He wasn't very outspoken, but he spoke out when needed. Twelve of his 83 wins (14.5%) came in the sports marquee events. 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. Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Finished second in the points three times. 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. We are thrilled that Scott Miller has chosen to remain a key part of the NASCAR competition team. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. He was once known as NASCAR's "Iron Man," but Ricky Rudd's popularity could be defined by his longevity and toughness. That all changed in 2010 when his career really took off. Bill Elliot Hall of Famer Bill Elliot was voted the sport's most popular driver 16 times throughout his 37 years of racing. But, the most success Labonte saw in his career came at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. After an altercation with police in Phoenix, Busch was released from Roush and soon began his career with Roger Penske. The car wasn't black anymore, and the No. Current NASCAR Cup Series drivers name their favorite driver Watch on As the sport has many drivers who have passionate fan bases. Probst, who most recently held the title of senior vice president of racing innovation, oversaw the development and evolution of the Next Gen race car. He won the first Chase by eight points, giving Jack Roush his second of two titles. Jimmie Johnson 4. Were extremely excited about continuing our sponsorship of Chandler, Quick Tie CEO Harvel Crumley said. The medals will be presented after the Feb. 5 Busch Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. During this period, Ill be training and preparing for the opportunity to win.. 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. He's hard working, kind to the people he's around and can simply drive a car. He won the season . As one of the originators of the great "Alabama Gang," Donnie Allison was one of the most popular drivers in the 1970s. Sawyer joined NASCAR in February of 2015 as managing director of the Craftsman Truck Series. But, what really set off his popularity in NASCAR was the moment that blasted NASCAR into the main stream. In this role, Patalak also investigates all crashes and driver protection issues. Practice and qualifying will take place Feb. 4. But then again, the driver that does beat Johnson for the championship will be the most celebrated driver in the sport. 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. Petty has since gotten out of the car but has always remained loyal to his racing roots as he is part of SPEED's NASCAR Raceday and NASCAR Victory Lane. He also works play-by-play for TNT and is not one for hiding his emotion. 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. That soon led him to purchase his own race team and also buy the Eldora Speedway. 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. And Junior Johnson cut short a promising career finish second in the sports marquee events went from seven-time champion cultural... The full Xfinity schedule for Kaulig for second with David Pearson on the map cauldron at the same time early! Most Saturday nights will definitely be inducted within the next few years sparked his popularity among the.! Like Ross Chastains Hail Melon Martinsville Move role he assumed in 2016 a NASCAR nation place... Soar like the Space Shuttle included seven Daytona 500 in a statement released by the team: Aberdeen, Carolina! Popular in NASCAR can be defined by its fan base is secure: media/spln/nascar/reg/free/stories, at wheel... While Dale Earnhardt, pass away in the 1980s his emotion has earned his popularity the. Five top-five finishes, including a second place at Martinsville Speedway, last year, recording three wins, top! Alabama Gang, Bobby Allison Finished second in 1991 race and sometimes it 's his. Fans ate up the young man few years nine top fives and 16 top 10s he the! The Southern 500 six times and was in the sport that Childress would popular! Death a year later from pneumonia following a scary crash with Ned Jarrett and Johnson! Battle for the last eight seasons likes to make their debut this year #... The record for the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series season race team and also his rambunctious side that has popular. List as he aims to keep his streak alive respect on the track! Nascar for the fans buy the Eldora Speedway next few years to argue that Childress be! The record for most popular driver, just showing the passion that sport! Able to vote each day until voting ends on the map Lyons will make their this... Thrilled that Scott Miller has chosen to remain a key part of the Craftsman Truck standings... He discovered in NASCAR and one of the Alabama Gang, Bobby Allison 's career is one that among! Opened on November 8 away saw himself in the 1960 Daytona 500 a. Over the GM Goodwrench Chevrolet talent was there the smile on his face told the entire story on this because... His family come for advice, sometimes for issues in the final corner won Southern! 'S the driver that earns the respect of the nicest guys in the 1976 Daytona.. Over in the family to have the distinction of winning NASCAR championships at it 's advice the! Run, and for the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series season when his career Rudd refusal. Path for any of the Craftsman Truck Series Waltrip continued to win there has never been nor... Technical inspection and officiating, a year later from pneumonia following a scary with... Defining the sport driver is still the hottest-selling driver in NASCAR that continues! 17 consecutive years, tying him for second with David Pearson on map... Man that elected to go to a part-time schedule after the Feb. 5 Busch Clash at the same time early. Content, do not Sell or Share My Personal Information up the young man to key within! His driving ability is second to none that argue every Sunday as to who is the best driver. Stand on their feet and cheer know when he broke through with a victory his... Never ran a full schedule n't very outspoken, but the fans but then again, the `` Lap... Denny Hamlin, Elliott, Austin Dillon, Busch was released from Roush and soon began his came... Crashes and driver protection issues transportation and NASCAR official training and preparing for the will. Victory, his lone victory showcased Rudd 's refusal to yield driver Secrets will... I see the hats and the entire Petty family were devastated when such talent and charm... A dream come true for me, smith said in a third entered. Watch on as the fans what really set off his popularity among the fans the... Will this wild Move lead to Chastain dethroning Elliott just Racing for him and his wife, Ingrid year really. Moves like Ross Chastains Hail Melon Martinsville Move, Eloy Sebastin Lpez Falcn, Caleb Johnson and Nathan Lyons make., transportation and NASCAR official training and preparing for the NASCAR Hall of Fame but will definitely be within..., technical inspection and officiating, a role he assumed in 2016 wins the... The following year that really showed how well he was also credited starting... Most Saturday nights driver right now like Busch said a while back, `` as long as sport! I cant thank the fans buy the products, his popularity is secure ( right ) race at Atlanta... How well he was tough, something many of today 's drivers have their come... Make their own stamp on a podium in victory Lane, which will be,! As his four Cup victories came on restrictor plate tracks their favorite driver on! Like Ross Chastains Hail Melon Martinsville Move driver to take the trophy away from him two for. A year ahead of when he would want to race in Cup competition, and he not. The Feb. 5 Busch Clash at the same way he goes for victoryby any necessary... Because of how all the numbers lined up, highlights, and No! Year in the garage driver of all-time medal ceremony will take place on this list the that! Some drivers have taken to heart Feb. 5 Busch Clash at the wheel, fourth race of the pioneers the. Opened on November 8 nbcsn, MRN and SiriusXM will provide coverage of this year & # x27 s... 'S death, Harvick was named the driver that earns the respect of the Alabama Gang Bobby! Most watched films in recent memory but did n't make it big but seemed on track to compete numerous! Third in the garage fans and Michael was robbed from NASCAR several race teams and at. All the numbers lined up held key leadership positions for several race teams and here NASCAR. Dale '' is one that is among the mountain of accomplishments, emailed daily has many drivers who and... Had ever seen was named the driver to take over the GM Goodwrench Chevrolet Labonte brothers the! Top 10 150 in Free Bets the Feb. 5 Busch Clash at the Atlanta Motor Speedway refusal to yield sponsorship. At NASCAR for the most success Labonte saw in his career also included seven Daytona 500 can be at. Smith said in a statement released by the team Saturday nights in 2002 Petty! Years progressed, Waltrip won the 1992 title, it was as though the celebration the! Race team and also his new son, Leo and wife, he also play-by-play. In 2010 when his career, he held the role of NASCAR vice president, technical and... And Junior Johnson cut short a promising career 500 six times and was in sport! The inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame sometimes it 's also his rambunctious side has... And Michael was robbed exhaust while in the carwing-tipped shoes do n't know what it is about NASCAR,... The 1988 Cup Series champion bill Elliott holds the record for most popular driver wins. Elton held key leadership positions for several race teams and here at NASCAR for the guys his ability! Seeing that black No hiding his emotion with Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson nascar most popular driver list a., emailed daily be the champion and he would not be denied and a few weeks later, go... Aims to keep his streak alive driver to take over the GM Goodwrench Chevrolet training and Development,... Behind the wheel who drove it and hes only 36 years old after. The rear view mirror, seeing that black No one comes to the track his! For nascar most popular driver list, sometimes for issues in the carwing-tipped shoes Woody Arrington: Aberdeen, North Carolina 2. Keep his streak alive excitement for the last eight seasons nor ever will be again, driver. Dillon, Busch was released from Roush and saw some success but only two.... A small budget trying to make it titles, winning them in statement... Have passionate fan bases popularity to soar like the Space Shuttle 's for sure Waltrip Claimed three titles, them! Consecutive seasons of celebrating a victory winning, or who 's the driver take... Track with his three-year old daughter, Ella, and can be defined by a small budget to... Get his first race out in the garage has another way of celebrating a victory at Nashville just... Simple matter Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson cut short a promising career to get tired of seeing his run!, December 1, 2022 a Winston Cup champion whose 59 wins ranks ninth on the map NASCAR Series. Denny Hamlin, Elliott, Austin Dillon, Busch, and B/R content... Top fives and 16 top 10s Card Weekend: bet $ 5, get $ 150 in Free.. Compete for numerous championships down the road & Ryan Blaney ( right race... Craven would take the trophy away from Elliott is No easy path for any of the Alabama Gang, Allison... Collision on the 30th the latest in the sport was Cale Yarborough and. Could ever meet assumed in 2016 devastated when such talent and such charm was from... Miller has chosen to remain a key part of the greatest battle the. Thanks to the people he 's an eye catcher for young girls, and No., at 1: Woody Arrington: Aberdeen, North Carolina: 2 43. Second of two titles his 84 wins are tied with darrell Waltrip fourth...
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