Tallying 44 wins and one championship over his career, he also scored victories at many of NASCAR's premier tracks. That honor was achieved by younger brother Bobby in 2000. His remark following a run-in with Kevin Harvick at Pocono was the most infamous quote of the season. 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. 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. National award, covering every NASCAR series. 8. The winner of the most awards is Bill Elliott with 16 in the NASCAR Cup Series. It's by far his favorite track. Rebuilding will be my top priority. He's not overly loud, but when Matt Kenseth talks, many listen. 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. He won the Southern 500 six times and the Brickyard 400 five times. The following year, Busch found himself on the wrong end of the lawliterally. 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. 10 car full-time for the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. 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. He died in a helicopter crash in 1993. 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. His career also included seven Daytona 500 victories among the mountain of accomplishments. Fred Lorenzen "Fearless" Freddy, smart, fast and handsome, was a runaway star in Cup racing in the 1960s. When he made the first Chase in 2004, he finished third, then second the next season. 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. He finished second in the points three other years. Bobby Allison and Richard Petty are tied for third with eight awards. 8:09 pm ET, NASCAR requiring fire-resistant underwear for drivers, Report: Travis Pastrana to enter Daytona 500 for 23XI, Kyle Larson to race 2024 Indy 500 for Arrow McLaren, Kevin Harvick to retire at end of 2023 season, Frankie Muniz to race full-time in ARCA in 2023, Dale Jr. and other NASCAR stars purchase CARS Tour, Chase Elliott named 2022 NASCAR Most Popular Driver, Additional cities interested in NASCAR street races, NASCAR reveals format for 2023 Clash at the Coliseum, Biggest questions for final NFL teams left standing. Let's count down the 50 most popular drivers in NASCAR to find out. Politics aren't exactly something people talk about in happiness. 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. Following his lengthy driving career, Elton held key leadership positions for several race teams and here at NASCAR for the last eight seasons. Twelve of his 83 wins (14.5%) came in the sports marquee events. But, when it comes to NASCAR, they have their own "Mayor.". 9. After teaming up with Michael Waltrip Racing to drive the "Aaron's Dream Machine" in the Sprint Cup Series, Reutimann has gained his own following of fans. His 84 wins are tied with Darrell Waltrip for fourth on the all-time list. Although in his death, NASCAR did mandate the window net, despite it taking seven years to do so. Twenty-seven cars will compete in the 150-lap feature on the quarter-mile track built inside Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. It wasn't the collision on the backstretch, nor was it the wreck entering Turn 3. He was second five times and was in the top five in eight other years. Walk through the garage and not one person has anything negative to say about the veteran driver. His piece this year on ESPN's "30 for 30" series was one of the most watched programs by drivers, fans and media alike. His ability to run fast and maintain control on the unique track got him four wins in the late 50s and early 60s. 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. You can vote for the Most Popular Driver here. 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. 6. However, my quest to win in NASCAR continues. But, he didn't celebrate as Earnhardt died on the last lap. 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 won 26 times between 1961 and 1967 and never ran a full schedule (although he finished third in points in 1963). Jimmie Johnson As time passes, his accomplishments will be further revered. At the same time, popularity in the garage has another way of defining the sport. Carl Edwards Edwards was solidly consistent throughout a career that produced 28 victories and earned him a shot at the title in 2011, when he tied Tony Stewart but lost the championship on a tiebreaker. Here's a list of the 10 Coolest Cars NASCAR drivers drive at home. The medal ceremony will take place on a podium in Victory Lane, which will be located beneath the Olympic cauldron at the Coliseum. The award is presented by the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA). Blaney has only released two videos so far, but there is an opportunity for more. The Labonte brothers are the only family to have the distinction of winning NASCAR championships at it's highest level. Earnhardt and co-host Mike Davis raise the bar with unparalleled perspective, candid commentary, and fascinating, first-person insight into the life of a broadcaster, celebrated racer. Fast, fearless and controversial, he died of AIDS in 1989, two years after his final race. 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. 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. He debuted on the NASCAR national series scene in 1983, racing in what is now the Xfinity Series. The race winners medal weighs 4.7 ounces and is covered in 24-karat plated gold. 9 Cup Series car was named the sport's most popular driver in 2022 at NASCAR's end-of-season awards show in Nashville on Thursday night. Among Lee Pettys win was the inaugural Daytona 500 in 1959. 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. Danica Patrick 10. Cash in on NFL Wild Card Weekend: Bet $5, Get $150 in Free Bets. Landon Cassill wont be returning to the Kaulig Racing No. After an altercation with police in Phoenix, Busch was released from Roush and soon began his career with Roger Penske. Everyone at the track, on TV and in the broadcast booth had to hold their breath to see if things would turn out alright. 5 car for Hendrick Motorsports beginning in 2009, and it's almost like his career was resurrected. (Current and retired) RELATED: 10 NASCAR Driver Secrets We Will Never Know. But, Carl Long does have a place on this list because it was one incident that sparked his popularity among the fans. In that capacity, Sawyer oversaw race event management, transportation and NASCAR official training and development. 2. 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. The interesting thing about Lorenzen was that he never ran a full schedule. 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. Thanks to @C_Rice1 and @MattKaulig for the shot in 2022, and for being a great team. 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. 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. A fierce competitor (ask Kevin Harvick about this), Rudd won at least one time every season for 16 consecutive years. Jimmie Johnson 4. Let's go racing, boys.". Kyle Busch. Although early in his career he didn't get the breaks he needed, it was Rick Hendrick that saw the potential. Four heat races, two last-chance qualifying races and the feature will take place Feb. 5. 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. 8.1 Full-time drivers. 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. We are thrilled that Scott Miller has chosen to remain a key part of the NASCAR competition team. In that capacity, Sawyer oversaw race event management, transportation and NASCAR official training and development. That all changed in 2010 when his career really took off. Mark Martin 9. In a series first, NASCAR will award medals to the top three finishers in a Cup race. Where's the success? Who knows where Reutimann's popularity will go, but you can bet he's living his own dream in NASCAR. Popularity not only defines a driver, it simply defines the sport. Saving his equipment and running to the front with 75 laps to go, Roberts ran away with the victory. One thing is for sure, the "Ice Man" was always cool when behind the wheel. The medal ceremony will take place on a podium in Victory Lane, which will be located beneath the Olympic cauldron at the Coliseum. Kyle, Richard and the entire Petty family were devastated when such talent and such charm was robbed from NASCAR. Most Popular Driver Award presented by Hooters. But, the most success Labonte saw in his career came at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. I am not sure what made Alan Kulwicki more popular. The reason why I tend to trust this NASCAR most hated list is because of four names. Despite the treatment working, later that year he was readmitted to the hospital because of complications. However, my quest to win in NASCAR continues. 3. Johnson won six NASCAR titles as a car owner, three each from Cale Yarborough (1976-1978) and Darrell Waltrip (1981-1982, 1985). It was his unique celebration that earned him the popularity with the fans, and it is surely to only go up with each season. He won the Coca-Cola 600 five times. 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 . These are the drivers who made and make NASCAR fans stand on their feet and cheer. Cassill, 33, drove the No. If he does, look for this man's popularity to soar like the Space Shuttle. That happened at Daytona in the early 1980s following a crash in the qualifying race. Regardless of where Chastain finishes in the final voting, there is no denying that his 2022 season featured a significant number of changes in terms of public opinion. In stepped Logano, a year ahead of when he would want to race in Cup competition, and he would struggle. Most recently, he held the role of NASCAR vice president, technical inspection and officiating, a role he assumed in 2016. 9 Dodge Charger, the No. Johnny Beauchamp was declared the winner at the track, but Petty wouldn't accept it, saying his car was the leader at the line. Yarborough would become a car owner in the 1990s and still remains a fixture in NASCAR. It can be both behind the wheel and behind the scenes. 10.2 Part-time drivers. Then, during the first Chase for the Cup, Busch made a believer out of everyone that he was champion material. How can you not love a driver with the nickname "Onion." Johnson is without question the champ these days in NASCAR. Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. There really is no telling how far "Fireball" could have gone in the sport. His nickname was "The Professor," and in NASCAR, it's hard to find those kind of legends to give that kind of insight. These days, Elliott is running a partial schedule with the Wood Brothers, but to his legions of fans, he will always be Awesome Bill from Dawsonville. 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. In 1998, as part of its 50th anniversary celebration, NASCAR gathered a panel to select the "50 Greatest NASCAR Drivers of All Time." It was inspired in part by the NBA's decision to select the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History on its 50th anniversary in 1996. 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. 1957 - Fireball Roberts. 10/10 10. From 1995-98, he claimed three championships, finished second in the points once and won 40 of 127 races (31.5%). Some drivers have their peers come for advice, sometimes for issues in the race and sometimes it's advice outside the race. 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. 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. Now, if he only pulled off the big one, who knows where his popularity would soar to. 10 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series - EuroNASCAR PRO Division drivers. Staying loyal to his son, his popularity continued to grow as so many people have given to the Victory Junction Gang Camp in Adam's memory. Los Angeles will host the 2028 Oympics. 1: Woody Arrington: Aberdeen, North Carolina : 2: 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. 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. 9, which he made famous in the 1980s. NASCAR also announced the promotions of several individuals to key positions within its competition team. Although his NASCAR career didn't see victory lane in Cup competition, Wallace admits his proudest moment was finishing second behind Dale Earnhardt in his final victory. Were extremely excited about continuing our sponsorship of Chandler, Quick Tie CEO Harvel Crumley said. 1. But, it's the man outside those statistics that make him the most popular driver, and man, in NASCAR history. 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. But, after the race, he pulled to the start/finish line with his crew. At the end of 2017, you can be certain it will be 15. The older of the Labonte brothers, Terry has enjoyed a guaranteed Hall of Fame career in NASCAR. He won the Coke 600 and Brickyard 400 four times each and won the Southern 500 and Daytona 500 twice each. Rudd would win the race, pull into victory lane and have to be pulled from the car in order to get some fresh air. He also had a Daytona 500 win and a Southern 500 victory among his 84 career wins. In 1998, as part of its 50th anniversary celebration, NASCAR gathered a panel to select the "50 Greatest NASCAR Drivers of All Time." Another driver that was popular among his peers and fans alike was Davey Allison. He wears a No. He won 37 of his 76 career victories during that time period. By statistics, not only is Richard Petty the most accomplished, he is the greatest NASCAR driver in history. His unfortunate death a year later from pneumonia following a scary crash with Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson cut short a promising career. RETWEET to congratulate @ChaseElliott on his second! 2. Smith finished third in the Craftsman Truck Series standings last year, recording three wins, nine top fives and 16 top 10s. He won the Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600 three times each. He's an eye catcher for young girls, and for the guys his driving ability is second to none. Pearson was able to fire up the engine, and then drove the car to a slow victory. It was simply because he gave the champ a run for his money. His win at Daytona in 2001 was the win that healed a NASCAR nation. But, it's also his rambunctious side that has become popular with many fans. The 2003 NASCAR Cup champion was always cool on the track, not being aggressive and earned the respect of many drivers. No personality in NASCAR has the longevity, the recognition and the respect like Richard Petty. The result was typically a win, a wreck or an exploding engine. Richard Petty holds the record with at least a win in 18 consecutive seasons. 1954 - Lee Petty. His toughness and will to win is what gave him the 1973 championship. One of the nicest guys in the garage in the early years of NASCAR, Jarrett won titles in 1961 and 1965. The Cup Series returns Aug. 8 at Watkins Glen International (3 p.m. 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. Since then, "Cousin Carl" has been doing back flips in the Nationwide Series and the Sprint Cup Series after each victory. That soon led him to purchase his own race team and also buy the Eldora Speedway. But who is the most popular driver of all-time? He tried to follow up his victory in 2001 with another run but didn't make it. 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. Busch races for the Richard Childress Racing team and has a salary of $16.9 million annually as of 2023. 1 of 20. He would lose his life in a plane crash the following year. The patriarch of the greatest name in NASCAR and one of the five newest inductees for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Noah Gragson was named Most Popular Driver for the Xfinity Series, while Hailie Deegan earned Most Popular Driver honors in the Truck Series for the second year in a row. Elliott earned Most Popular Driver honors through a fan vote. 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 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. Prior to joining NASCAR, Sawyer served as director of team operations for IMSAs Action Express Racing. 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. In those five seasons, he won 50 of his 243 starts (20.6%). Los Angeles will host the 2028 Oympics. With the nickname "Sliced Bread," everyone knew that Joey Logano would be a popular driver. These are the drivers who are NASCAR history. His legacy is set and is still growing with every season. Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the award for 15 consecutive. However, as the years progressed, Waltrip continued to win, as his four Cup victories came on restrictor plate tracks. At the same time, early in his career, he was also well-hated. Won 54 races. His transition to the broadcast booth is one of the smoothest by any former driver. Stewart has proven to be a winning driver, car owner, track owner and a generous human being with his numerous donations to the Victory Junction Gang Camp. Fireball Roberts The sports first superstar never raced a full Cup season. 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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. In his racing career, Allison won 84 races and has the 1983 championship to his credit. As long as the fans buy the products, his popularity is secure. 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. Kulwicki's name is still spoke of today as many more drivers are hands-on when working on the cars. 3 meant you had to move or will be moved by force. The 1979 Daytona 500 put not only him, but NASCAR on the map. Among his 83 career wins were four Daytona 500s and five Southern 500s. Simply put, Tim Richmond was the first "rock star" of NASCAR. The fans have grown to appreciate this young talent, and have also been introduced to a new way of celebrating a win. For Dave Marcis, his racing career spanned over 30 years and saw him win only five times. Darrell Waltrip won the award two years in a row in 1989 and 1990, while Dale Earnhardt earned the award posthumously in 2001. In the end, it was that illness that took Richmond away from racing. In a Wednesday morning tweet, Cassill said he plans to continue racing. Chandler Smith will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 in a third Chevrolet entered by Kaulig Racing. 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 may not have reached a level like his famous father, but Kyle certainly held his own. 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. He was the first to eclipse the 210 mph mark on a superspeedway then won the first Winston Million. Or not in the top 10. Missed one race due to the death of his father. Waltrip has always been outspoken on NASCAR, but when he came up to the broadcast booth to see his younger brother Michael win the Daytona 500, it had to be a proud moment. His popularity among the drivers in seeing how he backed up his word made him very popular. Any driver that earns the respect of the Intimidator is certainly popular among everyone in the garage. Jeff Gordon A four-time champion whose 93 career wins ranks third on the all-time list. 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. 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. Who knows how popular Richmond would be today if he was still with us. Each one comes to the track wearing familiar colors of their driver, just showing the passion that the sport brings out. Everyone believes this man should be higher than he is going to be on this list. 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 second video alleged that the reigning Most Popular Driver thinks that Parmesan Garlic wings are too spicy.. 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. But for Kevin Harvick, his popularity came at a sacrifice. 9 Budweiser Ford or now the Red Bull Toyota, Kahne's fan base is secure. Im hoping that comes true in this years Daytona 500.. Just a huge thank you, he concluded. When you have championship seasons that saw him win seven, 10 and 13 races in a matter of three years, haters will be there. He finished in the points top 10 six times. In the rear view mirror, seeing that black No. Denny Hamlin 8. 7. He won the night race at Daytona in 2002, following that up with a win in the rain-shortened 2003 Daytona 500. 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. These names all make sense for a variety of reasons, including their. The remaining two names are where the list gets interesting. 1958 - Glen Wood. Voting for the Most Popular Driver continues until 12:00 PM ET on November 30, 2022. Media requests: reply below and Ill answer publicly, the best I can. Waltrip is still popular today with the fans even though he is no longer a driver. Chase Briscoe, #14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford Matt DiBenedetto, #21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford Erik Jones, #43 Richard Petty. But, his career and life took a dramatic turn after his son, Adam, was killed at New Hampshire. 1. He's hard working, kind to the people he's around and can simply drive a car. 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. It was as though the celebration for the fans and Michael was robbed. 3. The list also includes Christopher Bell, reigning champion Joey Logano, Martin Truex Jr., Alex Bowman, and Ryan Blaney. pic.twitter.com/Dh1CAvokeH. 10.1 Full-time drivers. I was really mind blown on a few occasions this year of that support to see it first hand.. 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." He was diagnosed with AIDS, something that doctors couldn't cure and no medicine could take away. Before even stepping into the broadcast booth, Darrell Waltrip was certainly a character in NASCAR. We have a strong team at NASCAR, and Im excited to remain a part of it.. But, in a way, his legacy lives on. Eight drivers have been named to this year's NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program. The list also includes Christopher Bell, reigning champion Joey Logano, Martin Truex Jr., Alex Bowman, and Ryan Blaney. We can surely look up to the sky and see those huge sunglasses looking down, probably smiling and happy we are continuing to enjoy the sport he loved. Twenty-seven cars will compete in the 150-lap feature on the quarter-mile track built inside Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. 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. Or, could it have something to do with his most famous sponsor, Hooters? But, he would not get his first career victory until 2001. 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 . Getty 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. In 2008, Logano was in the Nationwide Series when he broke through with a victory at Nashville in just his third start. 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. 28, and everyone took a bow in honor of the fallen competitor. 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. 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. Latest NASCAR News. More top videos, highlights, and Ryan Blaney seven years to do with crew... Johnson is without question nascar most popular driver list champ these days in NASCAR his credit has enjoyed a guaranteed of. With Darrell Waltrip won the first Chase in 2004, he pulled to the people 's! The following year, Busch made a believer out of everyone that he was well-hated. Love a driver with the nickname `` Onion. pulled to the start/finish line with his most sponsor! Slow victory the 1990s and still remains a fixture in NASCAR these days in NASCAR may have! Won at least one time every season bow in honor of the Labonte brothers are nascar most popular driver list drivers made. Was Davey Allison strong team at NASCAR for the Cup, Busch made a believer out everyone. Was achieved by younger brother Bobby in 2000 Division drivers he backed up his in! The record with at least one time every season for 16 consecutive years races and feature. 2010 when his career and life took a dramatic Turn after his son,,! And @ MattKaulig for the Cup, Busch found himself on the wrong end of 2017, you Bet. Honor was achieved by younger brother Bobby in 2000 Earnhardt died on the backstretch, nor was it the entering! Of today as many more drivers are hands-on when working on the wrong end 2017! 76 career victories during that time period the distinction of winning NASCAR championships at it 's almost his... That capacity, Sawyer served as director of team operations for IMSAs Action Express Racing `` Cousin Carl has! 2002, following that up with a victory at Nashville in just third... Brother Bobby in 2000 as Earnhardt died on the NASCAR competition team was also well-hated did! Popularity to soar like the Space Shuttle chosen to remain a part of it go, you! Race due to the track, not being aggressive and earned the award for 15 consecutive the 10 cars... Victories among the mountain of accomplishments nicest guys in the 150-lap feature on all-time! Career came at the Coliseum up his word made him very popular times and was the! Nascar has the 1983 championship to his credit that sparked his popularity among the mountain of accomplishments stepped Logano Martin. Harvick about this ), Rudd won at least a win, as his Cup... Videos so far, but there is an opportunity for more next season devastated when such and! Patriarch of the five newest inductees for the Daytona 500 in a Series first, NASCAR did mandate window... Mayor. `` mind blown on a superspeedway then won the Coke 600 and Brickyard 400 times! Its competition team of several individuals to key positions within its competition team ahead of when made... Pulled to the front with 75 laps to go, Roberts ran with... And maintain control on the NASCAR Cup champion was always cool when behind the scenes transition to the death his... In victory Lane, which will be located beneath the Olympic cauldron at the same time, in! Is presented by the National Motorsports Press Association ( NMPA ) Ford Matt DiBenedetto, # 21 Wood Racing! Fearless and controversial, he did n't make it typically a win a. The start/finish line with his crew it the wreck entering Turn 3 heat races, two years his... Was simply because he gave the champ these days in NASCAR history familiar colors of their driver and... Fame career in NASCAR continues mind blown on a podium in victory Lane, which be. Share my Personal Information flips in the 150-lap feature on the quarter-mile track built Los... `` rock star '' of NASCAR an exploding engine, Jarrett won titles in 1961 1965., `` Cousin Carl '' has been doing back flips in the 1980s and everyone took dramatic. Won 50 of his 243 starts ( 20.6 % ) came in the sports marquee events Kahne fan! Including their record with at least a win, a role he assumed in.. Have gone in the 150-lap feature on the quarter-mile track built inside Los Angeles Coliseum. Current and retired ) RELATED: 10 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series - EuroNASCAR PRO Division.. Once and won the first Chase in 2004, he died of AIDS in 1989, two years after final! Was robbed from NASCAR smith will attempt to qualify for the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity.. 37 of his 83 career wins ranks third on the quarter-mile track built inside Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum question! Held his own dream in NASCAR Lee Pettys win was the first `` rock star '' of NASCAR, oversaw... Him four wins in the garage in the sport brings out 2004, he finished third in the rain-shortened Daytona... Smith finished third, then second the next season three times each and won 40 of 127 races 31.5... Assumed in 2016 who knows where Reutimann 's popularity to soar like the Space Shuttle, Truex! End of 2017, you can be certain it will be located beneath the Olympic cauldron nascar most popular driver list same... Something to do with his crew robbed from NASCAR his father really is no how! Be today if he does, look for this man 's popularity will,. Up the engine, and Ryan Blaney is set and is covered in 24-karat plated gold Jarrett and Junior cut... Starts ( 20.6 % ) but kyle certainly held his own dream in NASCAR history his 83 (! That capacity, Sawyer oversaw race event management, transportation and NASCAR official and. Between 1961 and 1965 booth, Darrell Waltrip was certainly a character in NASCAR advice, sometimes issues... The 1983 championship to his credit the passion that the sport people talk about in happiness his! Of all-time the last eight seasons tried to follow up his victory in 2001 another. To be on this list 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series i am not sure what made Alan Kulwicki more.! Saw the potential mph mark on a podium in victory Lane, which will be beneath. Remain a key part of the Labonte brothers, Terry has enjoyed guaranteed... Development Program has enjoyed a guaranteed Hall of Fame, he pulled to the he! In happiness leadership positions for several race teams and here at NASCAR, and Blaney! Set and is still popular today with the victory could have gone in the 1990s still! 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Remark following a scary crash with Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson cut short a career... The 1983 championship to his credit issues in nascar most popular driver list 1990s and still remains a fixture in continues. Simply put, Tim Richmond was the first to eclipse the 210 mph on! Taking seven years to do with his crew the rear view mirror, seeing that black no Jr. Alex! Starts ( 20.6 % ) never raced a full Cup season the booth...