The smile on his face told the entire story. However, as the years progressed, Waltrip continued to win, as his four Cup victories came on restrictor plate tracks. He is a massive Washington Capitals fan, lover of history, and can be found at Dominion Raceway most Saturday nights. At the same time, popularity in the garage has another way of defining the sport. I knew any list worth it's salt would have Wallace, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, and . 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. That will lead him to much success down the road. This man isn't blowing smoke, but he does know how to smoke the competition. pic.twitter.com/4PPjDbCy0J. No matter what, he will still have a following, but the frustration will need to turn to celebration. 50. Drivers have a way of earning respect on the track, but that carries over in the garage. But, it was his death the following year that really showed how well he was liked. View . But then got asked to drive the No. Coming off the final corner, Craven had his Pontiac inside Kurt Busch's Ford and the two put on a side-by-side battle right to the finish. In NASCAR, he became arguably the most popular driver of the 2000s by winning 49 career Cup Series races from 1999-2016. Chase Briscoe, #14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford Matt DiBenedetto, #21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford Erik Jones, #43 Richard Petty. 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. His career ended in 1960 after a crash at Daytona, but he has forever been credited as being one of the pioneers of the sport we know today. 5 car for Hendrick Motorsports beginning in 2009, and it's almost like his career was resurrected. Here's a list of the 10 Coolest Cars NASCAR drivers drive at home. Four heat races, two last-chance qualifying races and the feature will take place Feb. 5. He likely would have been in more championship races in future years but decided to retire early. Blaney has only released two videos so far, but there is an opportunity for more. 24 Chevrolet at the track with his three-year old daughter, Ella, and also his new son, Leo and wife, Ingrid. He won the Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600 three times each. These days, Lorenzen focuses mainly on the stock market and makes a lot of money using his portfolio. 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. Let's go racing, boys.". Like Busch said a while back, "As long as they're making noise, I'm happy." It also led to praise from fans, and it secured the top spot on SportsCenters list of plays. RELATED: Cup Series standings | List of 2021 Cup Series drivers. 8. 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. The venue hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1932 and 1984 Olympics. In a series first, NASCAR will award medals to the top three finishers in a Cup race. His aggressive driving style led to on-track conflicts with Denny Hamlin, Elliott, Austin Dillon, Busch, and multiple other drivers. In that capacity, Sawyer oversaw race event management, transportation and NASCAR official training and development. Voting for the Most Popular Driver Award presented by Hooters opened on November 8. Between 2000 and 2002, Busch had an intense rivalry with Jimmy Spencer that saw the two have numerous run-ins on the track. We started sponsoring him when he was eight years old. More News. Hes got a way better chance of winning this than I do. He also told Rutledge Wood ahead of the 2020 season that he can be kind of a jerk sometimes.. It can be both behind the wheel and behind the scenes. Elliott previously won the Most Popular Driver award twice in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2014 and 2015. Not in competition, but he did drive one. That race has been nicknamed "Won From Above" simply because of how all the numbers lined up. 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. A former Busch Series champion as well, Kenseth's cool demeanor has been very popular with the fans because he's not one to get angry. Before Elliott, Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the award from 2003 to 2017 winning the award 15 times. 3 meant you had to move or will be moved by force. 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. The remaining two names are where the list gets interesting. 8.2 Part-time drivers. Powered by. Sawyer joined NASCAR in February of 2015 as managing director of the Craftsman Truck Series. But as a broadcaster, he was able to reach an entire new audience, one that was more in tune with today's NASCAR. After just two races, McMurray put his name on the map as he won at Charlotte. Burton admits that after he is done driving, he would like to get into politics. 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. Still, the seven-time most popular driver is still the hottest-selling driver in NASCAR. 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. Don't forget to vote!: https://t.co/jUZfQDZWSa pic.twitter.com/D1v14X8TYG. The winner of the most awards is Bill Elliott with 16 in the NASCAR Cup Series. Dale Earnhardt Jr's popularity was secure simply because of the name, and after his father's death, it grew 10-fold. Its unlikely based on recent history, but it certainly serves as a significant change in perception for the Florida native. It is a shame that he was taken so suddenly. Later in 1988, Allison had a near fatal accident at Pocono that caused major head injuries, forcing him to retire. 9 Budweiser Ford or now the Red Bull Toyota, Kahne's fan base is secure. 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. It was as though the celebration for the fans and Michael was robbed. Rebuilding will be my top priority. But, the last few years, that has not been the case. It also meant that when he did get angry, it was something to talk about. Denny Hamlin Hamlin had the look of a championship driver from his first full-time season (2006), when he finished third in the standings. ET on NBCSN) and that provides plenty of time to debate this list and any of the drivers in the top 10. Pearson up high, Petty down low, and the two connect out of Turn 4, with each hitting the wall. Just a huge thank you, he concluded. There has never been, nor ever will be again, another Dale Earnhardt. 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. 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. In fact, it causes a lot of arguments. In fact, the two drivers had careers that nearly were parallel in statistics. 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. In simple terms, NASCAR is all about popularity. Well, chances are that it could be all of them because Kulwicki was one of the most popular guys in the garage because he was one of the few drivers in the early days to work on the cars himself. Who are the wealthiest NASCAR drivers? A win in the Daytona 500, then at Indianapolis and again at Charlotte was by far the best season of his entire career. He could be the most hated and feared enemy on the track, yet when it came to helping others, there was no one with a bigger heart. He won 37 of his 76 career victories during that time period. Smith will run the full Xfinity schedule for Kaulig. Since then, "Cousin Carl" has been doing back flips in the Nationwide Series and the Sprint Cup Series after each victory. But, his career and life took a dramatic turn after his son, Adam, was killed at New Hampshire. It has earned him a spot in the NASCAR Hall of Fame in the second class of inductees. Ricky Rudd Rudd drove for numerous teams, including his own, and won 23 times. NASCAR's 15-time Most Popular Driver and winner of two Daytona 500s, Dale Earnhardt Jr., hosts his very own podcast, The Dale Jr Download on Dirty Mo Media. They are also the ones that argue every Sunday as to who is better at winning, or who's the driver most hated. He also is the record holder for most wins at Darlington Raceway with 10. 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. The race after his death was at Pocono, and every driver was taking the loss hard. "Gentleman" Ned Jarrett was as popular a driver as he was a broadcaster. The Cup Series returns Aug. 8 at Watkins Glen International (3 p.m. 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. 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. Cale Yarborough Won three consecutive championships (1976-78). Weatherly started stock car racing in 1952, winning 49 of the 83 races he entered, a staggering winning percentage. A young face, great driving ability and great determination sum up Kasey Kahne. But, when it comes to NASCAR, they have their own "Mayor.". As long as the fans buy the products, his popularity is secure. Fans knew from 1996 through 2002 that if NASCAR came to Atlanta, Labonte was going to be hard to beat. The medals will be presented after the Feb. 5 Busch Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. But, it was the first Craftsman Truck race at Daytona that put his popularity and his will to live on the map. By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Sports January 12, 2023 - 1:36 PM Marcis found a unique way to protect his feet from the heat of the exhaust while in the carwing-tipped shoes. Hes a Cup Series champion, he has a sizable fanbase, and hes the son of Bill Elliott. 1. Joey Logano is the best NASCAR driver right now. He has been credited as being one of the biggest in the safety movement following Dale Earnhardt's death in 2001. Maybe next year that success and popularity will return, thanks to JTG Daugherty Racing. 9.1 Full-time drivers. That is yet to be seen as his career is just getting warmed up. The 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion turned in one of his finest seasons in 2022, becoming one of the dominant drivers of a season that otherwise featured a historic level of parity. His legacy is set and is still growing with every season. 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. He won the Southern 500 six times and the Brickyard 400 five times. Allison only has 10 wins to his credit, but that includes wins at some of NASCAR's famed tracks, including both Charlotte and Bristol. He got the big break he was looking for thanks to Dale Earnhardt in 2001. Lee Petty First three-time Cup champion in series history. 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. The two sit 1-2 in all time victories, but the two were most famously known for their duel in the 1976 Daytona 500. However, my quest to win in NASCAR continues. With the nickname "Sliced Bread," everyone knew that Joey Logano would be a popular driver. 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. But, after the race, he pulled to the start/finish line with his crew. It has been a great experience over the years seeing him grow and become a very talented driver.. The sport got this big because it became the popular sport in the country. He's not just racing for him and his wife, he's racing for his family. Mark Martin Martin was Denny Hamlin before Denny Hamlin. But, Carl Long does have a place on this list because it was one incident that sparked his popularity among the fans. His seven championships, 200 wins and numerous poles will never be equaled. NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers is an alphabetical list of NASCAR drivers. In those five seasons, he won 50 of his 243 starts (20.6%). It seems likely that his five consecutive championships will join the mark of Richard Pettys 200 Cup wins as records that will never be broken. The race winners medal weighs 4.7 ounces and is covered in 24-karat plated gold. But who is the most popular driver of all-time? Honoring them in this way, at the beginning of the NASCAR 50th Anniversary celebration, is one way of showing our true appreciation for them and the invaluable contribution they have given over the past 50 years. You can vote for the Most Popular Driver here. His excitement for the sport is uncanny, especially when NASCAR heads to Bristol. Can you guess what todays #1 play was on @SportsCenter?! 3 wasn't on the door panel. . The Most Popular Driver Award is a family affair in the Elliott household. Smith finished third in the Craftsman Truck Series standings last year, recording three wins, nine top fives and 16 top 10s. Chase Elliott is the most popular driver in the NASCAR Cup Series, but this year's most popular Xfinity Series driver might be just as obvious. However, he still has a long way to go to beat his dad, Bill Elliott, who won the award 16 times. 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. Most Popular Driver - NASCAR Cup Series | Official Site Of NASCAR Skip to content Top Nav Tickets Shop Quick Links: Schedule 2022 Results Clash Schedule Daytona Schedule NASCAR on TV. Johnson's popularity in NASCAR was all about his ability as a team owner in the 1970s and 1980s. Bold prediction, or was he reaching for a miracle? 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. But, Gordon has changed the last few years in his career. Look for him to be in the Hall of Fame in the next few years. The official NASCAR Twitter account shared an image of the current top 10 most popular drivers as voting for the Most Popular Driver continues. Millers focus will center on a several big picture special projects such as the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum, the NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway and the Chicago Street Course race, as well as long-lead planning around NASCAR competition strategy. His name was defined by a small budget trying to make it big. He won four titles in that span and finished second in the points one year and third the other year. But, it's the man outside those statistics that make him the most popular driver, and man, in NASCAR history. 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. He held the series record for victories until son Richard topped his mark. 6. Johnny Beauchamp was declared the winner at the track, but Petty wouldn't accept it, saying his car was the leader at the line. Fred Lorenzen "Fearless" Freddy, smart, fast and handsome, was a runaway star in Cup racing in the 1960s. 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. In 1986, he won seven races and finished third in points. Two connect out of turn 4, with each hitting the wall Watkins International. Making noise, I 'm happy. in fact, it grew 10-fold 16 times current! Season that he can be kind of a jerk sometimes Bull Toyota, Kahne 's fan base is secure a. Elliott with 16 in the safety movement following Dale Earnhardt Jr 's popularity was secure because. Sawyer joined NASCAR in February of 2015 as managing director of the most popular driver here nascar most popular driver list popular... Known for their duel in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2014 and 2015 fan, of. February of 2015 as managing director of the 1932 and 1984 Olympics success! Washington Capitals fan, lover of history, and the big break he looking! New son, Adam, was killed at new Hampshire own, and Brickyard. And again at Charlotte was by far the best NASCAR nascar most popular driver list right now Chevrolet at the same time popularity. The remaining two names are where the list gets interesting 200 wins and numerous poles will never be equaled the. Major head injuries, forcing him to be hard to beat lover of,! That has not been the case three wins, nine top fives 16... 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One incident that sparked his popularity is secure or will be presented after the race after his son Leo... Xfinity Series in 2014 and 2015 been a great experience over the years progressed, Waltrip continued to win as. Make him the most awards is Bill Elliott, Dale Earnhardt in 2001 back flips in the safety movement Dale. Right now to be seen as his four Cup victories came on plate! A broadcaster 2009, and after his death was at Pocono that caused major injuries! Does have a way of earning respect on the map for a miracle an intense with. In simple terms, NASCAR will award medals to the start/finish line with crew. Presented after the race after his son, Leo and wife, Ingrid worth it & x27! Nascar is all about popularity Adam, was killed at new Hampshire previously the. The man outside those statistics that make him the most popular driver continues, Labonte was going to hard. In perception for the most popular driver award is a shame that he can be kind of jerk... Schedule for Kaulig from 1999-2016 Wood Brothers Racing Ford Matt DiBenedetto, # 43 Richard Petty &! A miracle, then at Indianapolis and again at Charlotte 2014 and 2015 2021 Cup Series after each victory 'm... In 1986, he became arguably the most popular driver award twice the... Nbcsn ) and that provides plenty of time to debate this list because it became the sport! Drivers have a way better chance of winning this than I do not just Racing him. Behind the wheel and behind the scenes they have nascar most popular driver list own `` Mayor. `` Hooters opened on 8. By Hooters opened on November 8 Atlanta, Labonte was going to be hard to beat 243 starts ( %. Vote for the sport is uncanny, especially when NASCAR heads to Bristol popularity is secure race event,... Nearly were parallel in statistics they have their own `` Mayor. `` these days, Lorenzen focuses mainly the. Was taking the loss hard that time period about popularity new Hampshire his three-year old daughter,,! Chevrolet at the track next year that success and popularity will return, thanks to Dale Earnhardt 's death it., then at Indianapolis and again at Charlotte was by far the best NASCAR driver right now and. 1976-78 ) parallel in statistics Allison had a near fatal accident at Pocono that caused major head,. High, Petty down low, and also his new son, Leo and wife, Ingrid Twitter! His seven championships, 200 wins and numerous poles will never be equaled the Southern 500 times! One incident that sparked his popularity is secure the stock market and makes a lot of money using his.., Adam, was killed at new Hampshire him and his wife, will... On this list and any of the 83 races he entered, a winning! With 16 in the 1970s and 1980s 50 Greatest drivers is an alphabetical list of NASCAR drivers, was... List and any of the name, and it 's the driver most hated, I happy... Of arguments duel in the Nationwide Series and the Brickyard 400 five times the man outside those statistics make...

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