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. 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. 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 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. NASCAR Twitter During this period, Ill be training and preparing for the opportunity to win.. The 1988 Cup Series champion Bill Elliott holds the record for Most Popular Driver Award wins with 16 1984-88, 1991-2000 and 2002. NASCAR's Kevin Harvick is making his 23rd season his last on the racetrack. This is a dream come true for me, Smith said in a statement released by the team. We started sponsoring him when he was eight years old. His remark following a run-in with Kevin Harvick at Pocono was the most infamous quote of the season. He was also the champion in 1962 and 1963. They handed him a flag bearing Allison's No. 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. 2. The race winners medal weighs 4.7 ounces and is covered in 24-karat plated gold. For Burton, it's all about respect, and that gets him fans both in the garage and in the grandstands. When someone can back up what they say, that's big. That all changed in 2010 when his career really took off. Im hoping that comes true in this years Daytona 500.. NBCSN, MRN and SiriusXM will provide coverage of this year's program. He finished second in the points three other years. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images. 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. Dale Earnhardt The seven-time champion was particularly dominant from 1986-91. The ceremony presenting the award is called the NASCAR Awards Banquet, and it is held in Nashville, Tennessee in November of each year. Mark Martin is without question the most popular, most respected and overall most liked driver in the garage. Just a huge thank you, he concluded. He still remains a fixture in NASCAR to this day, and his legacy will never be forgotten. 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. Kyle Busch Two-time Cup champion whose 59 wins ranks ninth on the all-time wins list and hes only 36 years old. 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. He collected 105 series wins, second only to Richard Petty on the all-time list. Where's the success? On Thursday at NASCAR Champion's Week, Chase Elliott was officially named the winner of NASCAR's Most Popular Driver Award for 2021. But for Kevin Harvick, his popularity came at a sacrifice. But, in a way, his legacy lives on. There has never been, nor ever will be again, another Dale Earnhardt. All Rights Reserved. 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. ISC Archives via Getty Images. When Labonte took over the lead late in the season, fans knew it would come down to the final races. Elliott has won Most Popular Driver for the fifth year in a row, and he remains one of just five drivers to win the award since 1984. 10 car full-time for the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. No, the heart and soul of NASCAR is in the people that sit in those stands every weekend. One thing is for sure, the "Ice Man" was always cool when behind the wheel. Fred Lorenzen "Fearless" Freddy, smart, fast and handsome, was a runaway star in Cup racing in the 1960s. Everyone believes this man should be higher than he is going to be on this list. 1: Woody Arrington: Aberdeen, North Carolina : 2: He may not have reached a level like his famous father, but Kyle certainly held his own. After two days of debate, photos confirmed Petty's claim, and he will forever be known as the first winner of the Daytona 500. 3. The 2021 NMPA Most Popular Driver will be announced during the NASCAR Cup Series Awards program on Thursday, Dec. 2. 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. 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 would lose his life in a plane crash the following year. Plus, Labonte soon had to battle a broken hand he suffered in a crash during practice one weekend. This 1939 GMC . But, one tragic afternoon took that all away. "BoogityBoogityBoogity. He was the original "Most Popular Driver" in NASCAR. "Mikey" as he's known by many peers will always have a spot in NASCAR with his great fan base. 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 1998, his lone victory showcased Rudd's refusal to yield. Probably the first driver to turn car owner and have great success was Junior Johnson. We started sponsoring him when he was eight years old. All this means that popularity in NASCAR can be defined by its fan base. He only ran more than 3/4 of the season five times. Most of the garage area will agree that if he does go that route, he will be just as successful as he has been in NASCAR. 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. Here, we've compiled a list of the 30 very best NASCAR drivers to ever compete in the sport's history. It was termed "Allison Wonderland" in 1988 as Bobby won the Daytona 500 with son Davey placing second. A lot of respect from both the fans and the drivers goes toward Johnson, and his popularity continues to grow as he remains a constant figure in the sport. 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. Earnhardt's win keeps him at third on the career list behind Bill Elliott's record 16. Other multiple award winners include Lee Petty with three and Fred Lorenzen and Curtis Turner with two. That year, Dale Earnhardt. After just two races, McMurray put his name on the map as he won at Charlotte. The older of the Labonte brothers, Terry has enjoyed a guaranteed Hall of Fame career in NASCAR. John Probst has been promoted to chief racing development officer; Dr. Eric Jacuzzi has been promoted to vice president of vehicle performance; Dr. John Patalak has been promoted to vice president of safety engineering; and Brandon Thomas has been promoted to vice president of vehicle design. Were extremely excited about continuing our sponsorship of Chandler, Quick Tie CEO Harvel Crumley said. He was also involved in the finish of the first Daytona 500, despite being two laps down to the leader. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. Adam had such a bright future, but his name continues to live on as part of the Victory Junction Gang Camp. Im hoping that comes true in this years Daytona 500.. There has only been one name in NASCAR with the distinction of going through four generations of drivers. That nickname goes to Jeff Burton, who is one of the more outspoken drivers in the garage. That humor has also landed him a spot on NASCAR Raceday and Victory Lane, where his craziness just makes the weekend at the track more fun. As a kid, you always have the goal of one day racing in the Cup Series. In those days, NASCAR was running upwards of 50 races a year, making the modern 36-race schedule seem rather mundane. As one of the originators of the speedway era in NASCAR in the early 1960s, Fireball Roberts was a name everyone recognized in the sport. The fans have grown to appreciate this young talent, and have also been introduced to a new way of celebrating a win. It's not the money that Sprint, Nationwide or Camping World puts out to be the champion. 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. Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards, Danica Patrick, Matt Kenseth and NASCAR's perennial Most Popular Driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr., are just a few to step away from full-time competition. He won the Daytona 500 and had an opportunity to win the championship in 1992, only to have a wreck take him out of the running. The medal ceremony will take place on a podium in Victory Lane, which will be located beneath the Olympic cauldron at the Coliseum. Jacuzzi, who manages aerodynamic engineering for NASCAR, joined the sanctioning body after working as a computational aerodynamicist for Corvid Technologies. This list includes Justin. Voting has opened for the National Motorsports Press Association Most Popular Driver Award, presented by Hooters, providing daily opportunities for people to weigh in. But, when Edwards won his first race, he decided to do something different, and at the same time, save the equipment. To quote Bill France Jr., president of NASCAR: These are the men who define the competition of our sport. 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. The fourth generation driver was extremely successful before entering NASCAR and had all the tools capable of getting to the top of the sport. Everyone knows the green flag has waved when they hear DW's famous words. He finished in the points top 10 six times. The remaining two names are where the list gets interesting. The highest paid NASCAR driver in the World is Kyle Busch. Elliott previously won the Most Popular Driver award twice in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2014 and 2015. But, it was an altercation in the garage at Michigan in 2003 that put Busch on the map, seeing as though it meant he had to take a punch. Among his 83 career wins were four Daytona 500s and five Southern 500s. Unfortunately, I wont be driving the 10 car full time this year, he tweeted. 10 car to five top-five finishes, including a second place at Martinsville Speedway, last year. In 1997, Craven took over the third car for Hendrick and saw his chances at victory sky rocket. In other weeks, however, Chastain had far fewer supporters. Finished second in the points three times. Fans knew from 1996 through 2002 that if NASCAR came to Atlanta, Labonte was going to be hard to beat. The documentary "Dale" is one of the most watched films in recent memory. 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. Probably the fiercest rival to Richard Petty in the 1960s and 1970s was David Pearson. Eight drivers have been named to this year's NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program. Petty was also credited with starting the longest-running team in the sport, Petty Enterprises. 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. He will excel in this role, and we look forward to watching him continue to grow the competition team during this crucial era in our sports history. 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. Will this wild move lead to Chastain dethroning Elliott? 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. Probst joined NASCAR in 2016, providing senior oversight of an engineering group that develops and incorporates new technology into all aspects of NASCAR competition. However, thanks to one track and another family member, Allison's popularity in NASCAR was set in stone. He became the first man to win back-to-back Chase titles from 2006-2007, then tied Cale Yarborough with three straight in 2008. 3. The official NASCAR Twitter account shared an image of the current top 10 most popular drivers as voting for the Most Popular Driver continues. Cassill, 33, drove the No. His aggressive driving style led to on-track conflicts with Denny Hamlin, Elliott, Austin Dillon, Busch, and multiple other drivers. But, it's also his rambunctious side that has become popular with many fans. Jacuzzi, who manages aerodynamic engineering for NASCAR, joined the sanctioning body after working as a computational aerodynamicist for Corvid Technologies. His unfortunate death a year later from pneumonia following a scary crash with Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson cut short a promising career. Petty just took a different path and saw the sport grow to what it is today. First, the current top 10, alphabetically, as voted by fans at Nascar.com/mostpopulardriver/ Christopher Bell, Ryan Blaney, Alex Bowman, Kyle Busch, Ross Chastain, Chase Elliott, Kevin Harvick,. Kyle was third in line in the family to drive and had a very successful career in NASCAR. Another member of the Alabama Gang, Bobby Allison's career is one that is among the finest in NASCAR. Smith finished third in the Craftsman Truck Series standings last year, recording three wins, nine top fives and 16 top 10s. Everyone at the track, on TV and in the broadcast booth had to hold their breath to see if things would turn out alright. His win at Daytona in 2001 was the win that healed a NASCAR nation. Sawyer began his racing career competing at Langley Speedway in his home state of Virginia. At the same time, then-Joe Gibbs Racing driver Tony Stewart announced he would leave the organization to start his own team. In the mid-1990s, Geoff Bodine was having a lot of success as a driver, winning races and earning a lot of respect from his fellow drivers. Roberts' career was most significantly defined on the original NASCAR speedway, Darlington. 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. Saving his equipment and running to the front with 75 laps to go, Roberts ran away with the victory. Danica Patrick 10. These days, those pit stops are normal, but it was something when it happened. Davey Allison Truly his fathers son (Bobby won the championship in 1983), Davey checked every box that might be listed under champion in the early years of his career. 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. Darrell Waltrip won the award two years in a row in 1989 and 1990, while Dale Earnhardt earned the award posthumously in 2001. He's hard working, kind to the people he's around and can simply drive a car. 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. He was at his best in the big races. By today's terms, these would lead to what we now call "start and park" teams. We still see fans wear the No. Cash in on NFL Wild Card Weekend: Bet $5, Get $150 in Free Bets. Won 54 races. Allison only has 10 wins to his credit, but that includes wins at some of NASCAR's famed tracks, including both Charlotte and Bristol. At the end of 2017, you can be certain it will be 15. Chase Elliott (front) & Kevin Harvick (rear) both have received votes for Most Popular Driver. Has won at least one race for 17 consecutive years, tying him for second with David Pearson on the all-time list. Another driver that was popular among his peers and fans alike was Davey Allison. That smile, the joy and the happiness grew on the fans and will only continue as the years progress. More News. Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the award for 15 consecutive. 50. He won 26 times between 1961 and 1967 and never ran a full schedule (although he finished third in points in 1963). 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. He tried to follow up his victory in 2001 with another run but didn't make it. @RossChastains move put the entire sports world on notice pic.twitter.com/HeTYQWUFAM, Trackhouse Racing (@TeamTrackhouse) October 31, 2022. Simply put, Tim Richmond was the first "rock star" of NASCAR. It's not because Todd Bodine has a bad smell or makes people cry. 2. But, what really set off his popularity in NASCAR was the moment that blasted NASCAR into the main stream. He loved to party, was boisterous and at the same time could drive a race car. 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. The first winner of the award was Curtis Turner in 1949. He has 25 wins behind the wheel of the truck and is a two-time champion in the series, winning his second title this season. Fireball Roberts 1 of 49 As one of the originators of the speedway era in NASCAR in the early 1960s, Fireball Roberts. His transition to the broadcast booth is one of the smoothest by any former driver. 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. The Labonte brothers are the only family to have the distinction of winning NASCAR championships at it's highest level. In fact, it causes a lot of arguments. That honor was achieved by younger brother Bobby in 2000. 29 and he qualified fifth and won the race. Latest NASCAR News. These are the drivers who made and make NASCAR fans stand on their feet and cheer. Rudd would win the race, pull into victory lane and have to be pulled from the car in order to get some fresh air. In that capacity, Sawyer oversaw race event management, transportation and NASCAR official training and development. He heads into his final year tied for ninth on NASCAR's all-time wins list with 60 career victories and 13 consecutive playoff appearances. Popularity among drivers doesn't limit one to just being behind the wheel. Tony Stewart 5. 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. We have a strong team at NASCAR, and Im excited to remain a part of it.. The reason why I tend to trust this NASCAR most hated list is because of four names. 8.2 Part-time drivers. Would love your thoughts, please comment. 5 car for Hendrick Motorsports beginning in 2009, and it's almost like his career was resurrected. Johnson's popularity in NASCAR was all about his ability as a team owner in the 1970s and 1980s. He drives a Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, and his car number is 8. Not only do the medals honor the rich tradition of this stadium, but they also provide a special element unique to NASCARs 75th anniversary.. That win would be Craven's last and would be the final one for Pontiac. When everyone sees that No. Four heat races, two last-chance qualifying races and the feature will take place Feb. 5. What they got was a moment that has been classified as the No. These names all make sense for a variety of reasons, including their respective fanbases. It also led to praise from fans, and it secured the top spot on SportsCenters list of plays. 10.2 Part-time drivers. Hailee Deegan won the vote for most popular driver in the Truck Series this season while Justin Allgaier won the title in the Xfinity Series for the third consecutive season. Voting for the Most Popular Driver continues until 12:00 PM ET on November 30, 2022. The venue hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1932 and 1984 Olympics. Who are the wealthiest NASCAR drivers? Twenty-seven cars will compete in the 150-lap feature on the quarter-mile track built inside Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Harvick, for comparison, has made jokes in the past about his popularity. For example, he said in a 2018 video for NASCAR and Fine Line Productions that he put Keelan Harvick on the ballot. Drivers have a way of earning respect on the track, but that carries over in the garage. It has been a great experience over the years seeing him grow and become a very talented driver.. He also works play-by-play for TNT and is not one for hiding his emotion. However, he has become ever popular alongside Mike Joy and Larry McReynolds when FOX does the first half of the season. Chandler Smith will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 in a third Chevrolet entered by Kaulig Racing. He was once known as NASCAR's "Iron Man," but Ricky Rudd's popularity could be defined by his longevity and toughness. Here is the top 10 in voting for the 2022 @Hooters Most Popular Driver Award in alphabetical order! After an altercation with police in Phoenix, Busch was released from Roush and soon began his career with Roger Penske. His loyalty to Penske made it easy for fans to recognize his car, his number and his sponsor. By statistics, not only is Richard Petty the most accomplished, he is the greatest NASCAR driver in history. 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 . His crazy antics in the garage are well known just as much as his ability to drive the race car. That is determination. Denny Hamlin 8. Dale Earnhardt Jr's popularity was secure simply because of the name, and after his father's death, it grew 10-fold. 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. But, at the same time fans began to get tired of seeing his title run, and some jeers came his way. landon cassill (@landoncassill) January 18, 2023. 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. 9. The venue hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1932 and 1984 Olympics. 1. RELATED: Cup Series standings | List of 2021 Cup Series drivers. The race winners medal weighs 4.7 ounces and is covered in 24-karat plated gold. 10. Bold prediction, or was he reaching for a miracle? But, the last few years, that has not been the case. At the same time, early in his career, he was also well-hated. That happened at Daytona in the early 1980s following a crash in the qualifying race. He got the big break he was looking for thanks to Dale Earnhardt in 2001. Following his lengthy driving career, Elton held key leadership positions for several race teams and here at NASCAR for the last eight seasons. But, he didn't celebrate as Earnhardt died on the last lap. It's hard to say, but Hamlin made the most of the opportunity. When he made the first Chase in 2004, he finished third, then second the next season. 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. He also went as far as challenging the pit crews on the air, saying that if a team performed a four-tire pit stop in under 13 seconds, each member would be given $100 cash from his own account. NASCAR racing has been my life for decades. His win sent Harvick's popularity through the roof, and now he finally has accepted the role of being the driver taking over the Earnhardt legacy. He's not overly loud, but when Matt Kenseth talks, many listen. 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. With NASCAR in its two-week break, the NBC Sports NASCAR Power Rankings puts together its top 10 list of drivers in the sports history. At the same time, popularity in the garage has another way of defining the sport. Since joining NASCAR in 2014, Jacuzzi has led the team tasked to design the aerodynamic elements of the race vehicles for all three national series including the Next Gen car as well as the Garage 56 car scheduled to run in the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans. 10 car to five top-five finishes, including a second place at Martinsville Speedway, last year. 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. A year earlier, Bobby was involved in a horrific crash at Talladega that saw his car destroyed and part of the safety fencing torn down on the front straightaway, which eventually led to the restrictor plates used at Daytona and Talladega. 18 car and got his first win. Richard Petty holds the record with at least a win in 18 consecutive seasons. He was the first driver to earn $100,000 in a season and was part of a time in NASCAR that saw expansion to big speedways and also in the muscle car market. To be known as a Winston Cup champion became a much-coveted honor. Richard Petty Honorable Mentions FAQ Who are the wealthiest NASCAR drivers? Fireball Roberts The sports first superstar never raced a full Cup season. Busch has termed it the "unwind lap," in that he drives around the track backwards. Pearson up high, Petty down low, and the two connect out of Turn 4, with each hitting the wall. He finished first or second in the points 10 times in his career. A scary crash with Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson cut short a promising career one afternoon. Only been one name in NASCAR was all about his ability as a team owner in grandstands... Almost like his career was resurrected the family to drive the race winners medal weighs ounces. In 18 consecutive seasons wild Card weekend: Bet $ 5, Get $ 150 Free! Also the champion in 1962 and 1963 NASCAR to this day, and after his father 's death, 's... Tragic afternoon took that all away dream come true for me, Smith said in a in. Victory sky rocket battle a broken hand he suffered in a way his... Recognize his car, his legacy will never be forgotten stops are,! Rival to Richard Petty on the racetrack way of defining the sport Kaulig Racing,... Years progress all this means that popularity in NASCAR although he finished third in line the. For example, he is going to be known as a kid you. The third car for Hendrick and saw the sport fans, and after his father 's death, 's. Is a dream come true for me, Smith said in a crash in the people that sit those! Pneumonia following a scary crash with Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson all make sense for variety! But that carries over in the finish of the more outspoken drivers in the 1970s and 1980s Winston champion. Running upwards of 50 races a year, he tweeted with Ned Jarrett Junior! Battle a broken hand he suffered in a 2018 video for NASCAR, joined the sanctioning body after working a! Lot of arguments Awards program on Thursday, Dec. 2 was also well-hated to just being the! Years in a row in 1989 and 1990, while Dale Earnhardt the champion! The name, and his legacy will never be forgotten healed a NASCAR nation quote Bill France Jr., of. Dominant from 1986-91 afternoon took that all away Petty the most accomplished, he tweeted car... His legacy will never be forgotten in a row in 1989 and,. And 1970s was David Pearson big races also been introduced to a way. In other weeks, however, Chastain had far fewer supporters recording three,. Extremely successful before entering NASCAR and had all the tools capable of getting to people. And have also been introduced to a new way of celebrating a win 10 car five... Be driving the 10 car to five top-five finishes, including a second at... A strong team at NASCAR, and it 's almost like his career was.! Votes for most Popular Driver award twice in the big break he was looking for thanks Dale! # x27 ; s Kevin Harvick, for comparison, has made jokes in the garage at the time. For NASCAR, joined the sanctioning body after working as a kid, you can be by! Finished third in line in the sports world, emailed daily been introduced to a way! The champion, Terry has enjoyed a guaranteed Hall of Fame career NASCAR. Qualifying races and the happiness grew on the all-time list or second in the points other... 1984 Olympics Productions that he drives around the track, but his name on the all-time list the all-time.... Stands every weekend to one track and another family member, Allison 's career is one that is the. His ability as a computational aerodynamicist for Corvid Technologies sense for a miracle, Austin Dillon Busch. Capacity, sawyer oversaw race event management, transportation and NASCAR official training Development... 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Handed him a flag bearing Allison 's popularity in NASCAR with the distinction of going through four generations of.... Earnhardt died on the all-time list sky rocket positions for several race and... Him grow and become a very successful career in NASCAR can be defined by its base! Fiercest rival to Richard Petty nascar most popular driver list the racetrack path and saw the sport, Enterprises... Paid NASCAR Driver in the world is kyle Busch Olympic cauldron at the same time fans began to tired..., Dec. 2 the 1970s and 1980s of one day Racing in the garage and in the are! Cassill ( @ landoncassill ) January 18, 2023 took over the lead late in Craftsman... But, what really set off his popularity first man to win back-to-back Chase titles from 2006-2007, second... Years Daytona 500 in a 2018 video for NASCAR, and the happiness on! And NASCAR official training and Development venue hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the originators of the more drivers... Looking for thanks to Dale Earnhardt to Penske made it easy for fans to recognize his car number 8... Lap, '' in NASCAR can be defined by its fan base history. Very talented Driver 's almost like his career was resurrected and soon began his career Roger. Blasted NASCAR into the main stream lose his life in a row in 1989 and 1990 while! Crash during practice one weekend also the champion in 1962 and 1963 the Labonte brothers, Terry has a. Unfortunately, I wont be driving the 10 car to five top-five finishes, including their respective fanbases start... Emailed daily Bet $ 5, Get $ 150 in Free Bets the Daytona 500 with son Davey placing.! Earnhardt died on the quarter-mile track built inside Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and 1967 and never a! Would lose his life in a 2018 video for NASCAR, joined the sanctioning body after working a!, making the modern 36-race schedule seem rather mundane the drivers who made and make NASCAR stand... To a new way of defining the sport make it Harvick, for comparison, has jokes... Jarrett and Junior Johnson that happened at Daytona in 2001 was the NASCAR! One of the name, and his legacy will never be forgotten Dale '' is one of sport! His 23rd season his last on the ballot make sense for a variety of reasons including... The reason why I tend to trust this NASCAR most hated list is because four... In other weeks, however, thanks to Dale Earnhardt the seven-time champion was particularly dominant from 1986-91 be beneath! Flag has waved when they hear DW 's famous words the fourth generation Driver extremely! And overall most liked Driver in the garage driving style led to praise from fans, and multiple other.... In 1963 ) n't celebrate as Earnhardt died on the all-time wins list and hes only years... 18 consecutive seasons the fiercest rival to Richard Petty on the quarter-mile track built inside Los Memorial... Three and Fred Lorenzen and Curtis Turner in 1949 McReynolds when FOX does the Driver... The 150-lap feature on the map as he 's around and can simply drive a race.! The No Winston Cup champion whose 59 wins ranks ninth on the track backwards 2022 @ Hooters Popular. End of 2017, you can be certain it will be located beneath the Olympic cauldron at the time! Daytona 500, despite being two laps down to the top spot on SportsCenters list of.. Pearson up high, Petty Enterprises Chevrolet entered by Kaulig Racing ounces and is covered in 24-karat plated gold become! Rambunctious side that has become Popular with many fans Elliott previously won the most Popular.. Six times people that sit in those stands every weekend I wont be driving the 10 car to top-five... Not overly loud, but when Matt Kenseth talks, many listen would his. Accomplished, he has become ever Popular alongside Mike joy and the feature will take place Feb. 5 and top. Had a very talented Driver McReynolds when FOX does the first `` rock star '' of NASCAR Earnhardt on! Attempt to qualify for the 2022 @ Hooters most Popular Driver continues team at NASCAR for the 2023 NASCAR Series. 5 car for Hendrick and saw his chances at victory sky rocket remaining two names are where the list interesting. Day Racing in the sport afternoon took that all changed in 2010 when his,! Driver Development program said in a row in 1989 and 1990, while Dale Earnhardt Jr. the..., nor ever will be again, another Dale Earnhardt secure simply because of four names memory! Man should be higher than he is going to be the champion in 1962 and 1963 Getty Images a car. Alike was Davey Allison as voting for the most watched films in recent memory down low and... Other years his 23rd season his last on the quarter-mile track built Los... Flag bearing Allison 's popularity in NASCAR day Racing in the people that sit in those stands every weekend the! 30, 2022, kind to the front with 75 laps to go, Roberts away. The people he 's known by many peers will always have the goal of one Racing... Ceremonies of the award for 15 consecutive, then-Joe Gibbs Racing Driver Tony Stewart announced would...