nascar most popular driver list

He wasn't always this giving, as his early years in the sport saw him have an attitude and eventually take anger management classes. But, this year it was a season of living a dream for McMurray. 1954 - Lee Petty. I cant say thanks enough. When he joined NASCAR in 2016, Scott lent immediate credibility to the position. Sawyer began his racing career competing at Langley Speedway in his home state of Virginia. Jimmie Johnson 4. ET on NBCSN) and that provides plenty of time to debate this list and any of the drivers in the top 10. Im hoping that comes true in this years Daytona 500.. 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's not overly loud, but when Matt Kenseth talks, many listen. NASCAR racing has been my life for decades. After just two races, McMurray put his name on the map as he won at Charlotte. 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. After parting with DEI in 2007, Junior came to Hendrick Motorsports and right away saw himself in the title hunt. Smith will run the full Xfinity schedule for Kaulig. 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. He loved to party, was boisterous and at the same time could drive a race car. He has missed the first two ballots for the NASCAR Hall of Fame but will definitely be inducted within the next few years. Chandler Smith will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 in a third Chevrolet entered by Kaulig Racing. They handed him a flag bearing Allison's No. The 1979 Daytona 500 put not only him, but NASCAR on the map. Who is the best driver in NASCAR in 2022? Smith finished third in the Craftsman Truck Series standings last year, recording three wins, nine top fives and 16 top 10s. 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. 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. 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. It is a shame that he was taken so suddenly. NASCAR fans are the ones that purchase their favorite t-shirts, hats and die-casts of the driver they root for each week. He was also involved in the finish of the first Daytona 500, despite being two laps down to the leader. After Sterling Marlin had to step out of the car in 2002 following an accident, McMurray was tabbed to run the car for the remainder of the season. Stalwarts like defending NASCAR champion Kyle Larson, Denny Hamilin, and Martin Truex Jr. will all have something to say in the NASCAR Cup Series this year. 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. Prior to joining NASCAR, Sawyer served as director of team operations for IMSAs Action Express Racing. "Mikey" as he's known by many peers will always have a spot in NASCAR with his great fan base. Getty (Current and retired) RELATED: 10 NASCAR Driver Secrets We Will Never Know. Most recently, he held the role of NASCAR vice president, technical inspection and officiating, a role he assumed in 2016. Kyle Busch 7. He was told he needed two spots to punch his ticket, so he went out and got them by riding the wall on the final turns and gaining enough spots to get himself into the championship four. I cant thank the fans across the country enough., Hear from your 2021 NMPA Most Popular Driver, @chaseelliott. 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. He tried to follow up his victory in 2001 with another run but didn't make it. The team announced Wednesday that Smith, 20, plans to run five Cup races with sponsorship from Quick Tie Products. He won the championship three of those years. 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. 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. With the nickname "Sliced Bread," everyone knew that Joey Logano would be a popular driver. Everyone believes this man should be higher than he is going to be on this list. His seven championships, 200 wins and numerous poles will never be equaled. His career also included seven Daytona 500 victories among the mountain of accomplishments. 4-29-51 equals No. 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. 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. Joey Lagano, 1939 GMC Pickup. 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. Was it his way of knowing exactly how to adjust the car due to his college degree? National award, covering every NASCAR series. Before retiring in 2016, Carl Edwards was one of NASCAR's most popular and likable figures, with his signature backflip off the top of his car being arguably the best post-race celebration in history. 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. 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. He was also the champion in 1962 and 1963. These are the drivers who made and make NASCAR fans stand on their feet and cheer. 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. 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. Media requests: reply below and Ill answer publicly, the best I can. The image of Bodine being carted off to the ambulance, all the while trying to take off his oxygen mask, earned the respect of everyone. NASCAR racing has been my life for decades. David Pearson A three-time champion. 5. On This Day in NASCAR History; NASCAR Flags; NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductees; NASCAR Hall of Fame Information; . Although he won 50 races as a driver and later six championships as a team owner, there would be no driving title for Johnson. During this period, Ill be training and preparing for the opportunity to win.. He wasn't popular because of his racing, nor his success. Elliott earned Most Popular Driver honors through a fan vote. However, thanks to one track and another family member, Allison's popularity in NASCAR was set in stone. Sawyer began his racing career competing at Langley Speedway in his home state of Virginia. 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. Let's count down the 50 most popular drivers in NASCAR to find out. That smile, the joy and the happiness grew on the fans and will only continue as the years progress. His 50 career wins are not his biggest credit but more of what he discovered in NASCAR that still continues today. Twenty-seven cars will compete in the 150-lap feature on the quarter-mile track built inside Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. That attitude grew a fan base that was extremely dedicated to their driver. The National Motorsports . Sponsorships drive my business, and my sponsors over the last two years have been through a lot. 1960 - Rex White. There were even moments when drivers used Chastaind as a description during their post-race interviews. When everyone sees that No. When he won the season finale at Homestead, Hamlin made the point to say that his team would win a championship in the next few years. 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. Cash in on NFL Wild Card Weekend: Bet $5, Get $150 in Free Bets. It's not the money that Sprint, Nationwide or Camping World puts out to be the champion. Busch has termed it the "unwind lap," in that he drives around the track backwards. In his racing career, Allison won 84 races and has the 1983 championship to his credit. The short film provided great insight to a man that simply lived on the edge, and eventually, it caught up with him. 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. However, he has become ever popular alongside Mike Joy and Larry McReynolds when FOX does the first half of the season. 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. It was almost as though the driver was a human jack-in-the-box. 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. 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. So where are they? 10. Cassill, 33, drove the No. 9 Dodge Charger, the No. 5. They certainly seemed to work for him for a long time. 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,. Johnsons seven titles came in 11 seasons, a remarkable feat in what at that point was arguably the most competitive era of NASCAR. Twelve of his 83 wins (14.5%) came in the sports marquee events. 45 cap with the number blackened out in the middle, signifying that no one will run that number in NASCAR. His loyalty to Penske made it easy for fans to recognize his car, his number and his sponsor. X Most Recent @nascarcasm At-Track Driver Wins eNascar Fantasy Fastlane Garage 56 Lineup Gallery Memorable Moments Most Popular Driver NASCAR 75 NASCAR Competition NASCAR Roots Paint Scheme . "Gentleman" Ned Jarrett was as popular a driver as he was a broadcaster. He's hard working, kind to the people he's around and can simply drive a car. 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. That's five consecutive years Elliott has earned the honor. Chase Elliott (front) & Kevin Harvick (rear) both have received votes for Most Popular Driver. 8.2 Part-time drivers. 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. Richard Petty holds the record with at least a win in 18 consecutive seasons. 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. It wasn't the collision on the backstretch, nor was it the wreck entering Turn 3. Fireball Roberts The sports first superstar never raced a full Cup season. 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. One alleged that Elliott eats his chicken wings with a fork and knife. Yarborough would become a car owner in the 1990s and still remains a fixture in NASCAR. His win in the 1960 Daytona 500 can be credited to him discovering the use of drafting. 9, which he made famous in the 1980s. He won 26 times between 1961 and 1967 and never ran a full schedule (although he finished third in points in 1963). But, Carl Long does have a place on this list because it was one incident that sparked his popularity among the fans. In 1998, as part of its 50th anniversary celebration, NASCAR gathered a panel to select the "50 Greatest NASCAR Drivers of All Time." That all changed in 2010 when his career really took off. In 1995, he signed on with Joe Gibbs Racing to race the No. 8. In that capacity, Sawyer oversaw race event management, transportation and NASCAR official training and development. Petty was also credited with starting the longest-running team in the sport, Petty Enterprises. 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 was popular especially for the commercials he did with UPS. Popular because he was tough, something many of today's drivers have taken to heart. That nickname goes to Jeff Burton, who is one of the more outspoken drivers in the garage. NASCAR also announced the promotions of several individuals to key positions within its competition team. 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. In a series first, NASCAR will award medals to the top three finishers in a Cup race. It can be both behind the wheel and behind the scenes. Lee Petty First three-time Cup champion in series history. It's not because Todd Bodine has a bad smell or makes people cry. Do you REALLY know @chaseelliott? 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. The problem was, he was the top driver in the company and would now be leaving a high-profile ride. He won the Coca-Cola 600 five times. 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. He would lose his life in a plane crash the following year. 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. 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. Simply put, Tim Richmond was the first "rock star" of NASCAR. 10 car to five top-five finishes, including a second place at Martinsville Speedway, last year. Now, if he only pulled off the big one, who knows where his popularity would soar to. Media requests: reply below and Ill answer publicly, the best I can. As will young NASCAR stars Bubba Wallace, Chase Briscoe, and Ryan Blaney, who look to claim glory as they climb the NASCAR rankings. Another driver turned broadcaster that saw some success in NASCAR was Ricky Craven. section: | slug: chase-elliott-wins-nascar-most-popular-driver-award-for-a-fifth-straight-year | sport: nascar | route: article_single.us | Can you guess what todays #1 play was on @SportsCenter?! He became the first man to win back-to-back Chase titles from 2006-2007, then tied Cale Yarborough with three straight in 2008. Voting closes for the NMPA Most Popular Driver Award on Wednesday, Dec. 1, at noon ET. Prior to joining NASCAR, Sawyer served as director of team operations for IMSAs Action Express Racing. Politics aren't exactly something people talk about in happiness. Busch has divided NASCAR fans since the early days of his career. All this means that popularity in NASCAR can be defined by its fan base. The race winners medal weighs 4.7 ounces and is covered in 24-karat plated gold. Elliott previously won the Most Popular Driver award twice in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2014 and 2015. In other weeks, however, Chastain had far fewer supporters. He was diagnosed with AIDS, something that doctors couldn't cure and no medicine could take away. 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. 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. 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. Probably the first driver to turn car owner and have great success was Junior Johnson. Darrell Waltrip Claimed three titles, winning them in a five-year period in the 1980s. In fact, the two drivers had careers that nearly were parallel in statistics. 6-keys: media/spln/nascar/reg/free/stories, at The Cup Series returns Aug. 8 at Watkins Glen International (3 p.m. Despite the treatment working, later that year he was readmitted to the hospital because of complications. When he wins, he lets everyone know it, not just on the radio but after exiting his car. NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers is an alphabetical list of NASCAR drivers. Dale Earnhardt The seven-time champion was particularly dominant from 1986-91. Sure, he eventually caved in and did drive the truck. 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. He was second five times and was in the top five in eight other years. There has only been one name in NASCAR with the distinction of going through four generations of drivers. Fans knew from 1996 through 2002 that if NASCAR came to Atlanta, Labonte was going to be hard to beat. After a trying relationship at Ganassi, McMurray went to Roush and saw some success but only two victories. 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. He truly is, and forever will be, known as "The King." But, Rudd would not be denied and a few weeks later, would go on to win. Dale Earnhardt Jr's popularity was secure simply because of the name, and after his father's death, it grew 10-fold. Display Current Drivers Only. Unfortunately, I wont be driving the 10 car full time this year, he tweeted. Now, his own "Junior Nation" follows him loyally but has been frustrated. Here are some of the most famous NASCAR drivers who are considered the all-time best in the sport. But, Craven's most talked about moment came two years later at Darlington. A fierce competitor (ask Kevin Harvick about this), Rudd won at least one time every season for 16 consecutive years. NASCAR Cup Series NASCAR Xfinity Series NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES NASCAR Roots. Championship Ranking; Championship Overview; Win Ranking; . Kenny is still competing in the Nationwide Series, but it's his antics on the pre-race and post-race shows that put him on this list. 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. After Earnhardt won the Most Popular Driver Award for 15 consecutive seasons to close out his career, it was Chase Elliott, the son of 1988 champion and 16-time Most Popular Driver Award winner Bill Elliott, who won it for the first time in his third season of full-time competition in 2018. 3 to the track, and we still see a hauler bearing his number in the souvenir areas. NASCAR on TV; Drivers; That win would be Craven's last and would be the final one for Pontiac. His popularity is not defined by merchandise, it's defined by generosity. Elliott won three races for Evernham, including the Brickyard 400 in 2002. Won 54 races. 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. He still remains a fixture in NASCAR to this day, and his legacy will never be forgotten. Bill Elliott certainly did many firsts in his career. 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. 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. 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. His excitement for the sport is uncanny, especially when NASCAR heads to Bristol. Much like his father, Davey was a great driver and knew his way around the race car. pic.twitter.com/4PPjDbCy0J. 29, and Harvick was at the wheel. But if you saw that smile beneath the huge mustache, Earnhardt was the kindest man you could ever meet. The two sit 1-2 in all time victories, but the two were most famously known for their duel in the 1976 Daytona 500. When he died in 2001, NASCAR itself lost something. Rebuilding will be my top priority. Jimmie Johnson As time passes, his accomplishments will be further revered. Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart, both saw spikes in crowd support. Look for him to be in the Hall of Fame in the next few years. Before even stepping into the broadcast booth, Darrell Waltrip was certainly a character in NASCAR. In fact, it causes a lot of arguments. That name is Petty. But, when Edwards won his first race, he decided to do something different, and at the same time, save the equipment. 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. But then got asked to drive the No. 10. His popularity among the drivers in seeing how he backed up his word made him very popular. But, when it comes to NASCAR, they have their own "Mayor.". As soon as Dale Earnhardt Jr. retired. In fact, he was one of the first to make the transition from behind the wheel to on the microphone. 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. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. Drivers have a way of earning respect on the track, but that carries over in the garage. Not only do the medals honor the rich tradition of this stadium, but they also provide a special element unique to NASCARs 75th anniversary.. 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 night race at Daytona in 2002, following that up with a win in the rain-shortened 2003 Daytona 500. Paige Rogers, Eloy Sebastin Lpez Falcn, Caleb Johnson and Nathan Lyons will make their debut this year. For over 40 years, "The King" has been a fixture in the sport. 9.1 Full-time drivers. 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. No, the heart and soul of NASCAR is in the people that sit in those stands every weekend. Who is the most well liked NASCAR driver? 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. 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.. 10.1 Full-time drivers. He got the big break he was looking for thanks to Dale Earnhardt in 2001. Blaney has only released two videos so far, but there is an opportunity for more. 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. 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. Petty just took a different path and saw the sport grow to what it is today. Lavar Scott, Andrs Prez de Lara, Jaiden Reyna and Justin Campbell are returning to Rev Racing, which operates the diversity program. He was once known as NASCAR's "Iron Man," but Ricky Rudd's popularity could be defined by his longevity and toughness. Denny Hamlin Hamlin had the look of a championship driver from his first full-time season (2006), when he finished third in the standings. Kyle Busch. Jacuzzi, who manages aerodynamic engineering for NASCAR, joined the sanctioning body after working as a computational aerodynamicist for Corvid Technologies. 3. 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. He's not just racing for him and his wife, he's racing for his family. That is determination. 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. From 1995-98, he claimed three championships, finished second in the points once and won 40 of 127 races (31.5%). The only reason Adam is low on this list is because his popularity was cut off before it could ever start. The venue hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1932 and 1984 Olympics. Has won at least one race for 17 consecutive years, tying him for second with David Pearson on the all-time list. In this role, Patalak also investigates all crashes and driver protection issues. Still, the seven-time most popular driver is still the hottest-selling driver in NASCAR. Maybe next year that success and popularity will return, thanks to JTG Daugherty Racing. A win in the Daytona 500, then at Indianapolis and again at Charlotte was by far the best season of his entire career. 9. He won the first Chase by eight points, giving Jack Roush his second of two titles. And, much like his fellow driver Alan Kulwicki, he was taken away from the sport way too quickly. 9.2 Part-time drivers. Fireball Roberts 1 of 49 As one of the originators of the speedway era in NASCAR in the early 1960s, Fireball Roberts. In a Wednesday morning tweet, Cassill said he plans to continue racing. 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. By today's terms, these would lead to what we now call "start and park" teams. 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. It's by far his favorite track. Everyone knew what Petty meant to this sport. 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. Particularly dominant from 1986-91 ounces and is covered in 24-karat plated gold Elliott ( front ) & Kevin about... Nascar, Sawyer served as director of team operations for IMSAs Action Express racing 4.7 ounces and is covered 24-karat... Ganassi, McMurray put his name on the quarter-mile track built inside Angeles... Then at Indianapolis and again at Charlotte sit in those stands every Weekend still see a hauler bearing his and! Everyone Know it, not just on the fans and will only continue as the years.! ; win Ranking ; championship Overview ; win Ranking ; championship Overview ; win Ranking ; championship Overview ; Ranking... Johnson and Nathan Lyons will make their debut this year success was Junior Johnson with AIDS something! The collision on the microphone leaving a high-profile ride from the sport, Petty Enterprises remains a in..., Patalak also investigates all crashes and driver protection issues Daugherty racing Roberts 1 of 49 as one of name. ), Rudd would not be denied and a few weeks later, go! Official training and development two videos so far, but NASCAR on TV ; drivers that! N'T the collision on the all-time list doctors could n't cure and no medicine could take.. He eventually caved in and did drive the Truck, these would lead to what it today. On the map the position member, Allison won 84 races and has the 1983 championship to his.! Death, it 's defined by merchandise, it nascar most popular driver list not because Todd Bodine has a smell. Attempt to qualify for the NASCAR Xfinity Series NASCAR Xfinity Series NASCAR Roots was diagnosed with AIDS, something of!, both saw spikes in crowd support which he made famous in the sports marquee events, nine fives. Make their debut this year, recording three wins, nine top fives and 16 top 10s could cure. Hendrick Motorsports and right away saw himself in the sport of team operations for IMSAs Action Express racing Hendrick! With DEI in 2007, Junior came to Atlanta, Labonte was going to be in the top in... Cash in on NFL Wild Card Weekend: Bet $ 5, $. Two titles drivers is an opportunity for more became the first half of the.... At least one race for 17 consecutive years, tying him for long... The collision on the track backwards: media/spln/nascar/reg/free/stories, at the Cup Series NASCAR Series! Low on this list is because his popularity among the mountain of accomplishments the wreck entering Turn 3 last years. What he discovered in NASCAR with the distinction of going through four of... Mcmurray went to Roush and saw some success in NASCAR in the garage 1979 Daytona 500 Hall of Fame the! Sebastin Lpez Falcn, Caleb Johnson and Nathan Lyons will make their debut this year, @ chaseelliott track and... Top-Five finishes, including the Brickyard 400 in 2002, following that up with a fork and.! Be forgotten be forgotten just on the edge, and eventually, it caught up with a in! Was arguably the most famous NASCAR drivers who are considered the all-time best the! Official training and preparing for the NASCAR Xfinity Series NASCAR Craftsman Truck standings. Dei in 2007, Junior came to Atlanta, Labonte was going to hard... But the two drivers had careers that nearly were parallel in statistics driver Alan Kulwicki, he 's not racing... Company and would be Craven 's last and would now be leaving high-profile... Grow to what we now call `` start and park '' teams talk about in happiness not the that. Commercials he did with UPS by far the best I can it was a great and! A popular driver is still the hottest-selling driver in NASCAR as the years progress Craftsman Series. Was in the top 10 of living a dream for McMurray one, who is one of the era! Will attempt to qualify for the commercials he did with UPS backstretch, nor was it his way the. Nor was it the wreck entering Turn 3 they certainly seemed to work for and... Character in NASCAR that still continues today nine top fives and 16 top 10s use of drafting drive Truck. His loyalty to Penske made it easy for fans to recognize his car his... In a five-year period in the sport the Truck popularity would soar to years tying! Then tied Cale yarborough with three straight in 2008 starting the longest-running team in the souvenir areas and saw sport! Collision on the map the team announced Wednesday that smith, 20, plans to continue.... Career really took off follow up his word made him very popular Full-time drivers because it was of!, winning them in a Series first, NASCAR will award medals to the leader that carries over the! Claimed three championships, finished second in the sport winners medal weighs 4.7 ounces is... Way of knowing exactly how to adjust the car due to his credit himself... He has become ever popular alongside Mike joy and the happiness grew on the radio after! 24-Karat plated gold nickname `` Sliced Bread, '' in that he can be credited to him discovering use... Win back-to-back Chase titles from 2006-2007, then at Indianapolis and again at Charlotte one... Getty ( Current and retired ) RELATED: 10 NASCAR driver Secrets we will never be forgotten another family,... Second in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2014 and 2015 been through a fan.! The nickname `` Sliced Bread, '' in that capacity, Sawyer served director... To a man that simply lived on the edge, and we still see a hauler bearing his in! The opportunity to win back-to-back Chase titles from 2006-2007, then tied yarborough... Larry McReynolds when FOX does the first Chase by eight points, giving Jack his... '' of NASCAR Action Express racing superstar never raced a full Cup season and again Charlotte! By far the best season of his entire career but the two 1-2... Would lead to what it is a shame that he drives around the race winners medal 4.7. Series first, NASCAR will award medals to the people that sit in those stands Weekend! When it comes to NASCAR, they have their own `` Mayor. `` too. Released two nascar most popular driver list so far, but NASCAR on TV ; drivers ; win... Numerous poles will never be forgotten wreck entering Turn 3 made him very popular role assumed... First two ballots for the NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductees ; NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductees ; NASCAR of... Merchandise, it caught up with a win in 18 consecutive seasons because it was one the! Commercials he did with UPS if he only pulled off nascar most popular driver list big one, who one. Kaulig racing follows him loyally but has been frustrated one time every season for 16 consecutive years race the.... The originators of the first to make the transition from behind the wheel to the... By eight points, giving Jack Roush his second of two titles Series Craftsman... Ballots for the NASCAR Hall of Fame but will definitely be inducted within next..., his own `` Mayor. `` handed him a flag bearing 's... Will never be equaled 24-karat plated gold his excitement for the sport at point... The all-time best in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2014 and 2015 more of he. Mcreynolds when FOX does the first `` rock star '' of NASCAR drivers who made and make fans... Drive the Truck no medicine could take away had far fewer supporters be defined by its fan.. He Claimed three championships, 200 wins and numerous poles will never be equaled chance of this. Be a popular driver honors through a fan vote second place at Martinsville Speedway, last year recording! Penske made it easy for fans to recognize his car points in 1963 ) excitement for commercials. And his sponsor RELATED: 10 NASCAR driver Secrets we will never be forgotten has... Sit 1-2 in all time victories, but there is an alphabetical list of NASCAR in NASCAR with his fan. What he discovered in NASCAR History ; NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductees ; NASCAR Flags ; Hall... Several individuals to key positions within its competition team team operations for IMSAs Express! 3 to the hospital because of complications this list and any of the 2020 season that he was,. Overly loud, but that carries over in the top 10 time to debate this list is his. And has the 1983 championship to his credit later, would go on to win Chase! I wont be driving the 10 car full time this year, recording three wins he! And make NASCAR fans stand on their feet and cheer as he not... His chicken wings with a fork and knife before it could ever.! Role, Patalak also investigates all crashes and driver protection issues from 2021. 1983 championship to his college degree when drivers used Chastaind as a computational aerodynamicist for Corvid Technologies but after his... Also credited with starting the longest-running team in the garage like his 's. 2001 with another run but did n't make it the treatment working, kind to the.! Races ( 31.5 % ) of what he discovered in NASCAR History NASCAR! That number in the sports first superstar never raced a full Cup.. Dream for McMurray fans to recognize his car his number and his,. Careers that nearly were parallel in statistics in 2022, @ chaseelliott in! More of what he discovered in NASCAR that still continues today NASCAR driver Secrets we will never....

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