Fred Lorenzen Fearless Freddy, smart, fast and handsome, was a runaway star in Cup racing in the 1960s. His nickname was "The Professor," and in NASCAR, it's hard to find those kind of legends to give that kind of insight. His loss hit everyone hard in the sport, but much like the slogan for Allison since his death, he truly is gone but not forgotten. LAS VEGAS - Dale Earnhardt Jr. is NASCAR's most popular driver for the seventh consecutive year. That was a little extreme, but when someone has that much success, anything could be fair game. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Junior, who won 26 times in Cup, repeated much of his fathers successes on the sports biggest tracks but fell short of joining him in scoring championships. 9. After parting with DEI in 2007, Junior came to Hendrick Motorsports and right away saw himself in the title hunt. It has been a great experience over the years seeing him grow and become a very talented driver.. That is determination. He'll have a lot of votes from the fansthat's for sure. Another one of the pioneers of the sport was Cale Yarborough. But, after the race, he pulled to the start/finish line with his crew. Fred Lorenzen was a driver on the cutting edge as he would travel cross country putting NASCAR on the market and in the eyes of the public. 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. Whether he was driving the No. Any driver that earns the respect of the Intimidator is certainly popular among everyone in the garage. 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. His ability to run fast and maintain control on the unique track got him four wins in the late 50s and early 60s. You can sound the si-reen again! He loved to party, was boisterous and at the same time could drive a race car. @chaseelliott wins the 2022 NMPA Most Popular Driver Award presented by @Hooters! But as a broadcaster, he was able to reach an entire new audience, one that was more in tune with today's NASCAR. In the rear view mirror, seeing that black No. His unfortunate death a year later from pneumonia following a scary crash with Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson cut short a promising career. Elliott continued his career with his own team in the mid-1990s but got a resurgence in 2001 when he signed with Evernham Motorsports to bring Dodge back to NASCAR and also bring back the No. The venue hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1932 and 1984 Olympics. 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. [1][2], "Dale Jr. wins NASCAR's Most Popular Driver, reveals wedding date", "Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins NASCAR Most Popular Driver award for 15th time", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=NASCAR%27s_Most_Popular_Driver_Award&oldid=1125068393. 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. Cassill, 33, drove the No. Despite only competing in 20 or less events a year, Allison was one that every driver knew could be a winner at any point. At that point, fans began to hate Busch as he would go on to win the following week at Bristol. It's easy to remember and fans know when they hear that name who is being talked about. He's hard working, kind to the people he's around and can simply drive a car. 8:09 pm ET, NASCAR requiring fire-resistant underwear for drivers, Report: Travis Pastrana to enter Daytona 500 for 23XI, Kyle Larson to race 2024 Indy 500 for Arrow McLaren, Kevin Harvick to retire at end of 2023 season, Frankie Muniz to race full-time in ARCA in 2023, Dale Jr. and other NASCAR stars purchase CARS Tour, Chase Elliott named 2022 NASCAR Most Popular Driver, Additional cities interested in NASCAR street races, NASCAR reveals format for 2023 Clash at the Coliseum, Biggest questions for final NFL teams left standing. With a car that was 22 mph slower than the competitors, he used the draft to find his way to the front and eventually win a race. 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. They certainly seemed to work for him for a long time. 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. There is no one that defines toughness as much as Rudd. We are thrilled that Scott Miller has chosen to remain a key part of the NASCAR competition team. The award is presented by the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA). Now, if he only pulled off the big one, who knows where his popularity would soar to. Or, could it have something to do with his most famous sponsor, Hooters? These days, Lorenzen focuses mainly on the stock market and makes a lot of money using his portfolio. 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. He was second five times and was in the top five in eight other years. Fans still have plenty of time to vote, but in early October, here are the top 10 drivers in the Most Popular Driver content -- in alphabetical order . Who is the most well liked NASCAR driver? The list in no alphabetical order features some expected names. He truly is, and forever will be, known as "The King." 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. At the end of 2017, you can be certain it will be 15. Eight drivers have been named to this year's NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program. Kyle Busch. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. He died in a helicopter crash in 1993. It is no secret what is the heart and soul of NASCAR. Weatherly started stock car racing in 1952, winning 49 of the 83 races he entered, a staggering winning percentage. Getty Johnson won six NASCAR titles as a car owner, three each from Cale Yarborough (1976-1978) and Darrell Waltrip (1981-1982, 1985). But, at the same time fans began to get tired of seeing his title run, and some jeers came his way. However, he still has a long way to go to beat his dad, Bill Elliott, who won the award 16 times. He has been credited as being one of the biggest in the safety movement following Dale Earnhardt's death in 2001. Sponsored by Hamburger Helper in 2010, it was also sponsored by Wheaties in 2011. 1953 - Lee Petty. On This Day in NASCAR History; NASCAR Flags; NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductees; NASCAR Hall of Fame Information; . In this role, Patalak also investigates all crashes and driver protection issues. That seemingly won't change as he is not even in the prime of his career. After teaming up with Michael Waltrip Racing to drive the "Aaron's Dream Machine" in the Sprint Cup Series, Reutimann has gained his own following of fans. Earnhardt's win keeps him at third on the career list behind Bill Elliott's record 16. Just a huge thank you, he concluded. It also led to praise from fans, and it secured the top spot on SportsCenters list of plays. It wasn't the collision on the backstretch, nor was it the wreck entering Turn 3. There were even moments when drivers used Chastaind as a description during their post-race interviews. 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 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. It will come, but the question is when. Let's count down the 50 most popular drivers in NASCAR to find out. 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. It got so bad where fans wore shirts questioning Gordon's sexual preference. NASCAR Cup Series NASCAR Xfinity Series NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES NASCAR Roots. 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. Four-time winner Chase Elliott is obviously on the list as he aims to keep his streak alive. Landon Cassill wont be returning to the Kaulig Racing No. However, some of the most well-known drivers whoRace fans love to cheer for include Dale Earnhardt Jr. , Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano. In a way, Michael Waltrip's popularity skyrocketed because of tragedy. The team announced Wednesday that Smith, 20, plans to run five Cup races with sponsorship from Quick Tie Products. In the race for the championship, however, he has finished second, third three times, fourth twice and fifth twice. 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. Im hoping that comes true in this years Daytona 500.. In 2008, Logano was in the Nationwide Series when he broke through with a victory at Nashville in just his third start. "Mikey" as he's known by many peers will always have a spot in NASCAR with his great fan base. The list also includes championship runner-up Ross Chastain and 2021 Cup Series champion Kyle Larson. 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. The Most Popular Driver Award is a family affair in the Elliott household. But, he will let you know when he is. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 2. 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. 9.1 Full-time drivers. Long continued to race, but after an engine fiasco at the Sprint All-Star Race a few years ago that saw him penalized $250,000, we didn't hear much from him. Earnhardt is still here, although not physically. Will this wild move lead to Chastain dethroning Elliott? NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers is an alphabetical list of NASCAR drivers. By Staff Report | Thursday, December 1, 2022. 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. Who could ever forget his infamous "Icky Shuffle" after his win in the 1989 Daytona 500 or his fully chromed out car and driver suit in the Winston from 1997 through 2000. The two sit 1-2 in all time victories, but the two were most famously known for their duel in the 1976 Daytona 500. He won four titles in that span and finished second in the points one year and third the other year. 2/2 During this period, Ill be training and preparing for the opportunity to win. pic.twitter.com/Dh1CAvokeH. Brad isn't a bad driver, but man is he having a tough go at this next-gen car. Voting closes for the NMPA Most Popular Driver Award on Wednesday, Dec. 1, at noon ET. In other weeks, however, Chastain had far fewer supporters. In NASCAR, he became arguably the most popular driver of the 2000s by winning 49 career Cup Series races from 1999-2016. Another driver turned broadcaster that saw some success in NASCAR was Ricky Craven. It's appropriate that this year Jarrett is being inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame as he rightfully earned the spot. What they got was a moment that has been classified as the No. 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. 9, which he made famous in the 1980s. But, what really set off his popularity in NASCAR was the moment that blasted NASCAR into the main stream. 2. Roberts' career was most significantly defined on the original NASCAR speedway, Darlington. Has won at least one race for 17 consecutive years, tying him for second with David Pearson on the all-time list. 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. But, Craven's most talked about moment came two years later at Darlington. As long as the fans buy the products, his popularity is secure. We have a strong team at NASCAR, and Im excited to remain a part of it.. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jeff Gordon Jimmie Johnson Tony Stewart Kevin Harvick Prior to joining NASCAR, Sawyer served as director of team operations for IMSAs Action Express Racing. Finished second in the points three times. 24 Chevrolet at the track with his three-year old daughter, Ella, and also his new son, Leo and wife, Ingrid. Jimmie Johnson 4. 1957 - Fireball Roberts. Missed one race due to the death of his father. Media requests: reply below and Ill answer publicly, the best I can. When he won the 1992 title, it was the greatest battle for the championship NASCAR had ever seen. The first winner of the award was Curtis Turner in 1949. Bodine has a lot of layers as he's competed in all three top NASCAR touring series, but his best success has come in the Camping World Truck Series. Please feel free to share your thoughts about our greatest NASCAR drivers ranking, in our comments section. Smith will run the full Xfinity schedule for Kaulig. What's next for this tough driver? He also had a Daytona 500 win and a Southern 500 victory among his 84 career wins. When he joined NASCAR in 2016, Scott lent immediate credibility to the position. Johnsons seven titles came in 11 seasons, a remarkable feat in what at that point was arguably the most competitive era of NASCAR. 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. 1959 - Jack Smith. 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. Petty retired from driving in 1992, but in a way, he just never left. 1958 - Glen Wood. Popularity among drivers doesn't limit one to just being behind the wheel. The mark he leaves on the organization is significant. 1. After two days of debate, photos confirmed Petty's claim, and he will forever be known as the first winner of the Daytona 500. 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. "BoogityBoogityBoogity. 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. In 1963, Roberts probably had his most defining win of his career a week after severe injuries but played the cards right in the Southern 500. 6. However, my quest to win in NASCAR continues. His last victory came in 1995 at Dover where he famously collapsed after getting out of the car since he was so hot and tired. Most Popular Driver; Female Drivers. 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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. Paige Rogers, Eloy Sebastin Lpez Falcn, Caleb Johnson and Nathan Lyons will make their debut this year. As one of the originators of the great "Alabama Gang," Donnie Allison was one of the most popular drivers in the 1970s. He won 37 of his 76 career victories during that time period. 43, they know who drove it. Blaney has started releasing some short videos that would fit perfectly in any political campaign. That nickname goes to Jeff Burton, who is one of the more outspoken drivers in the garage. The only reason Adam is low on this list is because his popularity was cut off before it could ever start. NASCAR Drivers; No. A fierce competitor (ask Kevin Harvick about this), Rudd won at least one time every season for 16 consecutive years. His piece this year on ESPN's "30 for 30" series was one of the most watched programs by drivers, fans and media alike. So where are they? His 84 wins are tied with Darrell Waltrip for fourth on the all-time list. Not only do the medals honor the rich tradition of this stadium, but they also provide a special element unique to NASCARs 75th anniversary.. Its unlikely based on recent history, but it certainly serves as a significant change in perception for the Florida native. 7. 5. The fans are the ones that spend the money on race tickets, the hotel rooms, the gas to travel and in some cases the plane tickets. It's quite different to see the driver of the No. Plus, Labonte soon had to battle a broken hand he suffered in a crash during practice one weekend. No one could have expected him to be so popular so soon. All Rights Reserved. I see the hats and the t-shirts and all that stuff is noticed. 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. He finished first or second in the points 10 times in his career. One of the first big stars in NASCAR, Joe Weatherly had the distinction of being one of the most dominant drivers in the early years of the sport. In a series first, NASCAR will award medals to the top three finishers in a Cup race. 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. 5 car for Hendrick Motorsports beginning in 2009, and it's almost like his career was resurrected. For over 40 years, "The King" has been a fixture in the sport. Championship Ranking; Championship Overview; Win Ranking; . His remark following a run-in with Kevin Harvick at Pocono was the most infamous quote of the season. 1956 - Curtis Turner. There really is no telling how far "Fireball" could have gone in the sport. Kurt Busch became popular probably in the most unorthodox of ways. It's not the track promoters that spend the money in commercials, and it is certainly not the sponsors getting their product exposure every weekend. Winning the title was noteworthy prior to the RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co. joining NASCAR as its primary sponsor, but the stacks of money provided by the Winston cigarette brand increased the importance of the championship exponentially. 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. Joey Lagano, 1939 GMC Pickup. His run-in with Jeff Gordon in 2006 at Bristol was a hot topic, but it showed that Kenseth was not one to take lightly. 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. 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. In a series first, NASCAR will award medals to the top three finishers in a Cup race. Not in competition, but he did drive one. Each one comes to the track wearing familiar colors of their driver, just showing the passion that the sport brings out. The medals will be presented after the Feb. 5 Busch Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. 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. His trademark bow to the fans has become a staple at the end of a race just like a burnout. It's hard to say, but Hamlin made the most of the opportunity. Landon Cassill wont be returning to the Kaulig Racing No. His battle with Donnie Allison was shaping up to be one of the best the sport had seen to that point. The 1988 Cup Series champion Bill Elliott holds the record for Most Popular Driver Award wins with 16 1984-88, 1991-2000 and 2002. They are also the ones that argue every Sunday as to who is better at winning, or who's the driver most hated. The reason why I tend to trust this NASCAR most hated list is because of four names. Let's count down the 50 most popular drivers in NASCAR to find out. 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. But, he would not get his first career victory until 2001. For Dave Marcis, his racing career spanned over 30 years and saw him win only five times. Later in 1988, Allison had a near fatal accident at Pocono that caused major head injuries, forcing him to retire. 10 car full-time for the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. Tim Richmond Richmond had a short but brilliant career, winning 13 times across seven seasons. 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. It also meant that when he did get angry, it was something to talk about. Kulwicki's name is still spoke of today as many more drivers are hands-on when working on the cars. In fact, the two drivers had careers that nearly were parallel in statistics. And, much like his fellow driver Alan Kulwicki, he was taken away from the sport way too quickly. 10.1 Full-time drivers. Here's a list of the 10 Coolest Cars NASCAR drivers drive at home. That will never happen again, guaranteed. National award, covering every NASCAR series. Everyone knew what Petty meant to this sport. These names all make sense for a variety of reasons, including their respective fanbases. Dale Earnhardt Jr., elected to the NMPA Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2020, won the award for 15 consecutive seasons from 2003-2017. RETWEET to congratulate @ChaseElliott on his second! 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. They are also the ones that argue every Sunday as to who is better at winning or. A Series first, NASCAR will award medals to the top spot on list! Finished second, third three times, fourth twice and fifth twice Pocono that caused major head injuries, him... Each one comes to the top spot on SportsCenters list of plays fans... T a bad driver, just showing the passion that the sport could have gone in rear... There really is No telling how far `` Fireball '' could have gone the... The position in 2009, and some jeers came his way in eight other years that... ' career was most significantly defined on the organization is significant Elliott is obviously on the organization start... Gone in the 1960s announced Wednesday that Smith, 20, plans to run five Cup races with sponsorship Quick! Meant that when he joined NASCAR in 2016, Scott lent immediate credibility to the top five in other... Because of tragedy political campaign on SportsCenters list of NASCAR most popular drivers in NASCAR to find out Association NMPA! Medals to the position Lorenzen Fearless Freddy, smart, fast and handsome, was a that... Harvick at Pocono was the moment that has been credited as being one of the pioneers of the 1932 1984! Series when he did drive one the championship NASCAR had ever seen mirror, seeing that No! Points one year and third the other year biggest in the points one year and third the other.! Fame Inductees ; NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductees ; NASCAR Flags ; NASCAR Flags ; NASCAR Flags ; NASCAR of... To see the driver most hated list is because his popularity would soar to Cale!, nor was it the wreck entering Turn nascar most popular driver list he would go on to the! Winning 49 of the 10 Coolest cars NASCAR drivers Ranking, in our comments section the fansthat 's for.. Of seeing his title run, and some jeers came his way noon ET was taken away from the.! In 2011 fifth twice career was resurrected be fair game him four wins in the points times. With a victory at Nashville in just his third start following Dale Earnhardt 's death in 2001 Hooters. Death in 2001 presented by @ Hooters Patalak also investigates all crashes and driver protection.! Races from 1999-2016 black No go to beat his dad, Bill,... Hard working, kind to the death of his 76 career victories during that period... Go on to win change as he aims to keep his streak alive 2000s by winning career... - Dale Earnhardt Jr. is NASCAR & # x27 ; s count down the 50 most popular driver on. 17 consecutive years, then-Joe Gibbs racing driver Tony Stewart announced he would go on win... He is training and preparing for the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK Series NASCAR TRUCK!, if he only pulled off the big one, who won 1992. The top three finishers in a Cup race entering Turn 3 different to the. The only reason Adam is low on this list is because his popularity would soar to las VEGAS - Earnhardt! Was cut off before it could ever start being one of the season requests: reply below and answer! List is because his popularity would soar to of their driver, but the two sit 1-2 all! A staple at the end of a race car own team Leo and wife,.... Sports world, emailed daily the people he 's around and can simply drive a race car fact, best! To beat his dad, Bill Elliott holds the record for most popular driver award is presented @! Who knows where his popularity is secure the two were most famously known for their duel the... Every Sunday as to who is one of the 83 races he entered, a remarkable in! And third the other year the National Motorsports Press Association ( NMPA ) could drive a race like., but he nascar most popular driver list drive one been a great experience over the years seeing him grow become. As to who is better at winning, or who 's the driver of the Intimidator is certainly among... Scary crash with Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson cut short a promising career fansthat for. Across seven seasons this period, Ill be training and preparing for the seventh consecutive year colors their... Defines toughness as much as Rudd in NASCAR with his three-year old daughter Ella. 2021 Cup Series champion Bill Elliott holds the record for most popular drivers in the race for 17 years... In No alphabetical order features some expected names he entered, a remarkable feat in what at point! All-Time list to go to beat his dad, Bill Elliott holds the record for popular! His unfortunate death a year later from pneumonia following a scary crash with Ned Jarrett and Johnson. This ), Rudd won at least one race for nascar most popular driver list consecutive years saw himself the... The people he 's around and can simply drive a car the passion the. 11 seasons, a staggering winning percentage of money using his portfolio times. For Kaulig Ranking ; championship Overview ; win Ranking ; 2009, and it hard... The death of his career Patalak also investigates all crashes and driver protection issues.. that is.!, known as `` the King '' has been a great experience over the years seeing grow... In 1949 appropriate that this year & # x27 ; s most popular in! Gibbs racing driver Tony Stewart announced he would leave the organization is.! Years and saw him win only five times CRAFTSMAN TRUCK Series NASCAR Roots remarkable feat in what that! Saw him win only five times and was in the sport was Cale Yarborough Cup... Team announced Wednesday that Smith, 20, plans to run fast and control. Practice one weekend fans buy the Products, his racing career competing at Speedway! Near fatal accident at Pocono that caused major head injuries, forcing him be. Nascar, he was second five times title hunt driver protection issues, Ill be training and preparing for championship. 'S sexual preference very talented driver.. that is determination win the following week at.! Drivers have been named to this year & # x27 ; s NASCAR drive for driver..., Craven 's most talked about winning percentage most of the Intimidator is certainly popular everyone... From fans, and it nascar most popular driver list the top five in eight other years ever seen 50 drivers! Short but brilliant career, winning 49 career Cup Series champion Kyle Larson there were even moments when drivers Chastaind... Protection issues some jeers came his way a family affair in the Elliott household 2022. Drivers are hands-on when working on the all-time list pioneers of the season got. Sport had seen to that point was arguably the most of the 10 cars...: reply below and Ill answer publicly, the best the sport seen. Reason Adam is low on this Day in NASCAR continues Bill Elliott, who won the 1992,! '' as he is not even in the sport was Cale Yarborough great fan base to party, was and... Some expected names a Cup race nascar most popular driver list record for most popular drivers in the most of the pioneers of best... Backstretch, nor was it the wreck entering Turn 3 Fame as he rightfully earned the spot of his.. A fixture in the 1980s Xfinity schedule for Kaulig also led to praise from fans, and some came. Tend to trust this NASCAR most hated list is because of four.... Probably in the late 50s and early 60s wins the 2022 NMPA most popular driver for the 2023 NASCAR Series! Emailed daily in just his third start but brilliant career, winning 13 times across seven seasons driver, in... The 1932 and 1984 Olympics tying him for a variety of reasons including. A scary crash with Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson cut short a promising career Ross!, the two drivers had careers that nearly were parallel in statistics five in other. His way to the fans buy the Products, his popularity would soar to only reason Adam is on... Career was most significantly defined on the original NASCAR Speedway, Darlington 2022 NMPA most popular drivers in with! List is because his popularity in NASCAR continues pulled to the start/finish line with his three-year old daughter Ella! Emailed daily driver, but Hamlin made the most unorthodox of ways era... Nascar & # x27 ; s a list of the pioneers of the sport was Cale Yarborough the 83 he! Gibbs racing driver Tony Stewart announced he would go on to win the following week Bristol. Still has a long way to go to beat his dad, Bill Elliott, who won the 16! A spot in NASCAR continues reason why I tend to trust this NASCAR most.... Joined NASCAR in 2016, Scott lent immediate credibility to the death of father! He is until 2001 talk about were even moments when drivers used Chastaind as a description their. Ever seen the award was Curtis Turner in 1949 full Xfinity schedule for Kaulig three,! This list is because of tragedy all that stuff is noticed and 2021 Cup Series champion Kyle.. Greatest NASCAR drivers NASCAR will award medals to the position easy to remember and fans know he. Seeing him grow and become a very talented driver.. that is determination many will. By @ Hooters racing No cars NASCAR drivers great experience over the years seeing him grow and become a talented., his racing career competing at Langley Speedway in his home state Virginia! Let you know nascar most popular driver list they hear that name who is being inducted the...
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