His popularity among the fans is evident by his nickname "Smoke." That is determination. Love him or hate him, Kyle Busch has earned his popularity the same way he goes for victoryby any means necessary. His ability to run fast and maintain control on the unique track got him four wins in the late 50s and early 60s. The "Candyman" himself has finally been taken down the list of the most hated active NASCAR drivers. The race winners medal weighs 4.7 ounces and is covered in 24-karat plated gold. Richard Petty holds the record with at least a win in 18 consecutive seasons. 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 venue hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1932 and 1984 Olympics. Fred Lorenzen "Fearless" Freddy, smart, fast and handsome, was a runaway star in Cup racing in the 1960s. The fans have grown to appreciate this young talent, and have also been introduced to a new way of celebrating a win. The older of the Labonte brothers, Terry has enjoyed a guaranteed Hall of Fame career in NASCAR. The ten highest-paid Nascar drivers earned an estimated $120 million in 2019, a tick above 2018 but well below a decade ago when they banked a combined $180 million. 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. They are also the ones that argue every Sunday as to who is better at winning, or who's the driver most hated. 9.1 Full-time drivers. He wasn't popular because of his racing, nor his success. There really is no telling how far "Fireball" could have gone in the sport. He's not overly loud, but when Matt Kenseth talks, many listen. Probably the fiercest rival to Richard Petty in the 1960s and 1970s was David Pearson. The list in no alphabetical order features some expected names. 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. There has never been, nor ever will be again, another Dale Earnhardt. 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. As soon as Dale Earnhardt Jr. retired. He collected 105 series wins, second only to Richard Petty on the all-time list. 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. 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. Dale Earnhardt The seven-time champion was particularly dominant from 1986-91. 5 car for Hendrick Motorsports beginning in 2009, and it's almost like his career was resurrected. He truly is, and forever will be, known as "The King." He has missed the first two ballots for the NASCAR Hall of Fame but will definitely be inducted within the next few years. "BoogityBoogityBoogity. Prior to joining NASCAR, Sawyer served as director of team operations for IMSAs Action Express Racing. Don't forget to vote!: https://t.co/jUZfQDZWSa pic.twitter.com/D1v14X8TYG. However, as the years progressed, Waltrip continued to win, as his four Cup victories came on restrictor plate tracks. It was thanks in part to him becoming an owner and signing a very tough, very rugged and no-nonsense driver in Dale Earnhardt. Getty 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. His battle with Donnie Allison was shaping up to be one of the best the sport had seen to that point. While Elliott took home Most Popular Driver honors for the Cup Series, the award was also given to two star drivers in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and Camping World Truck Series. 1956 - Curtis Turner. One thing is for sure, the "Ice Man" was always cool when behind the wheel. Johnson is without question the champ these days in NASCAR. 8.1 Full-time drivers. We are thrilled that Scott Miller has chosen to remain a key part of the NASCAR competition team. Elliott earned Most Popular Driver honors through a fan vote. The 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion turned in one of his finest seasons in 2022, becoming one of the dominant drivers of a season that otherwise featured a historic level of parity. The living members of this group were honored on February 15, 1998 during pre-race festivities for the 1998 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Was it his way of knowing exactly how to adjust the car due to his college degree? GettyJoey Logano (left) & Ryan Blaney (right) race at Phoenix Raceway. Probably one of the more unique celebrations NASCAR has seen, but it sure is cool for the fans after he wins. Although in his death, NASCAR did mandate the window net, despite it taking seven years to do so. Thanks to @C_Rice1 and @MattKaulig for the shot in 2022, and for being a great team. We still see fans wear the No. Darrell Waltrip Claimed three titles, winning them in a five-year period in the 1980s. He was also involved in the finish of the first Daytona 500, despite being two laps down to the leader. If he does, look for this man's popularity to soar like the Space Shuttle. He has been credited as being one of the biggest in the safety movement following Dale Earnhardt's death in 2001. 9 Budweiser Ford or now the Red Bull Toyota, Kahne's fan base is secure. Dale Earnhardt Jr's popularity was secure simply because of the name, and after his father's death, it grew 10-fold. NASCAR Cup Series NASCAR Xfinity Series NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES NASCAR Roots. He held the series record for victories until son Richard topped his mark. Busch races for the Richard Childress Racing team and has a . The driver of the No. Eight drivers have been named to this year's NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program. Petty just took a different path and saw the sport grow to what it is today. But, his career and life took a dramatic turn after his son, Adam, was killed at New Hampshire. He finished first or second in the points 10 times in his career. Chandler Smith will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 in a third Chevrolet entered by Kaulig Racing. In this role, Patalak also investigates all crashes and driver protection issues. 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. But even before his title, Labonte had gotten the break he needed to become a very strong and very popular driver. 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. 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. It's appropriate that this year Jarrett is being inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame as he rightfully earned the spot. Here's a list of the 10 Coolest Cars NASCAR drivers drive at home. The second video alleged that the reigning Most Popular Driver thinks that Parmesan Garlic wings are too spicy.. Bodine's popularity in NASCAR now has him working in the Research and Development Center, focusing solely on safety. ISC Archives via Getty Images. It's a different Gordon, one that has reduced the haters and increased his popularity. This 1939 GMC . That's five consecutive years Elliott has earned the honor. Now NASCAR has revealed the top 10 Cup Series drivers getting votes each day from the fans. It was one of the greatest races NASCAR had ever run, but it was one that Bobby never remembers. A fierce competitor (ask Kevin Harvick about this), Rudd won at least one time every season for 16 consecutive years. 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. Voting for the Most Popular Driver continues until 12:00 PM ET on November 30, 2022. A trusted voice in the garage, Scott used his decades of experience to lead our competition team to new heights during a time that saw a new race format, a new playoff format and a new race car. Were extremely excited about continuing our sponsorship of Chandler, Quick Tie CEO Harvel Crumley said. He wasn't always this giving, as his early years in the sport saw him have an attitude and eventually take anger management classes. landon cassill (@landoncassill) January 18, 2023. 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. His 50 career wins are not his biggest credit but more of what he discovered in NASCAR that still continues today. He took time off from racing because of illness, something he couldn't figure out but many could see was affecting him. 1 of 20. In 2008, Logano was in the Nationwide Series when he broke through with a victory at Nashville in just his third start. Philadelphia Flyers' Ivan Provorov Stands By His Faith, Refuses To Wear LGBTQ+ Pride Night Jersey, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' Office Calls Out Discriminatory NHL Job Fair: "We Are Fighting All Discrimination In Our Schools And Workplaces", Washington Capitals Team With Grocery Store Giant Food To Push Disordered Behavior With Lecture On Pronouns And LBGTQ+ Terminology, Mother Of Young Woman Allegedly Murdered By Alabama Basketball Player Darius Miles Speaks Out: "Took My Babys Life Because She Wouldnt Talk To Him", Jeff Burton Explains Why He Believes Joey Logano Is The Most Valuable Race Car Driver In The Sport, NASCAR COO Steve ODonnell Appears To Signal They Will Outlaw Moves Like Ross Chastains Hail Melon Martinsville Move, NASCAR Executive Explains New Manufacturers Arent Joining The Sport Due To Emphasis On Electric, Hybrid, And Hydrogen Vehicles. Much like his father, Davey was a great driver and knew his way around the race car. That's what earned him induction into the inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame. As the youngest of the Wallace brothers, Kenny has earned the popularity of his peers and the fans for being one of the more humorous figures in the garage. It can be both behind the wheel and behind the scenes. 2/2 During this period, Ill be training and preparing for the opportunity to win. It got so bad where fans wore shirts questioning Gordon's sexual preference. Sawyer joined NASCAR in February of 2015 as managing director of the Craftsman Truck Series. NBCSN, MRN and SiriusXM will provide coverage of this year's program. Parsons, or as many knew him BP, is still missed to this day. Not only do the medals honor the rich tradition of this stadium, but they also provide a special element unique to NASCARs 75th anniversary.. In 1998, his lone victory showcased Rudd's refusal to yield. 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. Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the award for 15 consecutive. That all changed in 2010 when his career really took off. RETWEET to congratulate @ChaseElliott on his second! Staying loyal to his son, his popularity continued to grow as so many people have given to the Victory Junction Gang Camp in Adam's memory. 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. But, who would have thought that one wreck would set off the popularity, and amount of help, for someone just trying to earn a living. 29, and Harvick was at the wheel. 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. He won four titles in that span and finished second in the points one year and third the other year. Rebuilding will be my top priority. 24 Chevrolet at the track with his three-year old daughter, Ella, and also his new son, Leo and wife, Ingrid. When everyone sees that No. As a kid, you always have the goal of one day racing in the Cup Series. That victory lap he took that afternoon would ultimately be the last one of his career. It is no secret what is the heart and soul of NASCAR. Paige Rogers, Eloy Sebastin Lpez Falcn, Caleb Johnson and Nathan Lyons will make their debut this year. 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. Each year his popularity among the fans grew by leaps and bounds. But, his popularity among the ladies is rather obvious. But, what really set off his popularity in NASCAR was the moment that blasted NASCAR into the main stream. LAS VEGAS - Dale Earnhardt Jr. is NASCAR's most popular driver for the seventh consecutive year. His walkouts, his rants and his emotion have given many fans someone to actually hate on race weekends. All Rights Reserved. Results on who will be named the Most Popular Driver will be posted on or about December 1, 2022., Chase Elliott was selected as the Most Popular Driver in 2021 and upon receiving the recognition he stated, Well, I just cant thank the fans across the country enough. "Mikey" as he's known by many peers will always have a spot in NASCAR with his great fan base. 7. Sponsored by Hamburger Helper in 2010, it was also sponsored by Wheaties in 2011. The race winners medal weighs 4.7 ounces and is covered in 24-karat plated gold. In simple terms, NASCAR is all about popularity. Mark Martin Martin was Denny Hamlin before Denny Hamlin. He was the first to eclipse the 210 mph mark on a superspeedway then won the first Winston Million. Sawyer began his racing career competing at Langley Speedway in his home state of Virginia. Its unlikely based on recent history, but it certainly serves as a significant change in perception for the Florida native. Probably one of the nicest and humblest figures in NASCAR had to be Benny Parsons. Joey Logano is the best NASCAR driver right now. Dale Earnhardt Jr has been NASCAR's most popular driver for 14 straight years. He won 37 of his 76 career victories during that time period. section: | slug: chase-elliott-wins-nascar-most-popular-driver-award-for-a-fifth-straight-year | sport: nascar | route: article_single.us | Thought to go into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on the first class of inductees, Pearson was surprisingly left out. 5. Let's go racing, boys.". Roberts' career was most significantly defined on the original NASCAR speedway, Darlington. It has been a great experience over the years seeing him grow and become a very talented driver.. Fireball Roberts 1 of 49 As one of the originators of the speedway era in NASCAR in the early 1960s, Fireball Roberts. Brad isn't a bad driver, but man is he having a tough go at this next-gen car. When he wins, he lets everyone know it, not just on the radio but after exiting his car. Denny Hamlin Hamlin had the look of a championship driver from his first full-time season (2006), when he finished third in the standings. Over the years, many talented drivers have chased the championship, won dozens of races, come close to winning the title trophy and built Hall of Fame careers, all while failing to reach that ultimate goal. You can vote for the Most Popular Driver here. 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. 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 1979 Daytona 500 put not only him, but NASCAR on the map. So where are they? Here are some of the most famous NASCAR drivers who are considered the all-time best in the sport. Carl Edwards Edwards was solidly consistent throughout a career that produced 28 victories and earned him a shot at the title in 2011, when he tied Tony Stewart but lost the championship on a tiebreaker. In this role, Patalak also investigates all crashes and driver protection issues. Is it someone who is defined by his fan base, by the respect in the garage, the amount of merchandise sold or a combination of all three? Twenty-seven cars will compete in the 150-lap feature on the quarter-mile track built inside Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Popularity among drivers doesn't limit one to just being behind the wheel. Although his first win came thanks to rain in last year's Coca-Cola 600, Reutimann made sure that was forgotten when he outright won at Chicago this summer. During this period, Ill be training and preparing for the opportunity to win.. 11 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series - EuroNASCAR 2 Division drivers. Petty slid to the infield but stopped just short of the finish line. Other multiple award winners include Lee Petty with three and Fred Lorenzen and Curtis Turner with two. When Jimmie Johnson came to Cup competition in 2002, he made an immediate impact with the fans and drivers by winning the pole in the Daytona 500. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Elton Sawyer named to NASCARs top competition position, Chandler Smith to attempt Daytona 500 for Kaulig Racing, Landon Cassill wont return to Kaulig Racing Xfinity car full-time, NASCAR to award medals to top three finishers of Busch Clash, MORE: Chandler Smith to attempt Daytona 500, MORE: NASCAR to award medals to top three finishes in Clash. For most of its 75-year history, and particularly since the early 1970s, the focal point of the NASCAR Cup Series has been the season championship. 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. His 84 wins are tied with Darrell Waltrip for fourth on the all-time list. NASCAR's Most Popular Driver Award is awarded to the most popular NASCAR driver in the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series every year since 1956. Saving his equipment and running to the front with 75 laps to go, Roberts ran away with the victory. Could it be his unique way of celebrating a victory, his "Polish Victory Lap?" These names all make sense for a variety of reasons, including their. "Gentleman" Ned Jarrett was as popular a driver as he was a broadcaster. 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. Twenty-seven cars will compete in the 150-lap feature on the quarter-mile track built inside Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. I have a deep passion for the sport, and am honored to be in a position to help shepherd the competition team during these exciting times.. The award, which is determined by a fan vote, has been. Im hoping that comes true in this years Daytona 500.. NASCARs Top 10 for Most Popular Driver Has Surprising Names, Please review our privacy policy here: https://heavy.com/privacy-policy/, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. Walk through the garage and not one person has anything negative to say about the veteran driver. 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. Who are the wealthiest NASCAR drivers? Jeff Gordon A four-time champion whose 93 career wins ranks third on the all-time list. That happened at Daytona in the early 1980s following a crash in the qualifying race. He died in a helicopter crash in 1993. Most Popular Driver Award presented by Hooters. We started sponsoring him when he was eight years old. Missed one race due to the death of his father. View Fullscreen. His career was cut short, but his popularity reigns supreme. After Dale Earnhardt's death, Harvick was named the driver to take over the GM Goodwrench Chevrolet. 2 of 20. Who can ever forget the "Golden Benny" which was given to one team or organization after their performance each week. 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. His loyalty to Penske made it easy for fans to recognize his car, his number and his sponsor. Popular because he was tough, something many of today's drivers have taken to heart. 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. These are the drivers who made and make NASCAR fans stand on their feet and cheer. Among Lee Pettys win was the inaugural Daytona 500 in 1959. 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. 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. 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. He has also previously held competition roles at Red Bull Racing and Evernham Motorsports. 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. When Labonte took over the lead late in the season, fans knew it would come down to the final races. We started sponsoring him when he was eight years old. Busch races for the Richard Childress Racing team and has a salary of $16.9 million annually as of 2023. Thanks to @C_Rice1 and @MattKaulig for the shot in 2022, and for being a great team. The conversation drastically changed on October 30, 2022. But for Kevin Harvick, his popularity came at a sacrifice. This is a dream come true for me, Smith said in a statement released by the team. Kyle Busch. 3 to the track, and we still see a hauler bearing his number in the souvenir areas. In 1986, he won seven races and finished third in points. The list also includes championship runner-up Ross Chastain and 2021 Cup Series champion Kyle Larson. As will young NASCAR stars Bubba Wallace, Chase Briscoe, and Ryan Blaney, who look to claim glory as they climb the NASCAR rankings. Sawyer began his racing career competing at Langley Speedway in his home state of Virginia. Maybe next year that success and popularity will return, thanks to JTG Daugherty Racing. 1959 - Jack Smith. He was the one driver that could exemplify what NASCAR is all about. Cash in on NFL Wild Card Weekend: Bet $5, Get $150 in Free Bets. Four heat races, two last-chance qualifying races and the feature will take place Feb. 5.
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