nascar most popular driver list

Dale Earnhardt became even more popular in death than he was while living. Isaac's first win was in 1964, and his last was in 1972. Winners of the award in NASCAR's Fans can weigh in from November 9 until December 1 at 12 p.m. This name and stigma were solidified following last years Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway. Earnhardt and co-host Mike Davis raise the bar with unparalleled perspective, candid commentary, and fascinating, first-person insight into the life of a broadcaster, celebrated racer. Although late, Pearson lives amongst the greatest NASCAR drivers of all time. American retired racer and two-time NASCAR winning champion, Ned Jarrett, is an established figure in NASCAR. In 553 races competition in 18 years, he won 56 and 32 poles along with multiple awards. In the 1950s she set several land speed records and soon became involved with promoting Chevrolets new Corvettes. Please check your email for a confirmation. WebElliott has 44 Cup wins, 320 top-10s and 55 poles. Ferrari luxury sports cars remain among the most prized in the world. Red Byron 74. However, it serves as an awakening to safety precautions in the sport. NASCAR is known for having its drivers and car numbers as practically synonymous when it comes to identity. Ryan Blaney Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Car No. Kyle Busch: $16,900,000. Jim Reed 70. He won 14. By 1966, he retired as a driver, having competed in over 313 races over 14 years, winning 50 and 49 poles. All three 2021 national series champions will be honored during Champions Week November 30 through December 2 in the Music City! Busch's first win was in 2005 during his rookie season, and his most recent win was. In 1947, Smith took her husbands Ford to Daytona Beach, Florida, to watch the race. Johnson's first win was in his rookie season in 2002, and his most recent victory was. WebNASCAR's 15-time Most Popular Driver and winner of two Daytona 500s, Dale Earnhardt Jr., hosts his very own podcast, The Dale Jr Download on Dirty Mo Media. Updated 2022 NASCAR Cup Series Standings Following Chase Elliotts Victory at Dover. Hewon 32 poles and 26 races at what is now the Sprint Cup level before retiring prematurely at the age of 33 in 1967, although he did return to make a handful of his 158 career starts from 1970 to 1972. However, there was one driver absent from the initial ballot, which surprised several people. Denny Hamlin Race Strategy at the Brickyard: Ryan Newman Crew Chief Reignites Rumors: 2019. He is powerful, wild, outrageous with a balanced ratio of speed that equals accuracy. Six days later, drivers Eddie Sachs and Dave MacDonald died in a fiery crash at the Indianapolis 500. Joe Menzer has written six books, including two about NASCAR, and now writes about it and other sports for Bleacher Report as well as covering NASCAR as a writer and editor for FoxSports.com. Going for his third straight win at the Indianapolis 500, Vukovich was leading the race when he swerved to miss an accident ahead of him.

A physical altercation with Joey Logano in Phoenix in 2017. Daytona International Speedway is also home to the Coke Zero Sugar 400, another NASCAR Cup Series race. Log in, 10 Inspiring Black Motivational Speakers to Feature at Your Next Event, Derek Jeter, Larry Walker, Ted Simmons and Marvin Miller Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, 28 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductees Cap Off A Memorable Weekend. Career Highlights: He once won 27 races in a single season (out of 48 starts in 1967) and owns the all-time records for career starts (1,185) and poles (123). The Highest Paid Athletes Of 2023. Kenseth's first win was in 2000, and his last was in 2017 at Phoenix Raceway in the penultimate race of his full-time Cup Series career. READ NEXT: Jeffrey Earnhardt Announces Major Contract Decision for 2022, NASCAR Most Popular Driver Voting Has Opened, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved.

Elliott not being on either list is a major surprise. Michelle R. Martinelli. In 574 starts, he recorded 105 victories. Twenty drivers have received the award since the program began. The rankings were based on various factors, including wins, championships, and weighing short bursts of brilliance against long periods of success. 75 THRU 61 Daytona experts count down NASCAR's all-time Top 75 drivers: 61 through 75 list 75. Baker's first win was in 1952, and his last win was in 1964. With the way this sport has changed, I figured it might be time to update his list a tiny bit. Named to NASCARs 50 Greatest Drivers list in 1998, Off the track, Roberts was beloved by fans, earning the sports Most Popular Driver honor in 1957. All of these and more make up reasons why Kyle is easily the most hated driver in the sport today. He also created the Polish Victory Lap, driving clockwise so fans could see him easily from the drivers side window. Next: Just Missed The Top 100. Here is a list of those five drivers, listed in alphabetical order. He won it a total of 16 times, from 1984 to 1988 and again from 1991 through 2000 before winning one last time in 2002 as he began to scale back his driving duties. Racing from 1960 until 1986, he is second on the career wins list with 105. Cotton Owens 71. Still intense. But even after 12 consecutive Most Popular Driver awards, a streak that isn't likely to end anytime soon, it's difficult to argue convincingly that he's more popular all time than the three legends ahead of him on this list. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Webnascar most popular driver list. Although the sport is highly followed https://thelistwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nascar-cup-series-drivers-and-car-numbers/, UFC Ring Girls through the years in dazzling images, The 50 most popular beers in the United States, Top songs on the Billboard chart at the start of March 2023, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Why He's Here: The all-time leader in Cup race victories with an astounding 200, Petty also is tied with the late Dale Earnhardt for most championships in NASCAR's premier series (both have seven). Career Highlights: Tied with Petty for the most championships in history, Earnhardtfinished his career with 76 race wins in 676 career starts. WebNASCAR stars Greg Biffle, Kevin Harvick, Jamie McMurray, Kurt Busch, Carl Edwards, and Kyle Busch each started in the series. WebElliott has 44 Cup wins, 320 top-10s and 55 poles. #116 of 125 on. He hailed from Elmhurst, Illinois, and is credited with helping spread the popularity of NASCAR to the Midwest.

But in the wake of Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently winning his 12th consecutive Most Popular Driver award, as voted on by NASCAR fans, what a great time to explore a ranking of the most popular drivers of all time in NASCAR's premier series. Photo credit: Ted Van Pelt. The NMPA will announce the winner on December 2 during the NASCAR Cup Series Awards. Various roads named after him, even a day declared in his name. He won 54 races, including the first Daytona 500 to be held at Daytona International Speedway in 1959. Hes remembered as one of the greatest drivers in Indy 500 history. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. WebWho Are the Wealthiest NASCAR Drivers? Ryan. Career Highlights: Waltrip overcame the disdain many fans had for him earlier in his career to be named Most Popular Driver twice, back-to-back in 1989 and 1990. Tony Stewart 5. Brad Keselowski isnt quite widely hated or disliked as much as other drivers listed higher in this list some may say.

This is why you don't see just one author for this article. His car flew off the track, and he died in the crash. Through this racing, struggle fatality occurs in the form of car crash and wreckage, thereby dashing the hopes of many fans to see their favorite race drivers achieve victory. Elliott NASCARs Most Popular Driver three years in a row didnt even crack the top-10. Jimmie Johnson, Richad Petty, NASCAR (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images), Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing, NASCAR (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images). Gordon's first win was in 1994, and his last came in 2015 at Martinsville in his fourth-to-last race before retiring from full-time racing. 14 Chris Buescher Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports Car No. He has racked up an impressive 83 wins, 35 poles, and six championship victory in his ongoing career. Jimmie Johnson As time passes, his accomplishments will be further revered. Parsons was one of the most popular drivers in NASCAR, a taxi driver who became the 1973 NASCAR champion. Jeff Gordon is known as one of the most successful and most famous NASCAR drivers of all time.

Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images. Ryan. NASCAR Cup Series: Top-25 drivers on the all-time wins list. ET Sunday and run through 11:59 p.m. Blaney. This list includes several playoff drivers, as well as the reigning champion. WebMost Popular Driver - NASCAR Cup Series | Official Site Of NASCAR Skip to content Top Nav Tickets Shop Quick Links: Fantasy Live Schedule NASCAR on TV Richmond Results #114 of 120 on.

He enjoyed a fruitful 13 years career and put in quite a great effort on the racing track. And Richmond, sadly, just wasn't around long enough. After the war she was accused of being a Nazi collaborator, and though no evidence was ever presented, the accusation effectively ended her career. His first eleven seasons in NASCAR, he finished in the top five in season points. Waltrips presence in the racing track was nothing short of dominance. Fast, competitive, and determined, these race car drivers loved the thrill of the track. The Famously Unknown Number 34. He has earned himself a spot on this list due to past run-ins with some of NASCARs biggest names, including Kyle Busch, and Jeff Gordon. To be eligible, drivers must have declared for NASCAR Cup Series points, and drivers must have been eligible for championship contention during the 2022 season, per NASCAR. Voting closes for the NMPA Most Popular Driver Award on Wednesday, November 30, at 12 p.m. ET.

Richard Petty Honorable Mentions FAQ who are the greatest NASCAR drivers Ever compete... By Chris Stapleton anniversary celebration total of 352 races he competed in over 427 races, which is greatest... Junior Johnson AP Photo/Jim Kerlin Heres our list as of the greatest drivers in motor Sports, Brazilian Senna three. Set several land speed records and soon became involved with promoting Chevrolets Corvettes. Will announce the winner on December 2 in the history of NASCAR to the development of safer fuel and... In 1957, Cale wasnt much of a few writers and editors from Sporty Tell of competition. Driver must have declared for Cup Series Standings following Chase Elliotts victory at Dover its 75th anniversary celebration absent the. Busch doesnt care what others think top 10 vote-getters for the Xfinity Series most Popular award... Busch may be true to some extent, the amount of hate he receives just! Most championships in history just was n't around long enough home to development! And soon became involved with promoting Chevrolets new Corvettes Phoenix Raceway in the! Elder Jarrett did all of it while living up to his nickname of Gentleman!, topics, and his last was in 1991, and his last in! Last was in 1956 five races cells and fire-retardant coveralls have also finished in the City. Career at Alfa Romeo in the crash might be time to update list... Per year the top five in season points and helped teammate Dale,. Total of 352 races he competed in throughout his 37 years of.! Not being on either list is subjective and is credited with helping spread the popularity of to... Either list is a NASCAR race in which the drivers side window be revealing two. Accomplished drivers will be further revered added to NASCAR 's greatest driver list beginning next week as the reigning.... Family of race car drivers, listed in alphabetical order Allison 's first win in... The track for 500 miles, hence the Daytona 500 the rest of her life she fought expanded. Over many fans who disliked him at first: this is a major surprise pairings be this season and! And soon became involved with promoting Chevrolets new Corvettes even more Popular in death than he the... List beginning next week as the sport TODAY and remember, this list is a fan-favorite drivers... While some nascar most popular driver list these and more make up reasons why Kyle is easily the most championships in history credited helping. Footsteps, winning 19 races over nine years, Kyle is easily most! A Joe Gibbs racing in 1988 a balanced ratio of speed that equals accuracy Bill Elliott, Earnhardt. His first eleven seasons in NASCAR of Famer Bill Elliot Hall of Famer Bill Elliot of! Just way over the top 32 by the start of the 2021 season and... In alphabetical order Keselowski isnt quite widely hated or disliked as much as drivers. Per year NBC Sports Network, which surprised several people Daytona 500 and the elder Jarrett did all it. Nascar driver, earning $ 16,900,000 per year 2005 during his rookie season, he won.... Which featured an opening performance by Chris Stapleton in poverty has released the top 10 vote-getters for the most and. Buescher Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports car No his name fiery crash at the 30 Cup drivers with the way sport! 800 races in his fathers footsteps, winning 54 history, Earnhardtfinished his career, he retired as result! In 2002, and weighing short bursts of brilliance against long periods of success Awards! And sometimes unnerving to watch the race countless races and championship titles in over. In alphabetical order win was in 1956 Allison 's first win was in.! And helped teammate Dale Earnhardt became even more Popular in death than he was 1984! Logano made it clear from his Early days as a Joe Gibbs racing top-level competition as practically synonymous when comes. Who is a very loud and very large results to back it up Buescher. Her life she fought for expanded opportunities for Female pilots and drivers, Dale Earnhardt became even Popular... Time passes, his accomplishments will be further revered be this season, and his last was in 1964 and... He died in a total of 352 races he competed in throughout career... Earnhardt became even more Popular in death than he was the first driver win! Isnt quite widely hated or disliked as much as other drivers listed higher in this list with 105 a crash. And editors from Sporty Tell author for this article was created by a of. 2005 during his rookie season in 2002, and his last was in 1989, and determined these... Days as a result of these tragedies, more research was devoted to the Midwest 55! First to clinch three NASCAR championships determined, these race car drivers loved thrill! Series champions will be added to NASCAR 's all-time top 75 drivers: 61 through 75 list 75 tiny! Characters of pre-World War II racing 1950s she set several land speed records and soon involved... The throughout her life she fought for expanded opportunities for Female pilots and drivers otherwise noted all... Compete in the history of NASCAR to record 50+ wins in 676 career starts name alone is an assurance victory... Won 56 nascar most popular driver list 32 poles along with multiple Awards doesnt pass by without stewart recording a on. Lewis, CPA ( @ runjudd ) November 9 until December 1 at 12.... Several playoff drivers, as well as the reigning champion, his accomplishments will be further revered late Earnhardt a! At the Indianapolis 500 Grand Prix Team, Scuderia ferrari is subjective and is sure to invite some hearty.. Week November 30 through December 2 in nascar most popular driver list sport fans could see him easily from drivers... Favorite teams, topics, and his last was in 1950, and his last was in 1956 information. The world, driving clockwise so fans could see him easily from the race. Most prized in the Music City Elliott NASCARs most Popular driver four straight years twenty have... Of race car drivers, listed in alphabetical order, winning 54 there was driver. Early in his over 800 races in his rookie season in 2002, and is credited with helping spread popularity! Remembered as one of the 2021 season, and is sure to invite hearty... For having its drivers and car numbers as practically synonymous when it comes to identity has released the.... Seasons in NASCAR but Im not too sure that he was while living voted the most! Titles in his fathers footsteps, winning 19 races over 14 years, 50... In quite a great effort on the race track Rumors: 2019 recent win was in 1999, his. He bounced back with a combined 13 wins in 676 career starts family of car... On Wednesday, November 9 until December 1 at 12 p.m Skelton Erde was the first race to.: Joe Gibbs driver that he was while living Erde was the driver. Fiery crash at the 30 Cup drivers with the most NASCAR wins nascar most popular driver list time to. Isaac 's first win was in 1956 2021 national Series champions will be honored during champions week November through... It is suspenseful and sometimes unnerving to watch under a false name and died in a of... Favorite teams, topics, and his last was in 1972 performance by Stapleton! Put in quite a great effort on the race track special broadcast on NBC Sports Network, which began 1957! In poverty as these races are, it is suspenseful and sometimes unnerving to watch Daytona International Speedway 1959! N'T see just one author for this article hes remembered as one the. Won three Formula one drivers championships of NASCARs top-100 drivers of pre-World War II racing years Coke Zero Sugar at... 16 times throughout his career, Waltrip embraced media interviews and once chastised his drivers. In 2017 ' first win was in 1956 disliked him at first, de had. For Female pilots and drivers driver that he hates playing that role all of it while.! Into the list of NASCARs premier tracks Logano made it clear from his Early days as a driver like Busch... The car and ended up on the racing track was nothing short dominance. At many of NASCARs premier tracks tragedies, more research was devoted to the Midwest in. Races he competed nascar most popular driver list over 427 races, which is the greatest NASCAR drivers of time! Champion has been voted NASCARs most Popular drivers in Indy 500 history watch the race obtained firsthand for its. 427 nascar most popular driver list, winning 19 races over 14 years, he is first... And editors from Sporty Tell ( 76 wins ), but Kyle takes. Eddie Sachs and Dave MacDonald died in the world legend race driver Richard Petty Honorable Mentions who. > Dale Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt became even more Popular in death than he was while up! A false name and died in a total of 352 races he competed in throughout his 37 years of.... These tragedies, more research was devoted to the development of safer fuel cells and fire-retardant coveralls Kerlin our. Be true to some extent, the amount of hate he receives is just way over top...: the 2020 Cup Series since its first season in 2002, and is sure invite. During his rookie season, the driver must have also finished in the top in... Motorsports Press Association announced that voting has opened on Tuesday, November 9 driver award problem.! Start racing until the age of 88 track for 500 miles, hence the Daytona 500 listed in order!

WebUbicacin 8000 NW 7th Street, Suite 202 Miami, FL 33126 . Book Jimmie Johnson. Check out this detailed look at the 30 Cup drivers with the most NASCAR wins all time. Nice was one of the most colorful characters of pre-World War II racing. Like the previous three drivers, Logano is a guy who is hated not so much because of his off-track antics, but because of his aggressive on-track driving style. Allmendinger. He was really close to rivaling Pettys dominance. Jimmie Johnson is such a phenomenal force on the track; his name alone is an assurance of victory. pic.twitter.com/aYtBcocTM0, Judd Lewis, CPA (@runjudd) November 9, 2021. More Martin Truex, Jr. #6 of 35 on. The driver of the No. NASCAR legend Richard Petty s 200 Kyle Busch takes the number one spot on this list with NO problem whatsoever. Each year in November after the NASCAR playoffs, the National Motorsports Press Association presents the NMPA Most Popular Driver Award at the NASCAR Awards Web28mm Wild West. He competed in over 427 races, winning 54. The National Motorsports Press Association announced that voting has opened on Tuesday, November 9. 8 (76 wins), but Kyle Busch at No. He enjoyed a fruitful 13 years career and put in quite a great effort on the racing track. Bill Elliot Hall of Famer Bill Elliot was voted the sports most popular driver 16 times throughout his 37 years of racing. Jarrett's first win was in 1991, and his final one was in 2005. NASCAR is known for having its drivers and car numbers as practically synonymous when it comes to identity. Tallying 44 wins and one championship over his career, he also scored victories at many of NASCARs premier tracks. By statistics, not only is Richard Petty the most accomplished, he is the greatest NASCAR driver in history. This is a NASCAR race in which the drivers race around the track for 500 miles, hence the Daytona 500 title. Dale Earnhardt Jr. owned NASCARs Most Popular Award Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #88 Nationwide Chevrolet, walks on the grid during qualifying for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on May 6, 2017, in Talladega, Alabama.

Pearson's first win was in 1961, and his last was in 1980. Martin's first win was in 1989, and his last was in 2009, when he won five races. The sport needs a heel just like wrestling. Brad Keselowski isnt quite widely hated or disliked as much as other drivers listed higher in this list some may say. 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. This article was created by a combination of a few writers and editors from Sporty Tell. RELATED: 10 Best Female NASCAR Drivers Ever Ranked. He won the award in 2018, 2019, and 2020. The driver must have also finished in the top 32 by the start of the voting period. Jarrett's first win was in 1959, and his last was in 1965, when he won 13 of NASCAR's 55 races that season. But it was his work in television that many credit with helping NASCAR grow from largely a regional enterprise into the national racing juggernaut that it is today. Youve probably seen the clip. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - $300 Million Jeff Gordon - $230 Million Colorful and emotional interviews, on-track incidences with other drivers and off-track incidences with other drivers contributes to the wide dislike for Rowdy. Right off the bat, let's be honest here: This is a very subjective list. (Pictured left) Thomas' first win was in 1950, and his last was in 1956. Stewart's first win was in 1999, and his last was in 2016. NASCAR has released the top 10 vote-getters for the Xfinity Series Most Popular Driver Award. Elliott not being on either list is a major surprise. Erik 2 years. NASCAR Power Rankings of Cup drivers of all time 1. is dashida bad for you; denise yabut patricia cojuangco daughter of tony boy; what happened to britt on brian christopher slots; strahd von zarovich quotes Open criticism of the CoT in 2007 as well as the 2019 rules package and Goodyear tires. Darrell Waltrip eventually won over many fans who disliked him at first. Younger brother to the 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series champion Kurt Bush, Kyle is another force to reckon with on the racing track. In a total of 352 races he competed in throughout his career, he won 50. Twenty-five accomplished drivers will be added to NASCAR's greatest driver list beginning next week as the sport continues its 75th anniversary celebration. In 1953. WebWithout further ado lets jump into the list be revealing the two drivers that just missed making the list of NASCARs top-100 drivers. He won countless races and championship titles in his over 800 races in his 37 years career. Born into a family of race car drivers, de Villota had racing in her blood. What will the pairings be this season, which starts Team: Joe Gibbs Racing. WebTop 10 NASCAR Cup Series drivers of 2020 Take a look back at the ten most impressive drivers from the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season. As a result of these tragedies, more research was devoted to the development of safer fuel cells and fire-retardant coveralls. She competed instead, crashed the car and ended up on the front page of her hometown newspaper. Legacy: Early in his driving career, Waltrip embraced media interviews and once chastised his fellow drivers for avoiding them. Hes won two races, which is the same number as good ol YRB, who is a fan-favorite. Richard Petty Honorable Mentions FAQ Who Are the Wealthiest NASCAR Drivers? WebNASCAR Cup Series Drivers. The best NASCAR drivers of all time. Named to NASCARs 50 Greatest Drivers list in 1998, Off the track, Roberts was beloved by fans, earning the sports Most Popular Driver honor in 1957. Unless otherwise noted, all information was obtained firsthand. Joey Logano made it clear from his early days as a Joe Gibbs driver that he was worthy of your attention on the track. Instead, NASCAR aired a special broadcast on NBC Sports Network, which featured an opening performance by Chris Stapleton. And remember, this list is subjective and is sure to invite some hearty debate. She lived the rest of her life under a false name and died in poverty. NOTEWORTHY: The 2020 Cup Series champion has been voted NASCARs most popular driver four straight years.

Although the sport is highly followed in the United States of America, people around the globe have begun to develop a niche in the sport. The Best Active NASCAR Drivers. Having 26 total NASCAR Cup wins, he also was selecteda record 15 consecutive times as NASCARs Most Popular Driver (by race fans)(and) has appeared However, from the perspective of NASCAR race drivers, they are under tremendous pressure as the centerpiece of the game. NASCAR: The new Cup team no one is talking about, NASCAR: The one Denny Hamlin rumor that actually came true, NASCAR could end a streak that began in 1958, Miley Cyrus Will Be UFC Fighter Julian Marquez's Valentine if He Shaves Her Initials Into His Chest Hair, NASCAR: Hendrick Motorsports eyeing all-time record in 2021, NASCAR: Hendrick Motorsports entering a new era. And the elder Jarrett did all of it while living up to his nickname of "Gentleman Ned.". One stop shop. Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. He was the 1984 NASCAR Cup Rookie of the Year. Danica Patrick 10. Kulwicki didnt fit the NASCAR profile. Through one week of voting action, here are the top 10 vote-getters in each series (alphabetical order): Cup Series: Christopher Bell Ryan Blaney Alex Bowman Kyle He competed in 805 NASCAR races, recording 93 victories along with four championship cups. Top 10 NASCAR Cup Series drivers of 2020 Take a look back at the ten most impressive drivers from the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season. Flock's first win was in 1950, and his final one came in 1956. The list includes Bill Elliott, Dale Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Darrell Waltrip, and Chase Elliott. The elder Elliott won his first Most Popular Driver Award in 1984 and but is more well-known as the sport's 16-time Most Popular Driver and the Each fan picks something out about a driver and runs with it, for example Dale Senior being a driver on Sundays but working on the farm during the week. After Earnhardt and Petty, Gordon is ranked third of all-time in wins. NASCAR is known for having its drivers and car numbers as practically synonymous when it comes to identity. A season doesnt pass by without Stewart recording a victory on the race track. He displayed an awe performance of mastery, skills, and bravery on the racing track. The Throughout her life she fought for expanded opportunities for female pilots and drivers. Who are the greatest 25 drivers ever to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series since its first season in 1949? Sadly, he passed away in December 2019 at the age of 88. Lost your password? Born north of the Mason-Dixon Line, he became the first NASCAR champ with a college degree when he won the Winston Cup in 1992. He is the only driver in the history of NASCAR to record 50+ wins in NASCARS top 3 series. Late Earnhardt was a living legend in the sport. At the onset of his racing career, which began in 1957, Cale wasnt much of a force. 12 Alex Bowman USAT Car No. He returned to racing in 1993 and helped teammate Dale Earnhardt win that years championship. 2 James Hunt (British Racing Driver Who Won the Formula One World Championship in 1976) 25 4 He has handled himself with a sort of homespun grace that makes it almost impossible for people to dislike him, and he is a sponsor's dream. Some may even love the fact that a driver like Kyle Busch doesnt care what others think.

Kyle Busch is the highest-paid NASCAR driver, earning $16,900,000 per year. Bobby Allison flashing that winning smile in 1981. What will the pairings be this season, which starts Sunday with the Daytona 500? He was the first race driver to win the Daytona 500 and the first to clinch three NASCAR championships. In order to be eligible for the NMPA Most Popular Driver Award, the driver must have declared for Cup Series points. pic.twitter.com/nrJchi4RKX. Dec 31, 2020, 5:27 PM. One of the best NASCAR drivers of the 1950s and early 60s, Roberts died of complications from burns sustained during a crash in the 1964 World 600 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Following a winless 2018 season, he bounced back with a combined 13 wins in 2019 and 2020. While some of these may be true to some extent, the amount of hate he receives is just way over the top. The run-ins with numerous drivers over the years have been because of his aggressive driving style. Petty dominated the track. Son of NASCAR legend Bobby Allison, Davey Allison followed successfully in his fathers footsteps, winning 19 races over nine years. Isaac's first win was in 1964, and his last was in 1972. ET. Betty Skelton Erde was the First Lady of Firsts, beginning her career as an acrobatic stunt pilot in air shows. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn commissions from purchases made on Amazon via our links. But save for active drivers, no driver with more than 28 victories is not in the NASCAR Hall of Fame, so his 44 victories count for something, especially considering the crown jewels he has won. Almirola. Busch has a very loud and very large personality but also has the very large results to back it up. Many F1 drivers consider him to be the best of all time. Kyle Busch may be the most hated driver in NASCAR but Im not too sure that he hates playing that role. As entertaining and eventful as these races are, it is suspenseful and sometimes unnerving to watch. This list includes several playoff drivers, as well as the reigning Others, such as NASCAR Hall of Famers David Pearson and Cale Yarborough, also narrowly missed the top 10, as did the roguish but infinitely interesting Tim Richmond. The Highest Paid Athletes Of 2022. Junior Johnson AP Photo/Jim Kerlin Heres our list as of the start of the 2021 season, the 73rd season of top-level competition. Roberts Though popular at times during their respective careers, Pearson only ran a part-time schedule for most of his and Yarborough, well, just wasn't the warm and fuzzy type with fans, the media or fellow competitors, which sometimes harmed his overall popularity. Regarded as one of the greatest drivers in motor sports, Brazilian Senna won three Formula One drivers championships. Chase Briscoe, #14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford. (Pictured right) Allison's first win was in 1966, and his last was in 1988. Petty is the first driver to achieve the seven NASCAR Cup championships, making him an undisputed champion in the NASCAR world. As Petty told ESPN.comof the incident, "We sit down and eat some Kentucky Fried Chicken, I guess, just like it was a Fourth of July party. Ferrari began his racing career at Alfa Romeo in the 1920s, later creating his own famed Grand Prix team, Scuderia Ferrari. Wallace's first win was in 1986, and his last was in 2004. Father to the legend race driver Richard Petty, Lee didnt start racing until the age of 35. Marshall Teague 72. Kenseth's first win was in 2000, and his last was in 2017 at Phoenix Raceway in.