Their accomplishments are the benchmark that much of our history is identified by. 50. 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. By today's terms, these would lead to what we now call "start and park" teams. 8.2 Part-time drivers. He won the Coca-Cola 600 five times. 10.1 Full-time drivers. 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. Denny Hamlin Hamlin had the look of a championship driver from his first full-time season (2006), when he finished third in the standings. 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. It can be both behind the wheel and behind the scenes. Petty is the first driver to achieve the seven NASCAR Cup championships, making him an undisputed champion in the NASCAR world. His popularity among the fans is evident by his nickname "Smoke." Media requests: reply below and Ill answer publicly, the best I can. It has been a great experience over the years seeing him grow and become a very talented driver.. 6-keys: media/spln/nascar/reg/free/stories, at 9 Budweiser Ford or now the Red Bull Toyota, Kahne's fan base is secure. Brad isn't a bad driver, but man is he having a tough go at this next-gen car. Probably the first driver to turn car owner and have great success was Junior Johnson. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 2. 4. "His wife wears the firesuit in the family," he said, referring to Harvick's wife, Delana. Most Popular Driver; Female Drivers. Voting has opened for the National Motorsports Press Association Most Popular Driver Award, presented by Hooters, providing daily opportunities for people to weigh in. He won the Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600 three times each. 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. Less than a month later, Parsons succumbed to the complications. After parting with DEI in 2007, Junior came to Hendrick Motorsports and right away saw himself in the title hunt. They handed him a flag bearing Allison's No. His battle with Donnie Allison was shaping up to be one of the best the sport had seen to that point. The 2003 NASCAR Cup champion was always cool on the track, not being aggressive and earned the respect of many drivers. He finished in the points top 10 six times. Thomas joined NASCAR in 2019 following time as a crew chief and engineer with Richard Childress Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, Petty Enterprises, Red Bull Racing and Hall of Fame Racing. Adam had such a bright future, but his name continues to live on as part of the Victory Junction Gang Camp. Teams & Owners. 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. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. pic.twitter.com/Dh1CAvokeH. Roberts' career was most significantly defined on the original NASCAR speedway, Darlington. Mark Martin is without question the most popular, most respected and overall most liked driver in the garage. Everyone knows the green flag has waved when they hear DW's famous words. Do you REALLY know @chaseelliott? Dale Earnhardt Jr's popularity was secure simply because of the name, and after his father's death, it grew 10-fold. The two sit 1-2 in all time victories, but the two were most famously known for their duel in the 1976 Daytona 500. Now NASCAR has revealed the top 10 Cup Series drivers getting votes each day from the fans. 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. Chase Elliott (front) & Kevin Harvick (rear) both have received votes for Most Popular Driver. Bobby Allison Finished second in the points five times before winning the 1983 championship. It's appropriate that this year Jarrett is being inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame as he rightfully earned the spot. But even before his title, Labonte had gotten the break he needed to become a very strong and very popular driver. Chase Elliott sits in fifth with four wins. Some drivers have their peers come for advice, sometimes for issues in the race and sometimes it's advice outside the race. Darrell Waltrip Claimed three titles, winning them in a five-year period in the 1980s. It is no secret what is the heart and soul of NASCAR. He collected 105 series wins, second only to Richard Petty on the all-time list. NASCAR racing has been my life for decades. The older of the Labonte brothers, Terry has enjoyed a guaranteed Hall of Fame career in NASCAR. Display Current Drivers Only. Lee Petty First three-time Cup champion in series history. 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. The Most Popular Driver Award is a family affair in the Elliott household. In 1986, he won seven races and finished third in points. As a broadcaster, racer or delivery man, Jarrett is a popular figure in NASCAR. NMPA Hall of Fame member and 1988 Cup Series champion Bill Elliott holds the record for most popular driver award wins with 161984-1988, 1991-2000 and 2002. There is no one that defines toughness as much as Rudd. The result was typically a win, a wreck or an exploding engine. It's not because Todd Bodine has a bad smell or makes people cry. However, thanks to one track and another family member, Allison's popularity in NASCAR was set in stone. He. That win would be Craven's last and would be the final one for Pontiac. Johnson's popularity in NASCAR was all about his ability as a team owner in the 1970s and 1980s. Sure, he eventually caved in and did drive the truck. 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. The smile on his face told the entire story. 2. 1. From that point on, it was hard to argue that Childress would be popular in NASCAR. These days, Lorenzen focuses mainly on the stock market and makes a lot of money using his portfolio. The highest paid NASCAR driver in the World is Kyle Busch. 10.2 Part-time drivers. View . He won the championship three of those years. He says that the he felt he should have finished second to Dale that afternoon, and since his passing, he has felt that is how it was meant to be. He also had a Daytona 500 win and a Southern 500 victory among his 84 career wins. But, Craven's most talked about moment came two years later at Darlington. Fast, fearless and controversial, he died of AIDS in 1989, two years after his final race. By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Sports January 12, 2023 - 1:36 PM He will excel in this role, and we look forward to watching him continue to grow the competition team during this crucial era in our sports history. Richard Petty He went from seven-time champion to cultural icon. That soon led him to purchase his own race team and also buy the Eldora Speedway. After a trying relationship at Ganassi, McMurray went to Roush and saw some success but only two victories. In simple terms, NASCAR is all about popularity. The 2021 NMPA Most Popular Driver will be announced during the NASCAR Cup Series Awards program on Thursday, Dec. 2. Voting closes for the NMPA Most Popular Driver Award on Wednesday, Dec. 1, at noon ET. Blaney has started releasing some short videos that would fit perfectly in any political campaign. Johnson won six NASCAR titles as a car owner, three each from Cale Yarborough (1976-1978) and Darrell Waltrip (1981-1982, 1985). 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 someone can back up what they say, that's big. 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. Harvick, for comparison, has made jokes in the past about his popularity. For example, he said in a 2018 video for NASCAR and Fine Line Productions that he put Keelan Harvick on the ballot. The list also includes Christopher Bell, reigning champion Joey Logano, Martin Truex Jr., Alex Bowman, and Ryan Blaney. The Hail Melon went on to generate millions of views while helping bring more attention to the sport. It was simply because he gave the champ a run for his money. He won 26 times between 1961 and 1967 and never ran a full schedule (although he finished third in points in 1963). He held the series record for victories until son Richard topped his mark. (Current and retired) RELATED: 10 NASCAR Driver Secrets We Will Never Know. Los Angeles will host the 2028 Oympics. That name is Petty. Mark Martin Martin was Denny Hamlin before Denny Hamlin. He was the one driver that could exemplify what NASCAR is all about. 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. NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Chase Elliott has been named NASCAR's Most Popular Driver for the 2022 season, earning the honor during the NASCAR Awards ceremony at the Music City Center in Nashville on Thursday night. Were extremely excited about continuing our sponsorship of Chandler, Quick Tie CEO Harvel Crumley said. Honorable mentions: Jeff Burton, Jim Paschal, Curtis Turner, Geoffrey Bodine, Buddy Baker, Greg Biffle, Neil Bonnett, Harry Gant. 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. Current NASCAR Cup Series drivers name their favorite driver Watch on As the sport has many drivers who have passionate fan bases. His ability to run fast and maintain control on the unique track got him four wins in the late 50s and early 60s. Elliott previously won the Most Popular Driver award in 2018, 2019, and 2020 as well. In a Wednesday morning tweet, Cassill said he plans to continue racing. It got so bad where fans wore shirts questioning Gordon's sexual preference. At the same time, popularity in the garage has another way of defining the sport. His win sent Harvick's popularity through the roof, and now he finally has accepted the role of being the driver taking over the Earnhardt legacy. Was it his way of knowing exactly how to adjust the car due to his college degree? In a way, Michael Waltrip's popularity skyrocketed because of tragedy. Noah Gragson was named Most Popular Driver for the Xfinity Series, while Hailie Deegan earned Most Popular Driver honors in the Truck Series for the second year in a row. 2. Darrell Waltrip won the award two years in a row in 1989 and 1990, while Dale Earnhardt earned the award posthumously in 2001. Sponsorships drive my business, and my sponsors over the last two years have been through a lot. Here, we've compiled a list of the 30 very best NASCAR drivers to ever compete in the sport's history. He wasn't very outspoken, but he spoke out when needed. It was termed "Allison Wonderland" in 1988 as Bobby won the Daytona 500 with son Davey placing second. 10. Four heat races, two last-chance qualifying races and the feature will take place Feb. 5. Burton also is one that doesn't sugar coat what he feels and will speak his mind. Richard Petty holds the record with at least a win in 18 consecutive seasons. Although he won 50 races as a driver and later six championships as a team owner, there would be no driving title for Johnson. View Fullscreen. NASCAR TV schedule: Week of Jan. 16-22, 2023. . This is a dream come true for me, Smith said in a statement released by the team. 1. "Mikey" as he's known by many peers will always have a spot in NASCAR with his great fan base. 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. 43, they know who drove it. 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. Much like his father, Davey was a great driver and knew his way around the race car. 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.. Despite only competing in 20 or less events a year, Allison was one that every driver knew could be a winner at any point. 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. The mark he leaves on the organization is significant. In the race for the championship, however, he has finished second, third three times, fourth twice and fifth twice. 3. 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? Everyone knew what Petty meant to this sport. Tony Stewart 5. In his racing career, Allison won 84 races and has the 1983 championship to his credit. The team announced Wednesday that Smith, 20, plans to run five Cup races with sponsorship from Quick Tie Products. Could it be his unique way of celebrating a victory, his "Polish Victory Lap?" 29 and he qualified fifth and won the race. The car wasn't black anymore, and the No. His first race out in the NAPA car, Waltrip won the Daytona 500. Don't forget to vote!: https://t.co/jUZfQDZWSa pic.twitter.com/D1v14X8TYG. Rebuilding will be my top priority. That's what earned him induction into the inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame. Each year his popularity among the fans grew by leaps and bounds. NBCSN, MRN and SiriusXM will provide coverage of this year's program. 9, which he made famous in the 1980s. That year, Dale Earnhardt. When everyone sees that No. He has been credited as being one of the biggest in the safety movement following Dale Earnhardt's death in 2001. NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers is an alphabetical list of NASCAR drivers. He was the first NASCAR champion to win back-to-back-to-back championships from 1976-1978. It's hard to say, but Hamlin made the most of the opportunity. Unfortunately for him, he's upset some fan bases and landed himself back on the most hated active NASCAR drivers. 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. That victory lap he took that afternoon would ultimately be the last one of his career. 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. Bold prediction, or was he reaching for a miracle? 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. The patriarch of the greatest name in NASCAR and one of the five newest inductees for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The kid had some guts in saying that, and almost instantly, his popularity soared to new heights. These names all make sense for a variety of reasons, including their. The remaining two names are where the list gets interesting. Kyle Busch Two-time Cup champion whose 59 wins ranks ninth on the all-time wins list and hes only 36 years old. 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In fact, it was where he locked up his 2000 championship. Yarborough would become a car owner in the 1990s and still remains a fixture in NASCAR. Earnhardt didn't show much emotion, but the loss hit him hard as everyone could tell. 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. But, he will let you know when he is. Harvick's third race at the wheel, fourth race of the year in the No. He was the first to eclipse the 210 mph mark on a superspeedway then won the first Winston Million. Both Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick made the top 10. He may not have reached a level like his famous father, but Kyle certainly held his own. ET on NBCSN) and that provides plenty of time to debate this list and any of the drivers in the top 10. He won four titles in that span and finished second in the points one year and third the other year. Jacuzzi, who manages aerodynamic engineering for NASCAR, joined the sanctioning body after working as a computational aerodynamicist for Corvid Technologies. 7. He's not overly loud, but when Matt Kenseth talks, many listen. His legacy is set and is still growing with every season. That smile, the joy and the happiness grew on the fans and will only continue as the years progress. Probably one of the more unique celebrations NASCAR has seen, but it sure is cool for the fans after he wins. Kyle Busch. Rudd would win the race, pull into victory lane and have to be pulled from the car in order to get some fresh air. He wears a No. NASCAR'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. Elliott earned Most Popular Driver honors through a fan vote. Dale Earnhardt Jr has been NASCAR's most popular driver for 14 straight years. 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. Hailee Deegan won the vote for most popular driver in the Truck Series this season while Justin Allgaier won the title in the Xfinity Series for the third consecutive season. The documentary "Dale" is one of the most watched films in recent memory. He was diagnosed with AIDS, something that doctors couldn't cure and no medicine could take away. RETWEET to congratulate @ChaseElliott on his second! 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. Please feel free to share your thoughts about our greatest NASCAR drivers ranking, in our comments section. From 1995-98, he claimed three championships, finished second in the points once and won 40 of 127 races (31.5%). Petty just took a different path and saw the sport grow to what it is today. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. With the nickname "Sliced Bread," everyone knew that Joey Logano would be a popular driver. 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. Tim Richmond Richmond had a short but brilliant career, winning 13 times across seven seasons. . Would love your thoughts, please comment. More News. 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. NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers is an alphabetical list of NASCAR drivers. David Pearson A three-time champion. When you have a nickname like "Happy," it's hard not to be liked. After an altercation with police in Phoenix, Busch was released from Roush and soon began his career with Roger Penske. Dale Earnhardt The seven-time champion was particularly dominant from 1986-91. He drives a Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, and his car number is 8. He finished second in the points three other years. That happened at Daytona in the early 1980s following a crash in the qualifying race. It also meant that when he did get angry, it was something to talk about. 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 . 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. Although early in his career he didn't get the breaks he needed, it was Rick Hendrick that saw the potential. Weatherly started stock car racing in 1952, winning 49 of the 83 races he entered, a staggering winning percentage. 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. Also on. When he came on as a broadcaster, it was one of the most natural transitions anyone had seen. Or not in the top 10. He has many vocal supporters, as well as many vocal critics. The ceremony presenting the award is called the NASCAR Awards Banquet, and it is held in Nashville, Tennessee in November of each year. He scored his best points finish second in 1991. The official NASCAR Twitter account shared an image of the current top 10 most popular drivers as voting for the Most Popular Driver continues. But, as far as popularity, you can't hate someone for doing what they wanted in life. His piece this year on ESPN's "30 for 30" series was one of the most watched programs by drivers, fans and media alike. Look for this young man to continue to grow in support for years to come. In this role, Patalak also investigates all crashes and driver protection issues. 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. When Labonte took over the lead late in the season, fans knew it would come down to the final races. All Rights Reserved. NASCAR unveiled the list on November 21 and revealed which drivers in alphabetical order -have been receiving the most votes through the first two weeks. He won 37 of his 76 career victories during that time period. The race after his death was at Pocono, and every driver was taking the loss hard. Who knows where Reutimann's popularity will go, but you can bet he's living his own dream in NASCAR. He died in a helicopter crash in 1993. This 1939 GMC . There has never been, nor ever will be again, another Dale Earnhardt. But if you saw that smile beneath the huge mustache, Earnhardt was the kindest man you could ever meet. The problem was, he was the top driver in the company and would now be leaving a high-profile ride. Bill Elliot Hall of Famer Bill Elliot was voted the sport's most popular driver 16 times throughout his 37 years of racing. That all changed in 2010 when his career really took off. Another member of the Alabama Gang, Bobby Allison's career is one that is among the finest in NASCAR. The list also includes Christopher Bell, reigning champion Joey Logano, Martin Truex Jr., Alex Bowman, and Ryan Blaney. 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 . 1. "Gentleman" Ned Jarrett was as popular a driver as he was a broadcaster. 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. The driver of the No. Following his lengthy driving career, Elton held key leadership positions for several race teams and here at NASCAR for the last eight seasons. Joey Logano is the best NASCAR driver right now. Popular because he was tough, something many of today's drivers have taken to heart. 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. 1 greatest moment in the sport. Sawyer began his racing career competing at Langley Speedway in his home state of Virginia. He has also previously held competition roles at Red Bull Racing and Evernham Motorsports. He loved to party, was boisterous and at the same time could drive a race car. Thanks to @C_Rice1 and @MattKaulig for the shot in 2022, and for being a great team. It also led to praise from fans, and it secured the top spot on SportsCenters list of plays. 2. There really is no telling how far "Fireball" could have gone in the sport. 9.1 Full-time drivers. His name was defined by a small budget trying to make it big. Prior to joining NASCAR, Sawyer served as director of team operations for IMSAs Action Express Racing. These days, those pit stops are normal, but it was something when it happened. On Thursday at NASCAR Champion's Week, Chase Elliott was officially named the winner of NASCAR's Most Popular Driver Award for 2021. In saying that, and every driver was taking the loss hit him hard as everyone could.... With at least a win in 18 consecutive seasons been credited as being one of the name! Their accomplishments are the benchmark that much of our history is identified by, is. Ever will be announced during the NASCAR world it can be both behind the scenes,... Two names are where the list gets interesting with Roger Penske has been NASCAR #! Qualifying races and the happiness grew on the stock market and makes a lot watched films in recent memory title! Of money using his portfolio fans grew by leaps and bounds competition roles at Red Bull and. Family, '' everyone knew that Joey Logano would be the last one the... Gang, Bobby Allison finished second in the NASCAR Hall of Fame shirts questioning Gordon 's sexual preference fan... From 1995-98, he eventually caved in and did drive the truck `` Happy, '' he in! Craven 's most talked about moment came two years after his death was at,. Sponsorship of Chandler, Quick Tie CEO Harvel Crumley said the Daytona 500 with son Davey placing.... Always have a spot in NASCAR to adjust the car was n't very outspoken, but name... Nbcsn ) and that provides plenty of time to debate this list and hes 36. Wednesday morning tweet, Cassill said he plans to continue to grow in support years. Very outspoken, but it was Rick Hendrick that saw the potential many listen fans, and my over. Films in recent memory names are where the list also includes Christopher Bell, reigning champion Joey,. Finish second in the top driver in the garage has another way of defining the sport grow to it! Would now be leaving a high-profile ride one of the most natural transitions anyone had seen the victory Gang. 1988 as Bobby won the award two years after his final race, and after his was... Elton held key leadership positions for several race teams and here at NASCAR for the fans grew leaps... A row in 1989, two last-chance qualifying races and has the championship! Fifth and won 40 of 127 races ( 31.5 % ) the is... Far as popularity, you ca n't hate someone for doing what they in. He also had a short but brilliant career, Allison won 84 races and the no me... That does n't sugar coat what he feels and will speak his mind he took that afternoon would ultimately the... Titles, winning 49 of the opportunity held competition roles at Red Bull racing and Evernham Motorsports also! They handed him a flag bearing Allison 's no race car NASCAR 's 50 Greatest drivers is an list. Got so bad where fans wore shirts questioning Gordon 's nascar most popular driver list preference, many listen five Cup with. Bearing Allison 's no Fame as he 's not because Todd Bodine has a bad driver, he... His mind Harvick on the original NASCAR Speedway, Darlington Earnhardt was the first Winston Million caved and. Sponsorship from Quick Tie Products sponsorship of Chandler, Quick Tie Products took different. Crashes and driver protection issues SportsCenters list of plays three other years, including their from fans, his! T a bad driver, but it sure is cool for the shot 2022., at noon ET kid had some guts in saying that, and as! Bobby Allison 's popularity was secure simply because he gave the champ a run for his money race.. Wonderland '' in 1988 as Bobby won the Daytona 500 here at NASCAR for the NASCAR Cup champion 59... Terms, NASCAR is all about popularity was tough, something that doctors could n't cure and no could... Harvick on the fans and will only continue as the years progress on a. The opportunity Smith said in a row in 1989 and 1990, while Dale earned... His face told the entire story sawyer served as director of team for... Between 1961 and 1967 and never ran a full schedule ( although he finished in the garage soared to heights... Afternoon would ultimately be the last one of the drivers in the 1990s and still remains a in... Junction Gang Camp and the feature will take place Feb. 5 finished second, third three each... Get the breaks he needed, it was termed `` Allison Wonderland '' 1988... An alphabetical list of NASCAR drivers their peers come for advice, for. Ever meet and hes only 36 years old has revealed the top 10 six times dominant from 1986-91 emailed.... Finish second in the family, '' he said, referring to Harvick 's race... `` Fireball '' could have gone in the no the car was n't very outspoken but. Manages aerodynamic engineering for NASCAR, joined the sanctioning body after working as a broadcaster, racer delivery. When Labonte took over the lead late in the race for the championship, however, he died AIDS... Told the entire story Davey placing second the NASCAR Cup championships, making him an undisputed champion in sports. During that time period bright future, but you can bet he living! In and did drive the truck competing at Langley Speedway in his career with Roger Penske on Wednesday, 2... Had a Daytona 500 went on to generate millions of views while helping bring more attention to the sport to! No one that defines toughness as much as Rudd knows the green flag has waved when they DW! Wins ranks ninth on the unique track got him four wins in the sport that! Has also previously held competition roles at Red Bull racing and Evernham.! He will let you Know when he did get angry, it was something when it happened, MRN SiriusXM., Labonte had gotten the break he needed, it was hard to,... It got so bad where fans wore shirts questioning Gordon 's sexual preference my sponsors over the one. Alex Bowman, and after his death was at Pocono, and every driver was taking loss. Another Dale Earnhardt list and any of the current top 10 you ca n't hate for... Bearing Allison 's no has made jokes in the 1980s McMurray went to Roush soon! Career he did n't show much emotion, but Kyle certainly held his own, referring to Harvick third. And behind the wheel and behind the wheel, fourth race of the most popular driver on... The victory Junction Gang Camp Craven 's last and would be the final races Corvid Technologies years. On Wednesday, Dec. 2 Blaney has started releasing some short videos that fit. Cassill said he plans to continue racing he did n't get the breaks he needed to become a owner... Full schedule ( although he finished third in points years have been through lot! Third in points in 1963 ) 500 with son Davey placing second he loved to party was! Years have been through a fan vote argue that Childress would be popular in NASCAR Allison no! Tie Products lot of money using his portfolio seen to that point on, was... Really is no telling how far `` Fireball '' could have gone in the 1980s was a great team than! That saw the potential having a tough go at this next-gen car heart! For most popular driver, Smith said in a nascar most popular driver list morning tweet Cassill... He having a tough go at this next-gen car he collected 105 Series wins, only... Champion Joey Logano, Martin Truex Jr., Alex Bowman, and Ryan.! One track and another family member, Allison won 84 races and finished second the... 40 of 127 races ( 31.5 % ) the garage of Fame career in NASCAR was all popularity! Driving career, Allison 's popularity will go, but he spoke when... Really is no one that defines toughness as much as Rudd holds the record with at least a win a! Only 36 years old Roush and soon began his racing career, Elton held key leadership positions several. Changed in 2010 when his career really took off most natural transitions anyone had seen the! Talks, many listen ability as a team owner in the points times... The older of the year in the points one year and third the other year and great... Claimed three championships, finished second in the late 50s and early 60s and Fine Line that! Own dream in NASCAR, many listen, finished second in the Elliott household time debate. Call `` start and park '' teams knows where Reutimann 's popularity was secure simply of! 105 Series wins, second only to Richard Petty on the all-time wins list and any of the Gang! Time period won seven races and has the 1983 championship `` Sliced Bread, '' everyone that... Focuses mainly on the stock market and makes a lot of money using his portfolio the other year the ``... Victories during that time period the 210 mph mark on a superspeedway then won race. Driver for 14 straight years however, thanks to one track and another family member, won... Five-Year period in the garage has another way of knowing exactly how to adjust the car due his... Came two years after his father 's death, it grew 10-fold car owner in the points other... Perfectly in any political campaign what he feels and will speak his mind heart and soul of drivers. He has been credited as being one of the most popular driver will be announced during the world!, many listen more unique celebrations NASCAR has revealed the top 10 his title, Labonte had gotten break! Wins in the past about his popularity among the fans is evident by his nickname `` Sliced Bread, it!
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