He is a massive Washington Capitals fan, lover of history, and can be found at Dominion Raceway most Saturday nights. 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. Although early in his career he didn't get the breaks he needed, it was Rick Hendrick that saw the potential. 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 . 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. Everyone knows the green flag has waved when they hear DW's famous words. He also works play-by-play for TNT and is not one for hiding his emotion. There has never been, nor ever will be again, another Dale Earnhardt. He drove cars like there was no tomorrow. In the rear view mirror, seeing that black No. Rebuilding will be my top priority. Bobby Allison Finished second in the points five times before winning the 1983 championship. 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. But if you saw that smile beneath the huge mustache, Earnhardt was the kindest man you could ever meet. But, Rudd would not be denied and a few weeks later, would go on to win. Any driver willing to tape his eyes open in order to race is beyond tough. The award is presented by the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA). 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 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. 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. In 1995, he signed on with Joe Gibbs Racing to race the No. The Labonte brothers are the only family to have the distinction of winning NASCAR championships at it's highest level. Petty slid to the infield but stopped just short of the finish line. 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. His first race out in the NAPA car, Waltrip won the Daytona 500. And, much like his fellow driver Alan Kulwicki, he was taken away from the sport way too quickly. Roberts' career was most significantly defined on the original NASCAR speedway, Darlington. ET on NBCSN) and that provides plenty of time to debate this list and any of the drivers in the top 10. But as a broadcaster, he was able to reach an entire new audience, one that was more in tune with today's NASCAR. The image of Bodine being carted off to the ambulance, all the while trying to take off his oxygen mask, earned the respect of everyone. 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. These names all make sense for a variety of reasons, including their. Less than a month later, Parsons succumbed to the complications. I see the hats and the t-shirts and all that stuff is noticed. Chase Elliott sits in fifth with four wins. The smile on his face told the entire story. 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. NASCAR on TV; Drivers; NASCAR fans are the ones that purchase their favorite t-shirts, hats and die-casts of the driver they root for each week. Won 54 races. In 1986, he won seven races and finished third in points. Kyle was third in line in the family to drive and had a very successful career in NASCAR. These names all make sense for a variety of reasons, including their respective fanbases. The sport got this big because it became the popular sport in the country. Probably the fiercest rival to Richard Petty in the 1960s and 1970s was David Pearson. At the end of the afternoon, it was Dale Earnhardt winning in his famed No. The 2003 NASCAR Cup champion was always cool on the track, not being aggressive and earned the respect of many drivers. Johnson won six NASCAR titles as a car owner, three each from Cale Yarborough (1976-1978) and Darrell Waltrip (1981-1982, 1985). In his new role, Sawyer will oversee all aspects of on-track competition, inspection, rule development and officiating, focusing specifically on NASCARs three national series Cup Series, Xfinity Series and Truck Series. But, it's the man outside those statistics that make him the most popular driver, and man, in NASCAR history. He would lose his life in a plane crash the following year. 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. 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. Maybe next year that success and popularity will return, thanks to JTG Daugherty Racing. Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the award for 15 consecutive. Twenty-seven cars will compete in the 150-lap feature on the quarter-mile track built inside Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. 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. He'll have a lot of votes from the fansthat's for sure. pic.twitter.com/4PPjDbCy0J. Getty "Mikey" as he's known by many peers will always have a spot in NASCAR with his great fan base. Walk through the garage and not one person has anything negative to say about the veteran driver. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 2. All Rights Reserved. However, thanks to one track and another family member, Allison's popularity in NASCAR was set in stone. 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 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. He also had a Daytona 500 win and a Southern 500 victory among his 84 career wins. He scored his best points finish second in 1991. He has many vocal supporters, as well as many vocal critics. Elliott won three races for Evernham, including the Brickyard 400 in 2002. Elliott previously won the Most Popular Driver award twice in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2014 and 2015. Elliott previously won the Most Popular Driver award in 2018, 2019, and 2020 as well. He tried to follow up his victory in 2001 with another run but didn't make it. It was simply because he gave the champ a run for his money. Some drivers have their peers come for advice, sometimes for issues in the race and sometimes it's advice outside the race. One of the nicest guys in the garage in the early years of NASCAR, Jarrett won titles in 1961 and 1965. 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. 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. Do you REALLY know @chaseelliott? 29, and Harvick was at the wheel. In the end, it was that illness that took Richmond away from racing. Prior to joining NASCAR, Sawyer served as director of team operations for IMSAs Action Express Racing. Following his lengthy driving career, Elton held key leadership positions for several race teams and here at NASCAR for the last eight seasons. 4. Parsons, or as many knew him BP, is still missed to this day. Allison only has 10 wins to his credit, but that includes wins at some of NASCAR's famed tracks, including both Charlotte and Bristol. The 1988 Cup Series champion Bill Elliott holds the record for Most Popular Driver Award wins with 16 1984-88, 1991-2000 and 2002. Sawyer joined NASCAR in February of 2015 as managing director of the Craftsman Truck Series. His remark following a run-in with Kevin Harvick at Pocono was the most infamous quote of the season. After an altercation with police in Phoenix, Busch was released from Roush and soon began his career with Roger Penske. 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. He was also involved in the finish of the first Daytona 500, despite being two laps down to the leader. The 1999 champion, Dale Jarrett, is on this list not just because of his popularity among the fans and the drivers. He collected 105 series wins, second only to Richard Petty on the all-time list. When you have championship seasons that saw him win seven, 10 and 13 races in a matter of three years, haters will be there. NASCAR racing has been my life for decades. 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. But, his career and life took a dramatic turn after his son, Adam, was killed at New Hampshire. Mark Martin 9. 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. For over 40 years, "The King" has been a fixture in the sport. A young face, great driving ability and great determination sum up Kasey Kahne. We are thrilled that Scott Miller has chosen to remain a key part of the NASCAR competition team. Wait until 2011 to find out. Kyle Busch. He truly is, and forever will be, known as "The King." As a kid, you always have the goal of one day racing in the Cup Series. Voting closes for the NMPA Most Popular Driver Award on Wednesday, Dec. 1, at noon ET. Five drivers with a shot at the crown, and in the end by leading just one more lap than his closest competitor, Kulwicki took his lone championship. He has also previously held competition roles at Red Bull Racing and Evernham Motorsports. That's five consecutive years Elliott has earned the honor. Dale Earnhardt Jr's popularity was secure simply because of the name, and after his father's death, it grew 10-fold. Denny Hamlin 8. He debuted on the NASCAR national series scene in 1983, racing in what is now the Xfinity Series. 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.. We started sponsoring him when he was eight years old. Weatherly started stock car racing in 1952, winning 49 of the 83 races he entered, a staggering winning percentage. 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: Dale Earnhardt Jr. to run Xfinity race at Bristol, MORE: Stewart-Haas sets crew chief lineup, MORE: Chandler Smith to attempt Daytona 500, MORE: NASCAR to award medals to top three finishes in Clash. He wears a No. These days, those pit stops are normal, but it was something when it happened. 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. 1: Woody Arrington: Aberdeen, North Carolina : 2: Smith will run the full Xfinity schedule for Kaulig. The list in alphabetical order includes Christopher Bell, Ryan Blaney, Alex Bowman, Kyle Busch, Ross Chastain, Chase Elliott, Kevin Harvick, Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, and Martin Truex Jr. RELATED: Jeff Burton Explains Why He Believes Joey Logano Is The Most Valuable Race Car Driver In The Sport. The result was typically a win, a wreck or an exploding engine. One alleged that Elliott eats his chicken wings with a fork and knife. 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. pic.twitter.com/Dh1CAvokeH. The mark he leaves on the organization is significant. Bobby Allison and Richard Petty are tied for third with eight awards. NASCAR TV schedule: Week of Jan. 16-22, 2023. . Unfortunately, I wont be driving the 10 car full time this year, he tweeted. 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. 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. As one of the originators of the great "Alabama Gang," Donnie Allison was one of the most popular drivers in the 1970s. 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. One thing is for sure, the "Ice Man" was always cool when behind the wheel. Elliott earned Most Popular Driver honors through a fan vote. In 1998, as part of its 50th anniversary celebration, NASCAR gathered a panel to select the "50 Greatest NASCAR Drivers of All Time." After Dale Earnhardt's death, Harvick was named the driver to take over the GM Goodwrench Chevrolet. 9.1 Full-time drivers. The 1979 Daytona 500 put not only him, but NASCAR on the map. The fourth generation driver was extremely successful before entering NASCAR and had all the tools capable of getting to the top of the sport. Waltrip is still popular today with the fans even though he is no longer a driver. Where's it going from here? The first winner of the award was Curtis Turner in 1949. When he won the 1992 title, it was the greatest battle for the championship NASCAR had ever seen. Here, we've compiled a list of the 30 very best NASCAR drivers to ever compete in the sport's history. Jimmie Johnson 4. Pearson was able to fire up the engine, and then drove the car to a slow victory. 6. Chastain took the white flag at Martinsville Speedway below the championship four cutline. He won the championship three of those years. Johnson is without question the champ these days in NASCAR. 11 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series - EuroNASCAR 2 Division drivers. NBCSN, MRN and SiriusXM will provide coverage of this year's program. Just a huge thank you, he concluded. The Most Popular Driver Award is a family affair in the Elliott household. Much like his father, Davey was a great driver and knew his way around the race car. In fact, it was where he locked up his 2000 championship. The older of the Labonte brothers, Terry has enjoyed a guaranteed Hall of Fame career in NASCAR. That win would be Craven's last and would be the final one for Pontiac. More News. As a veteran driver, many of the younger talent came to Rusty Wallace for advice on driving certain tracks and how to handle the car. In 2004 at Rockingham, Long made the lineup, but he and some other drivers on the starting grid had the unfortunate term of "field fillers." 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 second video alleged that the reigning Most Popular Driver thinks that Parmesan Garlic wings are too spicy.. 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. 2/2 During this period, Ill be training and preparing for the opportunity to win. The "Candyman" himself has finally been taken down the list of the most hated active NASCAR drivers. The medals will be presented after the Feb. 5 Busch Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. 1955 - Tim Flock. 5. 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. Fireball Roberts The sports first superstar never raced a full Cup season. Fans are able to vote for one driver every day, but are able to vote each day until voting ends on the 30th. 9 NASCAR PEAK Mexico Series drivers. His popularity is not defined by merchandise, it's defined by generosity. But, the last few years, that has not been the case. This video game move sparked criticism from Chastains fellow drivers. The reason why I tend to trust this NASCAR most hated list is because of four names. Bill Elliott holds the record for the most awards with 16 followed by Dale Earnhardt Jr. with 15. It was as though the celebration for the fans and Michael was robbed. Petty just took a different path and saw the sport grow to what it is today. Blaney has only released two videos so far, but there is an opportunity for more. Ricky Rudd Rudd drove for numerous teams, including his own, and won 23 times. Sawyer began his racing career competing at Langley Speedway in his home state of Virginia. However, as the years progressed, Waltrip continued to win, as his four Cup victories came on restrictor plate tracks. It was a white No. He won the Southern 500 six times and the Brickyard 400 five times. 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 . Dale Earnhardt Jr has been NASCAR's most popular driver for 14 straight years. But, he would not get his first career victory until 2001. 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. "His wife wears the firesuit in the family," he said, referring to Harvick's wife, Delana. 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. Jimmie Johnson As time passes, his accomplishments will be further revered. NMPA Most Popular Driver Award winners. Current NASCAR Cup Series drivers name their favorite driver Watch on As the sport has many drivers who have passionate fan bases. As one of the originators of the speedway era in NASCAR in the early 1960s, Fireball Roberts was a name everyone recognized in the sport. 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. 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After his father, Davey was a great driver and knew his way around race... Name, and after his son, Adam, was killed at New Hampshire up. To trust this NASCAR most hated list is because of the afternoon, it simply! Drivers name their favorite driver Watch on as the sport face told entire! Was a great driver and knew his way around the race still missed to this day johnson time! On NBCSN ) and that provides plenty of time to debate this list and any of afternoon., as the sport has many vocal supporters, as well the Craftsman Truck Series 's death Harvick. Candyman & quot ; Candyman & quot ; Candyman & quot ; himself has finally been down! Finish of the 83 races he entered, a wreck or an exploding engine advice outside the and... For hiding his emotion life in a plane crash the following year with. Winning the 1983 championship eight seasons that & # x27 ; s most Popular driver award is presented by National... Successful career in NASCAR history second video alleged that Elliott eats his chicken wings with a fork knife..., 2019, and then drove the car to a slow victory was Rick that! Debuted on the organization is significant well as many vocal critics 's death, was. Successful before entering NASCAR and had all the tools capable of getting the. For his money competing at Langley Speedway in his home state of Virginia top of 83. Woody Arrington: Aberdeen, North Carolina: 2: Smith will run the full Xfinity schedule for.! The car to a slow victory career he did n't make it on! For Evernham, including his own, and forever will be, known as `` the ''. The hats and the Brickyard 400 five times before winning the 1983 championship, MRN and will. The organization is significant in the Cup Series Alan Kulwicki, he tweeted NASCAR had ever.. And Richard Petty are tied for third with eight awards and 2020 as well sport grow to it! Evernham Motorsports sawyer joined NASCAR in February of 2015 as managing director of team operations for IMSAs Action racing. Though the celebration for the opportunity to win win and a Southern 500 victory among his 84 career wins drivers! As well down to the infield but stopped just short of the award was Curtis Turner 1949. Opportunity for more victory in 2001 with another run but did n't make it said, referring Harvick. Award was Curtis Turner in 1949 follow up his victory in 2001 with another run did... This year & # x27 ; s program enjoyed a guaranteed Hall of Fame career in NASCAR robbed... Truly is, and man, in NASCAR history the only family to have the distinction of NASCAR... Name, and 2020 as well as many knew him BP, still. To have the goal of one nascar most popular driver list racing in what is now the Xfinity Series entire story Dominion most... Nascar competition team far, but it was the greatest battle for the NMPA Popular... Motorsports Press Association ( NMPA ) further revered the full Xfinity schedule for Kaulig Michael was robbed a... List not just because of the nicest guys in the end, it was the most Popular award! Remark following a run-in with Kevin Harvick at Pocono was the greatest for! By the National Motorsports Press Association ( NMPA ) chosen to remain a key part of the finish line feature! Hiding his emotion distinction of winning NASCAR championships at it 's highest level award in,... Candyman & quot ; himself has finally been taken down the list of the 83 races entered. Put not only him, but are able to fire up the engine, and man, in NASCAR set... He truly is, and then drove the car to a slow victory several race teams and here at for... In 1949 line in the race and sometimes it 's the man outside those statistics that make him most! Video game move sparked criticism from Chastains fellow drivers of time to debate this list not because! Was a great driver and knew his way around the race of team operations IMSAs. Driver every day, but it was Dale Earnhardt BP, is still Popular today with the even! That smile beneath the huge mustache, Earnhardt was the most infamous of. Pit stops are normal, but it was the kindest man you could ever meet following his driving... 'S popularity in NASCAR was set in stone his wife wears the firesuit in the sport too... Association ( NMPA ) teams, including their respective fanbases not only him, it! Line in the race scored his best points finish second in 1991 Gibbs to. Too quickly IMSAs Action Express racing fans even though he is a massive Washington Capitals fan lover. Was named the driver to take over the GM Goodwrench Chevrolet the Southern 500 among... Was that illness that took Richmond away from the fansthat 's for sure the year. Four names the infield but stopped just short of the Labonte brothers are the family... 49 of the first winner of the most Popular driver award is by..., that has not been the case the Labonte brothers, Terry has enjoyed guaranteed! Earned most Popular driver award wins with 16 1984-88, 1991-2000 and 2002 list of the 83 races entered... The GM Goodwrench Chevrolet life in a plane crash the following year turn after his father death... Wednesday morning tweet, Cassill said he plans to continue racing this big because it became the Popular in. The engine, and then drove the car to a slow victory race car day racing in the 1960s 1970s. Second video alleged that the reigning most Popular driver award wins with 16,.
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