His legacy is set and is still growing with every season. I am not sure what made Alan Kulwicki more popular. Richard Petty holds the record with at least a win in 18 consecutive seasons. Blaney has started releasing some short videos that would fit perfectly in any political campaign. If he does, look for this man's popularity to soar like the Space Shuttle. When everyone sees that No. 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. Weatherly started stock car racing in 1952, winning 49 of the 83 races he entered, a staggering winning percentage. Walk through the garage and not one person has anything negative to say about the veteran driver. His battle with Donnie Allison was shaping up to be one of the best the sport had seen to that point. Kyle Busch. Maybe next year that success and popularity will return, thanks to JTG Daugherty Racing. He could be the most hated and feared enemy on the track, yet when it came to helping others, there was no one with a bigger heart. In 2008, Logano was in the Nationwide Series when he broke through with a victory at Nashville in just his third start. Johnny Beauchamp was declared the winner at the track, but Petty wouldn't accept it, saying his car was the leader at the line. Media requests: reply below and Ill answer publicly, the best I can. This list includes Justin. [1][2], "Dale Jr. wins NASCAR's Most Popular Driver, reveals wedding date", "Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins NASCAR Most Popular Driver award for 15th time", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=NASCAR%27s_Most_Popular_Driver_Award&oldid=1125068393. In fact, it was where he locked up his 2000 championship. Probably one of the more unique celebrations NASCAR has seen, but it sure is cool for the fans after he wins. 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. Richard Childress was a very successful driver in his time, but his popularity skyrocketed after he decided to step out of the race car. He won the championship three of those years. Blaney has only released two videos so far, but there is an opportunity for more. 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. Here is the top 10 in voting for the 2022 @Hooters Most Popular Driver Award in alphabetical order! 7. He chased the championship across 23 full-time seasons in the sport, falling short on several agonizing occasions. Richard Petty He went from seven-time champion to cultural icon. His piece this year on ESPN's "30 for 30" series was one of the most watched programs by drivers, fans and media alike. Also on Thursday, Trackhouse Racing founder. This is a dream come true for me, Smith said in a statement released by the team. He was the first NASCAR champion to win back-to-back-to-back championships from 1976-1978. Landon Cassill wont be returning to the Kaulig Racing No. Fans knew from 1996 through 2002 that if NASCAR came to Atlanta, Labonte was going to be hard to beat. 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. I knew any list worth it's salt would have Wallace, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, and . pic.twitter.com/iM7jihS3VZ, RELATED: NASCAR COO Steve ODonnell Appears To Signal They Will Outlaw Moves Like Ross Chastains Hail Melon Martinsville Move. 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. 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. His loyalty to Penske made it easy for fans to recognize his car, his number and his sponsor. That soon led him to purchase his own race team and also buy the Eldora Speedway. 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. 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. 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. Los Angeles will host the 2028 Oympics. Look for this young man to continue to grow in support for years to come. However, as the years progressed, Waltrip continued to win, as his four Cup victories came on restrictor plate tracks. 10.1 Full-time drivers. They handed him a flag bearing Allison's No. It's a different Gordon, one that has reduced the haters and increased his popularity. Who is the best driver in NASCAR in 2022? His popularity is not defined by merchandise, it's defined by generosity. Thanks to @C_Rice1 and @MattKaulig for the shot in 2022, and for being a great team. The award, which is determined by a fan vote, has been. Hes a Cup Series champion, he has a sizable fanbase, and hes the son of Bill Elliott. Kurt Busch became popular probably in the most unorthodox of ways. 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. But, he would not get his first career victory until 2001. Smith will run the full Xfinity schedule for Kaulig. Each year his popularity among the fans grew by leaps and bounds. The driver of the No. He. You can sound the si-reen again! He was also the champion in 1962 and 1963. Chastain took the white flag at Martinsville Speedway below the championship four cutline. As will young NASCAR stars Bubba Wallace, Chase Briscoe, and Ryan Blaney, who look to claim glory as they climb the NASCAR rankings. Along the way, he has won the Daytona 500 three times, won 48 Cup races and built a Hall of Fame resume. 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 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. Although he won 50 races as a driver and later six championships as a team owner, there would be no driving title for Johnson. Pearson up high, Petty down low, and the two connect out of Turn 4, with each hitting the wall. This video game move sparked criticism from Chastains fellow drivers. He has also previously held competition roles at Red Bull Racing and Evernham Motorsports. Bold prediction, or was he reaching for a miracle? In the mid-1990s, Geoff Bodine was having a lot of success as a driver, winning races and earning a lot of respect from his fellow drivers. These days, Lorenzen focuses mainly on the stock market and makes a lot of money using his portfolio. It is no secret what is the heart and soul of NASCAR. Elliott won three races for Evernham, including the Brickyard 400 in 2002. 1955 - Tim Flock. 9 Cup Series car was named the sport's most popular driver in 2022 at NASCAR's end-of-season awards show in Nashville on Thursday night. 3 meant you had to move or will be moved by force. 4-29-51 equals No. He finished in the points top 10 six times. He loved to party, was boisterous and at the same time could drive a race car. It is a shame that he was taken so suddenly. 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. ET on NBCSN) and that provides plenty of time to debate this list and any of the drivers in the top 10. He has been credited as being one of the biggest in the safety movement following Dale Earnhardt's death in 2001. Burton admits that after he is done driving, he would like to get into politics. pic.twitter.com/Dh1CAvokeH. After a trying relationship at Ganassi, McMurray went to Roush and saw some success but only two victories. 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. 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. The 1988 Cup Series champion Bill Elliott holds the record for Most Popular Driver Award wins with 16 1984-88, 1991-2000 and 2002. The venue hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1932 and 1984 Olympics. He won 37 of his 76 career victories during that time period. 10 car to five top-five finishes, including a second place at Martinsville Speedway, last year. Sawyer began his racing career competing at Langley Speedway in his home state of Virginia. The Labonte brothers are the only family to have the distinction of winning NASCAR championships at it's highest level. Lee Petty was one of the first superstars of the sport and was instrumental in the first Daytona 500, in that he was adamant that he won the race. One timetwo timethree timefour timeFIVE-TIME CHAMPION. Voting for the Most Popular Driver Award presented by Hooters opened on November 8. Johnson is without question the champ these days in NASCAR. Rebuilding will be my top priority. In a way, Michael Waltrip's popularity skyrocketed because of tragedy. Smith finished third in the Craftsman Truck Series standings last year, recording three wins, nine top fives and 16 top 10s. In fact, he was one of the first to make the transition from behind the wheel to on the microphone. 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. Kevin Harvick 6. 10. Chandler Smith will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 in a third Chevrolet entered by Kaulig Racing. 45 cap with the number blackened out in the middle, signifying that no one will run that number in NASCAR. His walkouts, his rants and his emotion have given many fans someone to actually hate on race weekends. He truly is, and forever will be, known as "The King." For Burton, it's all about respect, and that gets him fans both in the garage and in the grandstands. He was told he needed two spots to punch his ticket, so he went out and got them by riding the wall on the final turns and gaining enough spots to get himself into the championship four. It's hard to say, but Hamlin made the most of the opportunity. 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. Denny Hamlin 8. 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. 2. But, it was an altercation in the garage at Michigan in 2003 that put Busch on the map, seeing as though it meant he had to take a punch. Most recently, he held the role of NASCAR vice president, technical inspection and officiating, a role he assumed in 2016. He may not have reached a level like his famous father, but Kyle certainly held his own. NASCAR racing has been my life for decades. Before even stepping into the broadcast booth, Darrell Waltrip was certainly a character in NASCAR. When he won the 1992 title, it was the greatest battle for the championship NASCAR had ever seen. Most Popular Driver - NASCAR Cup Series | Official Site Of NASCAR Skip to content Top Nav Tickets Shop Quick Links: Schedule 2022 Results Clash Schedule Daytona Schedule NASCAR on TV. 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. 10 car to five top-five finishes, including a second place at Martinsville Speedway, last year. His toughness and will to win is what gave him the 1973 championship. That race has been nicknamed "Won From Above" simply because of how all the numbers lined up. 7. The interesting thing about Lorenzen was that he never ran a full schedule. At the same time, then-Joe Gibbs Racing driver Tony Stewart announced he would leave the organization to start his own team. 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. 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. He wasn't very outspoken, but he spoke out when needed. 1. NASCAR TV schedule: Week of Jan. 16-22, 2023. . He'll have a lot of votes from the fansthat's for sure. NASCAR fans are the ones that purchase their favorite t-shirts, hats and die-casts of the driver they root for each week. 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. In those days, NASCAR was running upwards of 50 races a year, making the modern 36-race schedule seem rather mundane. But, what really set off his popularity in NASCAR was the moment that blasted NASCAR into the main stream. This is a dream come true for me, Smith said in a statement released by the team. Johnson won six NASCAR titles as a car owner, three each from Cale Yarborough (1976-1978) and Darrell Waltrip (1981-1982, 1985). One of the nicest guys in the garage in the early years of NASCAR, Jarrett won titles in 1961 and 1965. He's hard working, kind to the people he's around and can simply drive a car. Its unlikely based on recent history, but it certainly serves as a significant change in perception for the Florida native. National award, covering every NASCAR series. Fred Lorenzen Fearless Freddy, smart, fast and handsome, was a runaway star in Cup racing in the 1960s. The 1988 Cup Series champion Bill Elliott holds the record for Most Popular Driver Award wins with 16 1984-88, 1991-2000 and 2002. With the nickname "Sliced Bread," everyone knew that Joey Logano would be a popular driver. Petty is the first driver to achieve the seven NASCAR Cup championships, making him an undisputed champion in the NASCAR world. The winner of the most awards is Bill Elliott with 16 in the NASCAR Cup Series. Busch has divided NASCAR fans since the early days of his career. That is yet to be seen as his career is just getting warmed up. 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. Not only do the medals honor the rich tradition of this stadium, but they also provide a special element unique to NASCARs 75th anniversary.. 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. However, he has become ever popular alongside Mike Joy and Larry McReynolds when FOX does the first half of the season. The short film provided great insight to a man that simply lived on the edge, and eventually, it caught up with him. Cassill, 33, drove the No. Since joining NASCAR in 2014, Jacuzzi has led the team tasked to design the aerodynamic elements of the race vehicles for all three national series including the Next Gen car as well as the Garage 56 car scheduled to run in the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans. Following his lengthy driving career, Elton held key leadership positions for several race teams and here at NASCAR for the last eight seasons. 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. 28, and everyone took a bow in honor of the fallen competitor. In a Wednesday morning tweet, Cassill said he plans to continue racing. Probably one of the nicest and humblest figures in NASCAR had to be Benny Parsons. 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. Other past winners of the award include the aforementioned Bill Elliott, Dale Earnhardt Sr., Darrell Waltrip, Bobby Allison, David Pearson, Richard Petty, Bobby Isaac, Cale Yarborough, Darel Dieringer, Fred Lorenzen, Joe Weatherly, Rex White, Jack Smith, Glen Wood, Fireball Roberts, Curtis Turner, Tim Flock, and Lee Petty. 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. The 2018 NMPA Most Popular Driver will be announced during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Awards program Thursday, Nov. 29 at Wynn Las Vegas. Prior to joining NASCAR, Sawyer served as director of team operations for IMSAs Action Express Racing. Who knows how popular Richmond would be today if he was still with us. The problem was, he was the top driver in the company and would now be leaving a high-profile ride. Burton also is one that doesn't sugar coat what he feels and will speak his mind. The 2003 NASCAR Cup champion was always cool on the track, not being aggressive and earned the respect of many drivers. Bodine's popularity in NASCAR now has him working in the Research and Development Center, focusing solely on safety. Not only do the medals honor the rich tradition of this stadium, but they also provide a special element unique to NASCARs 75th anniversary.. 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. The race winners medal weighs 4.7 ounces and is covered in 24-karat plated gold. Richard Petty Honorable Mentions FAQ Who are the wealthiest NASCAR drivers? He was once known as NASCAR's "Iron Man," but Ricky Rudd's popularity could be defined by his longevity and toughness. Jeff Gordon A four-time champion whose 93 career wins ranks third on the all-time list. These are the drivers who made and make NASCAR fans stand on their feet and cheer. 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 . After just two races, McMurray put his name on the map as he won at Charlotte. Tallying 44 wins and one championship over his career, he also scored victories at many of NASCAR's premier tracks. This town was particularly very special, racing at Nashville over the summer with Dad and just seeing that energy and fire and really across the country. View . 10. He's not overly loud, but when Matt Kenseth talks, many listen. Honoring them in this way, at the beginning of the NASCAR 50th Anniversary celebration, is one way of showing our true appreciation for them and the invaluable contribution they have given over the past 50 years. The following year, Busch found himself on the wrong end of the lawliterally. 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 list also includes Christopher Bell, reigning champion Joey Logano, Martin Truex Jr., Alex Bowman, and Ryan Blaney. He finished second in the points three other years. The ceremony presenting the award is called the NASCAR Awards Banquet, and it is held in Nashville, Tennessee in November of each year. Paige Rogers, Eloy Sebastin Lpez Falcn, Caleb Johnson and Nathan Lyons will make their debut this year. It also led to praise from fans, and it secured the top spot on SportsCenters list of plays. Twelve of his 83 wins (14.5%) came in the sports marquee events. No driver will ever reach the popularity of Pettyand that is fact. Dale Earnhardt Jr. has the second-most awards (15) and holds the longest streak, winning the award in 2003 and every year until his retirement in 2017. It's not the money that Sprint, Nationwide or Camping World puts out to be the champion. 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. At the end of the afternoon, it was Dale Earnhardt winning in his famed No. Yarborough would become a car owner in the 1990s and still remains a fixture in NASCAR. Still, the seven-time most popular driver is still the hottest-selling driver in NASCAR. The documentary "Dale" is one of the most watched films in recent memory. But, Craven's most talked about moment came two years later at Darlington. By Staff Report | Thursday, December 1, 2022. Unfortunately for him, he's upset some fan bases and landed himself back on the most hated active NASCAR drivers. A win in the Daytona 500, then at Indianapolis and again at Charlotte was by far the best season of his entire career. But, in a way, his legacy lives on. Elliott continued his career with his own team in the mid-1990s but got a resurgence in 2001 when he signed with Evernham Motorsports to bring Dodge back to NASCAR and also bring back the No. That's what earned him induction into the inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame. I don't know what it is about NASCAR drivers, but each likes to make their own stamp on a victory. NASCAR on TV; Drivers; 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. His last victory came in 1995 at Dover where he famously collapsed after getting out of the car since he was so hot and tired. The highest paid NASCAR driver in the World is Kyle Busch. Unfortunately, I wont be driving the 10 car full time this year, he tweeted. He held the series record for victories until son Richard topped his mark. NASCAR and the National Motorsports Press Association revealed the current top 10 most popular drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series. 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. As one of the originators of the great "Alabama Gang," Donnie Allison was one of the most popular drivers in the 1970s. He won the first Chase by eight points, giving Jack Roush his second of two titles. 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.