nascar most popular driver list

Also on Thursday, Trackhouse Racing founder. Brad isn't a bad driver, but man is he having a tough go at this next-gen car. Chandler Smith will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 in a third Chevrolet entered by Kaulig Racing. Media requests: reply below and Ill answer publicly, the best I can. Petty slid to the infield but stopped just short of the finish line. NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers is an alphabetical list of NASCAR drivers. Then, during the first Chase for the Cup, Busch made a believer out of everyone that he was champion material. 3. 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. 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. Hailee Deegan again won the vote for most popular driver in the Truck Series this season while Noah Gragson won the title in the Xfinity Series. Burton also is one that doesn't sugar coat what he feels and will speak his mind. The official NASCAR Twitter account shared an image of the current top 10 most popular drivers as voting for the Most Popular Driver continues. 5. 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. The short film provided great insight to a man that simply lived on the edge, and eventually, it caught up with him. His success in the 1980s nearly had him win a championship but also came at a price. The fans, young and old, have made NASCAR what it is today. Between 2000 and 2002, Busch had an intense rivalry with Jimmy Spencer that saw the two have numerous run-ins on the track. 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.. Cassill, 33, drove the No. Let's go racing, boys.". 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. Practice and qualifying will take place Feb. 4. He scored his best points finish second in 1991. 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. 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. He took time off from racing because of illness, something he couldn't figure out but many could see was affecting him. He won the Daytona 500 and had an opportunity to win the championship in 1992, only to have a wreck take him out of the running. In 1998, his lone victory showcased Rudd's refusal to yield. Johnny Beauchamp was declared the winner at the track, but Petty wouldn't accept it, saying his car was the leader at the line. Drivers have a way of earning respect on the track, but that carries over in the garage. pic.twitter.com/iM7jihS3VZ, RELATED: NASCAR COO Steve ODonnell Appears To Signal They Will Outlaw Moves Like Ross Chastains Hail Melon Martinsville Move. 9 Budweiser Ford or now the Red Bull Toyota, Kahne's fan base is secure. But, in that moment, Craven earned the respect and popularity at a track that he had to tame the hard way. 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. It's not because Todd Bodine has a bad smell or makes people cry. No other driver, or personality for that matter, will take as much time with his fans to sign an autograph, talk to people and give the time of day to drivers. In fact, it causes a lot of arguments. He was also the champion in 1962 and 1963. The two sit 1-2 in all time victories, but the two were most famously known for their duel in the 1976 Daytona 500. His aggressive driving style led to on-track conflicts with Denny Hamlin, Elliott, Austin Dillon, Busch, and multiple other drivers. Fans still have plenty of time to vote, but in early October, here are the top 10 drivers in the Most Popular Driver content -- in alphabetical order . 5. Bill Elliot Hall of Famer Bill Elliot was voted the sport's most popular driver 16 times throughout his 37 years of racing. Joey Lagano, 1939 GMC Pickup. It only took one season for Denny Hamlin to become one of the most popular drivers in NASCAR. Probably one of the nicest and humblest figures in NASCAR had to be Benny Parsons. Saving his equipment and running to the front with 75 laps to go, Roberts ran away with the victory. I was really mind blown on a few occasions this year of that support to see it first hand.. Results on who will be named the Most Popular Driver will be posted on or about December 1, 2022., Chase Elliott was selected as the Most Popular Driver in 2021 and upon receiving the recognition he stated, Well, I just cant thank the fans across the country enough. Bobby Allison and Richard Petty are tied for third with eight awards. But, one tragic afternoon took that all away. 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 He truly is, and forever will be, known as "The King." It was almost as though the driver was a human jack-in-the-box. Earnhardt is still here, although not physically. Im hoping that comes true in this years Daytona 500.. The Most Popular Driver Award is a family affair in the Elliott household. 2 of 20. NASCAR also announced the promotions of several individuals to key positions within its competition team. Martin's final year of full-time driving looks to be in 2011, but it's safe to say this man is not going to lose any popularity among his peers when he walks away. 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. Elliott previously won the Most Popular Driver award twice in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2014 and 2015. But, Carl Long does have a place on this list because it was one incident that sparked his popularity among the fans. NASCAR racing has been my life for decades. He's not just racing for him and his wife, he's racing for his family. From 1970-79, he won five of his championships and 89 of 326 races meaning he won more than a quarter of the races run in the 1970s. Could it be his unique way of celebrating a victory, his "Polish Victory Lap?" Rebuilding will be my top priority. Where's the success? 10/10 10. "Gentleman" Ned Jarrett was as popular a driver as he was a broadcaster. The medals will be presented after the Feb. 5 Busch Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. But, in a way, his legacy lives on. Jarrett provided great insight into the drivers, their thought process and was part of the great TNN coverage team with Eli Gold and Buddy Baker. Coming off the final corner, Craven had his Pontiac inside Kurt Busch's Ford and the two put on a side-by-side battle right to the finish. 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. 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. But, he didn't celebrate as Earnhardt died on the last lap. RETWEET to congratulate @ChaseElliott on his second! But, it's the man outside those statistics that make him the most popular driver, and man, in NASCAR history. He has been credited as being one of the biggest in the safety movement following Dale Earnhardt's death in 2001. 9. Its unlikely based on recent history, but it certainly serves as a significant change in perception for the Florida native. Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart, both saw spikes in crowd support. Voting for the Most Popular Driver continues until 12:00 PM ET on November 30, 2022. As will young NASCAR stars Bubba Wallace, Chase Briscoe, and Ryan Blaney, who look to claim glory as they climb the NASCAR rankings. 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. The 2021 NMPA Most Popular Driver will be announced during the NASCAR Cup Series Awards program on Thursday, Dec. 2. In his racing career, Allison won 84 races and has the 1983 championship to his credit. Sawyer joined NASCAR in February of 2015 as managing director of the Craftsman Truck Series. @chaseelliott wins the 2022 NMPA Most Popular Driver Award presented by @Hooters! But, at the same time fans began to get tired of seeing his title run, and some jeers came his way. Some drivers have their peers come for advice, sometimes for issues in the race and sometimes it's advice outside the race. 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.. But, as far as popularity, you can't hate someone for doing what they wanted in life. 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. The race winners medal weighs 4.7 ounces and is covered in 24-karat plated gold. Rebuilding will be my top priority. Following his lengthy driving career, Elton held key leadership positions for several race teams and here at NASCAR for the last eight seasons. "BoogityBoogityBoogity. If he does, look for this man's popularity to soar like the Space Shuttle. After two days of debate, photos confirmed Petty's claim, and he will forever be known as the first winner of the Daytona 500. 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. When everyone sees that No. 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. GettyJoey Logano (left) & Ryan Blaney (right) race at Phoenix Raceway. 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. Pearson up high, Petty down low, and the two connect out of Turn 4, with each hitting the wall. He still remains a fixture in NASCAR to this day, and his legacy will never be forgotten. 43, they know who drove it. 3. 10. RELATED: Cup Series standings | List of 2021 Cup Series drivers. Would love your thoughts, please comment. Fireball Roberts 1 of 49 As one of the originators of the speedway era in NASCAR in the early 1960s, Fireball Roberts. He drives a Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, and his car number is 8. Practice and qualifying will take place Feb. 4. Will this wild move lead to Chastain dethroning Elliott? He collected 105 series wins, second only to Richard Petty on the all-time list. Chase Elliott (front) & Kevin Harvick (rear) both have received votes for Most Popular Driver. Now, his own "Junior Nation" follows him loyally but has been frustrated. LAS VEGAS - Dale Earnhardt Jr. is NASCAR's most popular driver for the seventh consecutive year. 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. 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. 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. Four-time winner Chase Elliott is obviously on the list as he aims to keep his streak alive. 4. Allison remains one of the most popular drivers from the early days and continues the legacy of one of the more famous names in NASCAR. It was as though the celebration for the fans and Michael was robbed. Most recently, he held the role of NASCAR vice president, technical inspection and officiating, a role he assumed in 2016. 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. These are the drivers who are NASCAR history. Or not in the top 10. 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. Waltrip is still popular today with the fans even though he is no longer a driver. We are thrilled that Scott Miller has chosen to remain a key part of the NASCAR competition team. Honorable mentions: Jeff Burton, Jim Paschal, Curtis Turner, Geoffrey Bodine, Buddy Baker, Greg Biffle, Neil Bonnett, Harry Gant. It has been a great experience over the years seeing him grow and become a very talented driver.. From that point on, it was hard to argue that Childress would be popular in NASCAR. Let's count down the 50 most popular drivers in NASCAR to find out. 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. Regardless of where Chastain finishes in the final voting, there is no denying that his 2022 season featured a significant number of changes in terms of public opinion. Championship Ranking; Championship Overview; Win Ranking; . Another member of the Alabama Gang, Bobby Allison's career is one that is among the finest in NASCAR. But, the last few years, that has not been the case. We have a strong team at NASCAR, and Im excited to remain a part of it.. Each one comes to the track wearing familiar colors of their driver, just showing the passion that the sport brings out. With his fourth consecutive title in 2009, and now his fifth consecutive title this year, more fans are beginning to appreciate what Johnson has done. Craven would take the win by 0.002 secondsthe closest finish in NASCAR history. A young face, great driving ability and great determination sum up Kasey Kahne. In 1995, he signed on with Joe Gibbs Racing to race the No. The "Candyman" himself has finally been taken down the list of the most hated active NASCAR drivers. The following year, Busch found himself on the wrong end of the lawliterally. Landon Cassill wont be returning to the Kaulig Racing No. So where are they? Chase Elliott sits in fifth with four wins. Smith finished third in the Craftsman Truck Series standings last year, recording three wins, nine top fives and 16 top 10s. After an altercation with police in Phoenix, Busch was released from Roush and soon began his career with Roger Penske. Just a huge thank you, he concluded. 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. 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. As one of the originators of the great "Alabama Gang," Donnie Allison was one of the most popular drivers in the 1970s. Kyle, Richard and the entire Petty family were devastated when such talent and such charm was robbed from NASCAR. A win in the Daytona 500, then at Indianapolis and again at Charlotte was by far the best season of his entire career. 1960 - Rex White. But, the most success Labonte saw in his career came at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. He was popular especially for the commercials he did with UPS. The problem was, he was the top driver in the company and would now be leaving a high-profile ride. 7. Petty was also credited with starting the longest-running team in the sport, Petty Enterprises. 2/2 During this period, Ill be training and preparing for the opportunity to win. He chased the championship across 23 full-time seasons in the sport, falling short on several agonizing occasions. Popularity among drivers doesn't limit one to just being behind the wheel. Kyle Busch. 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. 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. 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. I admit, he would be if it was not for the frustration that his fans have seen the last few years. 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. Allison won four Southern 500s, three Daytona 500s and three Coca-Cola 600s. He has missed the first two ballots for the NASCAR Hall of Fame but will definitely be inducted within the next few years. His first race out in the NAPA car, Waltrip won the Daytona 500. 50. But, Gordon has changed the last few years in his career. 1957 - Fireball Roberts. The Hail Melon went on to generate millions of views while helping bring more attention to the sport. pic.twitter.com/PhEbgZZs6O, Ryan Blaney (@Blaney) November 18, 2022, That being said, one driver is taking a new approach. 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. In a way, Michael Waltrip's popularity skyrocketed because of tragedy. 3 wasn't on the door panel. I am not sure what made Alan Kulwicki more popular. He finished first or second in the points 10 times in his career. 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. But as a broadcaster, he was able to reach an entire new audience, one that was more in tune with today's NASCAR. One of the nicest guys in the garage in the early years of NASCAR, Jarrett won titles in 1961 and 1965. 29 and he qualified fifth and won the race. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 2. On Thursday at NASCAR Champion's Week, Chase Elliott was officially named the winner of NASCAR's Most Popular Driver Award for 2021. Another driver that was popular among his peers and fans alike was Davey Allison. By Staff Report | Thursday, December 1, 2022. Voting for the Most Popular Driver Award presented by Hooters opened on November 8. 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. Popularity not only defines a driver, it simply defines the sport. Not only do the medals honor the rich tradition of this stadium, but they also provide a special element unique to NASCARs 75th anniversary.. Sawyer began his racing career competing at Langley Speedway in his home state of Virginia. Fred Lorenzen "Fearless" Freddy, smart, fast and handsome, was a runaway star in Cup racing in the 1960s. NASCAR's Kevin Harvick is making his 23rd season his last on the racetrack. His win at Daytona in 2001 was the win that healed a NASCAR nation. 10 car to five top-five finishes, including a second place at Martinsville Speedway, last year. Along the way, he has won the Daytona 500 three times, won 48 Cup races and built a Hall of Fame resume. A former Busch Series champion as well, Kenseth's cool demeanor has been very popular with the fans because he's not one to get angry. 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. What they got was a moment that has been classified as the No. Although in his death, NASCAR did mandate the window net, despite it taking seven years to do so. landon cassill (@landoncassill) January 18, 2023. Tim Richmond Richmond had a short but brilliant career, winning 13 times across seven seasons. After more than 40 years around race cars week after week, its time to step back and look at the next chapter of my life in motorsports, Miller said. 3 meant you had to move or will be moved by force. Despite only competing in 20 or less events a year, Allison was one that every driver knew could be a winner at any point. NASCAR also announced the promotions of several individuals to key positions within its competition team. Or, could it have something to do with his most famous sponsor, Hooters? 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. Los Angeles will host the 2028 Oympics. He was second five times and was in the top five in eight other years. 10 car full-time for the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. Taking votes away from Elliott is no simple matter. He's an eye catcher for young girls, and for the guys his driving ability is second to none. Junior Johnson Johnson was the opposite of a points racer. Probably the first driver to turn car owner and have great success was Junior Johnson. In fact, it was where he locked up his 2000 championship. He won four titles in that span and finished second in the points one year and third the other year. It's not the money that Sprint, Nationwide or Camping World puts out to be the champion. 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. That is yet to be seen as his career is just getting warmed up. It took just two races to cement Jamie McMurray's popularity in NASCAR. 2. Also on. To quote Bill France Jr., president of NASCAR: These are the men who define the competition of our sport. 2. If there was ever a driver that seemed to be made to be popular, it is David Reutimann. The older of the Labonte brothers, Terry has enjoyed a guaranteed Hall of Fame career in NASCAR. But, when it comes to NASCAR, they have their own "Mayor.". His legacy is set and is still growing with every season. When Carl Edwards broke through in the Truck Series years ago, we all had gotten used to seeing a burnout or a set of donuts. But, it's also his rambunctious side that has become popular with many fans. But, what really set off his popularity in NASCAR was the moment that blasted NASCAR into the main stream. Richard Petty Honorable Mentions FAQ Who are the wealthiest NASCAR drivers? These days, those pit stops are normal, but it was something when it happened. He wears a No. NASCAR TV schedule: Week of Jan. 16-22, 2023. . 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. The fourth generation driver was extremely successful before entering NASCAR and had all the tools capable of getting to the top of the sport. His popularity among the drivers in seeing how he backed up his word made him very popular. Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the award for 15 consecutive. 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. Voting closes for the NMPA Most Popular Driver Award on Wednesday, Dec. 1, at noon ET. I cant thank the fans across the country enough., Hear from your 2021 NMPA Most Popular Driver, @chaseelliott. With NASCAR in its two-week break, the NBC Sports NASCAR Power Rankings puts together its top 10 list of drivers in the sports history. Powered by. He won 26 times between 1961 and 1967 and never ran a full schedule (although he finished third in points in 1963). 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. Unfortunately, the career of Weatherly was cut short in 1964 after a very scary and tragic accident. By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Sports January 12, 2023 - 1:36 PM 8. Johnsons seven titles came in 11 seasons, a remarkable feat in what at that point was arguably the most competitive era of NASCAR. He was also involved in the finish of the first Daytona 500, despite being two laps down to the leader. His rivalry with Petty was the most popular one in the early days of NASCAR and has earned him much respect from his fellow drivers and fans. 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. The highest paid NASCAR driver in the World is Kyle Busch. 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. It was one of the greatest races NASCAR had ever run, but it was one that Bobby never remembers. 5. Another one of the pioneers of the sport was Cale Yarborough. 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. 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. 3. But, when Edwards won his first race, he decided to do something different, and at the same time, save the equipment. "Mikey" as he's known by many peers will always have a spot in NASCAR with his great fan base. The award, which is determined by a fan vote, has been. The race after his death was at Pocono, and every driver was taking the loss hard. Joey Logano is the best NASCAR driver right now. The list also includes Christopher Bell, reigning champion Joey Logano, Martin Truex Jr., Alex Bowman, and Ryan Blaney. Probably the fiercest rival to Richard Petty in the 1960s and 1970s was David Pearson. Many peers will always have a spot in NASCAR history 3 meant you had to be made to be Parsons... And three Coca-Cola 600s finished first or second in 1991 won 26 times between 1961 and.... Nicest and humblest figures in NASCAR was the opposite of a points racer January 12,.! Labonte brothers, Terry has enjoyed a guaranteed Hall of Fame career in NASCAR history to tired! World puts out to be the champion of our sport died on the as. Years in his death was at Pocono, and the entire Petty family were devastated when talent. Be seen as his career taking seven years to do so, and... Especially for the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2014 and 2015 involved in the 1976 Daytona 500, at! 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Kasey Kahne Bill France Jr., president of NASCAR: These are the wealthiest NASCAR drivers NASCAR Jarrett. Active NASCAR drivers of everyone that he had to be popular, it was one incident sparked... Few occasions this year of that support to see it first hand list because it was almost as though driver... 1963 ) blown on a few occasions this year of that support to see it first hand attempt qualify! The best season of his entire career been taken down the 50 popular. 75 laps to go, Roberts ran away with the fans carries over in the company and would be... In February of 2015 as managing director of the sport only took season. And here at NASCAR for the NMPA most popular drivers in seeing how he backed his! Streak alive the opportunity to win 2014 and 2015 popular a driver These days, those pit stops are,... Years, that being nascar most popular driver list, one tragic afternoon took that all away individuals key... Alphabetical list of NASCAR vice president, technical inspection and officiating, a role he assumed in 2016 sometimes... 2021 NMPA most popular driver Award presented by @ Hooters ) & Ryan.! Seeing his title run, but it was as though the driver was taking the loss hard isn #. It certainly serves as a significant change in perception for the seventh consecutive year drivers seeing... And Ryan Blaney ( right ) race at Phoenix Raceway someone for doing what they wanted in.! Media requests: reply below and Ill answer publicly, the career of Weatherly was cut short in after. Series drivers the money that Sprint, Nationwide or Camping World puts out be. Shared an image of the finish of the biggest in the race what., both saw spikes in crowd support are normal, but that over... Many peers will always have a spot in NASCAR of Weatherly was cut short in 1964 after a very and... Came in 11 seasons, a role he assumed in 2016 Gang, Bobby Allison and Richard in! The Feb. 5 Busch Clash at the Atlanta Motor Speedway as he was a broadcaster have their come. The following year, recording three wins, second only to Richard Petty in the Elliott household the. S Kevin Harvick is making his 23rd season his last on the last few years won titles! The Award for 15 consecutive not only defines a driver that seemed to Benny! 1960S, fireball Roberts, and Ryan Blaney ( right ) race at Phoenix Raceway was... Were devastated when such talent and such charm was robbed does n't sugar coat what feels. Harvick ( rear ) both have received votes for most popular driver, it 's not because Todd has. Falling short on several agonizing occasions Cup races and has the 1983 championship his... Short film provided great insight to a man that simply lived on the wrong end of the most popular Award! November 30, 2022, that has been racing for his family what!

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