Who Is the Most Famous NASCAR Driver?

Richard Petty is widely regarded as the most famous NASCAR driver, thanks to an unmatched record, a larger‑than‑life persona, and decades of cultural visibility; that said, Dale Earnhardt Sr., Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, and Jimmie Johnson are also frequently cited depending on whether “fame” is judged by championships, mainstream recognition, or popularity awards.

Why Richard Petty Is Often Considered the Most Famous

Across sports history, a mixture of dominance and cultural imprint tends to define “fame.” Petty’s numbers remain towering benchmarks, and his signature look—cowboy hat, sunglasses, and Petty Blue No. 43—helped him transcend motorsport to become an American sports icon.

Record-Setting Dominance

Petty’s competitive résumé is singular: 200 NASCAR Cup Series wins (a record by a wide margin), seven Cup championships, and a record seven Daytona 500 victories. His 1967 season, featuring 27 wins including 10 straight, remains one of the most dominant campaigns in North American motorsport. These achievements, amassed primarily in stock cars that demanded endurance and racecraft, anchor his standing in NASCAR lore.

An American Sports Icon

Nicknamed “The King,” Petty became instantly recognizable beyond the track. The Petty family name, the STP sponsorship era, and the No. 43 brand etched him into pop culture. His accessibility with fans and continued presence at races long after his driving prime kept his profile high across generations, reinforcing the perception that he is NASCAR’s defining figure.

Other Drivers Often Cited in the “Most Famous” Conversation

Because “fame” can mean different things—statistical greatness, cultural resonance, or fan-voted popularity—several other stars draw strong claims. The following figures are the most commonly mentioned alternatives, each with a distinct case.

• Dale Earnhardt Sr. — Known as “The Intimidator,” Earnhardt matched Petty with seven Cup titles and collected 76 wins. His aggressive style, black No. 3, and the tragic 2001 Daytona 500 crash that took his life elevated his renown far beyond racing circles.
• Dale Earnhardt Jr. — A two-time Daytona 500 winner and the sport’s fan favorite across the 2000s and 2010s, he won NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver Award 15 consecutive times (2003–2017). His media presence and post-driving broadcast career have sustained extraordinary mainstream visibility.
• Jeff Gordon — A four-time champion with 93 Cup wins, Gordon helped usher NASCAR into national prominence in the 1990s and 2000s. His crossover appeal, TV work, and executive role at Hendrick Motorsports solidified his fame on and off the track.
• Jimmie Johnson — A seven-time champion with 83 wins, Johnson’s five consecutive titles from 2006–2010 form one of the sport’s most remarkable dynasties. His longevity and cross-series ventures keep his profile high.
• Chase Elliott — The 2020 Cup champion has been the fan-voted Most Popular Driver every year since 2018, reflecting enormous contemporary appeal and a strong digital footprint among younger audiences.

Taken together, these drivers illustrate how different eras and metrics shape public perception: statistical supremacy, pop-cultural moments, and fan-engagement all contribute to who feels “most famous.”

How to Define “Most Famous” in NASCAR

Journalistically, assessing fame involves weighing performance, visibility, and public sentiment. In NASCAR’s case, the data points below frame the debate across decades and demographics.

1. Career dominance — Championships, wins, and signature race victories (e.g., Daytona 500) underpin long-term recognition.
2. Popularity awards — The Most Popular Driver Award reflects sustained fan engagement and name recognition.
3. Cultural crossover — Media coverage, endorsements, and iconic imagery determine reach beyond motorsport audiences.
4. Longevity and continuity — Multi-era relevance—whether through ownership, broadcasting, or public appearances—amplifies fame.

Across these measures, Petty’s combination of records and enduring public image makes him the consensus historical pick, even as different criteria elevate other stars in particular eras.

Bottom Line

If one name must stand for NASCAR’s fame, it’s Richard Petty—“The King” embodies the sport’s record book and its cultural memory. Yet, depending on whether you prioritize championships, cultural resonance, or fan-voted popularity, Dale Earnhardt Sr., Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Chase Elliott each present a compelling claim in their own lane.

Summary

Richard Petty is most commonly recognized as the most famous NASCAR driver, combining unmatched career records with iconic, cross-generational visibility. Dale Earnhardt Sr. rivals him in legacy; Dale Earnhardt Jr. dominates popularity metrics; Jeff Gordon mainstreamed the sport in the 1990s; Jimmie Johnson set modern championship standards; and Chase Elliott leads current fan popularity. The definition of “most famous” varies, but Petty remains the prevailing answer.

Who is the most famous NASCAR driver in history?

Richard Petty is called “The King” for good reason. Petty has racked up most wins (200), most poles (123), tied for most championships (seven), most wins in a season (27), most Daytona 500 wins (seven), most consecutive wins (10) and most starts (1,185).

Who is the highest paid NASCAR driver?

The highest-paid NASCAR driver is generally considered to be Kyle Busch, who reportedly earned $16.9 million annually in 2024 and 2025, based on data from late 2024 and early 2025. His earnings come from his racing salary, a variety of high-profile endorsements, and his own business ventures. 
Top Earners (2024/2025 estimates): 

1. Kyle Busch: $16.9 million
2. Denny Hamlin: $13.1 million
3. Martin Truex Jr.: $10.4 million
4. Brad Keselowski: $9.4 million

Factors contributing to Kyle Busch’s high earnings:

• Sponsorships: Opens in new tabBusch has secured several major sponsors for his racing, including 3CHI and Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen. 
• Career Success: Opens in new tabHis numerous career wins in the Cup Series and his multiple championships have made him a valuable asset to teams and sponsors. 
• Business Ventures: Opens in new tabBusch also runs his own successful motorsports company, which further adds to his wealth. 

Who’s the most popular NASCAR driver now?

While Chase Elliott has consistently won the fan-voted NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award, Kyle Larson is now the best-selling driver and is considered by many to be the sport’s emerging fan favorite, suggesting a potential shift in overall popularity. Factors like merchandise sales and social media presence are key indicators of popularity, and while Elliott maintains his official award, Larson’s increased merchandise sales suggest a surge in his fan base.
 
Chase Elliott’s Continued Popularity

• Most Popular Driver Award: Opens in new tabChase Elliott is the reigning NASCAR Most Popular Driver, having won the award for seven consecutive years. 
• Established Fan Base: Opens in new tabHe has a strong, dedicated fanbase that actively votes in the fan polls, which contributes to his continued popularity despite perceived shifts in other popularity metrics. 

Kyle Larson’s Rising Popularity

• Best-Selling Driver: As of the halfway point of the 2025 season, Kyle Larson has taken the title of the best-selling driver in NASCAR, a significant indicator of fan engagement. 
• Merchandise Sales: The surge in Larson’s merchandise sales is seen as evidence of a growing and more vocal fan base, challenging Elliott’s long-held dominance. 

Factors in Determining Popularity

• Fan Votes: The official Most Popular Driver award relies on fan voting. 
• Merchandise Sales: Sales of driver-branded merchandise are a key indicator of fan engagement and overall popularity. 
• Social Media Presence: Social media platforms also play a role in gauging a driver’s popularity and influence. 

Who is the number one NASCAR driver?

There isn’t a single “Number 1 NASCAR driver” as standings change constantly, but as of September 2025, the top drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series standings include Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, and Kyle Larson, according to ESPN. However, in terms of the car number, Ross Chastain is the driver of the No. 1 car for Trackhouse Racing. 
Top Drivers in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Standings
As of this writing, the top drivers in the standings are: 

1. Denny Hamlin
2. Chase Briscoe
3. Kyle Larson

Driver of Car No. 1 

• Ross Chastain: drives the No. 1 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series.