Who Is the Most Popular NASCAR Driver Ever?
Bill Elliott is widely regarded as the most popular NASCAR driver ever by the sport’s official measure: he holds a record 16 NASCAR Cup Series Most Popular Driver awards. Dale Earnhardt Jr., who captured the honor a remarkable 15 consecutive times, is often cited as the most influential modern-era fan favorite, while Chase Elliott has dominated recent voting since 2018. Together, their records illustrate how NASCAR has tracked and defined “popularity” across generations.
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How NASCAR Measures “Most Popular”
The gold standard for fan sentiment in stock-car racing is the Most Popular Driver award, administered for decades by the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) and determined by fan voting. The Cup Series honor is announced annually during NASCAR’s postseason festivities and serves as the sport’s most consistent, long-running barometer of driver popularity.
The Leaders by Official Fan-Vote Awards
The following list highlights the all-time leaders in the NASCAR Cup Series Most Popular Driver award — the clearest, sport-recognized yardstick of popularity across eras.
- Bill Elliott — 16 total (a record), spanning the mid-1980s through the early 2000s
- Dale Earnhardt Jr. — 15 consecutive (2003–2017), a modern-era benchmark
- Richard Petty — 9, underscoring “The King’s” enduring fan appeal
- Chase Elliott — at least 6 straight (2018–2023), the standout of the current generation
By this official metric, Elliott’s 16 awards give him the clear edge historically, with Earnhardt Jr. and Petty close behind. Chase Elliott’s ongoing run underscores how the mantle of fan favorite evolves over time.
Why Bill Elliott’s Case Stands Out
Nicknamed “Awesome Bill from Dawsonville,” Elliott connected with fans through a mix of raw speed, underdog appeal, and landmark achievements. He set blistering qualifying records at Daytona and Talladega in the 1980s, won the 1985 Winston Million, and maintained a humble, relatable persona. The combination of on-track excellence and off-track authenticity fueled unprecedented fan loyalty that translated into a record 16 Most Popular Driver awards.
The Modern-Era Face of Popularity: Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn’t just win 15 straight fan-vote awards — he moved numbers. His presence consistently correlated with TV ratings bumps and sold-out grandstands, and his crossover appeal extended well beyond NASCAR. Even after stepping out of full-time competition, he’s remained one of the sport’s most visible voices; as of 2025, he’s part of NASCAR’s new media-rights era on Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports, helping carry his fan connection into the booth.
Chase Elliott and Today’s Fan Favorite
Chase Elliott, Bill’s son, has become the defining favorite of the current generation, racking up consecutive Most Popular Driver honors since 2018. He pairs on-track success — including a 2020 Cup championship — with a substantial digital footprint and a strong, youthful fan base, bridging the sport’s traditional roots with a modern audience.
Beyond the Trophy: Other Ways to Gauge Popularity
While the Most Popular Driver award is the official yardstick, popularity can also be viewed through broader indicators that reflect a driver’s cultural and commercial pull.
- TV ratings impact and broadcast draw
- Merchandise sales and sponsor demand
- Social media following and engagement
- Cross-over media presence (podcasts, TV, streaming, endorsements)
- Longevity of fan support across different competitive eras
By these measures, Earnhardt Jr. often leads the modern conversation, while legends like Richard Petty and Jeff Gordon loom large historically. In recent years, Chase Elliott has emerged as NASCAR’s strongest contemporary magnet for fans and brands.
What “Most Popular Ever” Really Means
“Most popular ever” can be subjective because technology, media, and fan engagement have changed dramatically across decades. That’s why the NMPA’s Most Popular Driver award remains the cleanest comparative tool. On that scorecard, Bill Elliott stands alone with 16 — the best-supported answer to the question.
Summary
By NASCAR’s own official metric, Bill Elliott is the most popular driver ever, holding a record 16 Most Popular Driver awards. Dale Earnhardt Jr. redefined modern-era fandom with 15 straight wins and lasting cultural influence, while Chase Elliott has owned the current era with consecutive honors since 2018. The trophy tells the core story; broader measures of reach and resonance fill in the nuance across generations.
Who is considered the greatest NASCAR driver of all time?
There isn’t a single universally agreed-upon “greatest” NASCAR driver, but Richard Petty and Jimmie Johnson are the most frequently cited contenders due to their record-tying seven championships. Petty holds the all-time record for wins with 200, while Johnson is known for an unmatched streak of five consecutive championships against elite competition. Other legends often mentioned include Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, and David Pearson.
Richard Petty (The King)
- Championships: 7 NASCAR Cup Series championships
- Wins: 200 career Cup Series wins, the most all-time
- Legacy: Known as “The King,” he holds the record for most consecutive wins (10) and Daytona 500 victories (7).
Jimmie Johnson
- Championships: 7 NASCAR Cup Series championships, including a record-setting five consecutive from 2006 to 2010
- Dominance: His success came during a period with a changing playoff system, highlighting his adaptability.
- Peer Recognition: Was voted the greatest driver by his peers, a significant honor.
Other Notable Drivers in the Discussion
- Dale Earnhardt Sr.: Often mentioned alongside Petty and Johnson for his impressive record and nickname, “The Intimidator”.
- Jeff Gordon: A prominent figure with numerous wins and multiple championships during the “Chase” era.
- David Pearson: Ranks second in all-time wins with 105.
Which NASCAR driver has the most fans?
NASCAR fans regularly share their voices at the end of each season when they cast their votes for the sport’s most popular driver in all three series. Chase Elliott has had a stranglehold on the award in the Cup Series, having been voted the most popular for seven consecutive years.
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:
- Denny Hamlin
- Chase Briscoe
- Kyle Larson
Driver of Car No. 1
- Ross Chastain: drives the No. 1 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series.
