Legends Built On Roars And Groans
Every fan swears their favorite driver is a hero while never missing an opportunity to boo others. The track is a place where heroes and villains are made, and that’s the magic of NASCAR. Rivalries run deep, fandoms can get feisty, and some drivers end up on either side of the love-hate dynamic. Before we get to those who bask in constant praise, let’s first look at the drivers people just love to hate.
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1. Kyle Busch
With two Cup Series championships and more than 200 wins across all NASCAR series, Kyle is undeniably one of the most talented drivers of his generation. But talent aside, his reputation for temper tantrums and aggressive moves on the track often steals the spotlight.
2. Denny Hamlin
Denny Hamlin is as sharp in interviews as he is on the track. Known for clashes with Chase Elliott and Joey Logano, his blunt post-race and podcast remarks divide opinions. He even took heat for calling out fans who booed him.
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3. Joey Logano
Initially hailed as a prodigy, Joey Logano quickly made waves with early wins. But as he climbed the ranks, tensions rose. Frequent clashes with Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick, plus a water bottle toss at Tony Stewart, stirred lasting controversy.
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4. Kurt Busch
Kurt Busch’s Cup Series championship and over 30 wins showcase his racing chops, but his temper has long been part of the story. Early in his career, he was suspended for verbally lashing out at a reporter, and he carried a long-running feud with Jimmie Spencer.
5. Austin Dillon
As the grandson of team owner Richard Childress, Austin Dillon’s career has been marked by both opportunity and scrutiny. His winless 2013 Xfinity title and a controversial run-in with Cole Custer under caution have fueled debates about privilege versus performance.
6. Brad Keselowski
Claiming the 2012 Cup Series title was just one part of Brad Keselowski’s high-profile journey. Not only did he publicly criticize the introduction of NASCAR’s Car of Tomorrow, but he also developed a reputation for unfiltered social media commentary and blunt interviews.
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7. Kevin Harvick
Ironically dubbed “Happy,” Kevin Harvick’s fiery outbursts have frequently overshadowed his cheerful moniker. With 60+ wins and the 2014 Cup Series championship under his belt, Harvick hasn’t shied away from confrontation—famously shoving Brad Keselowski into a fracas with Jeff Gordon.
8. Ryan Newman
Ryan Newman earned the nickname “Rocket Man” for his blistering qualifying speeds, but on race day, his aggressive style was a different story. Famous for causing wrecks and resisting NASCAR’s use of restrictor plates, he often rubbed competitors the wrong way.
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9. Bubba Wallace
As the only full-time Black driver in the Cup Series, Bubba Wallace broke barriers and stirred debate. His stand against the Confederate flag led to a ban, while the 2020 garage rope incident further fueled controversy among an already divided fan base.
10. Clint Bowyer
Clint Bowyer brought plenty of laughs to NASCAR, but his 2013 spin at Richmond had everyone talking for the wrong reasons. The controversial incident led to a major shake-up in that year’s playoffs and left fans questioning the sport’s integrity.
Alright, so everyone’s taken their shots and shared a few groans. That’s just half the ride. Now, let’s roll into the racers folks can’t help but root for.
1. Martin Truex Jr.
After a series of struggles, including personal challenges and tough seasons, Truex fought his way to the top by capturing the 2017 Cup Series championship. Recognized for his clean racing and unwavering consistency, he quickly earned respect across the NASCAR community.
2. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
The son of the iconic Dale Earnhardt Sr., Junior carved out his own space in the sport by amassing 26 Cup Series wins and capturing the Most Popular Driver award 15 times. Now a respected broadcaster and team owner, he continues to shape NASCAR’s future.
3. Jimmie Johnson
Jimmie Johnson’s seven Cup Series titles place him in the rarest company, effectively tying the legendary records set by Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt. While some critiqued his dominating style as “too perfect,” Johnson let his achievements speak for themselves.
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4. Ryan Blaney
Ryan Blaney’s undeniable popularity is fueled by both his talent and his accessibility. Crowned the 2023 Cup Series champion, Blaney has built a reputation for engaging with fans and often takes the time to sign autographs even during practice sessions.
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5. Jesse Love
At just 17 years old, Jesse became the youngest winner in any NASCAR-sanctioned event, setting the stage for an extraordinary career. Following his dominant 2023 ARCA Menards Series championship, Love now races full-time in the Xfinity Series under the Richard Childress Racing banner.
6. Noah Gragson
Noah Gragson brings a jolt of energy wherever he goes, known as much for his eye-catching fashion choices as for his daring on the racetrack. With multiple Xfinity Series wins, Gragson’s racing is as unpredictable as his persona—fiery and always entertaining.
7. Alex Bowman
Famous for securing five straight front-row starts at the prestigious Daytona 500, Bowman’s talent is undeniable. Taking over Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s iconic No. 88 car at Hendrick Motorsports, Bowman stepped into big shoes and made them his own.
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8. Ross Chastain
Ross’s famous watermelon-smashing tradition in Victory Lane has endeared him to fans, ultimately making him the “Watermelon Man” of NASCAR. His fearless and aggressive moves, like the legendary "Hail Melon" wall ride, demonstrate his willingness to take risks to win.
9. William Byron
William Byron is a driver on the rise, with the potential to dominate NASCAR for years to come. After winning back-to-back Daytona 500s in 2024 and 2025, Byron firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with.
10. Ty Gibbs
As the grandson of powerful team owner Joe Gibbs, Ty has both benefited from his lineage and faced criticism for it. However, he wasted no time proving himself by securing an Xfinity Series championship before turning 21.
