NASCAR has never been short on drama, and some drivers have made a career out of living right in the middle of it. Whether they were trash-talking legends, aggressive wheelmen, or just plain hard to figure out, these drivers split fans right down the middle.
Some were loved by millions and booed by just as many. From rule-benders to fight-starters, these are the 15 most polarizing figures the sport has ever seen.
15. Robby Gordon
Robby Gordon had the talent to turn heads and the temper to raise eyebrows. He never backed down from a fight—on or off the track—and fans either loved his fire or couldn’t stand the chaos.
14. Denny Hamlin
Denny Hamlin has been one of the best drivers of his era, but he’s also never been afraid to speak his mind. That honesty, mixed with a few on-track feuds, has kept his fan approval rating all over the map.
13. Kyle Petty
Kyle Petty’s racing career didn’t live up to his famous last name, and that rubbed some fans the wrong way. As a commentator, his blunt takes only added fuel to the fire.
12. Rusty Wallace
Rusty Wallace ruffled feathers with his aggressive style and his tendency to stir the pot in interviews. He won a lot—but didn’t always win fans over in the process.
11. Michael Waltrip
Michael Waltrip had a quirky personality that made him a TV favorite but left others scratching their heads. His on-track record and the infamous race-fixing scandal didn’t help his case with critics.
10. Kurt Busch
Kurt Busch came into NASCAR like a wrecking ball with plenty of talent and even more attitude. Over time, he matured—but his early reputation still divides longtime fans.
9. Brad Keselowski
Brad Keselowski never seemed to care whether you liked him or not. That no-nonsense mindset helped him win races and championships, but didn’t exactly earn him popularity contests.
8. Joey Logano
Joey Logano has become one of the most consistent drivers in the sport—and one of the most controversial. His aggressive moves and smug confidence have made him a target of both boos and cheers.
7. Jeremy Mayfield
Jeremy Mayfield was a solid driver until off-track issues and a messy fallout with NASCAR took center stage. Depending on who you ask, he’s either a whistleblower or a cautionary tale.
6. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Dale Jr. was the sport’s golden boy—but not everyone thought he earned it. Despite his likability, some fans always questioned whether he lived in the shadow of his legendary father.
5. Darrell Waltrip
Darrell Waltrip was brash behind the wheel and on the mic. His “any attention is good attention” approach made him a hero to some and a villain to others.
4. Jimmie Johnson
Jimmie Johnson dominated an entire era, but not all fans embraced him. Some found his clean-cut image boring, even while he was stacking trophies like pancakes.
3. Tony Stewart
Tony Stewart combined pure driving talent with a temper that made headlines. He could be charming one minute and throwing a helmet the next—fans either adored the passion or hated the drama.
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2. Jeff Gordon
Jeff Gordon brought a slick, modern image to NASCAR that some fans couldn’t stand. While he brought in a new generation of fans, he also became the face of a culture shift many weren’t ready for.
Read more: 16 NASCAR Drivers Who Were Loved by Fans and Hated by Rivals
1. Kyle Busch
Nobody plays the villain like Kyle Busch—and he’s totally fine with that. He’s fast, unapologetic, and as likely to win a race as he is to get booed off the stage in victory lane.
Read more: NASCAR Faces Backlash Over Delayed Caution After Chicago Crash
