The 15 Most Polarizing Drivers in NASCAR History

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

Nov. 12 2011; Avondale, AZ, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Robby Gordon (7) reacts on pit road during qualifying for the Kobalt Tool 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-Imagn Images — Jennifer Stewart-Imagn Images

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

Jun 21, 2025; Long Pond, Pennsylvania, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin stands with the Busch Light Pole Award after winning the pole for The Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images — Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

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

Aug 22, 2015; Bristol, TN, USA; NASCAR diver/announcer Kyle Petty at the Irwin Tools Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images — Randy Sartin-Imagn Images

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

Aug 21, 2022; Watkins Glen, New York, USA; Retired NASCAR Cup Series driver Rusty Wallace speaks in the media center prior to the Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports — Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

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

Feb 18, 2017; Daytona Beach, FL, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Michael Waltrip (15) walks through the garage area during practice for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-Imagn Images — John David Mercer-Imagn Images

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

Feb 14, 2021; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kurt Busch (1) waves to fans during driver introductions before the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images — Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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

Nov 8, 2020; Avondale, AZ, USA; Brad Keselowski (2) prepares to get in his car before the start of the Season Finale 500 at Phoenix Raceway in Phoenix, Ariz. on Nov. 8, 2020. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Breen-USA TODAY NETWORK — Arizona Republic-USA TODAY NETWORK

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

Feb 15, 2020; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Joey Logano (22) during practice for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images — Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

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

Sept 21, 2007; Dover, DE, USA; Nascar Nextel Cup Series driver Jeremy Mayfield (36) during practice for the Dodge Dealers 400 at Dover International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images — Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images

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.

Aug 31, 2019; Darlington, SC, USA; NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. (8) reacts prior to the Sport Clips Haircuts VFW 200 at Darlington Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-Imagn Images — Joshua S. Kelly-Imagn Images

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 munches on an energy bar before the start of his final NASCAR race after 28 years of racing. The race is the NAPA 500 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway Nov. 20, 2000. Title Waltrip S Final Race — Randy Piland / The Tennessean via Imagn Content Services, LLC

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

Feb 23, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson (48) before the Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images — Peter Casey-Imagn Images

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

Nov 20, 2016; Homestead, FL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Tony Stewart (14) is interview after his last race after the Ford Ecoboost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images — Peter Casey-Imagn Images

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.

2. Jeff Gordon

Oct 28, 2016; Martinsville, VA, USA; Sprint Cup Series driver Jeff Gordon (88) prior to qualifying for the Goody's Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-Imagn Images — Michael Shroyer-Imagn Images

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.

1. Kyle Busch

Nov 8, 2020; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR driver Kyle Busch (18) during the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images — Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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.