Current INDYCAR drivers have offered candid insight into their favorite NASCAR driver picks, with many selecting a champion who recently competed in both worlds, deepening connections between the two series. The focus on naming a favorite NASCAR driver gives a unique look at the admiration and relationships that cross racing’s biggest divides—a topic generating significant buzz ahead of Phoenix’s latest doubleheader event.
INDYCAR Drivers Share Their Top NASCAR Picks
When the field of INDYCAR stars was asked for their favorite NASCAR driver, most did not hesitate, with many gravitating toward individuals they consider almost as much a part of the INDYCAR family as their own. The distinction between “favorite” and “best” played an important role; many answers reflected personal experiences or the era in which the drivers grew up.
Generational perspectives were evident in the responses. NASCAR’s large, age-diverse field—nearly 40 drivers with careers spanning over 25 years—meant their own favorite INDYCAR choices were scattered across decades. However, in INDYCAR, the connection is more focused, with the majority identifying seven-time NASCAR Cup champion Jimmie Johnson as their favorite. Johnson’s stint in INDYCAR from 2021 to 2022 helped him form meaningful relationships with many drivers, increasing his popularity within the series.
The survey revealed a clear pattern in favorite NASCAR driver INDYCAR selections, with a shortlist emerging from the responses:
- Jimmie Johnson – 10 votes
- Dale Earnhardt – 6 votes
- Tony Stewart – 3 votes
- Jeff Gordon – 2 votes
- Others with 1 vote each – A.J. Allmendinger, Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr., A.J. Foyt, Dario Franchitti, Ty Gibbs, Kyle Larson, Richard Petty, Martin Truex Jr., Rusty Wallace
Personal Stories from INDYCAR Standouts
Scott McLaughlin of Team Penske emphasized the impact of both past admiration and personal friendship:
“It’s hard for me to go past Jimmie Johnson, especially now after building a friendship with Jimmie over the last few years. Being able to see what he did when I was younger, and then now being a friend with him is very cool. So he’s probably my favorite.”
– Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske
Josef Newgarden, also of Team Penske, kept it simple:
“I was a Jimmie Johnson fan, so he’s going to be at the top of my list.”
– Josef Newgarden, Team Penske
Santino Ferrucci, racing for AJ Foyt Racing, tapped into nostalgia and legacy:
“Tony Stewart. Do you consider A.J. Foyt a NASCAR driver?”
– Santino Ferrucci, AJ Foyt Racing
Pato O’Ward from Arrow McLaren explained his unconventional pick:
“Some of the stuff Kyle Busch says is pretty funny. I don’t follow NASCAR, but I’ve definitely seen some of those interviews.”
– Pato O’Ward, Arrow McLaren
Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing shared a personal connection:
“I have to say AJ. [Allmendinger]. He was my teammate in Daytona [for the Rolex 24] and as a person, he’s wild. He’s a bit crazy, but I love him. So I’m rooting for AJ from now until forever.”
– Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing
Kyle Kirkwood from Andretti Global reflected on his roots as a fan:
“Jimmie Johnson. Actually, Dale Earnhardt Jr. because I grew up running his number and still love his number. And just legendary family. There’s a lot of them, though. Did you have 8 or 88? Actually, both. I started with 8, then I ran 88 because someone took 8 when I was karting and I just always wanted to be Earnhardt Jr.’s number.”
– Kyle Kirkwood, Andretti Global
Nolan Siegel of Arrow McLaren opted for a legend:
“Ooh. Favorite all time? Dale Earnhardt.”
– Nolan Siegel, Arrow McLaren
Scott Dixon, a fellow Chip Ganassi Racing driver, highlighted his friendship and admiration:
“Jimmie Johnson. Man, he’s my good friend and seven-time champion. It doesn’t get any better than that.”
– Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing
Will Buxton, representing FOX’s INDYCAR talent, reminisced about a racing hero:
“Jeff Gordon. That’s an easy one. I’m of that age where growing up, Jeff was the man and, having been lucky enough and honored enough to get to know him over the years — he is just as great a guy off the track as he was a racer on the track. They always say, don’t meet your heroes — but when it’s Jeff Gordon, absolutely meet your heroes.”
– Will Buxton, FOX INDYCAR Talent
James Hinchcliffe, another FOX personality, spoke of shifting allegiances:
“I was a big Jeff Gordon fan when I was a kid. And then when Jimmie came in I felt like there was a passing of the torch there. So I sort of transitioned from Jeff to Jimmie. So I guess you could say I’ve been a Hendrick guy.”
– James Hinchcliffe, FOX INDYCAR Talent
Active Drivers, Nostalgia, and Legacy Influence Choices
Notably, only three active NASCAR competitors—Kyle Busch, Kyle Larson, and Ty Gibbs—received votes, each gathering a single mention among INDYCAR responders. This trend underlines how much influence both history and personal interaction hold for the INDYCAR field.
Jimmie Johnson’s seven NASCAR championships and recent stint as an INDYCAR competitor have made him a standout favorite. Dale Earnhardt’s name continues to command respect, revealing his lasting impact on new generations of racers. Selections like Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, and even drivers with one-off connections like AJ Allmendinger offer a glimpse at the diversity of favorites depending on each INDYCAR driver’s history and exposure to NASCAR icons.
NASCAR Cup Drivers Choose Their INDYCAR Favorites
When the scenario was flipped, responses from NASCAR Cup drivers highlighted a wider variety and less consensus for their favorite INDYCAR driver. Two active competitors—Scott Dixon and Scott McLaughlin—topped the voting, reflecting both legacy and present-day influence within INDYCAR. Here’s the summary of their votes:
- Scott Dixon – 5 votes
- Scott McLaughlin – 5 votes
- Mario Andretti, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Dan Wheldon – 3 votes each
- Helio Castroneves, Sam Hornish, Rick Mears, Josef Newgarden, Pato O’Ward, Alex Palou, Tony Stewart – 2 votes each
- Several legendary names, including Bryan Clauson, Conor Daly, Dario Franchitti, Tony Kanaan, Arie Luyendyk, Juan Pablo Montoya, Will Power, Graham Rahal, Paul Tracy, Justin Wilson, Alex Zanardi, each with 1 vote
First-Hand Comments from NASCAR Standouts
Kyle Busch of Richard Childress Racing highlighted his respect for both current and past INDYCAR stars:
“I would say today my favorite INDYCAR driver is Josef Newgarden, just because I know him a little bit, spent some time around him a little bit. All-time though, you’ve got to look at A.J. Foyt, Juan Pablo Montoya, Alex Zanardi. Those were some pretty badass names back in the day.”
– Kyle Busch, Richard Childress Racing
Chase Elliott of Hendrick Motorsports focused on personal experience:
“The only one I have ever gotten to know personally is Scott McLaughlin. So I would say him. He’s always been pretty cool every time I’ve been around him, and I enjoy pulling for him.”
– Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports
Brad Keselowski, now with RFK Racing, named a former Penske colleague:
“I always liked Will Power. When I was at Penske, he was always great to me, and I root for him when I watch.”
– Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing
Kyle Larson, of Hendrick Motorsport, noted Dixon’s legacy:
“Scott Dixon. Of my generation, he’s the goat. And then I’ve gotten to be his teammate a little bit at the Rolex 24 and just through my Ganassi days, I’ve always liked seeing Scott do well.”
– Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsport
Ryan Blaney of Team Penske detailed his friendships and local ties:
“I’m really good friends with, you know, Scotty Mac and Josef and getting to know [David] Malukas a little bit over the last few weeks. It’s either between Scott or Josef. Scott, he lives here. We golf a lot together, so I probably pull for Scott a little bit more than Josef, but I always want to see those guys do well.”
– Ryan Blaney, Team Penske
Denny Hamlin recalled memories of a racing legend:
“I was probably a Rick Mears fan — not a huge fanatic, but when I watched the Indy 500, he was always the guy rooted for.”
– Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing
Tyler Reddick of 23XI Racing appreciated Dixon’s accomplishments:
“I think, for me and what I watched, I’ve got to go with Scott Dixon.”
– Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing
Joey Logano of Team Penske paid tribute to legends:
“Driving at Team Penske, you think of Rick Mears and what he’s done for our company. He’s definitely up there. It’s hard not to say Mario Andretti as well. I’d say those guys are some of the all-time greats, obviously.”
– Joey Logano, Team Penske
AJ Allmendinger, Kaulig Racing, reflected on a special partnership:
“All-time, I’d have to go with my ex-teammate there, Justin Wilson. Sad that we lost him, obviously, but being his teammate, he was one of the best that I’ve ever seen in my life.”
– AJ Allmendinger, Kaulig Racing
Bubba Wallace of 23XI Racing described his admiration—and playful rivalry—with a current INDYCAR star:
“Scott McLaughlin. He’s the best ever to do it, best to ever have the hell of a start to the 2025 Indy 500.”
– Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing
“You can. I’m a sarcastic person, probably most sarcastic in the garage. And I’ll push your buttons. But that one, obviously, there’s a there’s a line that you don’t cross, and I gave it about two hours, and then I started pushing his buttons.”
– Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing
Legacy, Friendship, and Crossover Shape Today’s Favorites
The results from both sides show that admiration transcends competition, with many drivers picking someone they have met, raced against, or admired growing up. The most treasured drivers—such as Jimmie Johnson and Scott Dixon—reflect the powerful influence that personal bonds and racing achievements create within and across the INDYCAR and NASCAR communities. For some, the favorite was deeply tied to shared milestones, while others chose the icons who shaped their passion for racing.
As the motorsports world prepares for the Phoenix showdown, the continuing bonds between INDYCAR and NASCAR solidify the shared heritage and mutual respect among racing’s top talents. These responses, rooted in friendship, admiration, and legacy, suggest these favorites will inspire future stars and persist in fans’ memories for years to come.
