Most Hated Active NASCAR Drivers: Updated 2022

One of our former writers Eli did a piece on the most hated active drivers in NASCAR almost three years ago. With the way this sport has changed, I figured it might be time to update his list a tiny bit. NASCAR fans are arguably some of the most passionate fans in the sports world, and we can go from standing a driver to hating him in a matter of laps. Whether it be because he put our driver out of contention or heck maybe it’s because they win too much. I must say that is a crappy reason to hate a driver, but understand, it’s jealousy. There isn’t much you can have against these drivers, but honestly when you log onto NASCAR Twitter and see four hundred posts about a driver. It’s time to give the Belly Up racing fans an updated list.

5. Denny Hamlin

This position was previously held by Ricky Stenhouse Jr. however it seems like Ricky has mellowed out since leaving Roush. So, that allowed for the part-owner of 23XI Racing to make his way into the top five. Denny isn’t a bad racer or guy, but man he is vocal if he’s been done wrong. Which ticks most fans off whether he’s right or wrong. His most recent run-in was with Alex Bowman. Alex put the bumper to Denny at Martinsville last year to steal a win. Which caused a post-race “tantrum” on track during Bowman’s celebration. Also prompted Denny to call Bowman a “hack” during his post-race interview.

Then went on to bring up Chase Elliott fans when asked about boo’s he received in his post-race interview. When that run in between Denny and Chase should’ve been water under the bridge. Denny is a veteran driver, team owner now, and ambassador for the sport but that can’t always keep you from being on the most hated active NASCAR drivers list.

4. Kevin Harvick

Alright, I mean come on you go after the sport’s most popular driver twice in your career. Once made comments about Dale Jr and his lack of championships. Then of course most recently his run-in with Chase Elliott at Bristol last year. Now does that deserve him a spot as a top-hated driver? Well, I guess to each their own as the old saying goes right? Kevin much like Denny isn’t afraid to say what he’s thinking and that can put you in some bad spots with other fan bases. Kevin isn’t a bad driver just very open with his opinions. I honestly have a lot of respect for him. With that being said though you can’t call out two of the most popular drivers in the sport. Then, expect to not be on the most hated active NASCAR drivers list for 2022.

3. Brad Keselowski

Good old “Bad Brad” got himself a promotion up to one spot since the 2019 version of this list. I mean come on have you watched any race this year? Brad has seriously been involved in an incident at each race this year. He wrecked at least half the field at Daytona. Then at Auto Club, he got turned in front of multiple drivers due to no fault of his own. However last weekend again Brad couldn’t catch a break and got loose and collected former teammate Ryan Blaney. Brad isn’t a bad driver, but man is he having a tough go at this next-gen car. Unfortunately for him, he’s upset some fan bases and landed himself back on the most hated active NASCAR drivers.

2. Kyle Busch

The “Candyman” himself has finally been taken down the list of the most hated active NASCAR drivers. Yes, it’s only one spot but still, it is somewhat shocking to see that he isn’t number one. However, it was a close race honestly this could be a 1A. and 1B type situation. However, Kyle doesn’t care about anyone but himself on the track and damn it that’s how it should be in my opinion. He isn’t afraid to call out anyone or let his anger be shown. He’s known for telling his crew how crappy his cars are and doesn’t want anything but better adjustments.

This man had an f-bomb laced rant after losing last week, due to too late-race strategy by Alex Bowman’s team. However, he did clear the air with Alex reportedly. Either way, his most recent antic’s show you why he is still near the top of the list.

1. Bubba Wallace

Listen this driver does not deserve to be at the top of this list. However just do me a favor, go to any and I mean any social media post about Bubba. You will for sure find the typical racial-based comments by the not-so-bright side of the NASCAR fanbase. This man has done nothing wrong but stand up for what he believes in and try to pursue his dreams of becoming a professional race car driver.

However, I guarantee you that only one other driver will be booed more than Kyle Busch during driver intro and that’s Bubba. Yes, he’s not put-up superstar numbers, but honestly neither did Christopher Bell last year in the same equipment. Bubba has some of the BEST drivers in the sport as his boss, and manufacturer teammates it’s going to be hard to outperform them on any given week. I don’t care who you are. Bubba Wallace has a place in this sport and honestly shouldn’t be number one on this list. However, any knowledgeable fan will see that he is slowly and surely taking over the number one spot for all the wrong reasons.

Conclusion

So, let’s wrap this up race fans. I haven’t written in almost a year but decided it was time to jump back on the wagon. Like I said most of the NASCAR fanbases are some of the most passionate fans in the sports world. They will choose their favorite driver based on any number of things. It could be because their parent pulls for that driver, maybe it’s because of where a certain driver is from state-wise either way each fan is different. One thing you can count on is we will be watching the race no matter which day of the week it is from the track or the couch.

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