Top 10 Most Hated NASCAR Team Owners in History

10. Felix Sabates

Sabates was never universally despised, but fans grew tired of his blunt media comments and constant team instability. His public criticism of drivers and NASCAR itself rubbed many the wrong way.

9. Ray Evernham

Evernham’s fall from respected genius to controversial owner came fast. Affairs, distractions, and team implosions destroyed goodwill built during his Jeff Gordon era.

8. Michael Waltrip

Loved as a driver — criticized as an owner. The Spingate scandal permanently damaged his credibility, and fans felt he escaped consequences others wouldn’t have.

7. Gene Haas

Haas’ legal issues outside NASCAR followed him everywhere. Even after prison time, many fans never separated the team from the controversy, viewing his operation with skepticism.

6. Jack Roush

Once respected, later resented. Roush was seen as stubborn, resistant to change, and overly controlling — often blamed for wasting elite driver talent in the 2010s.

5. Roger Penske

The Captain’s success made him a villain to many. Fans accused Penske of having too much influence, too much polish, and always “winning the system” rather than beating it.

4. Rick Hendrick

Hendrick Motorsports’ dominance bred resentment. Add in engine-rule controversies and past legal troubles, and many fans viewed HMS as NASCAR’s protected golden child.

3. Joe Gibbs

Gibbs’ clean-cut image clashes with fans who accuse JGR of favoritism, aggressive politics, and manufacturer manipulation. Winning constantly didn’t help his popularity.

2. Teresa Earnhardt

Few figures angered fans more. Her handling of Dale Earnhardt Inc. after Dale Sr.’s death — including feuds with Dale Jr. — made her one of the most disliked figures ever.

1. Brian France

Not just hated — blamed. Brian France became the face of NASCAR’s decline: playoffs, stage racing, rule chaos, fan alienation, and off-track scandals sealed his legacy.

Most Hated NASCAR Team Owners in History

Teresa Earnhardt