Top 25 NASCAR Driver Nicknames Ever

25. "Rowdy" – Kyle Busch

Kyle Busch got the nickname “Rowdy” from Rowdy Burns in Days of Thunder. It stuck because of his aggressive driving and villain role in NASCAR.

24. "One-Tough-Customer" – Dale Earnhardt

This was an early sponsor-driven nickname from Wrangler Jeans in the 1980s. It fit Earnhardt’s rough-and-tough reputation perfectly.

23. "Mr. September" – Harry Gant

Harry Gant earned the name after winning four straight races in September 1991. At age 51, it made him a fan favorite for defying age.

22. "The Herminator" – Kenny Wallace

Kenny Wallace’s endless energy and upbeat personality led to this nickname. He became known as one of NASCAR’s most excitable characters.

21. "Happy" – Kevin Harvick

The nickname “Happy” was actually ironic, since Harvick often lost his temper on track. Still, it became one of the most fitting monikers in NASCAR.

20. "Front Row Joe" – Joe Nemechek

Joe Nemechek was known for qualifying up front despite inconsistent race results. Fans and media dubbed him “Front Row Joe” for his speed.

19. "The Mayor" – Jeff Burton

Burton’s leadership and diplomacy in the garage earned him the nickname “The Mayor.” He was often the voice of reason among drivers.

18. "Rocket Man" – Ryan Newman

Newman earned this nickname in the early 2000s with his blistering pole-winning pace. He racked up double-digit poles in a single season.

17. "The Dominator" – Bobby Allison

Bobby Allison was so successful across decades that the nickname “The Dominator” fit naturally. He won at nearly every type of track in NASCAR.

16. "The Bandit" – Harry Gant

Harry Gant had a cool, smooth style that gave him the nickname “The Bandit.” Fans loved his no-drama approach to racing.

15. "The Intimidator" – Dale Earnhardt

Dale Earnhardt was feared for his aggressive moves and presence on track. “The Intimidator” became the most iconic name in stock car history.

14. "The Ice Man" – Terry Labonte

Terry Labonte rarely showed emotion, keeping calm under pressure. His cool demeanor earned him the “Ice Man” title.

13. "Million Dollar Bill" – Bill Elliott

Elliott won the first-ever Winston Million bonus in 1985, instantly making him “Million Dollar Bill.” It cemented his place as a superstar of the 80s.

12. "Texas Terry" – Terry Labonte

This nickname celebrated his Texas roots and racing pride. Fans embraced it as a simple but powerful moniker.

11. "Smoke" – Tony Stewart

Tony Stewart got the nickname from his dirt track days when he burned off tires. Later, it also reflected his fiery personality.

10. "Jaws" – Darrell Waltrip

Waltrip’s big mouth in the 1970s made “Jaws” the perfect nickname. He embraced it, becoming one of NASCAR’s greatest talkers and drivers.

9. "Fireball" – Glenn Roberts

Roberts got the nickname from his fastball pitching speed in baseball. It fit perfectly with his blazing driving style on the track.

8. "The Silver Fox" – David Pearson

Pearson’s gray hair and crafty race strategy earned him this nickname. He was known for sitting back and pouncing late in races.

7. "Sliced Bread" – Joey Logano

Mark Martin coined the nickname, saying Logano was “the best thing since sliced bread.” Though mocked at first, Logano grew into the title with championships.

6. "The King" – Richard Petty

Richard Petty’s seven championships and 200 wins made him royalty. “The King” is the simplest yet most powerful nickname in NASCAR history.

5. "The Man in Black" – Dale Earnhardt

After switching to the black No. 3 Goodwrench Chevy, Earnhardt’s menacing look gave him this moniker. It added to his larger-than-life aura.

4. "The Great American Driver" – Benny Parsons

Parsons was dubbed this for his consistency, talent, and fan appeal. He was a true ambassador for the sport.

3. "The Rabbit" – Joe Weatherly

Weatherly was lighthearted, fun, and full of energy, earning him the nickname “The Rabbit.” He was also NASCAR’s “Clown Prince.”

2. "Super Tex" – A.J. Foyt

A.J. Foyt became “Super Tex” for his Texas roots and his dominance across multiple forms of motorsport. His toughness and versatility made it legendary.

1. "Awesome Bill from Dawsonville" – Bill Elliott

This nickname rhymed, rolled off the tongue, and celebrated Elliott’s Georgia hometown. It remains one of the most iconic nicknames in NASCAR history.