Who has won the most NASCAR All-Star races?

The NASCAR All-Star race is an exhilarating showcase of skill, speed, and strategy, captivating fans with its high-stakes intensity. Held annually, this event gathers the crème de la crème of NASCAR drivers, all vying for the coveted title of All-Star champion. The race stands out from the regular season, featuring a condensed format with unique rules and a generous prize pool. It serves as a platform for these extraordinary drivers to exhibit their prowess and thrill spectators with breathtaking maneuvers on the track.

Drivers must fulfill stringent qualifying criteria or win their position through fan votes to compete in this highly anticipated clash. The beauty of the All-Star race stems not only from the status bestowed upon the winner but also from the tough competition among NASCAR Cup race winners. 

Explore the event’s history and discover the name of the driver who has won the most times, establishing himself as the uncontested monarch of the NASCAR All-Star race. Learn about the most successful driver and the closest opponents who have competed for this coveted spot.

Discover: Who is the greatest cheat ever in NASCAR?

Here’s the list of the Top 5 successful drivers in the All-Star races

5. Kevin Harvick – 2 wins

Kevin Harvick, a highly accomplished NASCAR driver, is renowned for his exceptional skill and unwavering competitive spirit. He made his NASCAR Cup Series debut in 2001 and quickly established himself as a formidable contender. Harvick’s illustrious career boasts numerous victories, including the prestigious Daytona 500 in 2007 and the NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2014. Known for his aggressive driving style, he is widely respected as one of the sport’s most successful drivers.

Harvick has triumphed twice in the All-Star race, capturing victories in 2007 and 2018. In the 2007 edition at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, he made a thrilling pass on the final lap to secure the win, overcoming formidable competition. The race featured a unique format, comprising three 20-lap segments and a final 10-lap segment, with the starting lineup determined by a random draw. In 2018, Harvick showcased his dominance, delivering an impressive performance during wet practice sessions and ultimately clinching a commanding victory.

4. Kyle Larson (3 wins)

Kyle Larson is a well-known NASCAR racer known for his remarkable skill and competitive drive. He has several victories and is praised for his quickness and agility. Larson has won the All-Star race two times in his career. Kevin Harvick controlled the race in 2019, pursuing his second All-Star victory. However, with 13 laps remaining, Kyle Larson seized the lead and won his first All-Star Race.

Larson beat Brad Keselowski to the checkered flag and the $1 million reward in a dramatic conclusion in 2021, scoring his second All-Star Race triumph. Larson’s incredible talent and dedication on the track showed clearly, cementing his place at NASCAR’s top layer. He became a third-time winner in 2023 in a dominating run at North Wilkesboro. Larson is the only driver to win the All-Star race in three different tracks.

3. Jeff Gordon – 3 wins

Jeff Gordon, an influential NASCAR driver, piloted the No. 24 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports in the Winston Cup and Sprint Cup Series. With four Cup Series titles in 1995, 1997, 1998, and 2001, Gordon made his name in NASCAR’S prominent drivers. He had unwavering determination, tireless effort, and decades of expertise, with which Gordon amassed an impressive list of accomplishments on and off the track.

He triumphed in the NASCAR All-Star Race three times during his championship seasons, leading 33 laps in 1995, 16 laps in 1997, and 17 laps in 2001. These victories showcased Gordon’s exceptional talent. He shares the record for most All-Star Race wins with Dale Earnhardt. Beyond his on-track achievements, Gordon played a significant role in popularizing NASCAR. His impact extended beyond racing, garnering mainstream appeal for the sport. Gordon remains an iconic figure in NASCAR history, leaving a lasting legacy.

3. Dale Earnhardt – 3 wins

Following his father’s footsteps, Dale Earnhardt embarked on a professional auto racing career, swiftly ascending to stardom with his undeniable talent. In 1979, he burst onto the scene as NASCAR’s Rookie of the Year, setting the stage for a remarkable journey. Earnhardt’s meteoric rise continued as he clinched the Winston Cup championship in only his second season, a testament to the extraordinary career that awaited him.

Throughout his illustrious tenure, Earnhardt, known as the “Intimidator” for his fearless racing style, secured seven remarkable Winston Cup championships. In 1987, he left an indelible mark in the racing world by becoming the inaugural winner of “The Winston” at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Displaying masterful skill, he led for 27 laps and triumphed over the formidable Bill Elliott by a margin of 1.41 seconds, etching his name in the record books.

The year 1990 showcased Earnhardt’s commanding prowess again as he seized his second All-Star Race victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway. With audacity coursing through his veins, he dominated the race, leading an impressive 31 laps and surpassing the indomitable Mark Martin to claim victory. In 1993, he added one final All-Star Race triumph to his legacy, captivating the crowds at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Demonstrating unrivaled brilliance behind the wheel, Earnhardt led an astonishing 28 laps, narrowly outmaneuvering Kyle Petty by a razor-thin margin of 0.41 seconds, solidifying his place in history.

1. Jimmie Johnson – 4 Wins

Jimmie Johnson is a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, matching the all-time record for the most NASCAR Cup Series championships with Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt. Johnson has won 12 of NASCAR’s “crown jewel” races, including the DAYTONA 500 in 2006 and 2013, four Brickyard 500s, and two Southern 500s. He is regarded as one of the finest racing car drivers in NASCAR history, having won five consecutive NASCAR Cup titles.

Jimmie Johnson has four All-Star Race victories: 2003, 2006, 2012, and 2013. Johnson won the race in 2003 after starting from the pole position and led for 16 laps. In 2006, he started second and dominated the race for 16 laps to win. Johnson won the opening phase of the race in 2012 and then limped through three 20-lap stints since he was nearly certain to start first in the final half. Johnson became the first four-time winner of NASCAR’s All-Star race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2013.

Honourable Mentions

Mark Martin‘s remarkable career spanned various teams, including Roush Fenway Racing, where he enjoyed his most successful years. Known for his intense work ethic and relentless pursuit of perfection, Martin became known as the “Ironman” for his record-breaking consecutive starts in the Cup Series. Beyond his on-track achievements, Martin is highly respected for his sportsmanship and dedication to the sport. He won the All-Star race twice, in 1998 and then in 2005. 

Terry Labonte is a highly accomplished NASCAR driver known for his skill and consistency on the track. Labonte enjoyed a successful career spanning several decades. He competed in the NASCAR Cup Series and amassed 22 victories, including two impressive wins in the All-Star Race. Labonte emerged victorious in the prestigious event in 1988 and again in 1999, showcasing his exceptional talent and ability to perform under pressure.

Beyond his All-Star Race wins, Labonte is a two-time Cup Series champion, earning titles in 1984 and 1996. Known for his calm demeanor and smooth driving style, Labonte earned the nickname “Ice Man.” Despite enjoying a successful career, Labonte has never won the Daytona 500 in all his 30 race stars.

Davey Allison was a highly talented and beloved NASCAR driver who made a significant impact during his short career. Born on February 25, 1961, he was the son of racing legend Bobby Allison. Davey achieved notable success in the Winston Cup Series, earning 19 victories, including the prestigious Daytona 500 in 1992. Known for his skill, determination, and charismatic personality, Allison captured the hearts of racing fans worldwide. Tragically, his life was cut short in a helicopter crash in 1993, leaving a remarkable legacy and a lasting impact on the sport. Davey Allison will always be remembered as a gifted driver who brought excitement and passion to NASCAR.

Davey Allison won the All-Star races twice, in succession in 1991 and then in 1992. His 1992 win was particularly memorable. Kyle Petty and Dale Earnhardt were vying for the lead towards the end of the race, and as they approached turn three, Petty spun Earnhardt, and Davey Allison pursued Petty. Allison raced him to the line, but then she spun out and smacked into the wall hard, sliding into turn one. Allison was rushed to the hospital and did not participate in the victory lap. It was regarded as one of the most memorable moments in the history of the all-star race. Allison also won the event for the second time in a row. Michael Waltrip and Hut Stricklin qualified for the Winston Open by finishing first and second, respectively. 

In case you missed it:

• Why NASCAR doesn’t have airbags?
• Why is Kyle Larson called Yung Money?

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW