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These NASCAR drivers are dominating Google as the season heats up
TL;DR
NASCAR drivers are trending in online searches, reflecting their celebrity status, especially in the South. Denny Hamlin stands out as a top driver despite not having a Cup Series championship.
Key points
- NASCAR drivers are trending in online searches
- Denny Hamlin is a notable driver without a championship
- NASCAR has a strong cultural following in the South
- Driver visibility increases during the busy season
Denny HamlinNASCAR Cup Series
Few sports command the cultural devotion NASCAR does in the South, where star drivers are followed less like athletes and more like celebrities.
Online search trends offer a revealing snapshot of which NASCAR drivers capture the most fan attention, and why certain names dominate the conversation well beyond the checkered flag.
As NASCAR enters one of its busiest and most visible stretches of the season, fans have their eyes on drivers like Denny Hamlin, who is often referred to as the organization’s best driver without a Cup Series championship title.
Denny Hamlin, driver of the No. 11 Progressive Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 at Dover Motor Speedway on July 20, 2025, in Dover.
Hamlin is America's most-Googled NASCAR driver in 2026, with more than 172,206 average monthly searches, according to research by Westgate Events, a company that curates vacation packages including NASCAR races.
Hamlin, who is also a podcaster and team owner infamous for his "villian arc" on the asphalt, ranked as the top-searched racer in 25 states.
“Denny Hamlin’s high ranking is likely due to the fact that he’s the only racer in the top ten to also have some sort of ownership on a team too, doubling the interest in him and highlighting how ventures off the track can contribute to a racers popularity and influence on the sport itself,” a Westgate Events spokesperson said.
In Tennessee, 23-time Cup Series winner Chase Elliott took the top spot for online interest. Elliot is the fourth-most-Googled driver in the U.S. with 139,892 average monthly searches nationwide this year, according to Westgate Events.
"If NASCAR has a 'chosen son,' it is Chase Elliott," the Westgate Events report stated. "Carrying the torch for the most legendary family in Georgia racing history, Elliott’s popularity is rooted in a deep-seated loyalty that spans generations."
Search data reveals that Elliott's fan base is "incredibly protective and engaged," according to the report.
Q&A
Which NASCAR drivers are currently trending in online searches?
Drivers like Denny Hamlin are currently trending, capturing significant fan attention.
Why do NASCAR drivers have a celebrity-like status in the South?
In the South, NASCAR drivers are followed with cultural devotion, often viewed more as celebrities than athletes.
What is Denny Hamlin known for in NASCAR?
Denny Hamlin is recognized as one of NASCAR's best drivers, notably without a Cup Series championship title.
How does the NASCAR season impact driver visibility?
As NASCAR enters its busiest season, driver visibility and fan engagement significantly increase.
