Top 5 Drivers with the Most NASCAR Xfinity Series Championships of All Time

Top 5 Drivers with the Most NASCAR Xfinity Series Championships of All Time

The NASCAR Xfinity Series, previously known as the NASCAR Nationwide Series and Busch Series, has long served as the proving ground for drivers aspiring to make their mark in the premier NASCAR Cup Series. Over the years, the Xfinity Series has seen numerous legendary drivers race through its ranks, and many have gone on to win multiple championships in the series. These titles not only reflect a driver’s talent and consistency on the track but also their ability to navigate the challenges of a highly competitive racing environment.

In this article, we will delve into the top five drivers who have achieved the most NASCAR Xfinity Series championships of all time. These drivers have solidified their place in NASCAR history with their skill, perseverance, and dominance in the series. Each of these champions has a unique story to tell, and their success has helped shape the Xfinity Series into what it is today.

1. Kyle Busch – 7 Championships

Years Active in Xfinity Series: 2004–Present
Championships: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2020

Kyle Busch is arguably the most successful driver in the history of the NASCAR Xfinity Series. With seven championships to his name, Busch has set a record that may be difficult to break in the foreseeable future. His dominance in the Xfinity Series has been nothing short of remarkable, and he has built a reputation as one of the most versatile and aggressive drivers in NASCAR.

Busch’s success in the Xfinity Series can be attributed to a combination of talent, experience, and dedication. He made his Xfinity Series debut in 2004, driving for Hendrick Motorsports, and by 2009, he had already claimed his first championship. What followed was a run of dominance that would solidify him as the face of the series. In total, Busch has won over 100 races in the Xfinity Series, an unprecedented achievement that demonstrates his skill behind the wheel.

One of the keys to Busch’s success in the Xfinity Series has been his ability to consistently adapt to different race tracks and conditions. Whether it’s short tracks, superspeedways, or road courses, Busch has been a formidable contender across the board. His unparalleled drive to win, coupled with his work ethic, has made him a fan favorite and a perennial championship contender in the Xfinity Series.

Busch’s continued success in the Xfinity Series has also helped raise the profile of Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), the team he drives for in both the Cup and Xfinity Series. As of the 2020 season, Busch continues to make an impact in the Xfinity Series, showcasing his experience to mentor younger drivers while still capturing wins and championships.

2. Mark Martin – 7 Championships

Years Active in Xfinity Series: 1988–2000
Championships: 1987, 1990, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999

Mark Martin is another driver who shares the record of seven Xfinity Series championships with Kyle Busch. Martin’s career in the Xfinity Series spanned over a decade, during which he became a dominant force in the series. Although he is best known for his success in the NASCAR Cup Series, where he amassed 40 wins and earned several top finishes in the championship standings, Martin’s impact on the Xfinity Series cannot be overstated.

Martin’s championships came in an era when the series was known as the Busch Grand National Series, and the competition was fierce. He won his first championship in 1987, and his subsequent titles came in 1990, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, and 1999. This remarkable stretch of dominance cemented his legacy as one of the greatest drivers in the series.

Much like Busch, Martin was a highly versatile driver, excelling on a variety of tracks. His smooth driving style, coupled with his strategic racecraft, allowed him to consistently compete at a high level. Martin’s success was also due in large part to his relationship with team owner Jack Roush, who played a key role in his rise to prominence in NASCAR.

While Martin eventually transitioned to a full-time Cup Series career, he remained a fixture in the Xfinity Series for many years, often returning for select races. His relationship with the series and its fans remained strong throughout his career, and he was always regarded as one of the classiest drivers in NASCAR.

3. Tony Stewart – 3 Championships

Years Active in Xfinity Series: 1996–2008
Championships: 1997, 1998, 2005

Tony Stewart, another NASCAR legend, also achieved considerable success in the Xfinity Series during his career. Stewart’s three championships came in 1997, 1998, and 2005. While he would go on to establish himself as one of the most successful Cup Series drivers in NASCAR history, his roots in the Xfinity Series played a pivotal role in shaping his career.

Stewart’s success in the Xfinity Series began in 1996, when he made his debut in the series. By 1997, he was a force to be reckoned with, winning the championship in just his second year. He followed that up with another title in 1998, further establishing himself as one of the rising stars in NASCAR.

In 2005, Stewart won his third Xfinity Series championship, further cementing his place as one of the top drivers in the series. Throughout his Xfinity career, Stewart was known for his aggressive driving style and his ability to win on a wide variety of tracks. His success in the series helped him make the transition to the Cup Series, where he would go on to win multiple championships and establish himself as one of NASCAR’s all-time greats.

In addition to his racing achievements, Stewart also played a role in the development of Stewart-Haas Racing, a team he co-founded in 2009. The team quickly became one of the top organizations in NASCAR, and Stewart himself went on to win the 2011 NASCAR Cup Series championship. Despite his primary focus on the Cup Series, Stewart’s contributions to the Xfinity Series remain an important part of his legacy.

4. Chase Elliott – 2 Championships

Years Active in Xfinity Series: 2014–2016
Championships: 2014, 2015

Chase Elliott, the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion, is one of the brightest young stars to emerge from the Xfinity Series in recent years. While Elliott’s tenure in the Xfinity Series was relatively short, his two championships in 2014 and 2015 solidified his place as one of the best drivers in the series’ modern era.

Elliott made his Xfinity Series debut in 2014, driving for JR Motorsports, and quickly made a name for himself. In his first season, Elliott captured the championship, becoming the youngest champion in Xfinity Series history at the time. He followed up his success in 2015 with another title, proving that his first championship was no fluke.

Elliott’s success in the Xfinity Series was marked by his consistency, intelligence on the track, and his ability to adapt quickly to different types of racing. His relationship with team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. played a key role in his development, and Elliott’s natural talent was evident from the very beginning of his NASCAR career.

Although Elliott moved on to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2016, where he has become one of the sport’s biggest stars, his achievements in the Xfinity Series remain an important part of his legacy. His two championships helped pave the way for a successful Cup Series career, and he remains one of the most popular drivers in the sport today.

5. Kevin Harvick – 2 Championships

Years Active in Xfinity Series: 2001–2013
Championships: 2001, 2006

Kevin Harvick, like Chase Elliott, is a driver who achieved significant success in the Xfinity Series before making the jump to the NASCAR Cup Series. Harvick’s two championships came in 2001 and 2006, both of which were marked by his ability to win races consistently and compete at a high level across all types of tracks.

Harvick entered the Xfinity Series in 2001, and in his first full season, he won the championship, capturing the attention of NASCAR fans and industry insiders alike. His performance in the series was marked by his aggressive driving style and his ability to handle pressure, qualities that would later serve him well in the Cup Series.

In 2006, Harvick won his second Xfinity Series championship, further solidifying his reputation as one of the top drivers in the series. During his time in the Xfinity Series, Harvick won numerous races and built a strong relationship with team owner Richard Childress, which helped him make a seamless transition to the Cup Series in 2001.

Since moving to the Cup Series, Harvick has enjoyed a long and successful career, winning the 2014 Cup Series championship and establishing himself as one of NASCAR’s most consistent and talented drivers. Despite his Cup Series success, Harvick’s time in the Xfinity Series remains a significant part of his legacy.

Conclusion

The NASCAR Xfinity Series has produced some of the most talented and successful drivers in the history of the sport. From Kyle Busch’s record-breaking seven championships to the dominance of Mark Martin and the rapid rise of Chase Elliott, these five drivers have set the standard for excellence in the series. Their championships reflect not only their skill but also their determination, consistency, and ability to adapt to the ever-evolving world of NASCAR.

As the Xfinity Series continues to serve