Richard Petty holds the record with seven NASCAR Cup Series championships from 1964 to 1979. Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson also claimed seven titles each, making them equal legends.
Kyle Larson won his second NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2025, joining the elite group of multi-time champions. Thirty-six different drivers have won the championship since the series began in 1949.
All-Time NASCAR Cup Series Champions By Titles
| Rank | Driver | Championships | Years Won | Best Era |
| 1 | Richard Petty | 7 | 1964, 1967, 1971-72, 1974-75, 1979 | 1964-1979 |
| 2 | Dale Earnhardt | 7 | 1980, 1986-87, 1990-91, 1993-94 | 1980-1994 |
| 3 | Jimmie Johnson | 7 | 2006-2010, 2013, 2016 | 2006-2016 |
| 4 | Jeff Gordon | 4 | 1995, 1997-98, 2001 | 1995-2001 |
| 5 | Lee Petty | 3 | 1954, 1956, 1959 | 1954-1959 |
| 6 | Darrell Waltrip | 3 | 1981-82, 1985 | 1981-1985 |
| 7 | Cale Yarborough | 3 | 1976-78 | 1976-1978 |
| 8 | David Pearson | 3 | 1966, 1968-69 | 1966-1969 |
| 9 | Tony Stewart | 3 | 2002, 2005, 2011 | 2002-2011 |
| 10 | Joey Logano | 3 | 2018, 2022, 2024 | 2018-2024 |
Richard Petty’s dominance in the 1970s established him as NASCAR’s greatest driver. His NASCAR Cup Series winners list reign lasted nearly two decades with consistent excellence.
Recent NASCAR Cup Series Winners (2015-2025)
| Year | Champion | Team | Final Points |
| 2025 | Kyle Larson | Hendrick Motorsports | 5,020 |
| 2024 | Joey Logano | Team Penske | 5,035 |
| 2023 | Ryan Blaney | Team Penske | 5,035 |
| 2022 | Joey Logano | Team Penske | 5,040 |
| 2021 | Kyle Larson | Hendrick Motorsports | 4,094 |
| 2020 | Chase Elliott | Hendrick Motorsports | 4,446 |
| 2019 | Kyle Busch | Joe Gibbs Racing | 5,040 |
| 2018 | Joey Logano | Team Penske | 5,040 |
| 2017 | Martin Truex Jr. | Furniture Row Racing | 5,040 |
| 2016 | Jimmie Johnson | Hendrick Motorsports | 5,040 |
| 2015 | Kyle Busch | Joe Gibbs Racing | 5,035 |
The NASCAR Cup Series winners list shows Joey Logano as a modern multi-champion. Kyle Larson’s 2025 victory marked his second title in five years.
Most Dominant NASCAR Cup Series Eras
Richard Petty Dynasty (1964-1979)
Richard Petty won seven NASCAR Cup Series championships across 16 seasons. His consistency and skill made him the sport’s greatest driver for two decades. The King earned his nickname through unmatched success and popularity.
Petty’s records include 200 career wins, a mark unlikely to be broken. His winning percentage exceeded 15% of all races started. The NASCAR Cup Series winners list is forever defined by his legendary legacy.
Dale Earnhardt Era (1980-1994)
Dale Earnhardt captured seven championships in 15 seasons of dominance. The Intimidator’s aggressive driving style revolutionized NASCAR competition. He won championships across the 1980s and early 1990s with fierce determination.
Earnhardt’s success included 76 career wins and thousands of fans. His rivalry with other greats created memorable moments in racing history. The NASCAR Cup Series crowned him a legend alongside Richard Petty.
Jimmie Johnson Dynasty (2006-2016)
Jimmie Johnson won seven championships in just 11 seasons with remarkable consistency. He captured five consecutive titles from 2006 to 2010, a record unsurpassed. Johnson dominated the Chase Era like no other driver in modern times.
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Johnson’s crew chief Chad Knaus engineered championship cars year after year. Together they won 83 races and countless accolades. The NASCAR Cup Series reached peak competitiveness during Johnson’s dominance.
Modern Era Success (2018-2025)
Joey Logano has emerged as a modern multi-champion with three titles. Kyle Larson captured back-to-back championships in 2021 and 2025. Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, and Kyle Busch have also won recent championships.
Modern NASCAR Cup Series winners face stronger competition than ever before. The talent depth makes repeated championships significantly more difficult. Every year brings new challengers seeking their first or additional title.
Single-Time NASCAR Cup Series Winners
Eleven drivers have won exactly one NASCAR Cup Series championship. Notable champions include Rusty Wallace, Alan Kulwicki, and Bill Elliott. These drivers achieved their championship dream despite fierce competition.
Mark Martin competed in 870 races but never won the championship. His consistency rivals champions, yet he never captured the ultimate prize. The NASCAR Cup Series proves championships require timing and peak performance.
Drivers with Multiple Wins but No Championship
Several drivers have amassed numerous victories without winning a championship. Some of the greatest drivers never claimed the NASCAR Cup Series title. Longevity in racing doesn’t guarantee championship success at the highest level.
Championship Format Evolution
The NASCAR Cup Series used a cumulative points system from 1949 to 2003. Drivers earned points based on race finish positions across the entire season. This format rewarded consistency and endurance throughout 30+ races.
The Chase for the Cup debuted in 2004, revolutionizing championship competition. The top 16 drivers reset points before the final ten races. This format increased drama and guaranteed exciting finishes year after year.
The 2024 season introduced a new Playoff format with expanded Chase participation. Sixteen drivers now compete in the playoff rounds leading to the championship. The NASCAR Cup Series continues evolving to maintain competitive balance.
FAQs
What Driver Has Won the Most NASCAR Cup Series Championships?
Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and Jimmie Johnson each won seven NASCAR Cup Series titles. These three legends share the record for most championships in NASCAR history.
Who Won the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Championship?
Kyle Larson captured his second NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2025. He defeated Denny Hamlin in an overtime finale at Phoenix Raceway for the title.
How Many Different Drivers Have Won the NASCAR Cup Series?
Thirty-six different drivers have won the NASCAR Cup Series championship since 1949. Eighteen of these drivers have won multiple championships throughout history.
What Is the Most Recent NASCAR Cup Series Winners List Achievement?
Kyle Larson’s 2025 championship marked his second career NASCAR Cup Series title. Joey Logano, Chase Elliott, and Kyle Busch have also won recent championships in the series.
