12 Wild Superstitions NASCAR Drivers Actually Followed

Explore the interesting world of superstitions that NASCAR drivers have held for a long time. Many drivers think their strange habits, like wearing lucky socks or doing certain things before a race, give them an edge on the track. People believe in these superstitions because they are part of the tradition and want extra luck in a sport with so much at stake.

Tricia Quitales
April 9, 2025
4 min read

12 Wild Superstitions NASCAR Drivers Actually Followed — Muhammet Emir Şeker on Pexels

This article discusses the strange and unusual beliefs that NASCAR drivers have held over the years. These beliefs and rituals, ranging from harmless to downright strange, have become an important part of NASCAR culture. Even though driving is a sport that is all about speed and accuracy, many drivers still use these personal habits to help them feel ready and sure of themselves. These superstitions, like wearing a certain pair of socks or tapping the car in a certain way, show how important the mental side of racing can be to a driver’s performance.

1. Dale Earnhardt’s No. 3 – A Symbol of Good Luck

Tech. Sgt. Mike R. Smith, National Guard Bureau (RELEASED) on Wikimedia

The number 3 has always meant a lot to Dale Earnhardt, one of NASCAR’s most famous drivers. Throughout his career, he thought it brought him luck. Even though he has died, people still see the number 3 as a sign of Earnhardt’s power and legacy on the track.

2. Jimmie Johnson’s Special Pre-Race Rituals

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Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR champion, has long been known to do strange things before races. One well-known superstition was that he should always put on his left shoe first. He thought this small act of order made him feel more in charge and set the tone for the rest of the race.

3. Jeff Gordon and His Lucky Charm

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Another famous NASCAR driver, Jeff Gordon, was known for always wearing a lucky charm. He always had a small coin in his pocket because he thought it would help him win races. This superstition became an important part of his preparation for the race and helped him focus on the task.

4. Tony Stewart’s Tapping Ritual

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Tony Stewart had a superstition that helped him stay calm before every race. He was known for being very angry. Before getting in his car, he would tap his helmet twice. This was a way for him to clear his mind and prepare for the race.

5. Bubba Wallace’s Pre-Race Meal

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NASCAR’s only full-time African American driver, Bubba Wallace, has an interesting food-related ritual before races. Wallace always makes sure to eat the same thing, usually something light and healthy. This routine helps him feel mentally and physically ready.

6. Kyle Busch’s Lucky Socks

Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Morris on Wikimedia

For some reason, Kyle Busch believes that wearing the same pair of socks to every race will help him win. He thinks that his socks will bring him luck on race day. The socks should help him feel grounded and ready to act because they feel like old friends.

7. Mark Martin’s Lucky Underwear

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Mark Martin, a veteran of NASCAR, believed that a certain pair of underwear would bring him luck. He wore the same underwear for every race because he thought it would help him do better and bring him luck. This ritual became so important for him that he wouldn’t race without it.

8. Rusty Wallace and the Number 2

William M. Plate Jr., USAF CIV. on Wikimedia

Rusty Wallace, a NASCAR Hall of Famer, had a strong connection to the number 2 throughout his career, which he considered lucky. Wallace believed the number 2 brought him success and helped him feel more confident on the track. Even in his post-racing career, Wallace continues associating the number with positive outcomes.

9. Richard Petty’s Blue Towel

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Richard Petty, one of the most famous people in NASCAR, always had a blue towel with him before every race. He always wore the towel to races because he thought it would bring him luck. It became so well-known that he did this as part of his signature ritual before races.

10. Kasey Kahne’s Lucky Coin

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Kasey Kahne, another NASCAR driver who believes in luck, always had a lucky coin with him. He kept this small coin in his pocket during races because he thought it would bring him luck. Kahne thought it kept him grounded and on task while navigating the track’s tricky parts.

11. Carl Edwards and the “Lucky Penny”

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Carl Edwards believed a lucky penny would help him win races, so he always carried it with him. He thought the penny would bring him luck and make him feel safer behind the wheel. Because of this belief, it became a tradition for him to look for a lucky penny before every race.

12. Kevin Harvick’s Pre-Race Handshake

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Kevin Harvick believes that shaking hands with his crew chief before a race brings good luck. People thought that this simple but meaningful act would bring them together before the race. Harvick thought that shaking hands made him and his team feel ready for what was to come.