Here's an observation I've made. I'd like to see if you agree.
Richard Petty -Cale Yarbrough - Bobby or Donnie Allison - Darrell Waltrip - Dale Earnhardt - Jeff Gordon
These are the dominant drivers over the years (just go with me here) and depending on when you tuned in to Nascar, you either gravitated to the guy on top or the guy who was up and coming. (People call this bandwagon jumping, but I think for the guy just getting interested, it's because thats who you hear so much about .)
I rooted for Cale so I didn't care for the Allisons. So when Darrell came along to pester the Allisons I rooted for him. Didn't like Big Dale because he was wearing Darrell out, and now I root for Gordon (go ahead and throw those empty beer cans) because he would beat Dale more than anybody else.
Of course folks who have met drivers or get more deeply involved root for lesser drivers while the more casual fan stays with the big dogs.
Okay, that's my theory. Agree or disagree.