Has NASCAR ever retired a number?

Answer 1

On a whole, NASCAR doesn't retire numbers. They have done so only once. This was in the Whelen Modified Tour, in honor of Richie Evans the #61 was retired.

As far as any number being retired in NASCAR's top three series, the closest has been the #3. After Dale Earnhardt Sr's death in 2001, only his son, Dale Jr., drove the #3 car in the Nationwide Series on two occasions.

Only time will tell if the #3 will again be used in the Cup Series. Dale Sr. drove for Richard Childress and now Childress has two grandsons (Austin and Ty Dillon) who use the #3 in the Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series. In 2014, Austin is expected to run full-time in the Cup Series.

Answer 2

NASCAR has retired the 61 in the Modified series. Richie Evans, The Rapid Roman, ran this number for 9 Modifed Championships (8 of them in a row) with over 450 victories.

Answer 3

Yes. Several numbers.