Motorsports has become one of the most exciting attractions in the sporting world. It is naturally thrilling to watch the fastest cars trying to usurp each other on an asphalt track. The high-speed action makes for a fun time, but it gets better when you know the top drivers are on the track racing against each other.
Stock car racing has a rich history dating back to 1919. Through the years, there have been some amazing drivers who have raced in NASCAR, the highest level of stock car racing. Before diving into the top drivers, get to know first what makes for a top-tier driver.
The qualities of a legend in the stock racing world
Due to the century of top-tier drivers in the stock racing space, it can be challenging to find out what defines them. The all-time great drivers exhibit qualities that are exclusive to them. They can drive the best cars at unreal speeds while making every NASCAR race a box-office date in the list of all upcoming sports events through their exciting races.
Here are some qualities to expect from a promising driver or a driver with a rich legacy:
- Immense driving skill – Knowing how to handle the vehicle is important for the driver, but they must also have quick reflexes and a natural ability to manoeuvre through traffic at a high speed.
The best drivers excel at adapting to different tracks and situations, which could be seen in the best of the best. This does not only apply to the oval tracks NASCAR is known for. Super speedways or road courses should also be places where they could succeed.
- Strategic mind – While most people could look into driving as a sport of skill, that is not the only part of racing. Stock car racing has race engineers who speak to the drivers about strategies, but sometimes, the best of the best have the intelligence to devise a strategy on the fly.
The best drivers are known for making audacious moves, but most people conflate that to reflexes. That is not the case because it would take a split second to devise that kind of strategy and stand out in the race and possibly win it.
- Impact on the sport – When it comes to legacy, it is important to know what impact they had on the sport of stock car racing. Some drivers have been superb, but only a few have carved out legacies that will last for generations.
When you look at the best drivers out there, you can see their names mentioned all the time during the broadcast. That cements their place as one of the best racecar drivers ever, and they must be given the spotlight they deserve.
Richard ‘The King’ Petty
In stock car racing’s history, Richard ‘The King’ Petty deserves his spot at the top. He is NASCAR’s most successful driver, having won 200 races during his historic career and seven championships.
That is a record for NASCAR that remains untouched since he retired in October 1992. In 34 strong years, Petty cemented his place as the best driver in the NASCAR circuit. He earned the nickname of The King as he had everything you would want from an elite driver.
He was consistent with his performances, and he had the natural ability to adapt to different race conditions. The #43 car was always recognisable as Petty always showed his dominance as he left his opponents in the dust, and kept winning races even when the weather was not in his favour or the other drivers were pushing him.
Moreover, he became a fan favourite as he always showed his stellar racing ability as a maverick motorsport athlete. He promoted the sport well in the United States, paving the way for countless others to take part in NASCAR and other driving series. If you are looking for the best driver, Petty deserves to be mentioned as one of the best to do it.
Dale ‘The Intimidator’ Earnhardt
During his NASCAR career, Dale Earnhardt was one of the fiercest drivers ever. He was an extremely aggressive driver, as he always found gaps during the races. That bravery helped him win seven championships and made other drivers afraid of him.
That fearless approach made him a tough driver to go against as the opponents could not accept being bumped and losing their position. Dale was known for the ‘bump-and-run’ technique, as he tested the limits of the stock cars by bumping and then taking advantage of that surprise effect on the other drivers.
He was also immense under pressure, as he always showed a never-give-up attitude. That kind of approach endeared him to fans, as he was dominant during his career. Daytona was probably the best track for Dale, cementing his Dayton 500 win in 1998 after many years of losing on that circuit.
Earnhardt’s legacy remains strong today, especially after his tragic passing in the 2001 Dayton 500. He was known as a superstar driver and remained influential even after his passing as NASCAR implemented many protective measures for the drivers.
Jeff Gordon
When he arrived in the 1990s, Jeff Gordon quickly became one of the most impactful drivers ever. He burst onto the scene as one of the most dominant drivers, winning four NASCAR championships and helping the series become mainstream. Jeff was an aggressive yet controlled driver, succeeding on almost any racecourse.
Unlike Dale, Jeff was more of a clean-cut driver. He embraced being the family-friendly driver, getting sponsorships and mainstream appeal. That led to them being pitted as rivals as they were fantastic drivers but also on the opposite ends of the spectrum when it came to their image.
Despite Dale being considered by many as the greatest of their generation, Jeff deserves his respect. With 93 wins in his career, Gordon elevated himself as one of the best drivers while proving he could succeed in an era when he had another generational star battling him.
Jimmie Johnson
During the 2000s and 2010s, Jimmie Johnson managed a record-tying seven NASCAR championships. His dominance from 2006 to 2010 was one of the most impressive stretches out of any driver in history. That has never been replicated, so excelling across many years and tracks shows he is one of the best to ever race in NASCAR.
The partnership between Johnson and his crew chief Chad Knaus is one of the most successful in NASCAR history. Not only was Jimmie excellent on the track, but he was also a smart driver who knew how to devise tactics with his team. With 84 NASCAR race wins in his locker, Johnson deserves to be mentioned as a historical player.
Kyle Busch
The modern NASCAR era has one standout and that is Kyle Busch. Dubbed ‘Rowdy’, Busch is known for his aggressive driving style. He is one of the most dominant drivers today, holding the most combined NASCAR wins ever at 231.
He has two NASCAR championships, but he is one of the most solidified drivers. No matter which car he is driving, Busch is one of the best. Kyle is late into his career now, but he will probably still keep winning, which shows how good he is and will continue succeeding.
Legends deserve the praise
Stock car racing has seen plenty of talented drivers, but these superstars deserve to be at the top. NASCAR’s growth is connected to making it one of the best sports. Before the rise of these drivers, NASCAR was not at the top of the list of all upcoming sports events. Nowadays, you can see motorsports like NASCAR and F1, which are linked to these drivers.
