NASCAR has witnessed numerous incredible talents throughout its history, but a select few have solidified their names as the Best NASCAR Drivers of All-Time. Some have achieved legendary status through their championship wins, while others are celebrated for their overall contributions to the sport.
Let’s take a look at Top 10 Best NASCAR Drivers of All-Time :
10. Tony Stewart
Tony Stewart is often regarded as one of the Best NASCAR Drivers of All-Time due to his tremendous versatility across different racing formats. He debuted in the NASCAR Cup Series with a bang, claiming three wins in his rookie season. Over his career, Stewart won three Cup Series championships (2002, 2005, and 2011). He concluded his career with 49 wins in 618 starts, boasting a winning percentage of 7.93%. Stewart’s influence on the sport extended beyond racing, as he became a co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing. His significant contributions to both the racing track and the sport’s culture cement his status as one of the Best NASCAR Drivers of All-Time.
| Country | Number of Wins | Starts | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 49 | 618 | 3-time Cup Series Champion |
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9. Kyle Busch
Kyle Busch has earned his place among the Best NASCAR Drivers of All-Time with his astounding career achievements. Busch’s dominance is unmatched in NASCAR, as he holds the record for the most wins in NASCAR history, with 226 victories across all major series (Cup, Xfinity, and Truck Series). In addition to his 3 Cup Series championships, Busch’s personality and fierce competitive spirit have made him a polarizing figure in the sport. His record-breaking career ensures his position among the Best NASCAR Drivers of All-Time, with a legacy that continues to grow.
| Country | Number of Wins | Starts | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 226 | – | 3-time Cup Series Champion |
8. Bobby Allison
Bobby Allison is considered one of the Best NASCAR Drivers of All-Time due to his remarkable success in the Modern Era. With 84 career wins in 718 starts, Allison is a 3-time Daytona 500 winner and the 1983 Cup Series champion. He was a key member of the “Alabama Gang” and had a lasting impact on NASCAR. His 1983 championship marked the pinnacle of his career, and his overall accomplishments place him firmly in the conversation as one of the Best NASCAR Drivers of All-Time.
| Country | Number of Wins | Starts | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 84 | 718 | 1983 Cup Series Champion |
7. Darrell Waltrip
Darrell Waltrip’s career achievements firmly place him among the Best NASCAR Drivers of All-Time. He earned 84 wins in 804 starts, along with three Cup Series championships (1981, 1982, 1985). Waltrip’s success on the track was matched by his contributions to NASCAR in the broadcast booth, where he became a key figure in FOX Sports’ NASCAR coverage. His remarkable career and lasting legacy ensure his place among the Best NASCAR Drivers of All-Time.
| Country | Number of Wins | Starts | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 84 | 804 | 3-time Cup Series Champion |
6. Cale Yarborough
Cale Yarborough’s legacy as one of the Best NASCAR Drivers of All-Time is highlighted by his dominance in the 1970s. The four-time Daytona 500 winner and three-time Cup Series champion (1976-1978) earned 83 victories in 560 starts, giving him an impressive winning percentage of 14.82%. His success, particularly in the Modern Era, makes him a prominent figure in NASCAR’s history. His extraordinary achievements ensure he will always be remembered as one of the Best NASCAR Drivers of All-Time.
| Country | Number of Wins | Starts | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 83 | 560 | 3-time Cup Series Champion |
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5. David Pearson
David Pearson, known as the “Silver Fox,” was one of the Best NASCAR Drivers of All-Time with an astounding 105 wins in 574 starts. He boasted the highest winning percentage of any driver with over 500 starts in NASCAR history (18.29%). Pearson won three Cup Series championships in 1966, 1968, and 1969, and his incredible performance in the pre-Modern Era helped lay the foundation for the sport’s rise. His consistency and skill cement his legacy as one of the Best NASCAR Drivers of All-Time.
| Country | Number of Wins | Starts | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 105 | 574 | 3-time Cup Series Champion |
4. Richard Petty
Richard Petty, also known as “The King,” is undoubtedly one of the Best NASCAR Drivers of All-Time. He holds the record for the most wins in NASCAR Cup Series history with 200 victories in 1,184 starts. A seven-time Cup Series champion, Petty’s dominance in the sport earned him a legacy that remains unmatched. Despite no longer holding the record for most career wins, Petty’s numerous achievements, including 27 wins in a single season, will keep him remembered as one of the Best NASCAR Drivers of All-Time.
| Country | Number of Wins | Starts | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 200 | 1184 | 7-time Cup Series Champion |
3. Jeff Gordon
Jeff Gordon, a four-time Cup Series champion (1995, 1997, 1998, and 2001), is among the Best NASCAR Drivers of All-Time. With 93 wins in 805 starts and an incredible 24,936 laps led, Gordon’s career has left a profound impact on NASCAR. His iconic rainbow-colored No. 24 car is one of the most recognizable symbols in the sport, and his unmatched consistency throughout his career keeps him in the conversation of the Best NASCAR Drivers of All-Time.
| Country | Number of Wins | Starts | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 93 | 805 | 4-time Cup Series Champion |
2. Dale Earnhardt, Sr.
Dale Earnhardt, Sr., known as “The Intimidator,” remains one of the Best NASCAR Drivers of All-Time. His career was filled with intense competition and countless memorable moments. Earnhardt accumulated 76 wins in 676 starts and won seven Cup Series championships. His tragic death in the 2001 Daytona 500 left a lasting mark on NASCAR, leading to changes in safety protocols that helped shape the sport’s future. Earnhardt’s impact on NASCAR cements his place among the Best NASCAR Drivers of All-Time.
| Country | Number of Wins | Starts | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 76 | 676 | 7-time Cup Series Champion |
1. Jimmie Johnson
Jimmie Johnson is widely regarded as the Best NASCAR Driver of All-Time. With seven Cup Series championships, including five consecutive wins, Johnson’s record is unparalleled. He concluded his full-time career with 83 wins in 686 starts, earning a winning percentage of 12.1%. Johnson’s career is defined by its consistency, and he remains a hallmark of success in NASCAR history. His incredible achievements and contributions to the sport have firmly placed him as the Best NASCAR Driver of All-Time.
| Country | Number of Wins | Starts | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 83 | 686 | 7-time Cup Series Champion |
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