NASCAR Legends

NASCAR drivers do a great job showing respect for a legend after accomplishing more than they did. I noticed in the NASCAR history books that the torch (figure of speech) has been passed from the best driver to the next best driver, and it kept continuing. Richard Petty won his 7th Cup Championship in 1979 and a year later Dale Earnhardt won his very first Cup Championship. Dale Earnhardt would win his 7th Cup Championship in 1994, and a year later Jeff Gordon won his first Cup Championship. In my opinion the two best NASCAR drivers today are Kyle Busch and Jimmie Johnson. Five years in a row that #48 team has won the Sprint Cup, this year either Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick, or Carl Edwards will knock Jimmie off his throne. Kyle Busch is with the right organization, has the incredible racing ability, and an efficient pit crew to win the Championship on multiple occasions throughout his career.

There was a night race at Phoenix in 2007 called the "Subway Fresh Fit 500". Tony Stewart was leading the race until Jeff Gordon made a risky, but clean pass on Tony to take the lead with about 12 laps to go. The 4 time champion would go on to win his 76th career Sprint Cup Series race. I thought it was amazing to see Jeff Gordon do a lap around the Phoenix circuit with a #3 Earnhardt flag instead of the checkered flag tradition. It truly showed how much respect and admiration Jeff has for the Intimidator, the 7 time champion. Gordon was honored to tie Earnhardt on the all-time wins list with 76 victories, after all Gordon dedicated his 2001 Sprint Cup Series Championship to Dale Earnhardt. It was the 2001 Daytona 500 where Earnhardt unfortunately passed away.

My Top 10 NASCAR Drivers List & Reasons:

1. Richard Petty (7 Championships/200 wins/7 Daytona 500 wins)

2. Dale Earnhardt (7 Championships/76 wins)

3. Jeff Gordon* (4 Championships/83 wins/3 Daytona 500 wins)

4. David Pearson (3 Championships/105 wins)

5. Cale Yarborough (3 Championships in 3 years in a row/83 wins)

6. Darrell Waltrip (3 Championships/84 wins/1 Daytona 500 win)

7. Jimmie Johnson* (5 Championships in a row/54 wins)

8. Lee Petty (3 Championships/54 wins/won first Daytona 500 in 1959)

9. Bobby Allison (1 Championship/84 wins/3 Daytona 500 wins)

10. Rusty Wallace (1 Championship/55 wins)
*Active NASCAR drivers

Written by: Tyler McMurter