10 Legendary NASCAR Drivers Of All Time

The NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) has had its fair share of extraordinary drivers over the past 70 years. The first official race of the franchise took place in February 1948, with Red Byron winning it in a Ford! Since then, we’ve witnessed brilliant events year in year out.

Such events have given birth to fantastic drivers who are beloved by NASCAR fans all over the world. We believe they deserve some love and recognition. With that said, here are some of the most legendary NASCAR drivers who will go down in history.

Tony Stewart

Tony Stewart launched his NASCAR Cup Series career with 3 victories. In 2002, 2005, and 2011, Stewart went on to 3 Cup Series Championships. The three-time champ finished his career with 49 wins in 618 starts. This gave him a winning percentage of 7.93%. Stewart also won the NTT IndyCar Series championship in 1997 using open-wheel equipment. Nicknamed Smoke, Stewart is now semi-retired. Thanks to all his wins and dominance on the NASCAR scene, he will go down as a living legend.

Kyle Busch

Kyle Busch is another NASCAR legend that deserves his place on the list. This is for all kinds of reasons, most notably having the honour of being the most winningest driver in NASCAR history! In fact, the legend secured a mind-boggling 224 victories across the NASCAR Cup, Truck, and Xfinity series throughout his career. It’s safe to say that Busch is one of the most mesmerising drivers in the game. We bet no other driver will be able to achieve the success Busch has amassed, unless the rules change that is! You may want to check out OnlineCasinos UK and play car-themed casino games that can put you in the driving seat!

Bobby Allison

Launching his career before the Modern Era of NASCAR commenced, most of Bobby Allison’s success was achieved when the period began. In fact, this driving star won 55 races in the Modern Era, not to forget 84 overall in 718 starts. Allison is a three-time Daytona 500 winner and claimed his one and only Cup Series championship back in 1983. The driving legend founded the notable ‘Alabama Gang’. This is a group of drivers who operate out of Hueytown, Alabama.

Darrell Waltrip

If we’re to talk about the Modern Era of NASCAR drivers, Darrell Waltrip is one we couldn’t possibly miss off our list. In fact, he’s arguably one of the most successful! During his 29-year career, Waltrip amassed 84 wins in 804 starts. Waltrip won the 1989 Daytona 500, not to forget 3 Cup Series championships in 1981, 1982, and 1985. The driving legend sits in 2^nd place for the most Modern Era wins. Waltrip left his mark on the sport thanks to his success both on the track and in the broadcast booth.

Cale Yarborough

Cale Yarborough is a NASCAR legend who achieved success before the NASCAR Modern Era. Although, the driver’s full-time work didn’t start until the 1972 season. This driving star was fantastic and secured 3 straight championships between 1976 and 1978. Yarborough is a 4-time Daytona 500 winner and won an incredible 83 races in 560 starts throughout his career. What makes Yarborough stand out is that he’s only one of 2 drivers who won at least 3 straight championships in NASCAR history!

David Pearson

If we’re talking about the most successful pioneers in NASCAR history, David Pearson is a must on the list. The driving star boasts the best winning percentage of any NASCAR drivers! Nicknamed the Silver Fox, Pearson finished his career with a brilliant 105 wins in 574 starts. What’s more, Pearson won the 1976 Daytona 500, as well as winning 3 championships in 1966, 1968, and 1969. While Pearson achieved the bulk of his success before the NASCAR Modern Era, he was still incredibly successful when the Modern Era kicked off. Pearson sadly suffered a mini stroke in 2014 before passing away in 2018.

Richard Petty

Regarding Cup Series history, Richard Petty ranks on top in terms of the most successful driver. Nicknamed The King, Petty is a NASCAR Pioneer who resembles Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell from the NBA thanks to most of his success coming before the Modern Era started. Petty finished his NASCAR career with an astonishing 200 wins in 1,184 starts. The driving legend also collected 7 Winston Cups during his time at the top.

Jeff Gordon

We must talk about the most important drivers in NASCAR history. This is where Jeff Gordon comes into the equation. Gordon finished his driving career with a brilliant 93 wins in 805 starts. This includes 4 Cup Series Championships throughout the late 1990s and early 00s. Gordon was a former Hendrick Motorsports driver who boasted a fantastic 3 seasons with 10-plus victories. There’s no doubt about it when we say no one will ever come close to Gordon.

Dale Earnhardt, SR.

Dale Earnhardt, Sr. will forever be known as one of the best drivers in NASCAR history. Known by the nickname The Intimidator, this driving legend ended his career with 76 wins in 675 starts. That’s not it! Earnhardt, Sr. attained 7 Cup Series championships too. Sadly, the driving star passed away in a traffic accident during the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500. While this legend may have left the world early, his impact will continue to live on. In fact, the spot hasn’t seen a driver pass away due to an on-track accident since this incident. This is because NASCAR has heavily focused on safe driving and keeping drivers protected. Whenever anyone thinks of NASCAR, Earnhardt is sure to be at the forefront of their minds.

Jimmie Johnson

Jimmie Johnson is known as one of the best NASCAR drivers that have ever lived! Even the likes of Gordon and Petty don’t come close. This is thanks to all the accolades Johnson achieved during his driving career. These include 7 Championships and 2 Daytona 500 races. At the end of his career, Johnson boasted 83 wins in 686 starts.

For anyone who loves NASCAR, there is no doubt that the drivers listed above are certified legends who continue to inspire fans and drivers all around the world.