Six
years ago I discussed common
NASCAR myths, and analyzed the findings of a panel of experts' choices
for the 50 greatest drivers in NASCAR history. Over this time frame many
current era drivers have evolved into superstars in their own right.
This column will update the ‘Real’ All-Time Top 50 and credit those
deserving chauffeurs with their place in NASCAR history. Unlike
NASCAR's list there will be no compromises which come from taking
several viewpoints, and combining them into a "stew" of who's who at the
racetrack.
Each driver's accomplishments have been carefully recorded and
scrutinized, and the end results will provide a remarkably historic
picture of what actually happened both yesterday and today. In this
comparison we'll discuss briefly why each driver is ranked and why his
performance rates better or worse than other Top 50 driver’s.
But
before we begin it's necessary to establish specific criteria to
determine greatness. Are stock car racing's best drivers simply the ones
who won the most races? The most points championships? Are they the
drivers who won the most money over a long career? Should we consider
the one year wonders like Leroy Yarbrough? Are quality drivers like
Davey Allison and Fireball Roberts, who died in their 30's to be
considered? Does a long career set a better standard, or is the measure
of true greatness determined by how hard a driver was to beat at the
peak of his career? And if we use the latter standard, how many peak
years must a driver have to qualify as an all-time great?
Our
answer to those questions is a simple one. If a car owner could pick any
driver in any era to represent him, who would he choose? In that regard
we will rate the drivers along with their team members. We will look at
the driver who could generate the most money per start, and each decade
of drivers brings a different person to the forefront in that category.
But most money per start, although an important part of the picture, is
not the only part. To be an all time top 50 driver, one had to have
success on both long and short tracks. Our drivers must also be tough to
beat in a duel to the checkered flag, and drivers who enjoyed success
for less than five years, will be given proportionately less credit. We
will also examine expediency of greatness, and look at how long it took
each driver to reach certain milestones, like winning all the super
speedways, and all the major short tracks. With these standards in place
let's take a ride through NASCAR history and see who makes the
prestigious TOP 50.
Before
we begin though, one fact must be stated. Stock car racing, like most
other sports, has a short list of true superstars. In this regard there
are only 15 drivers who are interchangeable. Those 15 in
comparable equipment, would win most, if not all, of the races that
anyone else in the top 15 would win. The remaining 35 are great drivers
all, but not superstars. With that information in toe, let's look at the
50 greatest drivers in stock car racing history.
1)
Fred Lorenzen-
It took the "Golden Boy" just six years in a Holman-Moody Ford to become
the only driver in NASCAR history (at the time) to win races at all five
of the south's original super speedways. Richard Petty needed two
decades to reach the same milestone. From 1961 to early 1967, Lorenzen
won a quarter of the races he entered and placed in the top 10 half the
time. A remarkable feat when one considers the attrition rate in those
days was far greater than today. He set new standards for consecutive
wins with five in 1964, driver earnings, and successive victories at the
same track with three straight Atlanta 500 wins from 1962-64. Like
golfing great Bobby Jones who ended his career at age 30, Lorenzen
retired at 32. A comeback two and a half years later in non competitive
cars resulted in several top five finishes, but no wins. At the peak of
his career though, there was no one tougher to beat.
2)
Glenn "Fireball" Roberts-
Appropriately called a legend, Fireball Roberts was NASCAR's first
driver to achieve nine victories on the big racetracks. Second to none
in pure physical skill, Glenn could drive the short tracks as well, and
dominated Hall of Famers Richard Petty, Junior Johnson, Ned Jarrett, and
Joe Weatherly during his entire career. Sadly, a racing accident at
Charlotte Motor Speedway would claim his life in 1964, and inspire a
poem by sportswriter Charlie Harvell.
3) David Pearson-
The "Silver Fox" had a combination of driving skill and savvy. Although
his performance in head to head competition with both Fred Lorenzen and
Fireball Roberts was comparatively poor, Pearson went on to reach
superstardom in the late 60's and 70's. Winning Rockingham in 1968 made
him the second driver in NASCAR history to score wins at all five of the
"old" super speedways. With 105 career wins which encompassed both super
speedways and short tracks, Pearson was equally adept at winning on any
paved surface. A car owners dream, David always finished higher than the
car would have finished with virtually anyone else in the cockpit, and
rightfully earned a place on the all time Top 50 list.
4) Bobby Allison-
Leader of the Alabama gang, Bobby Allison enjoyed success over a long
career. Had he been offered a quality ride earlier in his career, his
all time win totals no doubt would have been higher. Frequently out
driving Richard Petty in head to head duels, Allison picked up where
Fred Lorenzen left off as Ford's number one driver. One of only a few
drivers in NASCAR history to win races in his late 40's, and even a
Daytona 500 at age 50, Bobby remained competitive until the day he was
forced into retirement following a 1988 crash.
5) Tim Flock-
The only driver of the 1950's to draw comparisons to Fireball Roberts,
Tim won an astonishing 21.2% of the races he entered on all tracks.
Possessing lightning reflexes, and nerves of steel, Tim was a threat to
win on any track with any car. Sadly his peak occurred before the big
paydays, and Flock was expelled from NASCAR for his part in attempting
to organize a drivers union in 1961.
6) Jeff Gordon-
Perhaps the only driver in the modern era who could have competed and
won consistently in any era, Gordon may be the best "natural" race
driver in history. A technical marvel behind the wheel, Jeff frequently
makes his competition look like amateurs. Still a young man capable of
competing another twenty years, he may ascend to the top of the chart
before his driving career comes to an end.
7) Richard Petty-
Called "The King" because of his 200 career wins; Richard stepped into a
quality car at the age of 21 and proved his mettle by setting records
for both Cup Championships, and total victories. Had Richard been more
competitive on the super speedways early in his career, when Fred
Lorenzen and Fireball Roberts were dominating the big tracks, he'd have
even more wins. Even so, King Richard proved himself over decades, and
is an automatic selection on any all time list.
8) Cale Yarborough-
Few drivers in NASCAR history drove a car harder than the "Timmonsville
Flash." Always a threat to win, Cale was a heady driver who charged
through the pack, took the lead, and tried to widen it every lap. A
mixed package of physical skill, nerve and intellect, Cale was as good
as they come.
9) Darrell Waltrip-
DW was a crafty, flashy, and highly skilled driver equally talented at
winning on short tracks and super speedways. Although he experienced
failure due in large part to marginal cars in his final competitive
years, in his prime Waltrip was among the best.
10)
Herb Thomas-
A true NASCAR pioneer, Thomas was perhaps the most underrated driver in
the sports history. His 48 career wins included both short and long
tracks, and he banged doors successfully with the best driver's of his
era.
11) Jimmie Johnson-
For 2007 NASCAR fans who never saw the “Golden Boy” race, take a gander
at Jimmie Johnson. More modest than Fred Lorenzen, but nearly as
talented, Johnson runs calculated races with the precision of a gymnast.
Underrated by some in a chase to the checker’s, this young man can drive
with anyone. Better than the Intimidator? Yes!
12)
*Dale Earnhardt, Sr. -
The "Man in Black" was a no holds barred charger who seldom made a
mistake on the racetrack. Fortunately for Dale, his career peaked in the
1980's and 90's. Had he arrived two decades earlier, the Intimidator
would have found that Curtis Turner, Fireball Roberts, and Junior
Johnson were not as easily intimidated as today's current crop of stars.
13) Buck Baker-
A true champion who raced hard and clean, Buck was a race driver's race
driver. He was a technical wizard behind the wheel, and won races at
every stage of his illustrious career.
14) Davey Allison-
A gifted young driver who tragically died in a helicopter accident at
the height of his career. Allison was every bit as good as his famous
father, and would have seen victory lane another seventy five times had
he lived.
15) Tim Richmond-
Another driver who died before his time, Tim Richmond was a charismatic
charger who, "drove the wheels" off every car he raced. Controversial in
his off track life, Tim like Fireball Roberts and Curtis Turner, enjoyed
a good party. On race day though he was all business. Unlike many
drivers, Tim never lost a race from lack of driving skill.
16) Lee Petty-
He didn't begin his racing career until relatively late in life, but Lee
got the most from every car he entered. A hard nosed competitor and once
the sport's all time winner, Lee Petty was a short track ace, and a
great superspeedway driver as well.
17) Jim Paschal-
A teammate of Richard Petty’s in the
1960’s, Jim was an ultra smooth driver out of the Buck Baker mold. His
25 career wins attest to a superb driving ability, as he usually raced
the #2 Petty car.
18) Junior Johnson-
No one in the history of the sport drove a car with more reckless
abandon than the "Ronda Roadrunner." Although his super speedway win
totals are small, Junior was a short track master who could bang doors
with the best of them. Had he raced in the modern era with more durable
equipment, Junior Johnson may have won 100 races.
19) Rusty Wallace-
One of NASCAR's all time winners over a long career, Wallace has
maintained his driving savvy well into his 40's. Aside from Jeff Gordon,
perhaps the only one of today's drivers who has truly reached legendary
status.
20)
Marvin Panch-
“Pancho” earned a stellar reputation as a versatile driver of both the
Wood Brother’s Ford, and a variety of sports cars, including the
Masseratti he was tragically burned in in 1963. A superb driver, Panch
once finished a millisecond behind Fireball Roberts and Fred Lorenzen in
a photo finish at Daytona.
21)
Bobby Isaac
- The victim of a tragic racing accident, Bobby Isaac was
the dominant qualifier of his time in the K and K insurance company
Dodge. His 37 victories on short tracks and super speedways rates among
the sports all time best. Perhaps his greatest accomplishment was
starting dead last at the Firecracker 400 in Daytona……….and winning the
race!
22)
Jack Smith-
Jack was a rough and tumble country boy
who was highly superstitious. No green cars or women in the pits around
Jack. That may have made it hard for him to compete today, but Jack
Smith was a hell bent for leather chauffeur who didn't like to
relinquish the lead. He won the inaugural Volunteer 500 at Bristol, and
20 more races to go along with it.
23) Ned Jarrett-
A two time Grand National Champion with
50 career wins, Jarrett was a short track expert who struggled on the
super speedways. None the less he was a car owner’s dream who stayed out
of trouble, and usually finished his car in the money.
24)
Joe Weatherly-
When little Joe's life ended at
Riverside Raceway, he was in pursuit of his third Grand National
championship. A talented man who raced motorcycles as well as stock cars
earlier in life, Joe could drive anything with wheels.
25) Bill Elliott-
The most popular driver in NASCAR
history, Bill teamed with his engine builder brother Ernie to create the
fastest car on the Winston Cup circuit. Over a four year period Elliott
was THE dominant force in stock car racing.
26) Speedy Thompson-
An early pioneer who worked on his own
cars, Speedy competed with the likes of Curtis Turner, Fireball Roberts,
Tim Flock, and Lee Petty and came out on top 20 times. An accomplished
driver, he was a challenger in any race.
27) Dick Hutcherson-
Holman and Moody's short track expert, Dick amassed 14 wins in just
three seasons. Learning to drive in the Midwest, he came to the south
with the intent of winning. There were few better on a half mile oval.
28)
LeeRoy Yarbrough-
Out of the Junior Johnson school of hard chargers, Leroy had one of the
greatest seasons in racing history in 1969, when he dominated the super
speedways. Although his career was comparatively short, Leroy was almost
impossible to beat when at the top of his game.
29) Terry Labonte-
The "Iceman" proved to be both durable and consistent by winning Winston
Cup titles in different decades. Always a thinker, Terry can trade paint
with NASCAR's best, and usually come out on top.
30) Buddy Baker-
A lead footed lap leader who never liked to run second, Buddy had no
fear of anyone or anything. In a better ride Buddy Baker had the
physical skill to have won many more times in his career.
31)
Curtis Turner -
The North Carolina lumberman was a brash, aggressive charger who gave no
quarter and expected none. Seldom concerned with whether his car would
finish the race, he ran every lap as if it was the last one.
32) Rex White
-
A former Grand National champion, White
was a gifted short track driver, who usually finished his car in the top
10. Never noted as a super speedway threat, Rex was none the less a
formidable foe on the 1/2 milers & dirt tracks throughout the south.
33) Tony Stewart-
Once known simply as a hot head,Tony
has made great strides in controlling his temper. One of the premier
chargers of his era, Stewart possesses the skill to go as far as his
penchant for self discipline will allow. Racing to the checkered flag,
he’d give the Intimidator all he wanted.
34) Harry Gant-
"Handsome" Harry Gant was smooth as
75-year-old scotch. He avoided accidents, charged when it was smart to
do so, and frequently won.
35) Mark Martin-
A steady operator who shows equal skill
in both super speedways and road courses, Mark has earned a reputation
as a gritty competitor who ranks among the sports all time leading money
winners.
36) Ricky Rudd-
A contemporary of Martin, Rudd has
earned a reputation as a man of varied talent. Equally comfortable on a
super speedway, a road course, or a short track, Ricky Rudd ranks as one
of NASCAR's all time leading winners.
37) Bobby Labonte-
A Winston Cup titlist who is consistent
on race tracks of all configurations, Bobby constantly places his car in
the money and is a perennial Winston Cup title contender.
38) Ernie Irvan-
Similar to Curtis Turner, Ernie was a
front runner who took no prisoners on his way to the lead. Irvan was
seriously injured in a racing crash, and never quite returned to his
former level of excellence. Tough to beat in a fight to the finish,
Irvan was a crowd pleaser who had his detractors on the race track.
39) Geoffrey Bodine-
A smart driver who was easily the most talented of the famous Bodine
brothers. Geoff won races over many years, and in his prime was as good
as anyone in his era.
40) Donnie Allison-
Along with Junior Johnson, Curtis
Turner, Fireball Roberts, Buddy Baker, Cale Yarbourough, and Dale
Earnhardt, a flat out driver who would have won more races had he had
better equipment. Anyone who bought a ticket to see Donnie race was
never disappointed.
41) “Junior” Earnhardt-
A third generation driver who takes a
second seat to few. Dale Junior can drive with anyone. Unfortunately
he has seldom had the equipment to match his driving skills.
42)
Neil Bonnett
-
Another member of the famed Alabama
gang, Neil was a smart driver who sadly lost his life on the race track.
An understudy of Bobby Allison, Neil learned from one of the best, and
thus became one of the best.
43) Benny Parsons-
A good 'ol boy from North Carolina,
Benny was a solid driver who won races, and finished his car among the
leaders virtually every week. Not one to risk his car in a reckless
manor, Benny made money for his car owners every year.
44) Dale Jarrett-
The son of NASCAR Hall of Famer Ned
Jarrett, Dale is a better super speedway driver than his dad. Always a
thinker on the racetrack, he challenges for Winston Cup titles on an
annual basis.
45) Kurt Busch-
One of the hardest chargers of all
time, Kurt is always a threat to win. In and out of good equipment
throughout his career, he may see victory circle more consistently over
the next five years.
46) Matt Kenseth-
A wise race planner, Matt is usually
around at the end to give himself a chance to win. Never one to tax his
car beyond its limits, Kenseth usually finds himself in contention for
the Nextel cup.
47)
Bob Welborn -
A charter member of the "Pontiac Pack"
of the early 60's, Bob was a leader who always posed a winning
challenge. One of the last of NASCAR's true pioneers, Bob traded paint
with Fireball Roberts, Junior Johnson, Lee Petty and others, and held
his own on many occasions.
48) Ryan Newman-
One of the best qualifiers in NASCAR
history, Ryan is plenty tough on race day as well. A cerebral
driver who always gets the most from his car, expect Newman to rise in the all
time standings before his career is over.
49) Greg Biffle-
Like Donnie Allison, no one ever
ask for their money back when buying a ticket to see Greg race. This
young man is wide open every lap. Exceptional driving skill and a
veteran car builder should keep this charger competitive for years to
come.
50) Kevin Harvick-
Kevin has never quite lived up to his
equipment, in part because of his inexperience when taking over the
famed Richard Childress ride. Now reaching his prime and adding a
Daytona 500 victory to his resume, look for number 29 in victory circle
with much greater frequency.
Well,
there you have it. Stock car racing's 50 greatest drivers. No fluff, no
twisted facts, just the truth. So will these men be replaced in years to
come? Some will. Some will not. But make no mistake about it-- each has
earned a place in stock car racing history.
