Back in Time Today
NASCAR has produced some of the most exciting and talented drivers in motorsports history.
These racing heroes have thrilled fans with incredible victories, heart-stopping moments, and unforgettable careers.
From early pioneers to modern champions, each driver brought something special to the sport that millions love.
1. Richard Petty – The King of NASCAR
Nobody in NASCAR history comes close to Richard Petty’s incredible record of 200 race wins. Known as “The King,” Petty dominated racing during the 1960s and 1970s with his famous blue Plymouth.
His seven championship titles remain unmatched today. Petty always made time for fans, signing autographs and taking pictures long after races ended, making him beloved both on and off the track.
2. Dale Earnhardt Sr. – The Intimidator
Dale Earnhardt Sr. earned his nickname “The Intimidator” through aggressive driving and fierce competition. Racing in his black #3 Chevrolet, Earnhardt won seven championships and became NASCAR’s most popular driver.
His tragic death at Daytona in 2001 shocked the racing world. Earnhardt’s legacy lives on through improved safety measures and his son Dale Jr.’s successful career, proving his lasting impact on the sport.
3. Jeff Gordon – The Rainbow Warrior
Jeff Gordon changed NASCAR forever when he arrived in 1992 with his colorful #24 Chevrolet. The young California driver brought new fans to the sport and won four championships before age 30.
Gordon’s smooth driving style and 93 race wins made him a superstar. His rivalry with Dale Earnhardt Sr. created some of NASCAR’s most memorable moments and helped grow the sport’s popularity nationwide.
4. David Pearson – The Silver Fox
David Pearson earned the nickname “The Silver Fox” for his smart racing tactics and silver hair. With 105 career wins, he ranks second only to Richard Petty in NASCAR history.
Pearson won three championships and was known for saving his car until the final laps. His famous last-lap battles with Petty became legendary, especially their dramatic finish at the 1976 Daytona 500 where both cars crashed near the finish line.
5. Cale Yarborough – The Tough Competitor
Cale Yarborough was one of NASCAR’s toughest competitors, winning three straight championships from 1976 to 1978. The South Carolina native wasn’t afraid to mix it up on the track or in the pits.
Yarborough’s 83 career wins included four Daytona 500 victories. His famous fight with the Allison brothers at the 1979 Daytona 500 was shown on live television, helping introduce NASCAR to millions of new fans across America.
6. Bobby Allison – The Ultimate Racer
Bobby Allison was NASCAR’s ultimate racer, competing in over 700 races during his long career. The Alabama native won 84 races and the 1983 championship while racing for multiple teams.
Allison’s three Daytona 500 victories made him a superspeedway legend. His family’s racing legacy continued through sons Davey and Clifford, though tragedy struck when both sons died in racing accidents, making Bobby’s story both triumphant and heartbreaking.
7. Darrell Waltrip – The Jaws
Darrell Waltrip earned the nickname “Jaws” for his non-stop talking and confident personality. The Tennessee driver backed up his words with 84 race wins and three championships during the 1980s.
Waltrip’s aggressive driving style made him both loved and hated by fans. After retiring, he became a popular television announcer, bringing his knowledge and humor to broadcast booths. His catchphrase “Boogity, boogity, boogity” became famous among NASCAR fans everywhere.
8. Junior Johnson – The Moonshine Runner
Junior Johnson learned to drive fast while outrunning police during his moonshine-running days in North Carolina. This illegal activity taught him skills that made him a NASCAR legend.
Johnson won 50 races as a driver before becoming an even more successful team owner. His teams won multiple championships with drivers like Darrell Waltrip and Cale Yarborough. Johnson’s colorful background and racing success made him a true American folk hero.
9. Bill Elliott – Awesome Bill from Dawsonville
Bill Elliott became known as “Awesome Bill from Dawsonville” after his incredible 1985 season. The Georgia driver won 11 races that year and captured NASCAR’s first Winston Million bonus.
Elliott’s red #9 Ford was famous for its speed at superspeedways. His 44 career wins included two Daytona 500 victories, and he won the 1988 championship. Elliott’s humble personality and incredible talent made him one of NASCAR’s most beloved drivers throughout his career.
10. Lee Petty – The Patriarch
Lee Petty founded NASCAR’s most famous racing dynasty and won three championships in the sport’s early days. Richard Petty’s father was known for his smart driving and business sense.
Petty won 54 races including the first-ever Daytona 500 in 1959. His victory came after a photo finish that took officials three days to decide. Lee’s success laid the foundation for the Petty racing empire that would dominate NASCAR for decades.
11. Fireball Roberts – The Original Superstar
Fireball Roberts was NASCAR’s first real superstar, known for his speed and movie-star good looks. The Florida driver got his nickname from his fastball as a baseball pitcher.
Roberts won 33 races during the 1950s and 1960s, including the 1962 Daytona 500. Tragically, he died from injuries suffered in a 1964 crash at Charlotte Motor Speedway. His death led to improved safety equipment and helped make racing safer for future generations.
12. Ned Jarrett – Gentleman Ned
Ned Jarrett earned the nickname “Gentleman Ned” for his clean driving and sportsmanlike conduct. The North Carolina native won two championships and 50 races during his career.
Jarrett’s biggest victory came at the 1965 Southern 500, where he won by 14 laps. After retiring young, he became a successful broadcaster and car dealer. His son Dale followed in his footsteps, winning the 1999 championship and continuing the family’s racing legacy.
13. Fred Lorenzen – The Golden Boy
Fred Lorenzen was known as “The Golden Boy” for his blonde hair and incredible talent. The Illinois native won 26 races in just eight years of competition.
Lorenzen was NASCAR’s first driver to earn over $100,000 in a single season. His aggressive driving style and movie-star looks made him popular with fans. Though his career was short, Lorenzen’s impact on NASCAR was huge, proving that drivers from outside the South could succeed.
14. Benny Parsons – The Taxi Driver
Benny Parsons worked as a taxi driver in Detroit before becoming a NASCAR champion. The friendly driver from North Carolina won 21 races and the 1973 championship.
Parsons was known for his sense of humor and kind personality. His biggest victory came at the 1975 Daytona 500, where he beat David Pearson in a close finish. After retiring, Parsons became a beloved television broadcaster, bringing his knowledge and warmth to race coverage for many years.
15. Rusty Wallace – The Intimidator’s Rival
Rusty Wallace was one of the few drivers who could match Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s aggressive style. The Missouri native won 55 races and the 1989 championship during his career.
Wallace’s black and yellow #2 Ford was a familiar sight in victory lane throughout the 1990s. His battles with Earnhardt created some of NASCAR’s most exciting moments. Wallace’s short-track expertise and fearless driving made him a fan favorite who always gave everything he had on the racetrack.
16. Alan Kulwicki – The Underdog Champion
Alan Kulwicki proved that independent drivers could still win championships in modern NASCAR. The Wisconsin native owned and worked on his own cars while competing against big teams.
Kulwicki won the 1992 championship by just 10 points in one of NASCAR’s closest title fights. His famous “Polish Victory Lap” became a tradition after wins. Tragically, Kulwicki died in a plane crash the following year, cutting short the career of one of racing’s most determined competitors.
17. Tim Flock – The Early Champion
Tim Flock was NASCAR’s first dominant driver, winning two championships in the 1950s. The Georgia native won 39 races during the sport’s early years.
Flock was known for his colorful personality and pet monkey named Jocko Flocko, who sometimes rode in his car during races. His 1955 season was incredible, winning 18 of 39 races. Flock’s success helped establish NASCAR as a legitimate sport and proved that stock car racing could produce real stars.
18. Herb Thomas – The First Superstar
Herb Thomas was NASCAR’s first real superstar, winning the championship in 1951 and 1953. The North Carolina native won 48 races during the sport’s early days.
Thomas was known for his smooth driving style and mechanical knowledge. He helped establish many of NASCAR’s early traditions and rules. His success in the 1950s proved that stock car racing could produce consistent champions and helped grow the sport’s popularity throughout the Southeast region.
19. Buck Baker – The Veteran Champion
Buck Baker won back-to-back championships in 1956 and 1957, proving his consistency and skill. The North Carolina native won 46 races during his long career.
Baker was known for his tough driving and never-give-up attitude. He continued racing well into his 50s, showing incredible dedication to the sport. His son Buddy followed in his footsteps, creating another NASCAR racing family. Baker’s longevity and success helped establish NASCAR’s credibility as a professional sport.
20. Joe Weatherly – The Clown Prince
Joe Weatherly was known as “The Clown Prince of Racing” for his humor and practical jokes. The Virginia native won championships in 1962 and 1963 while keeping everyone entertained.
Weatherly won 25 races and was famous for his funny antics both on and off the track. Tragically, he died in a crash at Riverside in 1964, cutting short a brilliant career. His personality and talent made him one of NASCAR’s most beloved early stars and helped show racing’s fun side.