Who Are the Best NASCAR Drivers of All Time?

By Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief Updated: 28 June 2024

Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief

Blake Roberts is the founder of Betting.US and is currently heading the creative team as Editor in Chief. Born and raised in Morgantown, West Virginia, Blake is a great sports fan, with football and basketball being his favorite. He’s our trusted voice for all betting-related matters.

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The Best NASCAR Drivers

• The Greatest NASCAR Driver of All Time
• Best NASCAR Drivers Ever: Top 10
• Tony Stewart: Versatile Champion
• Kyle Busch: Best Winning Driver
• Bobby Allison: Alabama Gang Leader
• Darrell Waltrip: Broadcast Legend
• Cale Yarborough: Three-Peat Champ
• David Pearson: The Silver Fox
• Richard Petty: The King’s Legacy
• Jeff Gordon: Rainbow Warrior
• Dale Earnhardt: The Intimidator
• Jimmie Johnson: Seven-Time Champion

NASCAR, one of America’s most exciting and popular sports, has seen countless talented drivers throughout its history. These men have pushed the limits of speed, endurance, and skill, leaving an incredible mark on the sport and captivating fans worldwide. In this blog post, we’ll explore the greatest NASCAR driver of all time, looking at who can truly be given this legendary title!

The Greatest NASCAR Driver of All Time

When it comes to determining the greatest NASCAR driver of all time, one name stands above the rest: Jimmie Johnson. With an unprecedented seven Cup Series championships, including five consecutive titles from 2006 to 2010, Johnson’s abilities on the track were undeniable. However, he’s far from the only driver to be considered as one of the best NASCAR drivers ever, and in this blog, we’ll explore a total of ten names.

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Best NASCAR Drivers Ever: Top 10

While Jimmie Johnson may hold the top spot, the list of the best NASCAR drivers ever is filled with legendary names. From Richard Petty’s record-setting 200 wins to Dale Earnhardt’s intimidating presence on the track, these drivers have left an undeniable mark on the sport, setting records, winning championships, and captivating fans with their incredible skills behind the wheel.

The full list of the NASCAR famous drivers we’ll cover today – and some basic facts – is shown below:

Tony Stewart: Versatile Champion

Tony Stewart, known for his versatility on the circuit, has had a remarkable career in NASCAR and has to be on the list of best NASCAR drivers of all time. With three Cup Series championships and 49 wins in 618 starts, Stewart has proven his ability to succeed at the highest level. His achievements extend beyond NASCAR, too, as he also won the 1997 NTT IndyCar Series championship.

Stewart’s passion for racing and his dedication to the sport have made him a respected figure both on and off the track. As a team owner, he has helped guide Stewart-Haas Racing to success, and if you ask some fans who is the best NASCAR driver of all time, Stewart’s name will almost certainly come up!

Kyle Busch: Best Winning Driver

Kyle Busch, a polarizing figure in the sport, has earned his place among the best NASCAR drivers through his unmatched winning record. With a total of 226 victories across the Cup, Xfinity, and Truck Series, Busch is the most successful driver in NASCAR history. His three Cup Series championships further solidify his status as one of the greats.

Busch’s raw talent and competitive drive have driven his success, allowing him to adapt to various track conditions and consistently perform at the highest level. Despite his sometimes controversial persona, there’s no denying the impact he has had on the sport and his place among NASCAR’s elite.

Bobby Allison: Alabama Gang Leader

Bobby Allison, the founder of the famous Alabama Gang, made a significant impact on NASCAR during his career. With 84 wins in 718 starts and a Cup Series championship in 1983, Allison’s success on the track is undeniable. He also holds the title of being a three-time Daytona 500 winner, cementing his place in history.

Allison’s leadership and influence extended beyond his own racing career, as he helped guide and mentor other drivers from his home state of Alabama. His contributions to the sport, both as a driver and a figurehead, have earned him a well-deserved spot among NASCAR’s greatest.

Darrell Waltrip: Broadcast Legend

Darrell Waltrip’s contributions to NASCAR extend beyond his impressive on-track accomplishments. With 84 wins in 804 starts and three Cup Series championships, Waltrip’s success as a driver is undeniable.

However, his impact on the sport continued long after his retirement, as he became a well-loved broadcaster for FOX Sports. Not only did this thrust him back into the spotlight – it also helped to reignite passion around NASCAR, especially in the older generation who, at the time, were said to be more interested in watching Formula 1 racing, instead.

Cale Yarborough: Three-Peat Champ

Cale Yarborough is one of NASCAR’s legendary figures, known especially for his record of winning three consecutive NASCAR Cup Series championships from 1976 to 1978. During his career, Yarborough clocked up 83 wins, which ranks him sixth on the all-time list. His aggressive driving style and fearless nature made him a formidable competitor on the track – one that most drivers would prefer to avoid!

Yarborough was also the first driver in NASCAR history to qualify for a race with a speed of over 200 mph, and he achieved this in 1970 at the newly constructed Alabama International Motor Speedway. His ability to perform under pressure was evident in his four Daytona 500 wins.

Off the track, Yarborough’s contributions to NASCAR were recognized with his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2012, cementing his legacy as one of the best NASCAR drivers of all time. He remains one of the most popular figures in NASCAR and is, for most, a true legend.

David Pearson: The Silver Fox

David Pearson, nicknamed “The Silver Fox” for his sly and strategic racing style, is considered one of the greatest NASCAR drivers of all time. Pearson’s career statistics include 105 NASCAR Cup Series wins, making him second only to Richard Petty in total wins. His rivalry with Petty became one of the most famous in NASCAR history, and it was one that attracted many new fans to the sport.

Pearson was known for his insane abilities on superspeedways, where his calculated approach to racing often led him to finish in first place. He won the NASCAR Cup Series championship three times (1966, 1968, and 1969) and secured a remarkable 113 pole positions throughout his career, demonstrating his skill in both qualifying and racing.

Pearson’s induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2011 showcased his profound impact on the sport, his strategic abilities while racing, and his ability to outsmart his competitors on the racetrack.

Richard Petty: The King’s Legacy

Richard Petty, affectionately known as “The King,” is another iconic figure in NASCAR, celebrated not only for his record-setting career but also for his incredible influence on the sport. Petty’s career achievements include an unmatched 200 victories and seven NASCAR Cup Series championships, a record he shares with Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson.

His racing abilities were particularly apparent at the Daytona 500, where he claimed victory an incredible seven times! Petty’s racing style was aggressive and fearless, often pushing his cars to the limit to secure a win. Beyond the track, his charismatic personality and dedication to fans helped popularize NASCAR across the United States.

His trademark cowboy hat and sunglasses made him one of the most recognizable figures in sports. Petty’s legacy extends off the track as well; his commitment to charity and community service made him one of the sport’s most likable figures, and he was inducted into the inaugural class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2010. Petty’s influence continues through Richard Petty Motorsports.

Jeff Gordon: Rainbow Warrior

Jeff Gordon, known as the “Rainbow Warrior” for his brightly colored Chevrolet, revolutionized NASCAR with his happy-go-lucky presence and competitive spirit. Entering the sport in the early 1990s, Gordon was instrumental in bringing NASCAR to a broader, younger audience, thanks in part to his dynamic driving style and media appearances.

Over his career, Gordon accumulated 93 wins, which places him third on the all-time list. His achievements include four NASCAR Cup Series championships (1995, 1997, 1998, and 2001) and three Daytona 500 victories. Gordon’s influence extended beyond his driving skills; his success attracted new sponsors and fans, significantly contributing to NASCAR’s growth.

Gordon’s transition to broadcasting after retiring from full-time racing has kept him closely connected to NASCAR, continuing to shape the sport’s future. Inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2019, Gordon’s legacy as a driver and ambassador for racing is undeniable.

Dale Earnhardt: The Intimidator

Dale Earnhardt, Sr., known as “The Intimidator,” was one of the most iconic figures in NASCAR history. With 76 wins in 676 starts and a record-tying seven Cup Series championships, Earnhardt’s on-track success is legendary. His tragic passing in the 2001 Daytona 500 was a huge blow, although it did lead to significant safety improvements that have saved countless lives since.

Today, his legacy is preserved by his family, with his son Dale Earnhardt Jr. becoming a significant figure in racing and continuing the Earnhardt legacy in NASCAR.

Jimmie Johnson: Seven-Time Champion

Jimmie Johnson, often regarded as the greatest NASCAR driver of all time, completely changed the face of modern stock car racing. His career is full of accomplishments, including seven NASCAR Cup Series championships, something that ties him with legends Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt Sr.

Johnson’s 83 career wins tie him with Cale Yarborough on the all-time list. Beyond his racing achievements, Johnson has also been influential in promoting fitness and safety in the sport. His charitable foundation has contributed millions to educational causes, and his commitment to family and community serves as a role model for fans and fellow drivers alike.

Inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2023, Jimmie Johnson’s legacy is not only defined by his records and championships but also by his impact on the sport’s culture and his role in advancing NASCAR’s global reputation.