The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series is undoubtedly the pinnacle of stock car racing. Every driver who has made even one start dreams of scoring a win. It’s an exclusive club, with only 186 members as of the start of the 2017 season. The best beating the best when they are at their best. But what about the rest?
For every one of those 186 winners, there are dozens who finished out their time behind the wheel without a single Cup trophy. The reasons why are varied. However, there are many drivers whose lack of a win defies logic. Maybe they never had the best equipment in Cup. Maybe their luck was downright pitiful. Maybe they needed just one little break that never came.
So here’s my personal thoughts on the best of the almost, should-have, would-have, near miss, and hard luck drivers and where they rank in comparison to the others in that category. Take a gander for yourself. See if you agree or if you feel I’m destined to join them as another one who could never quite get it right.
How the Rankings Are Calculated: This week, unlike others, is merely the view of the author Frank Velat. He compiled a list of the top drivers who never reached victory lane in the premier division of NASCAR. Then, he factored in things like success in other series, quality of equipment and personnel, performance of other drivers in that ride, and more. Throw in a reason why they should’ve won, a reason why they didn’t and the closest they came to victory and there you have it. The 10 best drivers to never win a Cup race.
Rank
Change
Name
Total Votes
1
Mike Skinner
Why he should have:Â Two-time truck champ driving for Richard Childress Racing
Why he didn’t: Probably because NASCAR didn’t run points races in Japan
Closest call: 2000 Diehard 500 (finished second)
10
2
Â
Ted Musgrave
Why he should have: Drove for Roush Racing alongside winners Mark Martin and Jeff Burton
Why he didn’t: I don’t know why. You probably don’t know why. I don’t think Ted even knows why
Frank Velat has been an avid follower of NASCAR and other motorsports for over 20 years. He brings a blend of passionate fan and objective author to his work. Frank offers unique perspectives that everyone can relate to, remembering the sport's past all the while embracing its future. Follow along with @FrankVelat on Twitter.
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Well nice to see SOMEBODY took down the wrong pics…will the correct ones be up shortly? PFFFTTTTT.
DoninAjax
April 19, 2017 9:46 am
My choice would be Joe Ruttman. If you ever saw him in the AVC Camaro you would probably agree. He came closest at Richmond. He was leading until a real caution flew and then his diff broke and two laps later it started to rain And a guy named Richard Petty lucked into another one. Ruttman didn’t do too badly in the trucks.
I wonder how Childress would have done if he didn’t have to run for points..
DoninAjax
April 19, 2017 9:53 am
And it’s Wally Dallenbach, Jr. Wally Dallenbach was born in 1936. And he did wind up with Robin McCall, who raced at Cayuga.
Josh
April 19, 2017 10:39 am
Rick Mast, Hut Stricklin, and Chad Little would like a word.
wpDiscuz
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Wally D. is Clint Bowyer??????
Robert Pressely is Kevin Harvick????????
Well nice to see SOMEBODY took down the wrong pics…will the correct ones be up shortly? PFFFTTTTT.
My choice would be Joe Ruttman. If you ever saw him in the AVC Camaro you would probably agree. He came closest at Richmond. He was leading until a real caution flew and then his diff broke and two laps later it started to rain And a guy named Richard Petty lucked into another one. Ruttman didn’t do too badly in the trucks.
I wonder how Childress would have done if he didn’t have to run for points..
And it’s Wally Dallenbach, Jr. Wally Dallenbach was born in 1936. And he did wind up with Robin McCall, who raced at Cayuga.
Rick Mast, Hut Stricklin, and Chad Little would like a word.