This article is posted in collaboration with an outside partnership client. The opinions and information contained within do not necessarily represent Frontstretch and its staff.
NASCAR drivers are known for their grit, skill, and relentless pursuit of victory. Among the sport’s best, only a few manage to truly stand apart, whether for dominating championships or making their mark in other corners of racing.
Let’s dive into the debate and rank the 10 greatest NASCAR drivers of all time—starting with Tony Stewart at number 10.
10. Tony Stewart
Tony Stewart hit the ground running in the NASCAR Cup Series, snagging three wins in his rookie season. His career only climbed from there, winning championships in 2002, 2005, and 2011. Stewart wrapped up his driving career with 49 wins in 618 starts—an impressive win rate of 7.93%. Beyond NASCAR, Stewart also boasts a 1997 NTT IndyCar Series championship and continues to leave his imprint as a co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing. A sports expert pick would include him for all he’s done on and off the track.
9. Kyle Busch
Kyle Busch isn’t just one of NASCAR’s top drivers—he’s a record-setter. With 226 wins across the NASCAR Cup, Xfinity, and Truck Series, no one has achieved more victories in the sport. The current Richard Childress Racing driver has three Cup Series titles and an Xfinity championship under his belt. Though often polarizing, Busch’s impact on NASCAR is undeniable, making him a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer in the making.
8. Bobby Allison
Bobby Allison’s career straddled two eras of NASCAR, with most of his wins—55 of them—coming in the Modern Era. His overall tally stands at 84 wins in 718 starts, and he secured the 1983 Cup Series championship. Allison is also known for founding the “Alabama Gang,” a group of Hueytown-based drivers that helped define NASCAR’s early days.
7. Darrell Waltrip
Few drivers can claim as much success as Darrell Waltrip during NASCAR’s Modern Era. Over a career spanning nearly three decades, Waltrip racked up 84 wins in 804 starts and clinched three Cup Series championships in 1981, 1982, and 1985. His talents didn’t just stay on the track; he became a staple in NASCAR’s broadcast booth, leaving his mark long after hanging up his racing helmet.
6. Cale Yarborough
Cale Yarborough brought intensity to NASCAR, becoming one of only two drivers in history to win three straight Cup Series titles (1976-78). With 83 wins in 560 starts—amounting to a remarkable 14.82% win rate—Yarborough was a force both before and during the Modern Era, carving out a legacy few can match.
The Top 5 NASCAR Drivers of All Time
5. David Pearson
David Pearson, known as the “Silver Fox,” was a master of strategy and timing. His career saw him win 105 races in 574 starts, giving him an 18.29% win rate—the highest of anyone with more than 500 starts. Pearson claimed three Cup Series titles in the late 1960s and was a consistent threat throughout NASCAR’s formative years.
4. Richard Petty
When people talk about NASCAR legends, Richard Petty is always in the conversation. With 200 wins in 1,184 starts, “The King” still holds records that may stand the test of time, including the most victories in a single season (27). Petty’s seven championships place him among an elite trio in the sport, and while newer drivers have broken some of his records, his impact on NASCAR’s identity remains unmatched.
3. Jeff Gordon
Jeff Gordon’s influence on NASCAR is hard to overstate. With 93 wins and four Cup Series championships (1995, 1997, 1998, 2001), Gordon became one of the sport’s most recognizable faces. His colorful No. 24 car became iconic, and he led nearly 25,000 laps during his career—fifth-best in history. Gordon brought a new generation of fans to the sport, cementing his place as one of NASCAR’s all-time greats.
2. Dale Earnhardt, Sr.
Dale Earnhardt, Sr., known as “The Intimidator,” was as feared as he was respected on the track. His seven championships and 76 wins, including some of the sport’s most legendary moments, make him a NASCAR icon. Earnhardt’s tragic death in 2001 was a watershed moment for the sport, leading to a renewed focus on safety. His legacy, both as a driver and a symbol of NASCAR toughness, endures to this day.
1. Jimmie Johnson – The Greatest NASCAR Driver of All Time
Jimmie Johnson tops the list, with seven championships that include an unmatched five consecutive titles from 2006-2010. With 83 wins in 686 starts, Johnson’s 12.1% win rate in the Modern Era speaks to his dominance. He navigated various championship formats and delivered consistent results until his final years as a full-time driver. Johnson was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2023 with overwhelming support, a testament to his unparalleled success. With his incredible run, Johnson remains the sport’s all-time top pick and a name synonymous with greatness.
