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20 Of The Greatest NASCAR Drivers Of All Time 

‘The greatest NASCAR (The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) drivers are those who have combined speed, skill, and determination to achieve greatness.’  – Jeff Gordon, a four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion. 

Speed, passion, and the pursuit of victory have defined the sport of NASCAR since its inception. Behind the wheels of the roaring machines are high-octane legendary men and women who have pushed the boundaries of what is possible, defying the limitations of speed, endurance, and determination. 

From the time the thunderous engines roar and the checkered flag waves, all we hear are the euphoric cheers from the crowd till the echoes of roaring engines subside. The sport is pure excitement because something is always occurring on the track and you never know what’s going to happen next, thanks to the fact that it involves a lot of cars going in circles at high speeds.

The great drivers that grace the tracks of NASCAR have unwavering passion which makes them Icons of the sport. Here are 20 of the greatest NASCAR drivers of all time.

20. Bobby Allison   

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Bobby Allison is a legendary NASCAR driver who competed in the NASCAR Cup Series and achieved remarkable success. This icon, who is now retired, had a career that lasted for several decades but unfortunately, a terrible accident caused him to stop racing. He is an inductee of the NASCAR Hall of Fame.  

Bobby came from a legendary racing family, with his younger brother and two sons (who have since passed on) following in his footsteps and becoming successful NASCAR drivers. 

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19. Richard Petty 

Richard Petty, commonly known as The King, is an icon in the world of stock car racing and is one of the greatest NASCAR drivers in the world. This guy holds the record for the most wins in Cup Series history, with an incredible 200 race victories.

Petty holds a unique record when it comes to his car number because he exclusively raced with the car number 43 which is quite rare in motorsport. He will always be linked to the number which solidifies his legacy as the sport’s hero. The King is a dominant force, serving as an ambassador for the sport and his impact on NASCAR is immeasurable. 

18. Tony Stewart 

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Anthony Wayne Stewart is a former professional stock car racing driver and team owner who is known as one of the most versatile drivers in motorsports history. He always came top in a variety of racing disciplines, including NASCAR, open-wheel racing, and dirt track racing.

Stewart won the Cup Series championship three times and amassed 49 race wins, including prestigious events such as the Daytona 500, Brickyard 400, and Southern 500. Though retired as a driver, he became a team owner in NASCAR and is aggressive and very competitive.  

17. Dale Earnhardt Jr.   

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Like father like son, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a retired professional stock car racing driver and son of the legendary NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Sr. who also ranks among the sport’s top drivers in history. On courses like Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway, he was well-recognized for his aggressive driving style and prowess.

Currently a motorsports analyst, the junior Dale works as a NASCAR analyst for NBC Sports, providing commentary and analysis for their NASCAR broadcasts.  The two Dales remain to be influential figures in the NASCAR community. 

16. Danica Patrick 

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Danica Patrick is a retired professional racing driver who broke barriers and shattered gender stereotypes, leaving a lasting impact on the world of motorsports. She was popular in the open-wheel racing community and was the most successful woman in the history of the sport.

Danica made history by being the first woman to win pole in the NASCAR Cup Series and had the highest female finish in the Indianapolis 500 and Daytona 500, among other important accomplishments. She is a role model for aspiring female racers. 

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15. Denny Hamlin 

Named one of the greatest race car drivers of all time in 2023, James Dennis Alan Hamlin is a professional stock car racing driver in the NASCAR Cup Series. Starting in go-kart events before switching to stock cars, this guy began his racing career while he was young.

Denny is one of the most successful and accomplished drivers in the sport and has won several Cup Series events such as the Daytona 500 a few times. He has also had success in other notable races. Denny’s achievements on the track are what make him one of the top drivers in the sport. 

14. Chase Elliott  

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Chase Elliott, who has had numerous victories and strong finishes over the years, is a professional stock car racing driver who competes in the NASCAR Cup Series. He is the son of former NASCAR Cup Series champion Bill Elliott, proving that apples do not fall far from the tree. This guy is a rising star who has won the Xfinity Series championship on many occasions and was the series’ youngest champion in history when he won in 2014. 

Chase is among the sport’s most promising young prospects because of his skills, reliability, and impressive performances. He is known for his smooth driving style and versatility on many types of circuits. 

13. Shawna Robinson 

Shawna Robinson is a retired professional racing driver who competed primarily in stock car racing. She started racing in her late teens and competed in various racing series, including the American Speed Association (ASA) and the Goody’s Dash Series where she became the first woman to win a race in the series in the late 1980s.  

Since retirement, Shawna is involved in motorsports-related endeavors like being a driver coach, mentor, and spokesperson for women in motorsports. Robinson’s contributions to the sport, both as a trailblazing driver and as an advocate for diversity and inclusion, have profoundly affected the racing industry. 

12. Mark Martin 

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Mark Martin is a retired professional stock car racing driver who amassed numerous accomplishments and became known for his consistency, versatility, and unwavering work ethic. Although Mark Martin never won a NASCAR Cup Series championship, he came exceptionally close finishing as the championship runner-up five times. 

Smoothness, accuracy, and thorough attention to detail were the hallmarks of Martin’s driving, making him famous for his laser-like focus and excellent physical condition, which enabled him to perform well throughout his career. 

11. Rusty Wallace 

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Rusty Wallace is a former professional stock car racer who is known for his aggressive driving style, leading to a very successful career in the NASCAR Cup Series. His skill on short tracks was commendable but also did well in superspeedways, road courses, and intermediate tracks.  

Rusty has been inducted into several halls of fame and is one of the sport’s most recognizable and accomplished drivers. 

10. Patty Moise 

Patty Moise is a former race car driver married to Elton Sawyer the current NASCAR Senior Vice President of competition. She began her racing career in sports cars and open-wheel racing before transitioning to stock car racing.  

Patty’s racing career faced numerous challenges, including a lack of sponsorship opportunities and gender biases in the male-dominated sport. After retiring from racing, she remained involved in motorsports as a driving instructor and driver coach, working with aspiring racers.  

9. Jennifer Jo Cobb 

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Born in a racing family with a dad who was a race car driver, Jennifer Jo Cobb is an American race car driver who has competed in various NASCAR series. She is renowned for being one of the few female NASCAR racers and for having paved the way for other female athletes

Cobb has faced numerous challenges and adversity throughout her career, including financial struggles and difficulty securing consistent sponsorship. Despite these obstacles, Cobb has demonstrated perseverance and determination, earning respect among her peers and fans. 

8. Angela Cope 

Angela Cope is an American race car driver who has competed in various NASCAR racing series and is part of the Cope Twins, alongside her sister, Amber Cope. Though she hasn’t won races yet, she has earned valuable racing experience and made significant contributions to promoting women in motorsports.  

Angela’s involvement in NASCAR as a female driver has helped inspire and empower other aspiring women racers. She has worked in driver development programs, providing coaching and mentorship to young drivers. Her dedication to the sport and her commitment to supporting others in their racing journeys has solidified her role as a positive influence in the racing community. 

7. Ricky Rudd 

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Known as the Iron Man in racing circles, Ricky Rudd is a retired American race car driver who had a long and successful career in NASCAR. He began his racing journey at a young age, starting in karting and then progressing to stock car racing. 

Rudd is admired for his professionalism, sportsmanship, and services to the racing industry. He is well known for his smooth driving style and ability to consistently complete races. His remarkable streak of consecutive starts, along with his on-track achievements, solidifies his legacy as one of the most accomplished and durable drivers in NASCAR history. 

6. Brad Keselowski 

Brad Keselowski is an American professional racing car driver who competes in the NASCAR Cup Series. He is renowned for his aggressive driving style and bravery on the track, following in the footsteps of his father Bob Keselowski, who was also a race car driver.

Brad’s drafting style has led to exciting finishes, making him a household name in the sport, both on and off the track. This guy has actively promoted the game, interacted with fans on social media, and pushed for the expansion and development of NASCAR. 

5. Dale Jarrett 

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Being the son of racing legend Ned Jarrett, who is a NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee, Dale Jarrett is a retired American race car driver who like his father and brother, has enjoyed a highly successful racing career having won a total of 32 Cup Series races.  

Dale is still respected for his professionalism, sportsmanship, and his contributions to the racing community. He retired from full-time racing in 2008 and transitioned to a career as a NASCAR television analyst and commentator. 

4. David Pearson 

Known for his smooth driving style, strategic approach, and fierce competitiveness, David Pearson (1934 – 2018) who was also known as Silver Fox, was an American professional stock car racing driver who was one of the greatest drivers in the history of NASCAR. 

He won NASCAR Cup Series championships several times and is an inductee of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. His record-breaking win total and his ability to excel in limited race starts are a testament to his remarkable talent behind the wheel. 

3. Jeff Gordon  

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Jeff Gordon is a retired American professional stock car racing driver who is one of the greatest NASCAR drivers of all time. He has won over 90 races, more than 80 pole positions, and won four championships over the years.

Jeff was the youngest driver to win a NASCAR Cup Series championship at the age of 24 years. He is known for his determination, his competitive spirit, and his commitment to excellence. Jeff is still involved in motorsports as a television analyst for NASCAR races on FOX Sports. 

2. Bill Lester 

Bill Lester is an American former professional race car driver who is one of the few African American drivers in NASCAR and the only one to compete full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

Bill has helped to break down racial barriers for other drivers of color and paved the way for increased diversity in the sport and inspired other aspiring drivers from underrepresented communities. 

1. Jimmie Johnson 

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Another awesome NASCAR driver of all time is retired American professional stock car racer, Jimmie Johnson. With seven NASCAR Cup Series victories under his belt, Jimmie has achieved amazing success, having tied with Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt for the most titles in the sport’s history.

Jimmie’s career has significantly influenced NASCAR, elevating him to the status of a sport legend. His reputation as one of the finest drivers in NASCAR history has been cemented by his performance on the racetrack over the years.

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Those are the 20 greatest NASCAR drivers of all time. With their remarkable tales of speed, victory, and unmatched talent, these men and women have attained greatness and shaped the history of the sport by ascending to the top of the NASCAR mountain. They have inspired us, entertained us, and made us proud to be NASCAR fans. 

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