Top 10 Greatest NASCAR Driver

Top 10 Greatest NASCAR Driver

10. Tony Stewart (2002, 2005)

Stewart became one of the first IndyCar drivers to successfully make the transition to NASCAR back in 1999.

9. Ned Jarrett (1961, 1965)

The father of former Sprint Cup champion Dale Jarrett has also had a successful career as an analyst.

8. David Pearson (1966, 1968-69)

The Silver Fox also had a thrilling Daytona 500 vivtory over Richard Petty back in 1976.

7. Cale Yarborough (1976-78)

Yarborough has also won four times (1966, 1977, 1983, 1984).

6. Darrell Waltrip (1981-82, 1985)

Best known today for his catch phrase, "Boogity, boogity, boogity! Let's go racing, boys!", Waltrip also won the very first NASCAR All-Star challenge back in 1985.

5. Lee Petty (1954, 1958-59)

The winner of the inaugural Daytona 500 is best known as the father of the King.

4. Jeff Gordon (1995, 1997-98, 2001)

The three-time Daytona 500 is credited to usher a new era of non-Southern drivers as well as the youth movement.

3. Jimmie Johnson (2006-10)

Johnson has done what no other driver has accomplished, and that's winning five straight sprint Cup championships.

2. Dale Earnhardt, Sr. (1980, 1986-87, 1990-91, 1993-94)

The Intimidator's career was cut short when he was involved in that fatal crash in the final laps of the 2001 Daytona 500. Since that fateful moment, no driver from NASCAR's top three series (Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series) have ever been killed.

1. Richard Petty (1964, 1967, 1971-72, 1974-75, 1979)

There are several NASCAR Hall of Famers, but there is only one King: the man they call Richard Petty. With 200 victories (including seven Daytona 500 wins), Petty will always be the one that help put NASCAR on the national (and international) stage today. A true icon.