The 15 Best NASCAR Drivers of All-Time, Ranked

• Years Active: 1975-2001
• Car Number: #3
• Cup Series Championships: 1980, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994
• Wins: 76

Tied for the most driver championships of all time, there is no racer whose name is as ubiquitous with NASCAR as Earnhardt. Although he trails Richard Petty in wins by a significant amount, the impact that Earnhardt Sr. had on NASCAR is bigger than anyone in the sports history. Tragically, his life was cut short after an accident at the 2001 Daytona 500.

• Years Active: 1958-1992
• Car Number: #43
• Cup Series Championships: 1964, 1967, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975, 1979
• Wins: 200

Having won a record seven driver championships across his illustrious NASCAR career, Richard Petty sits near the top of any all-time ranking. He holds the record for race wins, with an astonishing 200, dominating the Daytona 500 in particular, winning the race seven separate times. His best season came in 1967 when he won an incredible 27 races.

• Years Active: 2001-Present
• Car Number: #84
• Cup Series Championships: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010,  2013, 2016
• Wins: 83

Jimmy Johnson is the only other driver on this list who claims seven Cup Series Championships, which is more than enough to slot him third all-time. Johnson dominated in the 2000's, winning five straight driver championships from 2006-2010. He currently competes part-time in NASCAR so we may see more wins added to Johnsons total, but no more Cup Series Championships.

• Years Active: 1960-1986
• Car Number: #21
• Cup Series Championships: 1966, 1968, 1969
• Wins: 105

David Pearson, often referred to as "The Silver Fox," dominated NASCAR in the 60's. Pearson's career in NASCAR spanned 27 years, from 1960 to 1986. He competed in the premier series, now known as the NASCAR Cup Series, and achieved remarkable success, winning three championships in 1966, 1968, and 1969. He was known for his smooth driving style and his ability to conserve his car's tires, which often gave him an advantage in long races.

• Years Active: 1992-2016
• Car Number: #24
• Cup Series Championships: 1995, 1997, 1998, 2001
• Wins: 93

Jeff Gordon is one of the most recognizable names in racing and is one of the most successful and popular figures in the history of the sport. He competed in the NASCAR Cup Series and won the championship a total of four times. His first championship came in 1995 and went on to win titles in 1997, 1998, and 2001. His four championships place him among an elite group of drivers.

• Years Active: 1957-1988
• Car Number: #52
• Cup Series Championships: 1976, 1977, 1978
• Wins: 83

When talking about the OG's of NASCAR, Cale Yarborough is him. He joined NASCAR just ten years after its inception and cemented himself as one of the greats, winning three consecutive driver championships between 1976-1978.

• Years Active: 1980-2005
• Car Number: #16
• Cup Series Championships: 1989
• Wins: 55

Throughout his career, Wallace amassed 55 wins in the NASCAR Cup Series, making him the eighth-highest race winner ever. He displayed exceptional skill on short tracks and road courses, earning a reputation as a talented and aggressive driver. Wallace was known for his competitive nature and willingness to take risks, which often led to thrilling battles on the track.

• Years Active: 1976-2012
• Car Number: #9
• Cup Series Championships: 1988
• Wins: 44

Bill Elliott, often referred to as "Awesome Bill from Dawsonville," had his breakout year in 1985 when he won the Daytona 500 and followed it up with 10 additional victories that same season. His remarkable performance earned him the nickname "Million Dollar Bill" due to the significant bonus he received for winning multiple races in a single season.

• Years Active: 1972-2000
• Car Number: #17
• Cup Series Championships: 1981, 1982, 1985
• Wins: 84

Darrell Waltrip won the NASCAR Cup Series championship three times, in 1981, 1982, and 1985. He was known for his aggressive driving style and tactical racing strategies, which earned him the nickname "Jaws." Waltrip had a keen understanding of aerodynamics and was a master at drafting and manipulating the airflow around his car to gain a competitive advantage.

• Years Active: 2004-Present
• Car Number: #8
• Cup Series Championships: 2015, 2019
• Wins: 62

Busch has achieved numerous accomplishments throughout his career. He won the NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2015, making him the youngest driver in history to win the championship at the time. He has also secured two NASCAR Xfinity Series championships in 2009 and 2010.

Known for his versatility, Busch has won races in all three of NASCAR's national series. In the NASCAR Cup Series, he has accumulated over 60 wins, making him one of the most successful drivers ever.

• Years Active: 1961-1988
• Car Number: #16
• Cup Series Championships: 1983
• Wins: 85

Bobby Allison achieved significant success throughout his career. He won the NASCAR Cup Series championship in 1983, driving for owner DiGard Racing. Allison had a remarkable season, capturing six victories and consistently finishing near the front of the field.

Throughout his career, Allison recorded 85 wins in the NASCAR Cup Series, which ties him for fourth place on the all-time wins list. He had success on a variety of tracks, including superspeedways, short tracks, and road courses. Allison was known for his aggressive driving style and his ability to adapt to different racing conditions.

• Years Active: 1999-2016
• Car Number: #20
• Cup Series Championships: 2002, 2005, 2011
• Wins: 49

Tony Stewart won the NASCAR Cup Series championship three times, in 2002, 2005, and 2011. He showcased exceptional talent and versatility, with victories on various types of tracks, including ovals, road courses, and dirt tracks. Stewart was known for his aggressive driving style and his ability to consistently contend for wins.

• Years Active: 2001-Present
• Car Number: #4
• Cup Series Championships: 2014
• Wins: 60

Kevin Harvick has achieved significant accomplishments throughout his career. He won the NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2014, driving for Stewart-Haas Racing. It was a dominant season for Harvick, as he captured five wins and consistently finished near the front of the field, ultimately clinching his first championship.

• Years Active: 1953-1966
• Car Number: #11
• Cup Series Championships: 1961, 1965
• Wins: 50

Ned Jarrett is a retired American driver who competed in the NASCAR Cup Series from 1953 to 1966. Throughout his career, Jarrett recorded 50 wins, which places him 12th all-time. He had success on a variety of tracks, with his skill particularly evident on superspeedways and larger ovals. Jarrett's ability to read the race and make strategic decisions contributed to his victories.

• Years Active: 1949-1964
• Car Number: #43
• Cup Series Championships: 1954, 1958, 1959
• Wins: 54

Lee Petty achieved notable success throughout his racing career. He won the NASCAR Cup Series championship three times, in 1954, 1958, and 1959. His championship victories were marked by his consistency and ability to accumulate points through top finishes, as NASCAR's points system was different during that era.