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Top 5 NASCAR Drivers of All-Time

By Steve McCormick, About.com

NASCAR has a long history of fantastic finishes, powerful machines and historic events. Most of all, though, NASCAR history has been defined by the drivers. Of the hundreds of men and women who have driven these machines only a small percentage have ever won a race and even fewer have ever managed to win a Championship. From that elite list who are truly the best NASCAR drivers of all time? Here are my picks for the top five drivers in the history of NASCAR.

1. Dale Earnhardt

Seven championships, seventy-six wins and all in the modern era. There is no doubt that "The Intimidator" is the best that NASCAR has ever seen. He was a master on the track and equally good with the press. Dale Earnhardt left us while still on top of his game. He certainly had many more wins in front of him and a great shot at his eighth championship.
More: Dale Earnhardt

2. Richard Petty

Seven championships and 200 wins. However, I rank him below Earnhardt because most of those wins came in a different era of NASCAR. It was much easier to dominate back then than it is now. Still and forever "The King."
More: A Day for Legends

3. Jeff Gordon

You may love him or you may hate him but honestly, Jeff Gordon is one of the best ever. Four championships and over 80 wins already in his career Jeff Gordon has the tools to continue to climb this list. With Earnhardt gone Gordon is the winningest active driver and is showing no signs of slowing down. Four more championships are definitely not out of reach.
More: Jeff Gordon

4. David Pearson

"The Silver Fox" has three championships and 105 wins to his credit. David Pearson was the master of tricky tracks and thrived at Darlington. His smooth style and finesse make him one of NASCAR's best ever.
More: Darlington Raceway

5. Darrell Waltrip

No, not the DW from the late 90's, I mean the DW that has won eighty-four races and 3 championships. When he was on top of his game he was obnoxiously good. Now he is continuing to build his legend in the Fox broadcst booth.
More: A Late-Career Run in the One

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