The name who best captures NASCAR’s rise to national fame is Jeff Gordon. From 1993 until 2015, he was a marketing powerhouse and a dominant force on the track, contributing to the modern perception of the sport. Gordon’s skill as a driver was evident even in the latter years of his career, from 2010 to 2013, when he consistently finished in the top 10. Given his career, one would assume that Gordon’s selection on NASCAR’s “Mount Rushmore” would be clear.
When Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently revealed his choices for the four greatest drivers, fans were shocked by a shocking absence. The argument that followed sparked heated discussions among NASCAR fans.
One of the best examples of how NASCAR flourished during the sport’s golden age was in the 1990s and early 2000s. NASCAR had the best names to look up to since its drivers were world-class and valued skill over tricks. The sport had been depending on legends like Jimmie Johnson, Richard Petty, and Dale Earnhardt at this time.
Opinions on social media – NASCAR Mt. Rushmore race
Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently shared his opinions on social media regarding his four selections in the NASCAR Mt. Rushmore race. He said, “To begin with, my dad would most likely be my NASCAR Mt. Rushmore.” The three seven-time champions, Richard Petty, Jimmie Johnson, and others, must be mentioned. It’s a challenging query. Who is the fourth? You have David Pearson and Jeff Gordon. In any event, you have a strong team, and I think I might pick Pearson between the two, but you might pick Jeff Gordon. Richard Petty, popularly referred to as “The King,” set the standard for stock car racing.
First NASCAR Cup victory
His first NASCAR Cup victory came in 1964, and he dominated in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Petty’s 27-win season in 1967, which included an incredible 10-game winning streak, is still unbeatable. He won an unparalleled seven titles. Petty was in control, and his biggest opponent was David Pearson. Winning 18.3% of the races he entered, Pearson was a master of efficiency and won three championships (1966, 1968, and 1969).
In the 1980s, Dale Earnhardt, a driver known as “The Intimidator” due to his combative demeanor, became well-known. With seven titles (1980, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, and 1994), he tied Petty’s record. His victory at the 1998 Daytona 500 is still remembered as one of the most memorable events in NASCAR history, after 20 years of near misses. However, the discussion of the best NASCAR drivers wouldn’t be complete without bringing about Jimmie Johnson. He shocked everyone by winning five titles in a row from 2006 to 2010. With two more victories in 2013 and 2016, he became the third driver to win seven crowns.
Johnson did take a hiatus, but he came back in 2024.With his smooth yet aggressive driving style, he dominated the sport and won four Cup Series titles (1995, 1997, 1998, and 2001) over the next ten years, solidifying his place among the all-time greats. It was really upsetting for the fans that a driver like him was taken off the Mount Rushmore list.
Fans, however, find Dale Jr.’s hesitancy to include Gordon on the list endearing.
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