Intelligent people can disagree on any subject, but one subject that draws
universal agreement is that Jeff Gordon is Winston Cup's best driver.
Debating the subject is only an option for those who hardily await the
arrival of the Easter Bunny, or who genuinely believe that Afghanistan will
win the ongoing war with the United States. There is simply no rational
basis for debate. After Gordon however, the remainder of Cup drivers are
not so easily categorized. Is Rusty Wallace in his final competitive years
still better than a young Kevin Harvick? Does Jeff Burton still command the
respect he did a few years ago? And would Dale Jarrett be a contender in a
lesser car? These are but a few of the many questions that NASCAR fans ask
every day, and they have been taken carefully into account in compiling this
rating of NASCAR's Best in 2001.
So starting with Gordon, let's take a look and see who ranks as a member of
the elite ten that most car owners would like to hire. Remember though, the
drivers who have had the most successful career, may not be the drivers who
rank the highest on this year's Cup circuit.
1) Jeff Gordon- If Fred Lorenzen was the "Shakespeare" of stock car drivers,
then Jeff Gordon is clearly the "Michaelangelo." A young man who at the age
of 30 has accomplished more than most drivers achieve in a thirty year
career, Gordon combines the attributes that would be expected of a superstar
in any sport. A heady chauffeur who has been behind the wheel seemingly
since infancy, he possesses the skill, savvy, and know how to reign as the
sport's "king" for many years to come.
2) Rusty Wallace- Among the few drivers in racing history who has retained a
high degree of driving skill well into his 40's, Wallace is a hard nosed
competitor who can bang fenders with NASCAR's best. Almost unstoppable at
Martinsville for years, Rusty retains the reflexes to avoid accidents on the
track, and challenge Winston Cup's young bucks in a run to the checkered flag.
With a win total that already exceeds fifty, Wallace may well reach seventy
wins before calling it a career.
3) Ricky Rudd- Like Rusty Wallace, Rudd is a talented man who at an
advanced age for stock car drivers is still competing for Cup titles and
winning races. Long recognized as a superb road course driver, Rudd is
finally getting overdue accolades as an oval driver as well.
Although his career win totals pale in comparison to Gordon and Wallace,
Rudd has proven he is very tough to beat in good equipment.
4) Bobby Labonte- Long overshadowed by his brother Terry, Bobby has
carved a niche for himself while driving for Joe Gibbs. A steady eddie
behind the wheel, Bobby seldom beats himself, and has the ability to run with
anyone as races draw to a close. If his current team stays intact, don't be
surprised to see Bobby rack up another Cup title before retirement.
5) Dale Jarrett- Another driver from a racing family, Dale seems to struggle
on road courses, but more than holds his own on the superspeedways. Privy to
superb equipment, Jarrett usually finishes in the money. A gentleman and a
role model, Dale is a fan favorite as well.
6) Tony Stewart- A multi talented young man with no shortage of self
confidence, Stewart will emerge as a superstar in the future. Already as
good behind the wheel as almost anyone in the game, Tony trades paint with
the best in the business-- and wins his share.
7) Dale Earnhardt Jr- In some ways Earnhardt Jr is treated unfairly because of the
assumption that his DEI ride is mostly responsible for his success. Already
a proven commodity on the superspeedways, Dale Jr is getting it done
today, and no doubt will get even better in the coming years. Expect to see
this third generation driver on a lot of all time lists before his driving
career comes to a close.
8) Kevin Harvick- Stepping into Dale Earnhardt's car is no easy task, but
Harvick has mastered the transition well. As occasional victim of his own
aggressive driving style, Harvick still has the ability to reach victory
circle with great frequency.
9) Sterling Marlin- An up and down career in auto racing is often the result
of good and bad cars, rather than a fluctuation of one's driving ability.
Sadly, Marlin has been a victim of this dilemma along with most other drivers
who have been in the game awhile. But don't count Sterling out at crunch
time. He still maintains the ability to compete at a very high level when
given a competitive car.
10) Mark Martin- Despite fighting an inconsistent machine almost all season,
Mark is a superior driver who like his geriatric counterparts Wallace, Rudd,
and Jarrett, is still more than good enough to win races in his late 40's.
Always a firebrand on road courses, Martin drives long and short tracks with
equal finesse.
Well there you have it. A top ten that will make money for themselves and
their car owners, as well as cash in on a lot of endorsement bucks. But keep
an eye on Jeff Burton, Matt Kenseth, Jeremy Mayfield, and a few others.
Reaching the top rung on the racing latter is one thing, but staying there is
something else!
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