Jeff Gordon is the name that most closely embodies NASCAR’s ascent to national prominence. In addition to being a dominant force on the track, he was a marketing juggernaut from 1993 to 2015, helping to create the sport’s contemporary image. Even in the later years of his career, from 2010 to 2013, Gordon routinely placed in the top 10 drivers, demonstrating his driving prowess. One would think that Gordon’s inclusion on NASCAR’s “Mount Rushmore” would be obvious given his career. Fans were taken aback by a startling omission when Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently unveiled his selections for the four greatest drivers. Among NASCAR fans, the ensuing debate generated intense debates. NASCAR’s 1990s and early 2000s were a prime example of shined by and given the sport its golden era. With world-class drivers who took skills much more seriously than gimmicks, NASCAR had the best names to look up to. Legends like Dale Earnhardt, Richard Petty, and even Jimmie Johnson are the pillars on which the sport had been relying during this period.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently expressed his thoughts on his four picks in NASCAR’s Mt. Rushmore race on social media. “For starters, my dad would probably be my NASCAR Mt. Rushmore,” he stated. Jimmie Johnson and Richard Petty, the three seven-time champions, must be included. It’s a difficult question. Who is number four? You have Jeff Gordon and David Pearson. Between the two, I believe I might choose Pearson, but you might choose Jeff Gordon, and in any case, you have a formidable squad. In stock car racing, Richard Petty—aptly known as “The King”—established the benchmark.
He dominated in the late 1960s and early 1970s, winning his first NASCAR Cup championship in 1964. Petty claimed an unprecedented seven titles, and his 27-win season in 1967, including an astonishing 10 straight victories, remains untouchable. As Petty reigned supreme, David Pearson emerged as his fiercest rival. Pearson won three championships (1966, 1968, 1969) and was a master of efficiency, winning 18.3% of the races he entered.
Dale Earnhardt, a driver whose aggressive attitude earned him the nickname “The Intimidator,” rose to prominence in the 1980s. He tied Petty’s record with seven titles (1980, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994). After 20 years of close calls, his victory at the Daytona 500 in 1998 is still regarded as one of the most poignant moments in NASCAR history. But without mentioning Jimmie Johnson, the conversation on the top NASCAR drivers would be lacking. From 2006 to 2010, he won five titles in a row, shocking everyone. He became the third driver to win seven titles, adding two more in 2013 and 2016. Johnson did pause for a while, but he returned in 2024.Over the following ten years, he solidified place among the all-time greats, winning four Cup Series titles (1995, 1997, 1998, 2001) and dominating the sport with his smooth yet aggressive driving style. Given that a driver like him was replaced from the Mt. Rushmore list was indeed quite frustrating for the fans.
Yet, Dale Jr’s doubt about putting Gordon on the list has fans appealing.
