Why will Jeff Gordon be the greatest Nascar driver ever?

Question

Jeff Gordon is the Michael Jordan of his sport.

Alot of people dislike Gordon because he threatens the legendary status of Dale Earnhardt.

While gaining the disdain of Nascar fanboys nationwide, Jeff is earning the tremendous respect of Nascar purist.

Answer 1

Some people get so wrapped up in their hate that they fail to appreciate the magnitude of Gordon's accomplishments. He's not my favorite driver but it is a priviledge to be watching the record books get written in front of us. Watching Jordon (when he was playing), Tiger Woods and Jeff Gordon is watching sports history and you should pay a little closer attention while it's going on. These types of talents are very rare and that's why what they did/do should be respected whether you like that person or not. I don't know if you can ever say that he is "the greatest EVER." That would be like saying Tiger is better than Byron Nelson or Emmit Smith was better than Gayle Sayers. Different carreers in different eras are hard to compare. One day, maybe even now, you could make an argument that he is the best driver in the modern era (so far).

Answer 2

I do not think any main newsmakers or legendary driver will ever say one way or the other on Earnhardt and Gordon. I think they will say they were both great drivers and leave it at that. Jeff will have to win championship #7 to get people saying such things. The fact is, many were picking Dale and Jeff to battle for the championship in 2001. The #3 team had things in line for Dale. Harvick finished 9th in points with 2 wins and missing a start. Just imagine what Dale would have done with that equipment.
So I really thing this argument will never really come to an end.

Answer 3

It's doubtful anyone will ever surpass Petty's 200 wins. Pearson, who's next on the list is barely halfway. If anyone is going to do it it's going to be someone with a lot of talent, connected with a great team and is starting Nascar at 19 or 20 years old. They say a driver loses 1 mph for each decade of his career. Jeff certainly has the talent, is with a good team but I think just lacks enough time left in his career. Dale Sr., also a very talented driver, with a good team would've probably been very close to retirement now had he lived. The whole process nowadays is so homoginized that for it to all come together for a drivers entire career is next to impossible. It's just too difficult to evaluate the entire package and to be able to put the driver at the top of it. The best driver in the world doesn't stand a chance if the whole process doesn't gel.

Answer 4

Saying he is the greatest ever, i think, is going a little too far. I think Richard Petty will hold that for a long time. As far as him being a threat to Dale Sr....what threat? There is no comparing the 2, they are two totally different drivers and people. Stop comparing everyone to everybody else, and just let each driver be their own unique person. Yes, while I don't care much for Gordon (i dislike him a lot less now than i use to), he has accomplished A LOT, whether people like him or not, nobody can truely deny that. But I think calling him the greatest ever is taking your like for him just a little bit over the edge. One of the best of today, that would be more accurate.

Answer 5

well if you look deep into this at first you want to say yeah cause who knows the future. But maybe not cause as the competition gets harder and harder every year. The 24 might leave with 100 wins and 6 or 7 championships...I think someone could get more championships than petty dale and Jeff. cause under the new system anyone in the chase who makes it through the ten races without a dnf would be tough to beat. you can have drivers who are always good enough to get in the chase and then always have a lucky chance of the upset.. i think the championship is harder to win and more of a lucky thing than a talent thing...I think for someone to ever be in Jeff's domain they would have to get close to his win totals and in as many starts...the 24 beat the 3 in wins in some 300 less starts . that is always over looked. winning is winning ...I have always been a 24 fan. but I like him cause he is a great driver and I when he hangs it up I hope there are kids around to take his place that will give us as much fun to watch as he did.. i feel bad for all the 24 haters cause its been a hell of a ride haha routing against him is like routing for the browns to win..sad sad ! :)

Answer 6

Best Nascar Driver Ever

Answer 7

Not sure if you can call Gordon the best driver ever. Richard Petty and his 200 wins is pretty incredible and that why he is the King. When all is said and done there is a good chance Jeff will pass Daryl Waltrip and his 84 wins (which is the highest in which the modern era).

If you want to call Gordon "one of the best drivers ever" I think most people would not argue with that. With 77 wins and 3 Daytona 500s he's up there. However to say his better than Petty, Allison, Earnhardt, Waltrip, Junior Johnson or Yarborough or Pearson is a little much. Does his name belong in that group...Yes. Better than....Maybe, Maybe not.

Answer 8

I dont think he will be considered the Greatest Nascar driver of all time but certainly one of the best ever. He's already surpassed Dale Earnhardt but has a long long way to go before surpassing Petty.

Answer 9

Gordon will be because he is Nascars "pretty boy".. kinda funny how every race he catches a break with either a "debris" caution or some other excuse to stop the race. He whines and cries when he doesn't win stating he had the better car, and states that so so did this to cause him to lose, and then the stupid mo-fo does the same exact crap the next race and feels he did nothing wrong. I would like to see him get crashed purposly at Richmond.. 1st lap and have a DNF.

Answer 10

Gordon is the best racing right no, but not the best ever that goes to Petty. But yeah 77 victories, 4 championships is pretty darn good. Oh and i think he's only 34