Road course aces

Here is how I see the evolution of top NASCAR road racers over the last 20 or so years (correct me if I missed any):

Terry Labonte
Tim Richmond
Ricky Rudd
Rusty Wallace
Ernie Irvan
Mark Martin
Jeff Gordon

Who will be next to join this list?

I would just add Richard Petty (at least 6 wins), Darrell Waltirp (5), and Geoff Bodine (3).

As for the next road course hot-shoe, Scott Pruett should be good, providing PPI can give him a good car. Look for him to be especially good at Watkins Glen, he's run very well there in Trans-Am. Not sure of his Sears Pt. history.

[This message has been edited by Heeltoe6 (edited 28 April 2000).]

I have to agree with you a bit there....the last time i saw Nascar race on a road course was down at Bathurst, and the cars had twice the breaking distance of cars of similar speed...it really did look pathetic...

Sorry Guys,
I just don't like road-racing. I realize that many of you do, but it just doesn't do anything for me. IMO, stock cars are oval track animals, just don't belong on a road course. Leave the road courses to the open-wheel and sport car types, I don't watch them, keep stock cars on ovals. Again, JMHO.
Have a good evening.

Lee

I would definitely add Petty, Waltrip and Bodine. I also agree that Pruett's experience in CART and TransAm could afford him a chance to be on this list. I think that if Dallenbach, Jr. ever gets a decent ride, he could be a great road course driver.

Ditto on Dallenbach. Back when he was at Roush, he finished 2nd at the Glen twice I believe. He was even closing on Mark Martin late when, according to someone who claimed to be listeing on the scanner, Roush told him not to dare to pass his teammate. But in any case, he's had some good runs, just not good equipment.

Tony Stewart did surprisingly well last year at Sears Point.

I do agree that stock cars do look a bit awkward on a road course. But I have seen some pretty exciting races in recent years. Last year at Sears Point got pretty wild. And Jeff Gordon, a couple of years ago, put on a very exciting show in the closing laps at Watkins Glen.