by Robert Bullard

Created on: March 03, 2009   Last Updated: May 03, 2009

Winning is what it's all about. Drivers might be friendly during the week, but when the green flag drops, it's all about being number one. Every weekend, these good-ole boys tighten up their chin straps and gave it their all.

These are the best.

It's only fitting that we start with "The King" - Richard Petty. Born the son of a champion, winning was in his blood. For over 3 decades, Petty compiled 200 wins, 7 NASCAR championships, as well as 7 Daytona 500 wins - they don't call him "The King" for nothing. These 200 wins might have given him a record that will never be broken. As retirement loomed, Petty Enterprises was formed, he just couldn't leave this sport he loved. He is truly a class act all the way.

Second on our list is the only other driver to have broken 100 wins - David Pearson. Known as a "very smooth" driver, he tended to hang back until the end of the race and then charge ahead to the front. Also known as "The Silver Fox" - he won 105 races, as well as 3 championships (they were called the Grand Nationals back then). What's interesting about his championship seasons is that they came in the only years which he ran a full schedule.

We have a tie for third place on our top-ten list, so we'll go alphabetically.

Bobby Allison is one of the most beloved figures in NASCAR. This member of "The Alabama Gang" compiled 84 wins, along with one championship in 1983.
Although he won 3 Daytona 500's, none was more special than the one in 1988, where he finished 1-2 with his son Davey.
His life as a champion was hard though.
Not only did major head injury force him to end his racing career, but his sons Clifford and Davey both died within a year of each other.

The other driver sharing this space is Darrell Waltrip. One of the best short-track drivers of all-time, his outspoken way earned him the nickname "Jaws". He wasn't a very popular driver early in his career, but he has plenty of fans now.
After a career including 84 wins and 3 championships, you can now see him on TV as a commentator. He and his brother Michael hold the distinction as the only siblings to both win the Daytona 500.

Next on our list is Cale Yarborough. Cale found his way to 83 NASCAR wins and three straight championships (from 76 to '78) racing for legend Junior Johnson. After leaving the Johnson team, he ran a limited schedule; but still managed to win a few more Daytona 500's (giving him four for his career). He also still holds the record for most pole positions is a single year with 14.

Fifth on

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