Top NASCAR Drivers from the 1980s

NASCAR underwent several changes during the 1980's. One change in particular was the size reduction in the racecar's template in 1981. However, there also was a changing of the guard, as Richard Petty and David Pearson began to win less frequently. Furthermore, several stars from the 1970's such as Cale Yarborough, Benny Parsons, and Buddy Baker began to reduce their schedule. Below are the top NASCAR drivers from the 1980's.

Darrell Waltrip

Waltrip was one of the top newcomers from the 1970's. He possessed the skills to compete with the Pettys, Pearsons, and Yarboroughs. He was not shy in publicly discussing how talented he was behind the wheel. It was not until he landed a ride with Junior Johnson in 1981 when he began to soar to the top of NASCAR world. He won the Winston Cup championship in 1981, 1982, and 1985. He won 12 races each in 1981 and 1982. In 1985, he came from behind to win the title after his rival Bill Elliott led the standings for most of the season. Waltrip competed in 296 races throughout the 1980's, winning 57 times. After a prosperous tenure with Junior Johnson, Waltrip joined Hendrick Motorsports in 1987.

Dale Earnhardt

Earnhardt quickly made a splash in NASCAR when he won the Winston Cup championship in 1980 in only his second season driving for Rod Osterlund. Following his championship, he encountered some inconsistencies that kept him from competing for the title. However, in 1986, Earnhardt, now driving for Richard Childress, clinched his second championship. In 1987, Earnhardt won 11 races, and joined Waltrip on the list three-time champions in the 1980's. Earnhardt won 38 races in 296 throughout the decade. During the 1980's, Earnhardt was at the height of his aggressiveness, earning the title '‹Å"The Intimidator'.

Tie: Bobby Allison and Bill Elliott

The numbers of Allison and Elliott practically mirrored each other during the 1980's. Allison won the 1983 Winston Cup championship and Elliott hoisted the championship trophy in 1988. Allison was in the latter part of his career, but age did not decelerate the veteran. His career ended in 1988 following a horrific crash at Pocono. Elliott's career was taking off, as he won 11 races in 1985, including the Winston Million, but a late season slide hindered his hopes at a title. Allison won 28 races in 251 starts. Elliott competed in 249 races, winning 32 times. Both drivers won the Daytona 500, Allison in 1988, and Elliott in 1985 and 1987.

Honorable mentions include Rusty Wallace; Terry Labonte; Cale Yarborough; Richard Petty

Resource: Racing Reference