Top NASCAR Rookie Seasons from the 1970's

Until the 1970's, rookies did not win very often in NASCAR's top level. Even during the 1970's, only two first-year drivers visited the winner's circle. The rookie of the year award did not often translate into a successful career. Only a handful of stars emerged in NASCAR during the 1970's, as the decade was dominated by a group of veterans who began racing in the 1960's. Below is the list of the top rookie seasons throughout the 1970's.

Dale Earnhardt (1979)

Many contend that Earnhardt was the first rookie driver to legitimately produce a noteworthy first season. Earnhardt, driving for Rod Osterlund, grabbed his first win early in the season, the seventh race of the year at Bristol. Despite an injury that kept out of the racecar for four races, Earnhardt was able to finish seventh in the final Winston Cup championship standings. He proved that his impressive rookie campaign was no fluke, as he won his first Winston Cup title a year later in 1980. Earnhardt would win seven championships throughout his career, becoming one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history.

27 races; 1 win; 11 top five finishes; 17 top 10 finishes; 605 laps led; 4 poles; finished 7^th in NASCAR Winston Cup standings

Earl Ross (1974)

Canadian born Earl Ross became the first non-American to win in NASCAR's top level of competition when he took the checkered flag at Martinsville. For the subsequent 23 years, he was alone in this category. Ross also became the first rookie eligible driver to win a race since Shorty Rollins in 1958. Ross teamed up with Junior Johnson with support from Carling Beer Company. Following the win, it appeared as if Ross was going to emerge into a successful Winston Cup driver. However, ownership changes with the sponsor led to the company pulling out of NASCAR. Ross would only compete in five additional races following his rookie of the year accolade.

21 races; 1 win; 5 top five finishes; 10 top 10 finishes; 127 laps led; 0 poles; finished 8^th in NASCAR Winston Cup standings

Ricky Rudd (1977)

Rudd was only 20 years old when he competed in his rookie season in Winston Cup. The young driver was solid while driving for a team his father Al Rudd owned and operated. While the equipment was inferior to Petty Enterprises, Wood Brothers, Junior Jonson, and other winning programs, Rudd put together a decent first season, placing in the top ten in 10 races in 25 starts. Rudd would not win his first Winston Cup race until 1983, but would win a race in every season for the next 16 years. His career ended in 2007 with 23 career victories.

25 races; 0 win; 1 top five finish; 10 top 10 finishes; 13 laps led; finished 17^th in NASCAR Winston Cup standings

Honorable mentions include Walter Ballard (1971); Lennie Pond (1973); Darrell Waltrip (1973); Bruce Hill (1975); Terry Labonte (1979)

Resource: Racing-Reference.info