The 4 Best Rookies In NASCAR History

Dale Earnhardt didn’t earn the name “The Intimidator” for nothing; his success in all things NASCAR cemented that title. Earnhardt had more than just a storied career. Some people would go as far as to say he kept the sport alive. He ended his first campaign at the Daytona 500 in eighth place with a car that didn’t even have sponsors. He went on to win his first career victory at Bristol Motor Speedway just six weeks later. He averaged a tenth-place finish throughout his freshman season, even taking several poles away from veteran drivers. The climb to success during his rookie year helped pave the way for his first of seven titles the following season.

2. Tony Stewart

The next top rookie could also be considered one of the hottest-headed. Tony Stewart was a rookie to the Cup Series, but not to the world of racing. The then 28-year-old had already won an IndyCar championship and the U.S. Auto Club triple crown. Many fans thought his slow start during his first year showed that his skills couldn’t translate, but a late-season push proved them all wrong. He ended the year winning three separate races, creating a new record for NASCAR rookies. He later became a three-time Cup Series champion and successful team owner with Stewart-Haas.

3. Jimmie Johnson

Just a few years after Stewart’s debut, Jimmie Johnson entered the stage. Johnson retired from the Cup Series a seven-time champion, with another great start to a NASCAR career. He won three races his first year in the sport, tying with Stewart’s record. He started his own record by becoming the first rookie to ever lead in points during a Cup Series season. He ended the season in fifth place.

The wins didn’t end there; his rookie season was just the start of a great career, winning a total of 83 races. His most significant dominance began in 2006, just five years after his first year, with an unprecedented championship streak, as he won the championship five years in a row.

4. Shane van Gisbergen

This year’s rookie to watch is also going for his first-ever championship win during his first season. Van Gisbergen took this year’s season by storm, winning four races and beating Stewart and Johnson’s record. All those wins came on road tracks, which makes sense considering his long career with the Enderance Cup and Supercar racing. He’s already won three Supercar championships and is looking to add a stock car championship to his resume this season. He’s comparable to Stewart due to their outside success, as well as their slow start to their freshman season. He’s definitely a driver to watch as we enter the Cup Series Playoffs.

End Of My Best NASCAR Rookies Rant

One thing every great rookie has in common on this list is that their first year in the sport helped usher in a new style of racing. Earnhardt obviously was the start of a more aggressive approach. Stewart and Johnson both offered a new sort of aggression and a push for more driver rivalries. Van Gisbergen’s legacy has just started. His success on road courses will likely bring about a new level of competitiveness between drivers who haven’t had any success in those races.