Earnhardt vs. Gordon
We're going to see a lot more pieces like this one as Jeff Gordon closes in on Dale Earnhardt's win total. Gordon is at 72 and climbing, and Earnhardt won 76 before he was killed in 2001.
This almost makes me feel bad for Darrell Waltrip, who's actually the modern-era record holder with 84.
My brain's too fried today to figure out who I think is better. Have at it in the comments if you'd like.
Comments (5)
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If you go by stats, it's Gordon.
If you go by who's impact was bigger, it's Earnhardt.
Posted on May 17, 2005 8:32 PM
This debate goes all the way back to the 60's & 70's with Petty. The level of competition increased dramatically in any 10 year period you want to pick. I doubt you will ever see successive 10 win seasons like you did with Gordon.
Posted on May 17, 2005 10:03 PM
The Petty-Earnhardt-Gordon debate is a good one, but I don't think you'll ever find consensus because, as Mark pointed out, the eras in which these guys raced are so different.
To take this discussion in a different direction, who will be the fourth driver in this pantheon? (In other words, Petty-Earnhardt-Gordon-?) I see a lot of good drivers out there, but there's no obvious candidate for the fourth spot. Or am I completely underrating someone?
Posted on May 19, 2005 11:11 AM
Gordon is the best driver ever and I don't think anyone will take that from him. Gordon will win more than DE and DW IF he is willing and able to race. I will admit that DE has done more for the sport than any racer before and after him. As far as a 4th to join these elite 3... there may never be a 4th...too much equality among too many very good drivers. The competition has never been so strong and so deep.
Posted on December 23, 2005 6:27 PM
Some say that Earnhardt was greater than Petty due to the "lesser" competition during the Petty era. I'd argue that Gordon is the greatest as the era in which he competes fields the toughest competition ever--the cars, drivers, and crews are all good. Gordon is one race from tying Earnhardt at 76, and if he stays focused will win his 5th championship before the age of 40. I hope he keeps racing long enough to win an 8th championship--unlikely based on what the media reports.
Posted on August 24, 2006 11:35 PM