Top 10 Journeymen in NASCAR History

Best Journeymen in NASCAR History

Martin Truex Jr.

10. Corey LaJoie

Corey’s become the modern face of the journeyman driver. From small teams like Go FAS Racing to Spire Motorsports, he’s hustled every lap with underfunded cars — proving personality and grit can make you a fan favorite, even without trophies.

9. Michael McDowell

For years, McDowell was NASCAR’s ultimate survivor — field-filler, crash-test dummy, and pit strategy gambler. But his shocking 2021 Daytona 500 victory with Front Row Motorsports turned him from underdog to inspiration for every driver grinding in mid-pack.

8. David Ragan

Ragan bounced between Roush, Front Row, BK Racing, and others, carving out a long career with two Cup wins — including an emotional triumph at Talladega in 2013. Never flashy, always reliable — the textbook journeyman.

7. Regan Smith

Smith was the go-to fill-in guy for years — replacing Dale Jr., Tony Stewart, and others whenever teams needed a steady hand. His Darlington win in 2011 was a highlight in a career full of quiet professionalism.

6. Chris Buescher

Buescher’s rise has been slow but steady. From Front Row Motorsports to RFK Racing, he’s built his career brick by brick — and now he’s become a legitimate playoff threat. Proof that journeymen can evolve into contenders with time.

5. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

He’s been called reckless, wild, and unpredictable — but also relentless. After bouncing from Roush to JTG Daugherty, Ricky stunned the world with his 2023 Daytona 500 victory, showing that persistence can rewrite any narrative.

4. AJ Allmendinger

A career full of twists — open-wheel star, Cup rookie, suspension, redemption, then road-course ace. AJ became Kaulig Racing’s heart and soul, turning part-time opportunities into unforgettable wins at Watkins Glen and the Roval.

3. Matt DiBenedetto

“Guido” became a cult hero — a talented underdog who almost won at Bristol in 2019 and brought hope to small teams like Leavine Family Racing and Wood Brothers. Never a full-time top-tier ride, but always full of heart.

2. Ryan Preece

Preece bet on himself, leaving steady Xfinity rides to earn a Cup shot the hard way. His path from Modifieds to Stewart-Haas Racing shows how determination and grassroots talent can carry a journeyman to the big leagues.

1. Martin Truex Jr.

Yes, a champion — but never forget his path. From DEI’s collapse, to Michael Waltrip Racing’s fallout, to nearly losing his career before Furniture Row took a chance. Truex went from journeyman survivor to Cup Series champion — the greatest comeback arc of the modern era.