Top 21 NASCAR Owner-Drivers Ever
21. Jeremy Mayfield
Mayfield briefly fielded his own cars while competing in Cup. He struggled with resources but proved that the owner-driver model was still possible.
20. Harry Gant
Gant ran select races as an owner-driver late in his career, maintaining competitiveness. He was known for his smooth driving style and perseverance.
19. Geoff Bodine
Bodine owned and drove his cars in Cup, achieving moderate success. His dual role demonstrated the difficulty of managing a team while racing at a high level.
18. Jimmy Spencer
Spencer ran his own Cup cars while securing competitive finishes. He balanced aggressive driving with the challenges of team ownership.
17. Davey Allison
Allison briefly ran his own Cup team while remaining a top competitor. His dual role was cut short by tragedy, but he showed immense potential as an owner-driver.
16. Morgan Shepherd
Shepherd competed into his 70s as an owner-driver, a testament to his longevity. His independence and passion kept him in NASCAR for decades.
15. Kyle Petty
Kyle Petty ran his own cars at times while upholding the Petty family legacy. He showed that ownership and competition could coexist, even if less dominant than his father.
14. Ricky Rudd
Rudd ran his own team while competing in Cup races, earning a reputation as NASCAR’s “Ironman.” He was consistent and durable while managing ownership duties.
13. Bill Elliott
Elliott became an owner-driver later in his career while remaining competitive in select Cup events. His speed and experience translated into respect on and off the track.
12. Darrell Waltrip
Waltrip won multiple Cup races while owning cars later in his career. He balanced high-level competition with team management responsibilities.
11. Bobby Allison
Allison ran his own cars while winning numerous Cup races in the 1970s. His aggressive style and owner-driver role cemented his legacy.
10. Cale Yarborough
Yarborough became a three-time Cup champion while taking part ownership in his later career. He exemplified competitiveness and leadership both on and off the track.
9. Joe Weatherly
Weatherly won two Cup championships while running his own cars. He balanced competitive driving with the responsibilities of ownership in the 1960s.
8. Tim Flock
Flock won multiple races as an owner-driver in the 1950s. His versatility and independence made him a standout in NASCAR’s formative era.
7. Lee Petty
As the patriarch of the Petty dynasty, Lee won three championships while running his own team. He laid the foundation for family-run success in NASCAR.
6. Herb Thomas
Thomas won two championships while managing his own team in the 1950s. He was a pioneer of the owner-driver model in NASCAR’s early years.
5. Junior Johnson
Johnson was a successful Cup driver who also owned cars, pioneering modern team management techniques. His influence extended beyond driving, shaping NASCAR’s competitive landscape.
4. Dave Marcis
Marcis ran his own Cup cars for decades while remaining competitive. His endurance and independence made him the most prolific owner-driver in history.
3. Alan Kulwicki
Kulwicki won the 1992 Cup Championship while running his own underfunded team. His meticulous approach and the iconic “Polish Victory Lap” cemented his legacy as the ultimate owner-driver.
2. Tony Stewart
Stewart won three Cup championships while co-owning Stewart-Haas Racing. He proved that modern-era owner-drivers could still dominate NASCAR.
1. Richard Petty
The King won most of his 200 Cup races under the family-owned Petty Enterprises. He dominated NASCAR’s golden era as both driver and team owner.
