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Dale Earnhardt Edges David Pearson: NASCAR’s 64 Greatest Drivers Tourney

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by Charlie Turner

Thanks for stopping by OnPitRow.com and the Bench Racing with Steve and Charlie blog. The best NASCAR and IndyCar news and opinion, exclusive pictures and video. I'm Charlie Turner. Follow me on Twitter @onpitrow

June 24, 2009 1:02 pm UTC 4 Comments

It’s Earnhardt at the flag!

After over 60 head-to-head match ups between 64 of NASCAR’s Greatest All-time drivers, the votes are in. In hundreds of blog comments, Twitter tweets and radio interviews,  On Pit Row’s listeners and readers narrowly chose Dale Earnhardt as the winner of our 64 Greatest Drivers of NASCAR Tournament at Bench Racing with Steve and Charlie.

Earnhardt’s supporters gave him victories over Bobby Isaac, Rex White, Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson leading up to the Four Wide Final.

There, The Intimidator’s fans voted him over Darrell Waltrip and finally, David Pearson to win the tourney.

Here is a sample of some of the comments we got from voters in the final face-off between Earnhardt and Pearson.

…Pearson was untouchable at Charlotte and Darlington, Earnhardt the best at Talladega. Had Pearson run full schedules his entire career, who knows how many titles he would have won? Bottom line, though, in a head-to-head race in comparable equipment at almost any track, I’d pick Pearson–unless Earnhardt wrecked him. – Reid Spencer

my vote is for the 7 time champ – Steve1381

For me it has to be a split decision. Dale Earnhardt Sr. gets my vote for charisma, showmanship and heart. While David Pearson for mechanical driving skill, determination and heart.Dream season would have been to have the two on the track at the same time! Now that would have put the butts in the seat. - Zoey

It’s always difficult to compare great drivers who raced in different eras under different circumstances. Are we guaging talent…or impact on the sport? I don’t think there is really a balanced way to compare talent between these two since they didn’t compete. But, in my opinion, Earnhardt’s personal accomplishments and impact on the sport were greater than Pearson’s. – Jeff Gilder

DALE EARNHARDT ALL THE WAY. – donnie lee redd jr.

Dale Earnhardt all the way. Dale is arguably the most talented driver in Nascar history. Seven championships in first sixteen seasons is remarkable. He also started at a much later age than drivers today. Second is point standings at age 49 remarkable achievement. – Dave Watson

Here’s the complete bracket for the tournament. Thanks to everyone.

Photo credit: Icon Sports Media Inc

Filed under: Dale Earnhardt, Daytona 500, Daytona International Speedway, NASCAR, NASCAR 64 Greatest Driver Tourney, Nascar Legends 

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Comments

4 Responses to “Dale Earnhardt Edges David Pearson: NASCAR’s 64 Greatest Drivers Tourney”

  1. Michael Midlick on June 25th, 2009 4:20 pm

    Thank you very much for having the “nascar 64 greatest driver’s tourament.” Nascar also conducted a “nascar 64 greatest driver’s tournament “during their 50th anniversary season in 1998. The final matchup in that tournament was Dale Earnhardt vs Richard Petty and Dale won by comfortable margain.

    You may want to consider similar type tournament’s in the future such as the greatest crew chief, greatest open wheel driver, or greatest road course, speedway, or short track driver. Of course, the matchup’s don’t need to be
    64 for these type tournaments.

  2. User Avatar Charlie Turner on June 26th, 2009 9:07 am

    Thanks Michael. Glad you enjoyed it. We do have a thing or two in mind for the future. Stay tuned.

  3. gary wilson on August 23rd, 2009 6:02 pm

    why are mods put on back burner nascars greatest driver came from this it is now all about money take a good look on raceday most fan fans are johnny come lately. first driver over 200 mph @daytona 9 time nascar champ the real king of nascar nedd more?

  4. NASCAR’s First Hall of Fame Class Gets all A’s : Bench Racing With Steve and Charlie on October 15th, 2009 1:20 am

    [...] will be pretty easy to fill as well.  Just look at the drivers who were in the sweet sixteen of ON PIT ROW’s 64 Greatest Driver Tourney to see the best of the best.  Add in the off track contributors and there is no dearth of [...]

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