Thread: NASCAR's leading driver

I'm not referring to the leader of the points or 'the best' driver, but the driver who the drivers think of as their leader. It was Dale Sr. once.

I remember a few years ago, commentators discussing this and saying that the leader was Jeff Gordon. The problem was Jeff didn't really want to be the leader. The comeback was more or less 'tough, Jeff, you are.'

I've always remembered that. Since then, I've heard a lot of drivers referring to Jeff's influence with NASCAR. What seems to be true is that when Jeff picks a battle with NASCAR, they tend to listen and act.

So, whether he wants the role or not, do you think Jeff Gordon is the leader of the drivers?

I'm not really sure if other drivers see Jeff Gordon as a leader or not. Yes, he has a wonderful record and has lots of experience and knowledge about racing, but it seems to me that once Dale Sr. was gone, the other drivers seemed to become more equal team members. I don't think there will ever be another driver that had the admiration and leadership abilities that Dale Sr. had. He had so many years in this profession that every driver looked up to him.

I remember last year, Harvick was complaining about something, and he said, "But I'm not Jeff Gordon" ... meaning NASCAR wouldn't listen to him like they would to Jeff.

Jeff Burton has talked about Jeff's impact and such, which sort of surprised me.

I do recall Jeff's big crash early last season. He spoke out, and boy did NASCAR respond, as did the race tracks with more safer barrier. It was an immediate response, and it was definitely because of Jeff's comments.

There was something about Dale Sr. that made people respect him whether they liked him or not. I am a Jeff fan so I feel okay saying that I don't think it's the same way with him. Never has been and maybe never will be.

I think that some of the other drivers look up to him and he has a large fan base and that might be why Nascar tends to listen.

yes they should be