If there’s one name synonymous with NASCAR’s rise to mainstream popularity, it’s Jeff Gordon. From 1993 to 2015, he wasn’t just a dominant force on the track—he was a marketing powerhouse who helped shape the sport’s modern image. Later, between 2010 and 2013, even in the latter stages of his career, Gordon consistently finished among the top 10 drivers, proving his driving power.
Given his legacy, one would assume that Gordon’s place on NASCAR’s “Mount Rushmore” would be a no-brainer. However, when Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently revealed his picks for the four greatest drivers, fans were left stunned by a surprising omission. The debate that followed sparked heated discussions among NASCAR fans.
The ’90s and early 2000s of NASCAR was truly an example that has shined by and given the sport its golden era. With world-class drivers who took skills much more seriously than gimmicks, NASCAR had the best names to look up to. Legends like Dale Earnhardt, Richard Petty, and even Jimmie Johnson are the pillars on which the sport had been relying during this period.
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Recently, Dale Earnhardt Jr took to social media and shared his take on who his four picks are in NASCAR’s Mt. Rushmore. He said, “My NASCAR Mt. Rushmore would probably be my dad for one. You have to put Richard Petty up there and Jimmie Johnson, all three seven-time champions. That’s a tough question. Who’s no. 4. You have David Pearson, Jeff Gordon. I think between those two, I might opt Pearson out there but you might Jeff Gordon in there and either way you have got a tough group.”
Richard Petty, fittingly nicknamed “The King,” set the gold standard in stock car racing. Winning his first NASCAR Cup title in 1964, he dominated the late ‘60s and ‘70s. Petty claimed a record-breaking seven championships, and his 27-win season in 1967, including an astonishing 10 straight victories, remains untouchable. As Petty reigned supreme, David Pearson emerged as his fiercest rival. Pearson won three championships (1966, 1968, 1969) and was a master of efficiency, winning 18.3% of the races he entered.
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The 1980s saw the rise of Dale Earnhardt, a driver whose aggressive style earned him the nickname – “The Intimidator.” He captured seven championships (1980, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994), matching Petty’s record. His Daytona 500 victory in 1998, after 20 years of near misses, remains one of the most emotional moments in NASCAR history.
However, the discussion on the best drivers in NASCAR would remain incomplete if we did not talk about Jimmie Johnson. He stunned the world with five consecutive championships from 2006 to 2010. He ended up adding two more in 2013 and 2016 and became the third driver to reach seven titles. While he did make a momentary stop, Johnson made a comeback in 2024.
Over the next decade, he cemented his place among the all-time greats, winning four Cup Series titles (1995, 1997, 1998, 2001) and dominating the sport with his smooth yet aggressive driving style. Given that a driver like him was replaced from the Mt. Rushmore list was indeed quite frustrating for the fans.
Yet, Dale Jr’s doubt about putting Gordon on the list has fans appealing.
Fans seek for Dale Earnhardt Jr to be put back Gordon the list
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For fans, the most disappointing take happened when Dale Earnhardt Jr replaced Jeff Gordon for David Pearson. While Pearson was indeed a great driver, for the majority of the fans, he has not been able to carve a legacy, unlike Gordon. Citing the same reason, a fan said, “Had the right 4 with Gordon. Great choices”. When put in comparison with Pearson, Gordon does take the lead with both his NASCAR statistics and his persona. Reflecting on the same feelings, another fan said, “Gordon 7-time”.
Throughout, Gordon has been hailed as one of the most transformative drivers that NASCAR has ever witnessed. It was under his guidance that stock car racing became as mainstream as it is today. Gordon brought a lot of attention from outside the sport. He made appearances on TV shows like Spin City and Saturday Night Live, attracting not just the American crowd, but global fans. Giving him his due credit, a fan commented, “Gotta have Gordon as the 4th.”
He was one of the very few drivers who had been able to claim his first full-schedule Cup Series ride at the age of 21 only. Gordon wasn’t just a driver—he was a revolution. With his rainbow-colored No. 24 Chevrolet, he burst onto the NASCAR. At just 24 years old, Gordon made history in 1995, becoming the youngest champion of NASCAR’s modern era. But that was just the beginning. Getting him back to the list, another fan commented, “1. Dale Earnhardt 2. Richard Petty 3. Jimmie Johnson 4. Jeff Gordon.”
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His legacy as a driver and his public appearances make him much more well-known than others. A fan took to the post and commented, “Gordon and it’s not even close”. While Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s decision to replace Jeff Gordon with David Pearson sparked debate, the overwhelming fan sentiment is clear—Gordon’s impact on NASCAR is undeniable.