The Good Guys

There aren't a lot of Winston Cup Champions on this page, and many of them haven't won many races, but these gentleman are all winners and champions in my book. I know there are many others also deserving of a tribute but these are the guys I like to see run well week in and week out.Tony Stewart is the Real Deal

Jeff Burton is a class act. You never hear this guy bad mouth anyone and like others on this page he is often a little too quick to take the blame for an incident or issue that has taken him out of contention or the race. Since Joining Roush Racing he has become a heavy threat every single week. With Martin's penchant for finishing second in the Winston Cup points you may very well see Jeff get a championship before Mark does.

Ward Burton - Must be something in the Virginia Water - Whatever it is the Burton Brothers have it in spades. Ward, like his brother, rarely has anything but praise for his team and never casts aspersions on his fellow competitors - even when they deserve it. When this quiet, soft spoken gentleman speaks though - pay attention ! It is usually worth hearing. I only have one question - How the heck did this guy become a stock car driver? Even my wife likes him! and she doesn't like racing!!

Learn more about Dodge's new stealth weapon at Bill Davis Racing

Mark Martin - Want a role model? No one in NASCAR works harder or smarter than this man. He is the picture of intensity on race day. This guy will be the champ sooner or later.

Dale Jarrett - Like his father Ned before him, Dale Jarret will be a credit to this sport years after he hangs up his helmet. It's guys like DJ that make everyone proud to be a NASCAR fan. His grace under pressure makes any Sunday that DJ wins a good one.

Jimmy Spencer - Oh, I can hear some of you getting wound up now, but Jimmy has as much right as anyone to be classed among the "good guys" of NASCAR. Today when the announcers speak of "Mr. Excitement" it's alright to remember how he got that particular moniker, but don't forget, in recent years Jimmy has been the model of consistency on the track, finishing races, running well and as always providing plenty of breathtaking heroics. The difference is casual contact is a thing of his past. I like him. I like his passion and I love to watch him when he's fast.

Don't miss the history page at Jimmy's website. It is well worth a read. This guy is a racers racer.

The Ice Man - The only difference between Terry Labonte and Michael Waltrip is their on track performance record. Terry Labonte is one classy guy and his 1996 Championship run was a popular one. The sobriquet "The Ice Man" is a fitting one as this man is just the epitome of cool under pressure. Nothing seems to faze him. I must admit I was one of the couch racers who had written Terry off, but no fan was more pleasantly surprised than I when he got the Hendrick ride and followed up with a championship. Terry's string of consecutive starts may be over but he's still got a few more checkered flags to pick up I'm sure.

Michael Waltrip - That Michael Waltrip had never won a Winston Cup Points Race before Daytona 2001 was a mystery to all dedicated fans. He is a talented and determined driver. Regardless of the long lived goose egg in his "official" win column he has risen to superstar status simply because he is one of the nicest competitors in the sport. Michael is the guy you will see pushing a fellow competitor into the pits when they run out of gas - during the race! His demeanour in front of the camera is a tribute to his professionalism. He is a credit to his sponsors and the entire sport. His win in the 1996 "The Winston" was a popular one and I am sure I'm not the only man who cried as he led those final laps at Daytona in February..

I'm was tickled pink to see him become part of the DEI team. Mikey is worthy of the equipment. Dale Earnhardt had thought so for a long time and you should too. Michael Waltrip DID WIN in 2001and likely will again in 2002.

For me, Bobby Labonte's defining moment came early in 1997, at one of the short tracks. After crashing out of the race he was asked what happened. Though he could hardly conceal his disgust he very plainly stated that he tried to nudge Robert Pressley out of the way and ended up wrecking both of them. No excuses, no bull - just the facts. My favourite quote from Bobby Labonte had to be following the 1996 Atlanta race when he won the race and Terry won the Championship. Asked what he was thinking as he and Terry ran a victory lap side by side around the race track he said " I though it was pretty neat". That is about as emotional as a Labonte gets.

The Herminator

Kenny Wallace is a fine racer in his own right and destined for greater things. I like the dedication he showed as the FilMar Racing team developed and then folded, and, like the other drivers on this page I appreciate his ability to look squarely into the camera lens and say he messed up when he did. I've always thought he was at least Rusty's equal as a driver and I sincerely hope he finds the elusive combination which will allow him to truly shine.

Kenny will start 2002 in the DEI PennZoil car. When this image becomes outdated I will be happy to see Steve Park return but I sincerely hope Kenny lands with a good ride - he deserves it.

Go Junior - You just have to like this kid. Born with a God given talent he didn't even know he had, he spend about 20 years trying to be anything but what his old man wanted only to become not only a peer of his father but the heir apparent to Dale's legacy.

If you don't like Sterling Marlin well then you're probably just a mean person. Slow to anger but quick to laugh Sterling never says much but often speaks volumes with a single remark. It was great to see him return Dodge to victory circle in 2001 and while I wasn't really surprised with that, I was very impressed with this teams strength in the points race. 2002 held a lot of promise but after leading much of the year he faded at the end and ultimately had to step out of the car due to injuries.