I'm pretty casual in my stock car racing fandom, but several sportswriters whose opinion I respect consider David Pearson the best pure driver of all time. Second only to Richard Petty in all-time wins.
R.I.P. Silver Fox.
http://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/st...earson-dies-83
I would rank him third, behind Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt. Some very exclusive company. He was Ford's main challenge to the Dodge and Plymouth domination in the 60's.