Attachment 3373There have been many rivalries in NASCAR over the years but few have been as prominent as the wars among (from left), Richard Petty, Bobby Allison and Darrell Waltrip, who scrapped in the ’70s and early ’80s.
As the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers descend on Phoenix International Raceway for Chase race No. 9 of 10, I am drawn to the rivalry between five-time champion Jimmie Johnson and determined Brad Keselowski, who is anxious to earn his first title.
As a fan of tennis I am reminded of a time when American Andy Roddick was playing against champion Roger Federer in the Wimbledon finals.
The TV correspondent questioned Roddick on the rivalry between the two – who had met in several finals in those years.
Roddick said, “First of all, we can’t call it a rivalry until I win one.”
Keselowski has certainly won races, especially during this season. He has doggedly gone after the championship, has won during the Chase and positioned himself well. He’s kept the pressure on Johnson.
Johnson, on the other hand, still seems to be the leader of the juggernaut that is Hendrick Motorsports. He, too, has been winning races – the last two in a row, in fact – and currently holds the points lead over Keselowski heading into the penultimate race of the 2012 season.
Throughout NASCAR’s storied history great rivalries have been produced since the first moonshiner strapped on his makeshift helmet and hit the dirt in competition.
“Big” Bill France, Lloyd Seay, Roy Hall and Bob, Fonty and Tim Flock were all rivals in the early days of stock car racing. France credited Seay as “The greatest stock car driver who ever lived.”
The Flock brothers also contended for wins against World War II hero Red Byron who was, like Seay and Hall before him, funded by the deep pockets of businessman Raymond Parks and wrenched by the renowned Red Vogt.
Attachment 3374When he drove Junior Johnson’s No. 11 cars in the mid-’70s to three straight titles, Cale Yarborough was a key rival for Petty, Allison and, in particular, Waltrip, whom he called “Jaws.”
Curtis Turner and Lee Petty were often in close competition along with the ever-present Flock brothers and Herb Thomas.
Later, Junior Johnson found himself in direct competition with drivers like Ned Jarrett, “Fireball” Roberts and Richard Petty.
Richard Petty was in contests with David Pearson, Bobby Allison – whom many consider his greatest rivals – and a mouthy Darrell Waltrip. Petty was the target of Waltrip’s many tirades when he spoke of “dethroning” the undisputed “King” of NASCAR.
Allison carried a chip on his shoulder and he called it “Richard Petty.” He also had a huge rivalry with Cale Yarbrough and Waltrip.
Allison could create a rivalry with anyone on the track. He certainly had it out for any driver who drove for Junior Johnson after he did in 1972. From Yarborough to Waltrip, Allison made it his business to do battle.
Via the press, Yarbrough’s bouts with Waltrip were legendary and precipitated Waltrip’s forever nickname “Jaws.”
Waltrip, along with the aforementioned Petty, Allison, and Yarbrough, was in many battles with Dale Earnhardt.
In the years he raced, Earnhardt found rivals in the form of Waltrip, Rusty Wallace, Terry Labonte, Tim Richmond and Mark Martin – among dozens of others.
When Earnhardt was on the track everybody was his rival.
Jeff Gordon has had contentions with the likes of Earnhardt, Martin and Jeff Burton. His years of domination also led to myriad rivalries.
And then there are rivalries that have taken place between Matt Kenseth and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Although Earnhardt Jr. has the edge on championship wins in the Nationwide Series with two, Kenseth has the Cup title that eludes Earnhardt Jr.
Throughout their careers they have been pitted against one another. But their rivalry has never been for a Sprint Cup championship.
Jimmie Johnson has had rivals that have included Gordon, Martin, Denny Hamlin, Kurt and Kyle Busch. As Johnson is still in the limelight of his career, the list continues to grow, with Keselowski at the top this season
When there is more than one person in competition, a rivalry exists. NASCAR’s history proves that to be true.
What rivalries from NASCAR’s past do you remember and relish? Be sure to leave your recollections below.
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