Kevin Harvick, the former NASCAR Cup Series champion and current NASCAR on FOX analyst, has shared his definitive list of the greatest racing drivers of all time, spanning all eras and racing disciplines, during the inaugural episode of “SPEED With Harvick And Buxton.” In a passionate discussion with INDYCAR broadcaster Will Buxton, Harvick unveiled choices that reflect both remarkable achievements and broad versatility—the hallmarks of elite talent in motorsports history. This candid conversation has ignited fresh debate among fans of the sport about who truly belongs on racing’s Mount Rushmore, with Harvick’s top drivers list serving as a new benchmark for the discussion.
Harvick’s Personal Top Five Racing Legends
On the debut of their show, Harvick did not hesitate to announce his top five picks for all-time greatest drivers.
“Dale Earnhardt, Mario Andretti, Richard Petty, Michael Schumacher and A.J. Foyt,”
Harvick said bluntly. Each driver he named dominated in their respective racing series, and many excelled in multiple motorsports disciplines, making them legends in the eyes of fans and competitors alike.
Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty each captured seven NASCAR Cup Series championships, tying with Jimmie Johnson for the most in history. Earnhardt’s career highlights include winning the Daytona 500 as both driver and team owner, as well as attaining iconic status in American auto racing. Petty’s achievements are similarly extraordinary, including a record 200 race victories and 123 pole positions, both still the best ever in NASCAR. He competed at the highest level from 1958 to 1992, making his dominance even more remarkable.
Mario Andretti demonstrated versatility that few drivers have matched, competing both in Formula 1 and INDYCAR across several decades. He secured 12 Grand Prix victories in F1, four INDYCAR championships, and captured motorsport’s crown jewels—the 1967 Daytona 500 and the 1969 Indianapolis 500. Michael Schumacher, another of Harvick’s selections, set records in Formula 1 with seven world championships, 91 wins, 68 pole positions, and 155 podium finishes by the time he retired. Rounding out Harvick’s list, A.J. Foyt made history as the first four-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 and became the only driver ever to take victories at the Indy 500, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Daytona 500, and the 24 Hours of Daytona.
The Criteria for a Place Among the Greatest
During the episode, Will Buxton provided insight into the rationale for these all-time great selections, emphasizing the importance of versatility and achievement across various racing forms.
“They’ve got to be drivers who did everything,”
Buxton remarked. He pointed out that specialization, especially from more recent decades, might disqualify some modern stars from his ultimate list. Instead, versatility and adaptability are essential. Buxton argued for Andretti’s instant inclusion, recognizing his consistent ability to triumph in any series and under any conditions. He also praised A.J. Foyt as a peerless competitor, noting that only a handful of drivers belong in the very top echelon.
Buxton also highlighted another name from racing’s storied past, noting the exceptional career of Stirling Moss, who raced in Formula 1 from 1951 to 1961. Moss became renowned not just for his speed but for the fierce competitiveness and winning mentality he brought to any situation.
“For me, Stirling Moss [is] exactly the same but in the 1950s. You could put him in anything, anywhere. Super competitive. A born winner. [He] didn’t win the title in F1 but was still regarded as one of, if not the finest drivers of his generation. For me, Moss and Andretti are my two GOATs. They’re head and shoulders above everyone.”
Moss is widely considered the greatest driver never to have won an F1 world championship, amplifying his legend within motorsports circles.
The Challenge of Including Active Drivers
As the conversation evolved, the panel discussed whether active drivers deserve immediate inclusion in these “greatest of all time” debates. Buxton raised the possibility of including Shane van Gisbergen’s name, but Harvick firmly maintained that only retired drivers should be considered legitimate contenders for such lists.
“He’s still racing. … I think you have to be retired to be in this conversation. … I think until they’re done, you don’t really know, because it might be an easy decision instead of a debate,”
Harvick stated.
The debate soon extended to consider Scott Dixon, a six-time INDYCAR champion known for winning at least one race every season over a 21-year span. Buxton countered,
“I’d argue that Scott Dixon could be on the greatest of all time list,”
and added,
“He won races every season for 21 years. Think about that. … I would love to see [Dixon venture into NASCAR racing].”
Dixon’s major career wins include the Indianapolis 500, the 24 Hours of Daytona (three times), and the Petit Le Mans (twice), reinforcing the argument for his versatility and longevity.
Despite the compelling cases for other drivers, Buxton summarized the endless nature of this debate, remarking,
“I’m not sure we’ve got [only] five,”
and further,
“It’s the unanswerable question, and it’s the great debate that we’ll have forever within our sport.”
Why Harvick’s List Will Continue to Spark Conversation
The discussion between Kevin Harvick and Will Buxton shines a light on the profound respect and passion that motorsports legends inspire. By naming Dale Earnhardt, Mario Andretti, Richard Petty, Michael Schumacher, and A.J. Foyt as his top drivers, Harvick has reignited a timeless debate and offered a new touchstone for fans and commentators dissecting the sport’s history. The conversation clearly shows that versatility, adaptability, and dominance across various categories remain the qualities that define racing greatness. As new competitors like Scott Dixon continue to carve their own legacies, and as future generations reflect on these debates, Harvick’s top drivers list will serve as an influential reference point for racing enthusiasts everywhere, ensuring that the discussion remains vibrant for years to come.
