I think Blue was refering to Richard "The King" Petty who's on the list, I'll have to admit I'm curious why Curtis Turner did'nt make it?
First a short answer there were quite a few drivers at 18 or slightly less wins that I wasn’t able include, even though many such as Turner would have been excellent for the poll.
Now a more detailed answer
To try and answer the question, I have posted some drivers who would have been worthy to include in the polls, and explanation of how the field was set (or how Turner was excluded).
I determined prior to starting this contest to have a certain blend of active drivers mixed in, the idea was to make the poll good for fans of all ages or experience. I had a number of 36 total in mind originally.
After adding in all current drivers with 10 plus wins, that generated 16 more drivers ( Elliott, Terry Labonte and Geoff Bodine, were not included in the active list because they compete in only a limited number of races, less than 25 % each).
So that eventually meant this poll would consist of the top 32 on the all time non active win list, plus the highest winning active drivers 32 + 16 = 48 total.
I also added in Alan Kulwicki, with only 5 wins and 70th on the all time list, because he is a champion that is well within memory of most fans. I seeded him 47th.
Active drivers were seeded in every 3rd spot, to keep them mixed into the polls. Seeds 3, 6, 9 and all the way down to 48th.
Here are some I wish I could have worked in
Rank postion based on wins/ name/ actual number of wins
43-Gant, Harry 18
46 - Panch, Marvin 17
47- Turner, Curtis 17
49- Irvan, Ernie 15
51- Hutcherson, Dick 14
52- Yarborough, Leeroy 14
53- Rathmann, Dick 13
54- Richmond, Tim 13
56- Allison, Donnie 10
57- Marlin, Sterling 10
These were included with the same number or less wins, due to being on the active list, and the noted Kulwicki exception.
70-Kulwicki, Alan 5
?- Kevin harvick 18
?- Dale Earnhart Jr. 18
45-Hamlin, Denny 17
48-Biffle, Greg 16
50-Newman, Ryan 15
55- Kahne, Kasey 12
I realize the contest has some imperfections. But if we like it enough to make it an annual off season event, I will try to work those in, that were excluded next time.
