The ever-controversial Denny Hamlin. In his early years and for a long time, he was a punk and a bully, always enabled by Joe Gibbs. Later, many people including me thought he cared more about golf than about racing... yet still found time for "over 10,000 races" LOL. In recent years, he has become one of NASCAR's most influential people... co-founded 23XI with Michael Jordan; continued to win for JGR at a stellar rate into his mid-40's; one of the leaders - along with MJ and Bob Jenkins - of the car owners' revolution against France Family hegemony.
And Denny Hamlin has "beat your favorite driver" 60 times, so far. Whew!
Ben Spies, the latest American to win in MotoGP. Also, a prince of a human being, friendly, kind, and unassuming. Unfortunately, Ben was eaten by sharks at Yamaha Motor Corporation...
Pat Flaherty won the 1956 Indy 500. Watson roadster, Offy mill. From the blessed era when race cars had the proper amount of wings and aero appendages... the amount that God intended... zero.
Rodger Ward drove the Wolcott Fuel Injection Special in 1957 & '58. The high tech fueling system failed in the 500 in '57, and maybe in '58 as well, but the low tech engine thermostat worked fine.
Tom Sneva. I believe it's a 1977 McLaren/Offy. Team Penske.
Marcus Ericsson won the 2022 Indy 500 for Chip Ganassi. Chip's victory lane demeanor was positively calm compared to another Indy winning Italian American... Andy Granatelli... but that's a photo for a different day and a different number.
