Current drivers, which past drivers would you

[RobbyG Fan]

In another thread HS and 97forever stated that Kenseth is a lot like Pearson. Well which other current drivers reminds you of past drivers, or who has a lot in common with past drivers, in driving style and ability and success?

 

[97forever]

This is a good thread RG....let me get back with you on it....mmmm?

Ok..here's my best shot using five of the most succesful younger drivers on the circuit today:


Ryan Newman-----Incredible mechanical knowledge seems to seperate Ryan from the pack,IMO.This is how good Alan Kulwicki could have been with mega-buck financing.The comparision isnt exact,of course.Alan was much more of an underdog than Ryan is....still the engineering background at least makes the two 'linked' in a way.

Kurt Busch-----Better minds than mine have seen parallels with DW.Both hard chargers with--uh---big mouths and a knack for winning.I will go along with the Jaws-comparision then.

Jimmie Johnson---unlike the above two drivers I admit I cant even really see a distinct style for Jimmie.Maybe that is what makes him unique though:His chameleon like ability to change styles.Reminds me a lot of his Mentor Jeff Gordon.Interestingly enough,Jeff publicily stated that HIS own style was derived from studying tapes of Mark Martin.Just an interesting side note.(And I dont see that either--Mark is much more of a wheelman IMO)

Kevin Harvick---Can you say Ernie Irvan?Hard driving style,no doubt.Like a less controlled Busch,almost.Ernie was a hell of a driver but seemed very much more team dependent than some drivers....a lot like Kevin seems from my viewpoint.

Dale, Junior---Not his dad,IMO.More like maybe Bill Elliott in his ability to run much better at some tracks than at others.A definite high speed driver...the faster it is,the better he seems to do.Just like Bill.


Well,those are a few of my picks.None are that accurate,but some seem close to me.


Good topic RG!

 

[RobbyG Fan]

I have to agree with you on those five, 97.

Kurt Busch is a lot like Jaws, a lot.

Junior compared to Elliott is pushing it, but later in Junior's career we might see that.

Ryan and Alan both do have that background, which kind of puts them in the same group.

Kevin and Irvin do have their similarities, very good pick 97.

Jimmie Johnson is a tough one, yeah hes a "young gun" and is steady and consistent in the top 10 in points, but he almost seems invisible at many races. I cant think of a past driver to compare him to, but as far as style Johnson seems like a slightly more agressive Kenseth to me.


I'll think up of some on my own, but I do know that Childress has said many times that Robby Gordon reminds him a lot of Tim Richmond. I cant be the judge on this since I never saw Tim race, but I do know that Childress has said this many times before.

 

[HardScrabble]

So far....and I've said this many times.....despite the obvious differences in background Ryan Newman reminds me so much of Cale it is uncanny.

Same style on the track, same demeanor, same sense of humor, and same build.

 

[bowtie]

Originally posted by RobbyG Fan@Aug 29 2003, 02:35 PM


Jimmie Johnson is a tough one, yeah hes a "young gun" and is steady and consistent in the top 10 in points, but he almost seems invisible at many races. I cant think of a past driver to compare him to, but as far as style Johnson seems like a slightly more agressive Kenseth to me.

Good point RobbyG, invisible during a race, maybe just maybe, one could pair JJ with the Ice-Man Terry Labonte. I could see Matt Kenseth being coupled with Texas Terry also.

 

[RobbyG Fan]

Originally posted by bowtie+Aug 29 2003, 03:42 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (bowtie @ Aug 29 2003, 03:42 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin--RobbyG Fan@Aug 29 2003, 02:35 PM


Jimmie Johnson is a tough one, yeah hes a "young gun" and is steady and consistent in the top 10 in points, but he almost seems invisible at many races.&nbsp; I cant think of a past driver to compare him to, but as far as style Johnson seems like a slightly more agressive Kenseth to me.

Good point RobbyG, invisible during a race, maybe just maybe, one could pair JJ with the Ice-Man Terry Labonte. I could see Matt Kenseth being coupled with Texas Terry also. [/b][/quote]
Yup, Terry Labonte seems fitting for Jimmie Johnson.

 

[97forever]

Richmond / Robby IS interesting and pretty deep below the surface.Tim came from a diverse racing background and had an uncanny car control similar to RG.....I hadn't thought of that until you just mentioned it....RC might know what he is talking about.One thing about it:Richmond was destined to take the sport by storm.Any comparision to him is pretty high praise.

 

[97forever]

Originally posted by bowtie+Aug 29 2003, 02:42 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (bowtie @ Aug 29 2003, 02:42 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin--RobbyG Fan@Aug 29 2003, 02:35 PM


Jimmie Johnson is a tough one, yeah hes a "young gun" and is steady and consistent in the top 10 in points, but he almost seems invisible at many races.&nbsp; I cant think of a past driver to compare him to, but as far as style Johnson seems like a slightly more agressive Kenseth to me.

Good point RobbyG, invisible during a race, maybe just maybe, one could pair JJ with the Ice-Man Terry Labonte. I could see Matt Kenseth being coupled with Texas Terry also. [/b][/quote]
Damn Bow!You did pretty good man! Terry might be the best comparision to JJ we have.JJ is just hard to put a comparision on....

 

[TexasRaceLady]

Originally posted by bowtie@Aug 29 2003, 02:42 PM
Good point RobbyG, invisible during a race, maybe just maybe, one could pair JJ with the Ice-Man Terry Labonte. I could see Matt Kenseth being coupled with Texas Terry also.

Excellent point. Both go about their job with a quiet precision.

 

[Happy29]

I cant really compare anyone, but I think if any drivers were to travel back to the past and try to survive in the old days in NASCAR, I think the two best people who could survive are Kevin Harvick and Kurt Busch. They're both aggressive and they can win lots of races.

I dont think Dale Jr. is aggressive, the media makes him out to be, but then again the media is a bunch of idiots. He's not really aggressive at all, in most races he fails to take the initiative to lead and have that burning passion to win his father did

 

[4xchampncountin]

It is hard for me to compare as I feel that the racing has changed so much. What used to be considered good hard aggressive driving is now legislated against. NASCAR has a lot more race day input than before too.

 

[Whizzer]

I need time to think about this a little longer, but, Terry LaBonte and Jimmy Johnson might fit, except, I see a closer comparison to Matt Kenseth and TL.
Mostly by virtue of the personality, quiet way of getting the job done, not grandstanding and if one or the other lose thier temper it is pretty much a low lying issue and not thrown out for the wolves. Terry did it one time I recall after an IROC race.

Ryan and Cale, yes.

Robbie and Tim, again except for the personality.

Harvick wants to be like Dale, sr. and Dale, Sr was a lot like Curtis Turner with the exception of the womanizing and hard drinking. But I think a better comparison is Kevin and Bobby Allison. Neither takes any guff and both will retaliate but also drive F & S.

Gotta try to find the interview where David Pearson hisseff said he felt Jeff Gordon was not given proper credit by fans and he felt Gordon's driving style resembled his own. And before Gordon detractors push through some smartazzed comment, I'll beat cha to it with, who knows, maybe Pearson meant on the highway.

Kurt and Darrell in nearly every way.

Ya know what's kooooooooool about this ??????? It makes ya think. Good post.

 

[RobbyG Fan]

Originally posted by Happy29@Aug 29 2003, 05:55 PM
He's not really aggressive at all, in most races he fails to take the initiative to lead and have that burning passion to win his father did

I agree. I dont see that passion in him like I saw it in Senior.

 

[97forever]

Ok folks.Let's mix this up a little.I will throw out a few more drivers and see who ya'll think the best comparisions are:

1.Tony Stewart
2.Dale Jarrett
3.Mike Waltrip
4.Bobby Labonte(another difficult one)
5.Ricky Craven

 

[RobbyG Fan]

Tony Stewart is interesting, because to me he totally has a different style now than he did when he first came into Winston Cup. One of the few drivers that have changed their style over time.

 

[Luv4Dale8]

I didnt use to like Tony Stewart but I do now. He's alright. I really dislike Kevin Harvick, he dosnt know how to keep his comments to his self.

 

[97forever]

Originally posted by 97forever@Aug 30 2003, 06:11 PM
Ok folks.Let's mix this up a little.I will throw out a few more drivers and see who ya'll think the best comparisions are:

1.Tony Stewart
2.Dale Jarrett
3.Mike Waltrip
4.Bobby Labonte(another difficult one)
5.Ricky Craven

Quoting myself!How weird is that?

Here are a few of my ideas on these drivers then:

Tony---harder than it seems because as RG pointed out this guy HAS changed.A year or so ago,Davey Allison may have been a fair match.Interestingly,Red Farmer was pretty instrumental with both Davey and Tony.Certainly,Davey had a firey will to win similar to Tony.And,in my opinion,Davey may well have behaved in a similar manner (as Tony did)after Tony's frustration after Indy last year.

Dale Jarrett--A smooth most of the time guy.Dale once admitted he didnt have the raw skill of a Martin or a Gordon.He seriously reminds me a little of Harry Gant with his down to earth personality and steady skills.

Mike Waltrip---WHY did I include him?So Phil Parsons would have a perfect match,thats why.Talladega Phil would be proud of Daytona Waltrip.They are the same guy,same style.Steady but not sensational.Of the two Mike is the better driver.(As scary as that is to say)

Bobby Labonte----another JJ.Hard to categorize for me.I will leave this one to Bow or Whiz or RG.

Ricky Craven---I dont know about his driving style,but the guy LOOKS a LOT like Pete Hamilton(1968 ROTY).Check out any pics of the two and you will see what I mean.

Those are my takes.

 

[Happy29]

I think Matt Kenseth and Bobby Labonte are kinda similiar, I mean they may not win every week but they always seem to quietly sneak up the field within a short amount of time. Of course they also both show consistency, Matt has the points lead this year by 351 and Bobby won in 2000 by like 250 something points.

 

[RobbyG Fan]

I think you hit the ball with all of them 97.

I think Bobby, Jimmie, Matt, and Terry all have similar driving styles. Quiet and steady and nothing spectacular, but they are all there at the end. Silent killers if you will.

Scott Wimmer actually reminds me a lot of Matt Kenseth. Both arent good qualifiers but both are steady and quietly close to the front each race. Must be a Wisconsin thing.

I have no idea about Ricky Craven. Did Craven come from an open wheel background? For some reason I want to group Craven with Kenny Irwin, but I have no idea why. Maybe strids can comment.

 

[17_Fan]

Originally posted by Luv4Dale8@Aug 30 2003, 05:21 PM
I really dislike Kevin Harvick, he dosnt know how to keep his comments to his self.

97, there is hope of converting Luv4 from the dark side of the force...I can feel it! :lol:

 

[17_Fan]

I kind of always thought both Kurt & Kevin as a cross between Dale Sr. & DW. Both aggressive like Dale & mouthy like DW.

I think Greg Biffle is a lot like Bobby Allison. Usually pretty quiet, but if you rough him up...he'll repay you.

I never thought of Matt like anyone else, but I always like hearing the comparison to David Pearson.

 

[Whizzer]

Originally posted by 97forever@Aug 30 2003, 11:54 PM

Ok folks.Let's mix this up a little.I will throw out a few more drivers and see who ya'll think the best comparisions are:

Tony---harder than it seems because as RG pointed out this guy HAS changed.A year or so ago,Davey Allison may have been a fair match.

Mike Waltrip---WHY did I include him?So Phil Parsons would have a perfect match,thats why.Talladega Phil would be proud of Daytona Waltrip.They are the same guy,same style.Steady but not sensational.Of the two Mike is the better driver.(As scary as that is to say)

Those are my takes.

GOOD GOLLY MISS MOLLY !!!!!! Comparing Michael Waltrip to Phil Parsons. Where did that come from ??? Where ever it did, it sure is a good call.

Tony Stewart and Davey Allison, Not so sure there. They both had quick success and they both took an inventory of thier conduct.
Tony's was forced.
Davey felt he was on the wrong path and needed to make a change. He did, and he did it alone, all for the better.

Maybe Jimmy Johnson and Davey yet I don't recall Davey making as many driving mistakes in his early years as Jimmy has.

And what about Jamie McMurray??

There are just some of these guys you cannot, and should not, try to place a similarity label on for either style, ability or personality.

Take a Ken Schrader and think of a Dave Marcis.
Michael Waltrip and Phil Parsons, but is it fair. YELL HESS !!!
Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and who is he compared too?? Certainly not his father.

In retrospect, this is an effort in futility. There are too many variables and although it is an interesting topic of debate, one that will make you think, and one where for every plus, there is a minus. In some situations, there are logical and impressive reasons for matching two drivers, but isn't that in the minority?? If it were not, there would be no head scratching to figure who to compare with whom.

In the final analysis, there might be two or three currently active drivers with similar attributes, but the rest of the field are all entities unto themselves, and that is a good thing.

And then you get some of these guys like 17Fan and 97forever, who want desperately to have someone compare Matt Kenseth and Kurt Busch to Dale Earnhardt, Sr., David Pearson or some other legendary racer, GEESCH !!!Mean while in thier own right they do fine with thier credentials and mannerisms.
Just kickin tires guys, No need to get all huffy.

 

[97forever]

Not huffy Whiz....just surprised I am that obvious!

OF COURSE I would love to see Kurt compared to one of those guys!What higher compliment could one have?

And Jamie Mc?I don't notice the kid much yet although from what I have noticed he seems like a good guy personality wise.Just afraid he may get swept away by the more noticable young guns storming around these days.....

 

[stridsberry]

Originally posted by RobbyG Fan@Aug 30 2003, 08:01 PM
I have no idea about Ricky Craven. Did Craven come from an open wheel background? For some reason I want to group Craven with Kenny Irwin, but I have no idea why. Maybe strids can comment.

His backgroud is racing Late Models and Pro Stocks up here in New England.

Call me crazy, but I see some of the same qualities in him that were/are possessed by Richard Petty. Their demeanours are similar; both are classy people on and off the race track. Craven takes to Richard's affinity for running the high line whenever possible. And while neither raced dirty, they're both willing to get up on the wheel and bang a little if they're going for the win. That's the closest comparision I can think of offhand.