Wheel skill!

All this male bovine dropping, side step dancing and exercises in futility for making a case, pro or con, on the ten best wheel men in the past decade by the biggest percentage of respondents makes me wonder what you thought this thread was about !!!!!!!

Maybe the readers didn't read the original post, or can't come up with a reasonable list on thier own for whatever reason.

97Forever made a list, 71Fan made a list. Apparently neither list to anyone in particulars liking. All the rest have done is bitch about why thier driver isn't on the list.

So here's mine.

Best 10 since 1993; not necessarily in this order:

Dale Earnhardt, Sr.; Ernie Irvan; Tony Stewart; Mark Martin; Kurt Busch; Ricky Rudd; Jeff Gordon; Rusty Wallace; Jimmy Spencer; Robbie Gordon.

If ya don't like my list, make one of your own, but please, please (note I'm trying to be diplomatic here) don't pee on my list if your driver isn't on it, make up your own.
In truth, I really hate to acknowledge drivers named Earnhardt, Stewart and Robbie Gordon, but in the interest of talent, ability and darn good "up on the wheel" driving, it has to be done to be fair. :cheers:
 
I have never seen others get this bent out of shape based on anothers opinion. Honestly, 97's list IMO is decent. Every driver on there you could give a decent argument for. What I am waiting for is a Jr. fan to bash the list because let alone he is not on it but damn it he should be #1.
 
Originally posted by N2racin88@Oct 12 2003, 08:46 AM
What I am waiting for is a Jr. fan to bash the list because let alone he is not on it but damn it he should be #1.
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No we have class...... ^_^ :lol: Nah Im J/K. I could care less what someone thinks of my favorite drivers skill. He is in the top 5 in points, what's to complain about. He's staying in races and finishing alright.

My List:

Jimmy Johnson, Earnhardt Sr., Ward Burton (I just love the guy ^_^ ), Rusty Wallace, Harvick (hate to say it though :wacko: ), Tony Stweart, Earnhardt Jr., Bill Elliot

There's a few, I know there's more but I cant think of anyone else right now.
 
Originally posted by N2racin88@Oct 12 2003, 08:46 AM
I have never seen others get this bent out of shape based on anothers opinion. Honestly, 97's list IMO is decent. Every driver on there you could give a decent argument for. What I am waiting for is a Jr. fan to bash the list because let alone he is not on it but damn it he should be #1.
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Don't worry.Bowtie will be here sooner or later....
 
What if a driver were given a 1997 Dodge Neon to wheel around a oval, road course, and a dirt track? What driver would you have on your list? Sorry again Jr fans. We will not be visiting Daytona or Talledega. Nor will we be installing a restricter plates on a Neon. We need the car to have atleast 50hp.
 
Pretty good point N2. And exactly what I implied when I posted this to begin with. Pure skill,not Nascar engineered entertainment. I won't be overly harsh but a few often whined over drivers mentioned on this thread could be out-driven by the average cab driver.And that is the truth.
 
I told one of the guys I work with the other day that the cars are so atypical that they could train monkeys to do the driving.

Where's Jocko when ya need him? :D
 
It seems any more all a driver needs is to have total concentration and a good teacher to drive. These alone do not equate to an "up on the wheel man" type of driver.

Drivers who seem to do well at specific tracks are not necessarily "UOTW" drivers nor are drivers who catch breaks at the right time and appear to have Lady Luck riding on thier shoulder.
An "up on the wheel man" can make a car run when the car is a piece of junk, and run a respectable race on any track or road course. Being an "UOTWM" encompasses more than a WC Championship or win at only one venue. Neither does it mean one must win a championship.

Several years ago David Pearson said Jeff Gordon was one of the best and at the same time, most underrated driver. His reasoning was Gordon gets little credit for his ability as he makes driving a bad handling car look too easy and fans either don't like him because he was too successful too soon or they can't see how well he handles an ill handling car. With great respect for Pearson's opinion, I believe there might be something to that.

Earnhardt, Senior, made a bad handling car work for him, as does Kurt Busch, Jeff and Robbie Gordon plus. The master handler is Mark Martin.
In the overall scheme of things, one difference between all but RGordon is Robbie makes a lot of bad choices but that doesn't mean he is inca[able of being an "UOTWM".
 
Shucks Whiz....I am not a fan of Jeff's at all at all at all period. But there he is no my list for this year.

Over the past 10 years? Well now, different story. Again in no particular order and only Cup drivers. Kyle Busch is by far the most talented wheel man I have seen since ol Dan Gurney whooped snot on the Cuppers many moons ago but he has yet to run a Cup race.

Dave Marcis, Dick Trickle, Dale Sr. Stew, Gordo, Martin, Elliot, Said, Fellows, Busch
 
KEWEEL !!!!! Not one I necessarily agree with 100% but still a good list. Of course there was an element of surprise in my list considering Jimmy Spencer, but what the heck.

I certainly wouldn't be disapointed if anyone disagreed with the entire list I compiled, but I do find it interesting there are several we have agreed on. Why, even that blind old squirel, 97Forever, found one or two acorns. ;)
 
Some interesting choices. I will have to give it some thought. :)
 
Originally posted by 97forever+Oct 12 2003, 09:28 AM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (97forever @ Oct 12 2003, 09:28 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin--N2racin88@Oct 12 2003, 08:46 AM
I have never seen others get this bent out of shape based on anothers opinion.&nbsp; Honestly, 97's list IMO is decent.&nbsp; Every driver on there you could give a decent argument for.&nbsp; What I am waiting for is a Jr. fan to bash the list because let alone he is not on it but damn it he should be #1.
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Don't worry.Bowtie will be here sooner or later.... [/b][/quote]
Don't you know me well enough to know that I don't bite spinner baits????

I have my own opinions about your list and mine but, for now I will keep to myself. ;) :p
 
Several interesting names on each persons list.Hard to objectively list the attributes that actually determine 'skill',although Whizzer's definition fit in regards to this subject.

And that said,it is both sad to see some get so hell-bent on 'forcing' their particular driver into a subjective list and and encouraging to those folks who actually offered a little insight on this opinion based subject.

Spencer and Marcis and the others? Trickle I should have included I think now. Red Farmer would be another if my list were a little broader in it's reach.Hell,so would Jack Ingram and several others.But with a list of this kind you have to draw pretty clear boundaries I guess,otherwise you would find a LOT of unlikely names that would still fit.

All in all,this was a pretty interesting look into what us forum-ites consider 'skill'.Some of us agree,some dont.No big deal either way.All I have learned from a few OTHER reactions is that it is always best on forum boards based on opinion to try to go with your brain rather than your heart..if I would have went with my heart and my wishes CERTAINLY my old favorite Bill Elliott would have been on my own list.

Anyway,this was pretty cool! :cheers:
 
Originally posted by Happy29@Oct 11 2003, 06:06 PM
Well, Harvick deserves more to be put on that list more than Dave Blaney.
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boy that is the truth
 
I disagree with everything on 97forever's list, but it's his list and it's subjective just like art.
 
ol' kurt busch could'nt handle a ill handling car last night could he? All I gotta say is dale sr. is the best I've seen and nothin is ever gonna change my mind, I've seen him do things with a car I could not possibly be seen done with one.
 
The Kurt Busch remark was aimed at me due to the '97 in my handle.You are quick on the uptake Steve. Except the 97 was in reference to Red Farmer---another #97 car.Now of course I like Busch as well.He is my favorite current driver in a lot of ways. But do I care if you like him or not? Nope. Not in the damned least. Do I think you are now just another fly by night pretender with a chip on your shoulder because you took an obvious cheap shot? Well....yeah.

Will I ever give any credibilty to anything you post?Nah.

Also notice not one word was said against Earnhardt in my post. As if I am overly concerned about that either.When it comes to opinions we all have them.

NowI have been really restrained towards a lot of silly statements on this thread.My best advice to you is to just ignore this response and run back to thread games.You gave your opinion.

Now get over it.
 
Originally posted by steveluvs3+Oct 12 2003, 04:23 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (steveluvs3 @ Oct 12 2003, 04:23 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin--Happy29@Oct 11 2003, 06:06 PM
Well, Harvick deserves more to be put on that list more than Dave Blaney.
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boy that is the truth [/b][/quote]
Perhaps to some but not to all. You see, the truth is that 97's list is 97's truth and truth varies with perception.....anyways.

The Neon Thing. I like it. Used to be a thing called The Bilstien Rabbit Challenge. Showroom Stock Rabbits. The Archer brothers dominated the series thru team racing but watching these cars snake around the old Riverside roadie was outragous. 15 to 20 cars just nose to tail for lap after lap after lap.

Spencer is easily a driver who has done much with little, as is Blaney. Ol Wingtips did so much with so little for so long he actually thinks he can do anything with nothing. Any of the Bodines fall in to that class. That Todd does as well as he does amazes me. Same with Schrader. As for Trickle, how can the winningest driver in stock car racing history not be included?

And let's not forget the women. St. James and Guthrie and Smith and Robinson. Talk about the uphill battle in less than stellar equipment.

Nah, the truth is the truth and the truth is you've got yours and I've got mine.
 
I agree with much of your list, 97for. Martin is definitely the most skilled wheelman of his era. The fact is, many of the young drivers can't handle a car at all unless it's perfectly set up and glued to the track. Chop the spoilers & soften the tires & we'll see who can drive. I guarantee you won't see Harvick or Jr at the front.
 
Thanks, them okies can spank us in football but were still Texas proud !
 
Originally posted by 97forever@Oct 12 2003, 07:52 PM
The Kurt Busch remark was aimed at me due to the '97 in my handle.You are quick on the uptake Steve. Except the 97 was in reference to Red Farmer---another #97 car.Now of course I like Busch as well.He is my favorite current driver in a lot of ways. But do I care if you like him or not? Nope. Not in the damned least. Do I think you are now just another fly by night pretender with a chip on your shoulder because you took an obvious cheap shot? Well....yeah.

Will I ever give any credibilty to anything you post?Nah.

Also notice not one word was said against Earnhardt in my post. As if I am overly concerned about that either.When it comes to opinions we all have them.

NowI have been really restrained towards a lot of silly statements on this thread.My best advice to you is to just ignore this response and run back to thread games.You gave your opinion.

Now get over it.
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well sorry I'm not going to ignore this thread when it's directed towards me. I been watching cup racing for about 20 yrs and I may not know alot of things but I do know a little. My little comment was'nt directed to you 97 forever, I was commenting on how it was said that busch can drive an ill-handling car.
Busch had an very ill-handling car and he wrecked out last night. Hell jr. is my fav driver but I don't think he should be in the top ten, top 15 maybe, but since my opinion is not creditable who cares what I say
 
I may hold many things against some drivers but I dont believe this thread should be turned into a driver bashing extravaganza, if you have issues, take them to PM or email.
 
Originally posted by Happy29@Oct 12 2003, 08:33 PM
I may hold many things against some drivers but I dont believe this thread should be turned into a driver bashing extravaganza, if you have issues, take them to PM or email.
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I'm not bashin anybody, I think kurt busch is a good driver, not as good as dale sr. but a good driver, hell I think it takes a hell of a talent to drive bristol and kurt looks to be a master at bristol.
 
Originally posted by Happy29@Oct 12 2003, 05:33 PM
I may hold many things against some drivers but I dont believe this thread should be turned into a driver bashing extravaganza, if you have issues, take them to PM or email.
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Who are you? The Post Police?
 
True enough. Kurt did spin out last night.Which doesn't prove or disprove anything and you and I both know it. Your exact statement was ' ol kurt busch could'nt handle a ill handling car last night could he'...Apparently last night the car did get away from him. But on many occasions Kurt Busch has been able to not only handle but win with an ill-handling car. All of which has absolutely nothing to do with Dale Earnhardt.Or even this thread.

And actually it was your first post in this thread that set this tone Steve.
 
o k let's drop it :cheers: to you

and by the way you post in the thread games too buddy :p
 
So what? Happy posts in thread games, I post in thread games, what the hell is wrong with that steve?
 
Originally posted by Happy29@Oct 12 2003, 05:45 PM
Dont go there 71fan....
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Don't go there?

I'll go anywhere I dern well please.

You got a problem with that I suggest that it is your problem, not mine.
 
boy is their DEI in my name somewhere, now I know what it feels like to get bashed on.
 
Originally posted by Coffee Warlord@Oct 12 2003, 08:49 PM
So what? Happy posts in thread games, I post in thread games, what the hell is wrong with that steve?
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That was my statement coffee...and we all post there.Actually I was being a smart ass.Now lets all drop that subject guys.
 
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