Is Tony Stewart catching all-time greats?

November 21, 2011
Nov
21

Carl Edwards did everything but beat Tony Stewart to the finish line in the final race of the NASCAR season, and that turned out to be the difference. Stewart's fifth win in 10 Chase races pushed him into a tie with Edwards atop the standings and gave him his third championship based on winning more races. Did Stewart's charge represent the greatest finale in NASCAR history and cement his credentials as an all-time great?

  • "Tony's still behind Gordon and Jimmie of the ACTIVE drivers for titles. Three is certainly an accomplishment, especially winning a Winston Cup, Nextel Cup, and Sprint Cup trophy, but he is still nowhere near as special as many of the drivers." -- SN commenter ThePhoenix2012-49

  • "Not only is he NASCAR royalty, he is racing royalty. USAC champion, IRL champion, NASCAR champion. Rookie of the year in all three, as well. Tony is a sick wheel man. If he has driven it, he has won in it." -- SN commenter Korzagg

Was this the best finale ever?

The 1992 championship came down to Alan Kulwicki and Bill Elliott in the final race. Elliott won the day, but Kulwicki finished second and edged Elliot for the title on laps led (103-102).

SportsNation

Which conclusion to a championship was better?

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    24%
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    76%

Discuss (Total votes: 11,116)

Is Stewart the best with three titles?

There are drivers with more than three titles, but Stewart completes a heck of a quintet with three. Is he the best?

SportsNation

Who is the best driver with three titles at NASCAR's top level?

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    11%
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    7%
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    47%
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    18%
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    18%

Discuss (Total votes: 11,522)

What about the active drivers?

Stewart still tails Jimmie Johnson (5) and Jeff Gordon (4) in titles for NASCAR's top level, but does his work behind other wheels push him into the conversation?

SportsNation

Which of these active drivers do you consider greatest?

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    29%
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    53%
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    18%

Discuss (Total votes: 56,840)

Was Stewart the best driver this season?

No driver won as many races as Stewart this season, but does that mean that the season's best driver won the championship?

SportsNation

Which label applies to Tony Stewart?

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    15%
  •  
    85%

Discuss (Total votes: 51,621)

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