The Most Famous Drag Racer of All Time, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the drag racer you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 6, 2024 07:06

Debates often flare up among fans about who truly deserves the title of the most famous drag racer of all time. Each racer brings a unique blend of skill, personality, and historical significance to the track. By creating a ranked list, it becomes easier to see who stands out according to collective fan opinions and historical impact. This live ranking invites enthusiasts and casual observers alike to cast their votes and see how their preferences shape the current standings. It not only fuels discussions and revisits thrilling races but also helps new fans understand the legends of the sport. Your vote adds a personal touch to the ongoing history of drag racing.

Who Is the Most Famous Drag Racer of All Time?

1

47
votes

cole24_ from pittsburgh, pa · CC BY-SA 2.0

Don Garlits

Known as the "King of Drag Racing," Garlits won numerous NHRA championships and set numerous records during his career. He was the first driver to break the 200 mph barrier in a Top Fuel car.
2

26
votes

twm1340 · CC BY-SA 2.0

John Force

With 16 NHRA Funny Car championships and over 150 career victories, John Force is one of the most successful drivers in drag racing history. He has also been voted the most popular driver in the NHRA multiple times.
3

17
votes

Penny Richards · CC BY-SA 4.0

Shirley Muldowney

Known as the "First Lady of Drag Racing," Muldowney was the first woman to win a major motorsports event and the first woman to win an NHRA Top Fuel championship.
4

14
votes

Tony Schumacher

With eight NHRA Top Fuel championships and over 80 career victories, Schumacher is one of the most successful drivers in drag racing history. He has also set numerous records, including the first 330 mph pass.
5

17
votes

twm1340 · CC BY-SA 2.0

Warren Johnson

Known as the "Professor of Pro Stock," Johnson won six NHRA Pro Stock championships and over 90 career victories. He was also the first Pro Stock driver to break the 200 mph barrier.
6

12
votes

Jack Pine · CC BY-SA 2.0

Bob Glidden

Glidden won 10 NHRA Pro Stock championships and over 80 career victories. He also set numerous records, including the first sub-7 second Pro Stock pass.
7

8
votes

Jacobsundstrom · CC BY-SA 4.0

Joe Amato

With five NHRA Top Fuel championships and over 50 career victories, Amato is one of the most successful Top Fuel drivers in history. He was also the first driver to break the 300 mph barrier in a Top Fuel car.
8

5
votes

Ted Van Pelt from Mechanicsburg, PA, USA · CC BY 2.0

Kenny Bernstein

Bernstein won six NHRA championships and over 70 career victories. He was also the first driver to break the 300 mph barrier in a Funny Car.
9

11
votes

Connie Kalitta

Kalitta won numerous Top Fuel events during his career and was known for his mechanical prowess as both a driver and a team owner. He also founded Kalitta Air, a cargo airline.
10

6
votes

twm1340 · CC BY-SA 2.0

Tommy Ivo

Ivo was a versatile driver who competed in numerous classes during his career, including Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock. He was also a successful actor, appearing in numerous films and television shows.

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Ranking factors for famous drag racer

Achievements

The number of wins, records, and championships a drag racer has achieved.
Innovation

The racer's contribution to the sport of drag racing, such as the development of new engines and technology that advanced the sport.
Popularity

How well-known the drag racer is to the public, their fan base, and their impact on the culture of drag racing.
Longevity

The length of time the racer has been active in the sport, and their consistency in maintaining their success over time.
Impact

The impact the racer had on the whole of the sport as a whole, including future generations of drag racers.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous drag racer of all time. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or drag racer is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1876 views
157 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each drag racer once every 24 hours. The rank of each drag racer is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous drag racer of all time

When it comes to the world of drag racing, there have been many legendary figures who have made a lasting impact on the sport. From the early days of the quarter-mile to the modern era of high-tech machines and record-breaking speeds, drag racing has seen its fair share of heroes and icons. But when it comes to the question of who is the most famous drag racer of all time, there are a few names that immediately come to mind. These are the men and women who have pushed the limits of what is possible on the drag strip, and who have captured the imaginations of fans around the world with their incredible feats of speed and skill. Whether it's the raw power of a Top Fuel dragster or the precision of a Pro Stock racer, there is no denying the impact that these legends of the sport have had on the world of drag racing. So who is the most famous drag racer of all time? That's a question that is sure to spark debate among fans and experts alike, but one thing is for sure: the history of drag racing is filled with incredible stories of courage, determination, and triumph, and the greatest drivers of all time will always be remembered as true legends of the sport.