Top 10 finalists on the 2024 NASCAR Hall of Fame ballot

2. Carl Edwards

Edwards is one of the most recent drivers on this list, and he also has one of the best stories. The Missouri native was working as a substitute teacher while pursuing his racing career, and eventually got his chance in the NASCAR Truck Series in 2002. By 2005, Edwards became a full-time Cup Series driver for Roush Fenway Racing, and just a month into his rookie season, he made history by winning both the Busch and Cup Series races at Atlanta Motor Speedway in the same weekend. Edwards would go on to win 28 Cup Series races in total, finishing runner-up for the Cup Series championship in 2008 and 2011 while winning the Busch Series in 2007. Edwards’ signature backflip off the top of his car after wins is part of what made him a fan favorite during his time on the track, and many fans still hope to see the 43-year-old back in the car at some point.