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Monday, October 7  Bad boy vs. Wonder Boy ESPN.com Tony Stewart's bad-boy image might only be surpassed by his reputation as a great driver. Some even say that all things equal, he's the best driver in Winston Cup. But Jeff Gordon's got four Winston Cup championships to back up any claim that the driver of the No. 24 Chevy is the best out there. Stewart's Cup title count? Zip. So who is the better driver, Tony Stewart or Jeff Gordon? We sifted through more than a thousand responses on this one! Check out are our takes and responses from our users:
The answer: Jeff Gordon
I think one of things that make both Gordon and Stewart great is their ability to turn up the intensity and aggressiveness when necessary. I believe that this competitive style comes from all those 30-lap open wheel features where drivers don't have time to "pace" themselves or plot their attack. They simply attack, lap after lap. Where I believe Gordon pulls ahead of Stewart is in the area of his ability to think his way, not only through a race, but an entire season. It's Gordon's maturity that has made him a four-time Winston Cup champion, and what will, I believe, make him the first eight-time Cup champion in history. Greg Sevison Goshen, Ind.
Tony may be a better driver in open wheel cars, but put them in the series they are currently in and Jeff beats him hands down. Tony can't throw a Winston Cup car around like he does his midgets or IRL cars. There is a different type of talent that's needed to drive stock cars. Tony's good, but Jeff is great. Trevor Murray Indianapolis
Stewart admits he hates and is tired of being passed by Gordon. Why is this question being asked? Jeff Lapham Hudson N.H.
At this point in time it's definitely Jeff Gordon. He's got 61 wins, four championships and countless other records to his credit. Tony hasn't even won the crown jewel, Daytona. Gordon has two of those trophies on his mantel, not to mention his multiple Indy wins. And we all know how much Tony wants to win at Indy. Stewart is good, don't get me wrong, but he is not a Legend yet. Gordon is! Donny McGee Sacramento, Calif.
Andrew Kuntze Coto de Caza, Calif.
Tony is too raw. Gordon has much more wit and skill over all. Maybe when Tony has won four championships he will have more overall savvy. Tim Ralston Torrance, Calif.
If you take the number of wins, the percentage of wins, the number of championships, the number of provisional starts, the average starting position, the average finishing position, etc, etc., Jeff Gordon wins in a landslide. People hate Jeff Gordon but can't get away from the fact that he's an awesome driver because the numbers don't lie. Mark Lillis Alpharetta, Ga.
Anyone who thinks Tony Stewart is a better race car driver needs to have their head examined ... quickly. Jeff Gordon is defending Winston Cup champ, a 61-race winner, and four-time champ. Tony Stewart is a hotheaded punk who can barely handle pressure from a reporter. I would hate to be racing next to him. Josh Breen Alexandria, Va.
Jeff Gordon. The championships speak for themselves, like him or not. And no one that wasn't the best would have so many haters. You only hate who you can't beat! Bev Beland Raleigh, N.C.
Jeff Gordon wins this one hands down. He represents the sport equally well on and off the track. Stewart on the other hand is just the block bully with a little bit of talent. Larry Pistoresi Chowchilla, Calif.
That's like asking who has more money, Bill Gates or Randy Moss. Lets face it, you have to win the big prize to truly be considered the best. As to Jeff Gordon, what other driver can be accused of having a off year and be right in the points race? Paul Sodd Fridley, Minn.
The answer: Tony Stewart
I believe that Tony Stewart has the edge as of right now, he drives today as Gordon did five to seven years ago, truly hungry for that first championship. It's amazing that once a driver has been crowned a Winston Cup champion, they tend to drive a little more conservatively because of concern of being injured and it could possibly effect their commercial endorsement income as well as finishing strong for their sponsor versus crashing and not finishing at all! Rick McKenna Bellevue, Neb.
Who is the better NASCAR driver? How can you argue with Jeff Gordon? He has four and working on a fifth championship. But if you are asking about best driver ... Stewart is an elite NASCAR competitor, open wheel, and the numerous other vehicles he climbs in. I'd go with Stewart. Chad Stolte Jerseyville, Ill.
As a pure driver you have to go with Tony. He still drives sprint cars just for fun. He has an IRL title. He is much more than a stock car racer. Only Robby Gordon is as diverse in NASCAR. David Kells Nashville, Tenn.
Lets see Gordon win an IRL Championship, then we'll talk. Mike Bascom Allentown, Pa.
Stewart is the better driver. Gordon only wins when his car is perfect and Stewart does more with a not-so-perfect car, like the late, great Dale Earnhardt. Mark Penland Portsmouth, Va.
Carmen Bearden Carthage, Mo.
Tony Stewart is the greatest race car driver I have ever seen. He has more heart, more passion, more desire than any driver out there today. The focus on his image is getting old. It should be all about his skill and his talent -- raw, determined and the best out there. Gordon is a good driver, but definitely not the better driver. Suzette Inbody Jacksonville, Fla.
Stewart is a better driver. Although Gordon is a good driver, most of his wins have come from the amount of money that Hendrick spends on his cars. Gordon also will race "dirty" and has not qualms about wrecking or "shaking up" someone for a win (just ask Rusty, Tony, etc.), but will complain if similar efforts are aimed at him. Stewart has done more with less in a short amount of time. If Tony was driving a Ford or Chevy instead of a Pontiac, he would probably have already won a championship. Mike Foreman Chesapeake, Va.
I believe Tony Stewart is probably the better driver. It just seems like no matter what Tony is driving, he can make the vehicle win. Take for instance the CTS race he entered with Andy Petree's truck and won. There really doesn't seem to be any type of track he cannot win on. He has the same equipment as Bobby Labonte but he does infinitely better in the races. Heath Pitts Florence, Ala.
Tony is the best driver in NASCAR and if he had the opportunity to run for Ray Evernham for the same period, he to would probably have four Cup championships. Bill White Pineville, La.
I once saw A.J. Foyt jump in a back marker's car when his broke, and he won the race with it. I saw Steve Kinser start at the back in a car he hadn't driven and win. Stewart is that type of racer. Gordon has always had the best of equipment. I don't think he could carry the car like Stewart could. My money's on Stewart. Larry Hoppes Anderson, Ind.
The answer: Too close to call
Juan Pablo Montoya is better than both. Wyatt Kazan Bloomfield Hills, Mich.
When it comes to racing in NASCAR right at this moment, I would have to say Gordon is the better driver. As for all around driver, Tony is by far the best driver in any series. Brian Hill Shiloh, Ill.
I think they are actually very similar because each driver has incredible talent, but Gordon has a better ability to keep off-track distractions from hindering his racing ability. Not to say that Gordon is better, however, because when all is well with Stewart, he is definitely the best on the track. Valerie Strong Plaquemine, La.
A tough question. They're different as night and day but look at the results. Given identical equipment, I wouldn't call it. It would be a heck of a race. Jack Shields Maumelle, Ark.  Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories
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