Winningest Southern 500s

The Southern 500® forms part of the NASCAR Cup Series. This prestigious racing extravaganza ranks high on the annual calendar. Scheduled for the Labor Day weekend every year, the Southern 500® has been going strong since 1950.

The racing meet is held at the world-famous Darlington Raceway, in South Carolina. In 2020, the Southern 500, as part of the NASCAR Cup Series was preceded by the NASCAR Xfinity Series at the same venue.

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The Track at the Southern 500

As far as NASCAR racing goes, the Southern 500 is considered the gold standard. It's an extremely difficult track to navigate, and has been deemed a challenging course by racing aficionados across the board. There is an asymmetrical egg shape to the track which makes it tough to race around, and the unrelenting pace on the tarmac quickly exposes weaknesses in the drivers’ armor.

This extraordinary contest has gone by many other names over the years, including the Bojangles Southern 500, the Showtime Southern 500, the Dodge Challenger 500, the Dodge Charger 500, the Mountain Dew Southern 500, The Heinz Southern 500, and the Southern 500, among others.

Unbeknownst to many NASCAR fans, the Southern 500 racetrack actually hosted multiple other races between 14 May 1960 until 21 March 2004. These included the Spring 300, Spring 400, and Spring 500 mile races. Open-wheel USAC racing machines competed at Darlington in the years 1950, 1951, 1954, and again in 1956.

Storied Winners at The Southern 500 every Decade

The Southern 500 has been going strong for over 70 years, and over 70+ winners have been crowned in this prestigious contest.

* 1950 – Johnny Mantz won the inaugural Southern 500.
* 1960 – Buck Baker won after a re-examination of the results.
* 1970 - Buddy Baker won the Southern 500 in spectacular fashion.
* 1980 – Terry Labonte came from behind to pip Pearson at the post and win.
* 1990 – Dale Earnhardt stunned the crowds with his third Southern 500 victory in 4 starts.
* 2000 – Bobby Labonte won the Southern 500 in 328 laps, owing to rain.
* 2010 – Denny Hamlin made a name for himself after coming from 7th position to win.
* 2019 – Eric Jones the protégé bested Kyle Busch the master to win the Bojangles Southern 500

Who has Won the Most Southern 500 Races In History?

NASCAR enthusiasts love records, and with the sudden 500, there is an abundance of data to work with. This adrenaline-loaded racing spectacular has been going strong for 70+ years – that's plenty of time for racing records to be created.

* Denny Hamlin won the Southern 500 in 2017 and 2010
* Jimmie Johnson won the Southern 500 in 2012 and 2004
* Greg Biffle won the Southern 500 in 2006 and 2005
* Mark Martin won the Southern 500 in 2009 and 1993
* Harry Gant won the Southern 500 in 1991 and 1984
* Terry Labonte won the Southern 500 in 2003 and 1980
* Fireball Roberts won the Southern 500 in 1963 and 1958
* David Pearson won the Southern 500 in 1979, 1977, 1976
* Bill Elliott won the Southern 500 in 1994, 1988, 1985
* Dale Earnhardt won the Southern 500 in 1990, 1989, and 1987
* Buck Baker won the Southern 500 in 1964, 1960, 1953
* Herb Thomas won the Southern 500 in 1955, 1954, 1951
* Bobby Allison won the Southern 500 in 1983, 1975, 1972, and 1971
* Cale Yarborough won the southern 500 in 1982, 1978, 1974, 1973, and 1968
* Jeff Gordon won the southern 500 in 2007, 2002, 1998, 1997, 1996, and 1995

Everyone wants to know who the richest NASCAR driver of all time is. The answer to this question is always in flux since the show must go on, long after this article has been written and read.

Nonetheless, let's take a look at 8 of the most successful NASCAR racers in history – some with us, some are in our hearts.

* Cale Yarborough – remains one of the most winningest NASCAR drivers of all time with an estimated net with the $50 million.
* Danica Patrick – an estimated net worth in the region of $55 million, most of it from her steamy good looks and authority in the sport.
* Matt Kenseth - a celebrated racing driver by any stretch of the imagination. Matt has an estimated net worth of $60million, and has a son named Ross who made a name for himself until he quit. Now, Ross has got a job that he loves and it pays the bills for him and his family.
* Dale Earnhardt Senior – words cannot do justice to this demigod of the track. Everyone knew him. Everyone loved him. His net worth of $70 million pales in comparison to the legacy left behind.
* Mark Martin – here's a guy who dominates the track in a big way. His racing career spanned multiple decades, and 880 races. Few guys can compete with him, and his wealth of $70 million is a testament to his ingenious skills on the track.
* Tony Stewart – another talented speedster in the $70 million net worth bracket. With 49 victories to his credit, his amazing net worth is the combination of racing wins, endorsements, and TV gigs.
* Jimmy Johnson – this guy is worth a watch $120 million +, and thanks to massive endorsement deals, racing wins, and partnerships, he is one of NASCAR's wealthiest champions.
* Jeff Gordon – he drove #24 Chevrolet as a speedster in his day. Even people who don't know anything about NASCAR have heard the name Jeff Gordon. With a net worth of $150 million, he must have done many things right.

That's a wrap for 8 fantastically wealthy NASCAR races right here at 888sport New Jersey. Be sure to check out our other blog posts on the subject, and enjoy unbeatable betting odds on NASCAR, Indy 500, and the southern 500 races!

* Photo courtesy of Ray Carlin and AP