The Best NASCAR Drivers from Arizona

Marty Robbins: Yes, that Marty Robbins the country singer who came across some romantic issues in El Paso was also an occasional NASCAR driver.

From 1966-1982 Robbins ran 35-NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, with one Top-5 and six Top-10 finishes. The Glendale, Arizona native was more than a novelty act and to some of his legendary peers he was a legit driver.
"He would give you all you wanted, I can tell you that," says NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby 

Alex Bowman: The 23-year old Tucson native is putting on a good show for JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series. After five races this season he has a pair of Top-5 finishes and has finished in the Top-10 each race.

Bowman replaced Dale Earnhardt Jr., due to Jr's concussion issues, at New Hampshire this month. Bowman got a DNF but just being selected was a honor and shows the regard that Rick Hendrick holds Bowman in.

JJ Yeley: In 235 career Xfinity starts the Phoenix native has 15 Top-5 and 42 Top-10 finishes but no wins. His winless streak carries over NSCS where he has 254 career start, with two Top 5 and eight Top 10 finishes. Yeley is currently 16th in the NASCAR Xfinity Standings.

Honorable Mention: Danica Patrick: She is an Illinois native that currently resides in Scottsdale, Arizona. Danica is a polarizing figure in NASCAR: admired by many for breaking gender roles and stereotypes but vilified by others because they think she's a pretty face, as opposed to a legit driver.

I feel the need to offer my two cents. Danica Patrick is the most important driver that NASCAR has had since Jeff Gordon. Like Gordon, she has broaden people's perspective on who a NASCAR can be. Whether it's a California prodigy with a bad mustache or a female open-wheel driver.

Danica's results have been lacking, no wins and six Top-10's in 138 NSCS races, but her societal results are greater. Because of her, a young girl can dream of being a racecar driver and can look up to a fellow woman that did it.

Not many NASCAR drivers create social change but Danica has. I'll take that over her lack of wins any day of the week.