# Who is the best NASCAR Cup Series champion of the 1980s?

> Six drivers split ten Cup titles in the 1980s: two of them collected three apiece, while others needed one perfect season to get their names on the trophy.

*By YPB Team · Published October 25, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/who-is-the-best-nascar-cup-series-champion-of-the-1980s*

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## Current results (no votes yet)

1. **Dale Earnhardt** — score 1000/1000
   The Intimidator, who won three 1980s Cup titles (1980, 1986, 1987) on the way to a record-tying seven championships.
2. **Darrell Waltrip** — score 436/1000
   Junior Johnson's star who won the Cup championship in 1981, 1982 and 1985 and dominated the early part of the decade.
3. **Terry Labonte** — score 291/1000
   Texan known as the Iceman for his steady driving, who claimed the 1984 Cup title with consistent finishes.
4. **Bobby Allison** — score 198/1000
   Alabama Gang leader who finally won his Cup championship in 1983 after years of near misses.
5. **Bill Elliott** — score 198/1000
   Awesome Bill from Dawsonville, the record-setting speedway ace who won the 1988 Cup championship.
6. **Rusty Wallace** — score 198/1000
   Blue Max Pontiac driver who edged Dale Earnhardt to win the 1989 Cup championship by 12 points.

Tags: 80s, sports, racing, drivers, nascar