Who has driven the 2 car in NASCAR? The answer may surprise you! The number 2 car has been a staple in NASCAR since its inception, and numerous drivers have piloted the iconic vehicle over the years.
One of the most notable names associated with the 2 car is none other than Dale Earnhardt Jr. He drove the car for Dale Earnhardt Inc. during his rookie season in 2000, earning two top-five finishes and finishing twelfth in the overall standings. Earnhardt Jr.’s tenure behind the wheel of the 2 car helped solidify the number as one of the most recognizable in all of motorsports.
Other notable drivers who have piloted the 2 car include Rusty Wallace, Brad Keselowski, and Kurt Busch. Each of these drivers had their own successes while driving the number 2, helping to create a legacy that stretches back decades.
But there are many more drivers who have taken the 2 car for a spin around some of NASCAR’s most famous tracks. Some were well-known veterans looking to add another triumph to their long careers, while others were up-and-coming stars eager to make a name for themselves on the national stage.
If you’re curious about who else has sat in the driver’s seat of the historic 2 car, then keep reading this blog post! We’ll take a closer look at some of the past drivers who have left their mark on NASCAR while wearing the number 2 proudly on their racecar.
The Early Years of the 2 Car
When it comes to Nascar, there are some cars that stand out above all the others. The number 48 car driven by Jimmie Johnson is one such example, but another that has carved a place in fans’ hearts is the number 2 car.
This iconic racing machine had its origins back in the distant past when the sport was just beginning to gain momentum. Founded all the way back in 1948, Penske Racing found early success with this very car, which was then driven by NASCAR Hall of Fame member Bobby Allison.
“Bobby always had a lot of class and could drive anything,” said team owner Roger Penske about his former driver.
The 2 Car’s Origins and Early Success in Nascar
Bobby Allison drove the 2 car for multiple years, earning numerous wins and accolades along the way. In fact, he won his first Daytona 500 victory while driving the 2 car in 1978. This would be the first of many successful races for not only Allison, but future drivers who would take up the mantle, including Rusty Wallace and Brad Keselowski.
In 2021, Keselowski continues to dominate behind the wheel of the 2 car, having taken over as the permanent driver starting in 2011 after previously taking part in limited races. His win record speaks for itself: so far, Keselowski has earned 36 victories in total, 33 under the banner of Penske Racing.
“It’s an honor to be able to drive such an iconic car with so much history behind it,” Keselowski remarked in a recent interview.”I feel like I’m carrying on a legacy every time I step onto the track.”
The 2 car is more than just a vehicle with some numbers on the side. It’s a symbol of Nascar history and culture, representing decades of hard work, passion, and dedication from drivers, teams, and fans all over the world. Who has driven the 2 car in Nascar? Some legends like Bobby Allison, Rusty Wallace, and Brad Keselowski have already made their mark, but only time will tell who will add to this illustrious list.
The Legends of the 2 Car
There are some iconic car numbers in NASCAR that evoke fond memories and emotions among racing enthusiasts. The number 2 car is one such legendary number that has left an indelible mark on fans’ hearts throughout its illustrious history.
The 2 car made its first appearance back in the early days of NASCAR, but it wasn’t until the 1970s when the car truly started to make a name for itself with racers like Bobby Allison and David Pearson behind the wheel. The car went through several losses and retirements before finally being picked up by Roger Penske Racing and driven by Rusty Wallace in 1991, who took the car to new heights in terms of performance and popularity.
Since then, three other drivers have taken turns at driving the striking blue number over the years, each adding to the storied legacy the car has built: Kurt Busch, Brad Keselowski, and Ryan Blaney.
The famous Nascar drivers who have taken the wheel of the 2 Car
Bobby Allison had his share of success driving the No. 2 during the mid-70s, winning five races between 1974 and 1977. But the most successful driver in the no. 2 from recent memory would be Rusty Wallace. During his time behind the wheel highlighting nineteen wins and a Cup Series Championship in 1989.
Kurt Busch set a remarkable benchmark for all future pilots in the monster energy cup series modern era when he drove the 2 car way back in 2006 where he won the first race ever ran using unleaded fuel – comfortably beating Tony Stewart by more than two seconds.
“Being part of Team Penske now, I know the history and legacy of the 2 car.” – Ryan Blaney
The championship-winning seasons of the 2 Car
Rusty Wallace’s 1989 Cup Series Championship win with the no. 2 was the first-ever for Roger Penske and a defining moment in team history. This helped cement the number as one of the most iconic numbers in NASCAR racing.
Fast forward to 2018, Brad Keselowski gave the No. 2 recently renewed relevance by driving it to his second Cup Series Championship. The same car also won multiple races that year under Keselowski’s leadership while racking up ten top-five finishes along the way.
“I’m so blessed to drive for Team Penske and their legacy, the family atmosphere here is like nothing else I’ve ever experienced.”- Kurt Busch
The legends of the No. 2 car are deeply woven into the fabric of American auto racing folklore and remain a cornerstone of the sport to this day. Only time will tell what other legendary drivers may take the wheel and leave their marks on this hallowed machine.
The Modern Era of the 2 Car
For many NASCAR fans, the number 2 car is synonymous with Richard Petty. But in recent years, the modern era has seen a resurgence of the iconic vehicle thanks to the success of its current driver and team.
Since taking over the wheel in 2013, Brad Keselowski has been at the forefront of the 2 car’s recent success. In just eight seasons, he has amassed an impressive record that includes 35 wins, 114 top-5 finishes, and a championship title in 2012.
But Keselowski doesn’t take all the credit for the car’s achievements. He recognizes the hard work of his team, Team Penske, stating:
“It takes everyone on this team to make it happen. Without them, none of this would be possible.”
The current driver and team behind the 2 Car’s recent success
Keselowski’s partnership with Team Penske began in 2009, and since then, they have worked together to build one of the strongest teams in NASCAR. The combination of Keselowski’s talent and competitive drive, paired with the resources and expertise of Team Penske, has proven to be a winning formula.
Team owner Roger Penske attributes their success to their attention to detail and willingness to constantly improve:
“The focus is always trying to stay ahead, finding the smallest thing that gives us a little advantage…you’ve got good people, you give ’em good tools, and you get out of their way.”
And it’s not just on the track where the duo excels – Keselowski and Team Penske are also known for their philanthropic efforts off the raceway. The driver and team regularly donate to charity and participate in community events.
As they look towards the future, Keselowski and Team Penske remain committed to bringing continued success to the 2 car. With a winning track record and unwavering dedication, it’s safe to say that they have solidified their place in NASCAR history.
The Future of the 2 Car
The iconic number 2 car has been a staple in NASCAR for many years now. With various drivers behind its wheel, it has seen a lot of success on the track. But what does the future hold for this historic car? Let’s take a look.
One thing is certain – the 2 car will continue to attract big-name drivers and sponsors. In fact, with a recent announcement that Austin Cindric will be moving up to the Cup Series to drive the 2 car in 2022, this car has already secured one of the most highly-touted young talents in the sport.
But who else could potentially find themselves in the driver’s seat of this storied machine in upcoming seasons?
Firstly, Brad Keselowski – the current driver of the 2 car – has expressed his intent to become a team owner in the coming years. This could mean that someone else takes over driving duties for the 2 car while he focuses on running the organization. That being said, Keselowski has also announced that he has no plans to retire anytime soon, so we may still see him piloting the 2 car for quite some time.
Potential Drivers and Sponsors for the 2 Car in Upcoming Seasons
Ross Chastain: With impressive performances in both the Xfinity and Truck Series, Chastain could be a great fit for the 2 car if Keselowski decides to step away from driving. He has shown that he can handle high-pressure situations and achieve success on the racetrack.
Coca Cola: As one of the biggest brands in the world, Coca Cola would undoubtedly make a great sponsor for the 2 car. With its recognizable red and white logo, it would be a striking addition to the already-iconic paint scheme of the car.
Bubba Wallace: If he continues to develop as a driver and attract attention both on and off the track, Bubba Wallace could easily become a candidate for driving duties in the 2 car. His personality and ability to connect with fans would make him an asset for any team or sponsor, including the 2 car.
“The number 2 has had so much success over the years, and I’m honored to have been able to drive such an iconic machine. Regardless of who ends up behind the wheel in upcoming seasons, I believe we’re all striving for the same thing – continued excellence and dominance on the racetrack.” – Brad Keselowski
Only time will tell what the future holds for the 2 car, but one thing is certain – this legendary ride will continue to attract top talent and sponsors for many years to come.
The Impact of the 2 Car on Nascar
The legacy of the 2 Car and its contribution to Nascar history
Who Has Driven The 2 Car In Nascar? One name immediately jumps to mind: Rusty Wallace. Driving for Penske Racing in the late ’80s and throughout the ’90s, Wallace piloted the bright blue No. 2 car to a whopping 37 wins and one championship.
But it wasn’t just Wallace’s success that made the 2 car an iconic fixture in Nascar lore. It was also his brash style and relentless competitiveness that endeared him to fans everywhere. As fellow driver Dale Earnhardt once put it, “Rusty is a hard charger. He’ll race you as clean as anybody, but he knows what he wants to do out there.” Wallace himself agreed with that assessment, saying, “I’m not going to back down from anyone. That’s not how we race here in Nascar.”
In fact, Wallace’s aggressive driving style helped usher in a new era of competition in Nascar, where drivers were no longer content to simply hold their position and wait for something to happen. Instead, they actively sought out opportunities to make bold moves and take risks – all in pursuit of victory.
Innovations and iconic moments connected with the 2 Car
Another reason why the 2 car remains such an enduring symbol of Nascar greatness is the many innovations and iconic moments associated with it over the years. For instance, who could forget when Wallace debuted his now-famous “Midnight” paint scheme during the 1998 Winston Cup season? Featuring sleek black accents against a bold blue backdrop, this design quickly became a fan favorite – so much so that several other drivers emulated it in the years to come. Then there was Wallace’s 200th career victory at the 1996 Miller 500 in Martinsville, Virginia. Not only did this milestone win cement his place in Nascar history, but it also served as a powerful reminder of just how far he’d come since his early days racing dirt tracks across America.
And let’s not forget about all the other talented drivers who’ve taken on the mantle of the 2 car over the years. From Brad Keselowski and Kurt Busch to Ryan Newman and more, each new driver has put their own unique stamp on this beloved ride – ensuring that its legacy will continue for many years to come.
“The No. 2 car is one of the most iconic and recognizable vehicles in all of motorsports,” says longtime Nascar fan and historian Jeff Gordon.”It’s lived through some amazing moments and been driven by some truly incredible drivers.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the original drivers of the 2 car in NASCAR?
The original driver of the 2 car in NASCAR was Tim Flock. He drove the car during the 1950 season and won 8 out of the 33 races he entered. Other drivers who drove the car during its early years include Herb Thomas, Buck Baker, and Joe Weatherly.
Who are the current drivers of the 2 car in NASCAR?
The current driver of the 2 car in NASCAR is Brad Keselowski. He has been driving for Team Penske since 2010 and has won 35 Cup Series races, including the 2012 championship. In addition to Keselowski, Ryan Blaney and Austin Cindric have also driven the 2 car in various races.
How many wins has the 2 car achieved in NASCAR?
The 2 car has achieved a total of 71 wins in NASCAR Cup Series history. The car has been driven by some of the sport’s greatest drivers, including Tim Flock, David Pearson, Rusty Wallace, and Brad Keselowski. The 2 car has also won the Cup Series championship twice, in 2012 and 2018.
What teams have fielded the 2 car in NASCAR?
The 2 car has been fielded by several different teams in NASCAR Cup Series history, including Penske Racing, K-Automotive Racing, and Bill Davis Racing. However, the car has achieved most of its success under the ownership of Team Penske, where it has been driven by some of the sport’s most legendary drivers.
Has the 2 car ever won a NASCAR Championship?
Yes, the 2 car has won two NASCAR Cup Series championships. The first championship came in 2012, when Brad Keselowski drove the car to victory with five wins and 23 top-10 finishes. The second championship came in 2018, when Keselowski once again drove the car to victory with three wins and 20 top-10 finishes.
How has the paint scheme of the 2 car changed over the years?
The paint scheme of the 2 car has changed several times over the years, but it has always included shades of blue and white. In the early years, the car featured a light blue and white color scheme with red accents. In recent years, the car has featured a darker shade of blue with white and yellow accents. Throughout its history, the 2 car has been one of the most recognizable and iconic cars in NASCAR.