Its roots run parallel to the sport – all the way back to the inaugural season of 1949 – and its driving roster includes both pioneers and champions.A quick look at the No. 2’s all-time numerical totals:
• 61 wins
• 1,530 starts
• 113 drivers
Kurt Busch (No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge) is the current driver. Now in his fourth season with Penske Racing and at the No. 2’s helm, the 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup champion is thriving in what is popularly known as the “Blue Deuce”.
As teams prepare for Sunday’s Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, where Busch has won twice in the No. 2, the number provides its own karma. The No. 2 has 10 wins at Bristol; Busch and the No. 2 also are the series’ most current winners, on March 8 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
The No. 2’s history began with Sam Rice, its first driver in 1949. Three other drivers followed Rice in the seat that season – Bill Blair, Jimmie Lewallen and Frank Mundy.
Rusty Wallace, the 1989 series champion, is the No. 2’s best-known driver. He leads all No. 2 drivers with 522 starts, 37 wins and 16 seasons. Seven of his wins came at Bristol. Dave Marcis is second with all-time starts in the No. 2, with 136. Busch is third, with five of his 19 career wins having come in 112 starts in the No. 2.
Bobby Allison, the 1983 series champion, is fourth, with seven wins in 103 starts in the No. 2. Seven-time series champion Dale Earnhardt and Bill Blair each recorded 78 starts in the No. 2. Earnhardt had six wins during his No. 2 tenure (two at Bristol); Blair had three.
Two other drivers have won while driving the No. 2. Jim Paschal won once (1950, ’62 and ’63). Tim Richmond won twice while driving the No. 2 during the 1980 season.
— Source: NASCAR
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