Go speed racer, Go! We as humans love racecars. We put countless of hours designing, building, racing, and watching race cars speed across the asphalt, trying to prove their worth. We even make movies about race cars. This is not a just a recent phenomenon, though, as humans have been interested in race cars ever since automobiles could be cranked. Here, we have compiled a list of what could arguably be considered the top 5 US race cars of all time, in no particular order, all having proved themselves during their time of shining.

• Hudson Hornet – Created during the early 1950’s, the Hornet’s design was almost perfect for racing. It had a step-down set up, where the floor plan was dropped making it easier to handle, due to its low center of gravity. It received modifications over time, making it faster, more efficient, and overall just a better racer. It dominated in stock car racing, and was untouchable on both dirt and asphalt. Hudson ended up winning 27 of the 34 NASCAR Grand National races in 1952, 22 of 37 in 1953, and 17 of 37 in 1954.
• Richard Petty’s 1967 (1966) Plymouth Belvedere – This vehicle was the combination of Petty’s ’66 and the sheet metal of a new ’67 Belvedere. This lean, mean, racing machine, helped Petty achieve victories that seem impossible. During the 1967 NASCAR season, he ended up getting 27 wins, the most in NASCAR history. This vehicle provided him with a streak of 10 weeks of wins in a row! The Belvedere gave him winning percentages that would be considered forged, if not for the witnesses of Petty and his Plymouth’s incredible feats.
• Bob Glidden’s 1978 Ford Fairmont – Since its debut in ‘78, the Fairmont blew everyone’s expectations away. It never lost a round that year, winning every national and every divisional race it was in. Though it was considered to be nothing special, the Fairmont, with Glidden behind the wheel, was an incredible example of mechanical ingenuity and legendary driving.
• Chevrolet Corvette C5-R – Though starting out as an underwhelming machine, it slowly became one of the most dominant vehicles in its class. Bringing in 31 ALMS victories during its early 2000s run, and an overall victory at the 2001 24 hours of Daytona. This vehicle helped bring the US back to international racing view, with its solid performance every time it raced.
• 1966 Ford GT40 Mk II – Last but not least, the Ford GT40 has established itself within its own class. Made by the vengeful hands of Henry Ford II, and by the hardened Texan, Carroll Shelby, the GT40 Mk II brought in the first 1-2-3 Le Mans victory. This also brought victory back to the US at Le Mans. It was armed with a 7 liter V8, with a body so low it could trip a snake, the GT40 was a futuristic looking death trap. Although frightening, by how fast and powerful it was, the GT40 Mk II was also a historical marvel that will be remembered and celebrated for many years to come.

Racing has become a staple in the human race, and race cars are the stapler. Every year new super cars and stock cars come out, trying to rack in the victories from each of their classes. In the end though, we will always remember the ones that set themselves above the rest, and made the racing sport, a legendary one.