Americans are no stranger to the need for speed, whether it's in the form of entertainment in movie theaters or on the track. NASCAR drivers have an obvious obsession with racing at speeds of up to 200 mph and beyond! But what do these speed demons choose to drive while off the track running errands or just cruising? One might think sporty, fast and loud would be their first choice. However, that's not always the case. There are many choices that would surprise you. Here's a list of the 10 Coolest Cars NASCAR drivers drive at home. (Current and retired)
10 10. Joey Lagano, 1939 GMC Pickup
Once the checkered flag waves and all is said and done, there is a custom rat rod GMC pickup with Joey Lagano's name on it waiting in his driveway. This 1939 GMC pick up is a custom rat rod that has been chopped and extended to elongate the body as seen here. And while it's a GMC, known today for its luxurious interior and soft ride, this rat rod is none of the above. Built with a 327 small block engine, it can haul your tail all the way home before dark in a hurry!
9 9. Tony Stewart, 1984 Cadillac Hearse Custom
While many of these cool cars are not an only vehicle in their line up, some of them are driven on the regular. A noted favorite of Tony Stewart, his custom made hearse is equipped with a stocked bar, killer sound system and a flat-screen TV! This hand made gem was redone by Unique Custom located in Long Island, NY. Though it's a far cry from Tony's home, he should have plenty of interior space to lie down and stretch out. Onlookers stop to observe the custom paint job displaying a graveyard. Fans love so much they're dying to go for a ride...
8 8. Clint Bowyer, 1934 Chevy" Rat Rod"
Clint Bowyer's 1934 Chevy is anything but typical. He also had this ride heavily customized and fabricated to his taste. From the frame all the way to the engine this vehicle is meticulously handcrafted.
And while Clint calls it a "rat rod" it is technically not one since he put so much effort into the fine details of the making of this hot rod. Not one item on this car is off the shelf! Each piece was hand made and tig welded together. It's certainly built to be one of the most fun daily drivers on this list.
7 7. Jimmie Johnson, 1949 Chevy Stepside
Few vehicles are as classic and well sought after as a vintage pickup truck. Practically all pickups take styling cues that are traced back to this vintage truck. The Stepside was even mimicked by the likes of Ford, Dodge and even Toyota. Since being fully restored to its current glory, Jimmie did modernize it with a Corvette engine and Satellite radio. The beauty poise of this truck make it an instant favorite as he drives this daily.
6 6. Darrell Waltrip, 1970 Olds Cutlass 442
Pronounced four-four-two, this Oldsmobile derived its name from the four barbell carburetor, 4-speed manual transmission, and its dual exhaust. Nothing is more muscular and bold than American muscle cars. This car is fast and load and will turn heads even quicker. With a 330 cubic inch V-8 engine and4 speed manual transmission, you can't help but turn a coffee run into a race. Some cars beg to be driven like its opening day at the races. This car is no exception.
5 5. Jeff Gordon, 1952 Olds Super 88 Convertible
Some cars deserve extra attention when they drive past you on the highway. This is one of them! The 1952 Olds Super 88 convertible not only looks sporty but it possesses a certain charm and flair of its time. Jeff Gordon saw that same very charm in this car. While it's not quite as fast as a track car, it's certainly no slouch. GM stocked these classics with two V-8 power choices, a 257 0r 304 cubic inch engine.
4 4. Danica Patrick, 2004 Lamborghini Gallardo
You would think that a Lamborghini Gallardo would be a perfect car for a speed queen like Danica Patrick, who won her first Indy car race back in 2008 at the Indy Japan 300. The Gallardo was a handcrafted Italian sports car full with pure adrenaline-fueled fun-except if that's not what you're looking for.
While Danica loved racing, she apparently did not want that same track-like performance at home. She actually prefers practical over performance. She sold her Lambo and is now driving the creator comfort based full-size SUV, the Expedition given to her by her sponsor Ford.
3 3. Dale Earnhart Jr., 1976 Chevy Laguna
While Dale is no stranger to the NASCAR scene, having grown up in the shoes of his legendary father, he has a special affinity to the 1976 Chevy Laguna. These cars were popularized in the mid-1970s by NASCAR since they made a perfect race vehicle. Although he has many other eye-popping classics including a '67 Camaro. He prefers to spend most of his time in this car because if that very NASCAR connection. A key element in his collection is for the cars, while nicely restored and desirable, are "not too nice to drive."
2 2. Mark Martin 1953 Chevy Corvette
This sought after classic is one that is owned more for the looks rather than its muscle. The C1 Corvette was equipped with a humble 235 cubic inch Blue Flame straight-six and a 2 speed Powerglide transmission with other options available. It was fully restored to its original glory down to the blue engine paint with the words "Blue Flame" with a thunderbolt on it. While the Corvette has a general reputation for being a full-on sports car, this first-generation Vette had much more humble beginnings. In fact, each of them where hand made since the production process was still being developed, thus each 1953 is unique.
1 1. Ryan Newman , 1949 Buick Roadmaster Convertible Coupe
Another unique car is Ryan Newman's 1949 Buick Roadmaster convertible coupe. Not only is this a collector's car owned by a celebrity, it also has some star power itself! The car was used in the 1988 hit movie Rainman starring Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman. Once the filming was complete the antique was fully restored to its original vintage. Ryan loves this car so much that he uses it as a daily driver! He was blessed with this car for his birthday. What better gift than a stylish vintage Buick?