Join me as we take a look at every NASCAR Cup Rookie of the Year class from 1972 (the start of the modern era) through 2021, going from the worst to the first in terms of overall careers of each year’s rookie class.
1972
Runner-Up David Sisco
Winner: Larry Smith (Harley Smith). Runner Up: David Sisco (McGee). Aborted Attempt: Doc Faustina
How their careers turned out: Larry Smith’s promising young career (one that was funded by Carling Black Label beer) was halted due to a fatal crash at Talladega the following year. David Sisco, meanwhile, was far greater as a local racer in Nashville, and mostly ran his own equipment in Cup. The modern era for the ROTY award did NOT start out on a conspicuous note.
“Fun” “Fact” about the winner: Go to Larry Smith’s Wikipedia page to see what looks to be an opening paragraph edited by a ten-year-old.
Ranking: #45 out of 50
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