The Top 10 American Racing Drivers In History

November 15, 2018

In the field of cars, racing is the absolute pinnacle. Whether you’re interested in cars’ mechanicals, top speeds, or the drama, it’s a field with it all. There are countless different disciplines across the world, and this article isn’t going to focus on one in particular. On this list, there are drivers from F1, drag racing, NASCAR, and more, but the one thread joining them all together is that they’re incredible drivers. Their escapades have gone down in history, marking them as some of the best to ever cross a finish line. Without any further hesitation, let’s begin.

10. Phil Hill

The only American-born racer to ever win the Formula One Drivers’ Championship, Phil Hill was a superb driver. He began work as a mechanic, before heading to the UK where he trained with Jaguar, before being signed up for Enzo Ferrari’s F1 team in 1956. He made his debut in the discipline two years later, but it wasn’t there that he started to make his name. That happened at a little circuit in northern France, the Circuit de la Sarthe, AKA, Le Mans. Paired with Belgian Olivier Gendebien, he became the first American-born winner of the 24 hour race.

Two years later, he won the 1960 Italian Grand Prix. In 1961, he trailed only his teammate, Wolfgang Von Trips, but Trips died in a tragic accident in the 1961 Italian Grand Prix, with Hill going on to win the championship in his stead. He was not a man built for racing, it must be said. A quiet, thoughtful man, Hill believed that he was in the wrong business, and after winning the Driver’s Championship, he left Ferrari, saying he was no longer willing to risk death.

1970 Charger Showdown: Classic RT/SE Hemi vs. RestoMod Hemi

June 23, 2025

When it comes to American muscle, few cars have captured the hearts of enthusiasts and dominated the silver screen like the Dodge Charger. From…
Read more
The RM30 1970 HEMI Dodge Charger RestoMod

April 22, 2025

The 1970 Dodge Charger is one of the most iconic silhouettes in American muscle car history and RM30 takes that legacy to the next level.…
Read more
RestoMods Garage Update

February 11, 2025

1967 Chevrolet Chevelle (Ground Up Restoration) The 1967 Chevelle 427 is coming together, now sitting on a Roadster Shop chassis that completely transforms its handling…
Read more

Show more articles

Become a Car Club Member

Car Club Members Get Entries to Win, Discounts in our Shop, Discounts with our Preferred Partners and more!

Membership benefits

By joining the RestoMods Car Club Today, you will receive amazing perks plus 15 bonus entries into our sweepstakes for every month you are an active member

Auto Discounts:Curated Discounts From Your Favorite Parts Companies
Restomods Monthly:Monthly Magazine With The Latest Industry News
Classified Ads:Get Free Postings seen by 300,000 enthusiasts monthly
Car Show Tickets:Check out the biggest vintage car shows on us.
Exclusive Car Deals:First chance to purchase any prize cars not selected