Top 10 foreign-born drivers who led the most laps in NASCAR Cup Series history

In a sport deeply rooted in American soil, NASCAR has occasionally welcomed international talent that not only competes but leaves tire marks on its storied history.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Last year marked a milestone as the Cup Series returned to foreign tracks for the first time since 1958, hosting its inaugural points-paying race in Mexico City at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. There, New Zealand’s Shane van Gisbergen claimed his maiden victory of 2025, adding to the legacy of global drivers who’ve pushed the boundaries of speed and strategy.

While NASCAR remains predominantly a domestic affair, a select group of foreign-born racers have made indelible impacts, leading laps and challenging the status quo. From road course specialists to oval conquerors, these drivers have brought diverse skills honed in series like Formula 1, Supercars, and IndyCar.

Drawing from comprehensive stats, here’s an expanded look at the top 10 foreign-born drivers who’ve led the most laps in Cup Series history—extending beyond the original top five to showcase the full spectrum of international influence.

#10. Mattias Ekström – 7 Laps Led (Sweden)

Swedish racing veteran Mattias Ekström, a two-time DTM champion and World Rallycross titleholder, dipped his toes into NASCAR waters with a single Cup Series start at Sonoma Raceway in 2010. Driving the No. 83 Red Bull Toyota for Team Red Bull, he qualified 12th and impressively led seven laps during the race, showcasing his road course prowess. Though he finished 21st after a solid run, Ekström’s brief appearance highlighted the adaptability of European talent in America’s premier stock car series. His career spans rally, touring cars, and endurance racing, including stints at Le Mans.

#9. Patrick Carpentier – 30 Laps Led (Canada)

Hailing from Quebec, Patrick Carpentier transitioned from open-wheel success in Champ Car—where he notched five wins—to NASCAR in the mid-2000s. Over 14 Cup starts from 2007 to 2011, primarily on road courses, he led 30 laps, with his best performance a second-place finish at Watkins Glen in 2008. Carpentier’s aggressive style earned him three top-10s, proving Canadian drivers could thrive in the series’ twists and turns. Post-NASCAR, he continued in broadcasting and occasional racing, embodying the cross-over appeal of international stars.

#8. Trevor Boys – 36 Laps Led (Canada)

Canadian Trevor Boys, born in Calgary, Alberta, carved out a niche in the 1980s NASCAR scene with 88 Cup starts between 1982 and 1993. Leading 36 laps across his career, Boys achieved two top-5s and seven top-10s, with his standout moment a fourth-place finish at Riverside in 1984. Running for teams like Hagan Racing and U.S. Racing, he tackled a mix of ovals and road courses during an era of fierce competition. Boys’ perseverance as a part-timer added to Canada’s strong representation in the series before his passing in 2023.

#7. Ron Fellows – 50 Laps Led (Canada)

A road course maestro from Windsor, Ontario, Ron Fellows became synonymous with Watkins Glen and Sonoma, amassing 25 Cup starts from 1995 to 2013. Leading 50 laps, he secured two top-5s and five top-10s, with his best a second-place finish at Watkins Glen in 2004. Fellows, a Corvette Racing legend with multiple Le Mans class wins, brought precision engineering to NASCAR, often as a “ringer” for teams like Hendrick Motorsports. His contributions extended beyond driving, influencing Corvette’s motorsport programs and mentoring young talent.

#6. Earl Ross – 127 Laps Led (Canada)

The pride of Prince Edward Island, Earl Ross remains the only Canadian to win a Cup Series race, triumphing at Martinsville in 1974 for Junior Johnson. Over 26 starts from 1973 to 1976, he led 127 laps, earning five top-5s and 10 top-10s, and finishing eighth in the 1974 standings. Ross’s victory made him a national hero, and his rookie season included strong runs at superspeedways. Retiring young to farm life, his legacy endures as a trailblazer for international drivers in NASCAR.

#5. Mario Andretti – 165 Laps Led (Italy)

A motorsport icon born in Montona, Italy (now Croatia), Mario Andretti’s 14 Cup starts from 1966 to 1969 yielded 165 laps led, including 112 in his 1967 Daytona 500 victory. With one win, two top-5s, and three top-10s, Andretti became the first foreign-born driver to conquer a Cup race, adding to his résumé as the only racer to win the Daytona 500, Indy 500, and an F1 championship. His brief NASCAR foray showcased his versatility, blending European finesse with American muscle.

#4. Marcos Ambrose – 347 Laps Led (Australia)

After dominating Australia’s V8 Supercars with two championships, Tasmanian Marcos Ambrose crossed the Pacific in 2006, securing a Cup ride with JTG-Daugherty Racing. Over 227 starts from 2008 to 2014, he led 347 laps, clinching two wins at Watkins Glen (2011 and 2012) and amassing 18 top-5s and 46 top-10s. Ambrose reflected on his journey: “Winning races is great, but becoming a full-time Cup driver in this competitive, American-dominated sport was the highlight.” His road course mastery paved the way for future Aussies and Kiwis.

#3. Shane van Gisbergen – 371 Laps Led (New Zealand)

Like Ambrose, Shane van Gisbergen arrived from Supercars supremacy, winning three titles before his stunning Cup debut victory at the 2023 Chicago Street Race, leading just nine laps. In his 2025 full-time rookie season with Trackhouse Racing’s No. 97, he racked up five road course wins, leading 371 laps total. SVG’s sophomore year promises more, as he continues to disrupt the field with his aggressive, adaptable style honed Down Under.

#2. Daniel Suárez – 907 Laps Led (Mexico)

Monterrey native Daniel Suárez broke barriers as the first international O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion in 2016 with Joe Gibbs Racing. Over 302 Cup starts since 2017, he’s led 907 laps, securing two wins (Sonoma 2022, Atlanta 2024), 23 top-5s, and 71 top-10s. After stints with JGR and Trackhouse, Suárez joined Spire Motorsports, continuing to inspire with his grit and advocacy for diversity in motorsport.

#1. Juan Pablo Montoya – 1,124 Laps Led (Colombia)

Bogotá’s Juan Pablo Montoya arrived in 2007 with a CART title, Indy 500 win, and six F1 seasons under his belt. Over 256 starts until 2014 (plus one-offs), he led 1,124 laps for Chip Ganassi Racing, winning twice on road courses (Sonoma 2007, Watkins Glen 2010), with 24 top-5s and 59 top-10s. Montoya’s 2009 Playoff berth and eighth-place finish underscored his talent, blending open-wheel aggression with stock car savvy before returning to IndyCar and IMSA triumphs.

These drivers represent the growing global footprint in NASCAR, proving that talent knows no borders. As the series expands internationally, expect more foreign-born stars to etch their names into the record books, leading laps and inspiring fans worldwide.