Dale Blaney

Dale Blaney has 106 All Star Circuit of Champions victories and five championships in the series. He also has a Kings Royal and Historical Big One victory. (Jeremy Elliott | jelliott@pennlive.com)

Dale Blaney

Accomplishments: Blaney has been a monster on the All Star Circuit of Champions circuit, recording 106 career wins to date with no signs of slowing down this season. He also has five championships with the series and is on his way to six. Want big shows, Blaney's got them. He has a Kings Royal title and Historical Big One tally in his pocket. The Hartford, Ohio, native has nine World of Outlaws scores, including one at Attica Raceway Park earlier this season. Blaney also won four of six shows during Ohio Speed Week to claim the title.

Did you know: Auto racing wasn't Blaney's lone passion. He was a standout basketball player in high school and went on to play at West Virginia University. He averaged 12.3 points a game and received several honors, including making the Atlantic 10 All-Conference team three times. Blaney was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1986, but he decided to switch over to racing before the 1986-87 basketball season.

Why here: Admittedly, I waffled between Blaney and another driver for the sixth and seventh spot. It was a dead heat. Blaney has made the most of his time in a Sprint Car, winning big races and bagging titles with the All Star Circuit of Champions. But Blaney, now 50, isn't just riding previous credentials to this spot. Few drivers have been more consistent in the country this season. Blaney has won six of the last eight All Star events — he has seven on the season according to the group — and beat the World of Outlaws at Attica Raceway Park. He also made the trip to central Pennsylvania during an off week and won a regular show at Port Royal Speedway. A steady performer, Blaney deserves his standing in the sport.