The 12 Best Accents in the World of Motorsports

In the world of auto racing, and it's a big world, there are numerous accents that leave an indelible mark in our psyche from the thousands of driver, crew, owner and reporter interviews.

From the short tracks of America to the winding streets of Monaco, there are all kinds of people commenting on the weekend's activities, some with more of an accent than others.

Here is a sprinkling of what is perhaps the top 12 most memorable:

1. Max Papis: Smooth-Talking Italian

Max Papis - Big heart with big determination

Max Papis is a veteran racer will a fairly heavy Italian accent.

This personable and talented driver has driven everything from Formula One, Indy Cars, sports cars and currently drives a Camping World Truck on the NASCAR circuit.

2. Juan Pablo Montoya

Juan Pablo Montoya can be difficult to understand his Columbina accent.

Juan Pablo Montoya's Colombian accent surely stands out while being interviewed on the NASCAR circuit where he wheels a Sprint Cup race car.

One of his more famous comments with his thick accent is, "I dun't care!"

3. Marcose Ambrose: The Aussie Amongest the Taxi Cab Set

Marcose Ambrose has cleared the way for other driver from 'down under'.

Marcos Ambrose has impressive record of winning races and championships in Australia with road course racing his specialty.

He now wheels a NASCAR Sprint Cup car with Petty Enterprises and has caught on rather well. When people hear that voice, it can only be one friendly person connected with it, Marcos Ambrose.

4. Ward Burton: Virginia Mumbles

Ward Burton always had some good comments to make.

Ward Burton. Not all memorable accents are foreign. Virginia veteran driver Ward Burton has been having race fans and the media listen a little closer as the driver tended to mumble his words combined with a heavy Southern drawl.

His most memorable race had to be when he won the Daytona 500 for owner Bill David and crew chief Tommy Baldwin. 

5. Kimi Raikkenen: European Mumbler

Kimi Raikkenen will keep you listening closer.

Kimi Raikkenen has been a Formula One champion, rally star and currently will test the waters of American NASCAR Truck Racing in the Camping World truck series.

Having listened to dozens of Kimi interviews, I can't wait for the average NASCAR fan to try and decipher what the Scandinavian driver is saying.

Keep in mind a few things....one, he is very talented and quite different.

6. Junior Johnson: Soft Spoken Racer

Junior Johnson - Soft spoken North Carolina legend.

Junior Johnson was not only one of the greatest NASCAR drivers to strap on a helmet, but also a great racing story teller with dozens of entertaining fables.

Throw in a deep North Carolina soft spoken accent and you have someone that will keep you hanging on every word.

7. Alex Zanardi: A Lengendary Driver to Be Revered

Alex Zanardi is a guest on David Letterman.

Italian driver Alex Zanardi lost his two legs in an Indy Car race in Germany, but never lost faith in mankind with a great attitude. His drive had him return to the track he lost his legs at for some impressive laps with prosthetic controls.

He currently stays busy with sedan racing, bicycle adventures and much more, all with a very Count Dracula-like accent.

8. Michael Schumacher: A German Master

Michael Schumacher World F-1 Champion

Multi-time Formula One champion with over 90 wins to his credit is very proud of his German heritage as noticed by his fairly thick German accent.

This driver could be compared to the brashness of Kyle Busch...if not worse as evidenced by his chopping off his own teammates throughout the years.

9. Jackie Stewart: A Scottish Driving Threat

Jackie Stewart - Great driver and commentator.

Jackie Stewart has been driving and racing cars for decades, most notably Formula One cars. Very few drivers drove with more passion and determination that the Scottsman exhibited.

Most Americans were introduced to this funny accented, funny hat wearing driver when he started to call NASCAR races such as the Daytona 500.

10. Dario Franchitti: An Italian with a Scottish Accent

Dario Franchitti - Fastest current Scottish accent

Dario Franchitti. This talented Indy Car driver has captured numerous race wins and championships not to mention two Indy 500 wins.

You just have to listen a little closer as sometimes his Scottish brogue can get in the way on understanding his latest sound bite.

11. Richard Petty: The KIng

Richard Petty - NASCAR's King

Richard Petty, The "King" of NASCAR racing, this list would be incomplete without listening to some of the oldest words and phrases spoken from one its best spokesman hailing from the deep South, N.C.

His 200 wins and seven titles will be hard to beat.

12. Tom Carnagie: Magic Voice of Indy

Tom Carnegie - Magic Voice of the Indy 500

Tom Carnegie. No accent list would complete with a soundtrack of one of the most legendary announcers to hold a microphone, Tom Carnegie. For decades this wily veteran keep the race fans on their feet with famous coined phrases such as, "He's on it," and, "It's a new track record."

Rest in peace Tom...Godspeed.