NASCAR's Most Iconic Races
While we all know that NASCAR consistently delivers heart-pounding action—there are just some races that stand above the rest. The kind that keeps fans on their feet and rivalries burning long after the checkered flag drops. These are the races that have been etched in NASCAR history forever. So, let’s relive 20 of the greatest NASCAR races ever, where every lap told a story, and every finish became the stuff of legend. How many do you remember?
1. 1976 Daytona 500
The world watched in shock as Richard Petty and David Pearson wrecked in the final turn, both cars limping toward the finish. While Petty’s car stalled, Pearson managed to refire his engine and cross the line first. It remains one of NASCAR’s most stunning finishes ever.
Zach Catanzareti Photo on Wikimedia
2. 1979 Daytona 500
Fists flew, cars crashed, and history was made. This was the first 500-mile NASCAR race broadcast live from start to finish. Cale Yarborough and Donnie Allison’s infamous last-lap wreck set the stage, while Richard Petty stole the win. However, the real victory belonged to NASCAR’s skyrocketing popularity.
3. 1984 Talladega 500
Dale Earnhardt’s first career win came in dramatic fashion. The rookie wheeled his Richard Childress Racing Chevy through the field, passing veterans like he’d been doing it for years. This was the moment “The Intimidator” was born, cementing his legacy as a fearless competitor by winning his first Cup Series.
4. 1985 Southern 500
Bill Elliott pocketed a million dollars by winning the Winston Million, a massive payday at the time. He had already conquered Daytona and Talladega that season, and by taming Darlington’s treacherous track, he made history. “Awesome Bill from Dawsonville” became a NASCAR legend that day.
5. 1987 Winston 500
Bill Elliott’s qualifying speed of 212.809 mph set an all-time NASCAR record that still stands. The race itself was a thriller, but Elliott’s sheer speed remains its defining moment. It was so fast, NASCAR mandated restrictor plates, forever changing the way superspeedway races played out.
6. 1988 Daytona 500
Bobby Allison and his son Davey finished first and second, marking the first-ever father-son 1-2 finish in NASCAR. The victory lap and emotional celebration cemented this race as one of the most heartwarming in NASCAR history. It was the ultimate family moment in a challenging and competitive sport.
7. 1993 Daytona 500
Dale Jarrett outdueled Dale Earnhardt in a thrilling last-lap battle. What made this win even more special? His father, Ned Jarrett, called the race from the booth, famously shouting, “He’s gonna win! Bring it home, Dale!” A scene that added an unforgettable touch to the excitement of the race.
8. 1994 Brickyard 400
The first-ever NASCAR race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway was nothing short of historic. Jeff Gordon emerged victorious, giving NASCAR’s young superstar an early career-defining win. This race solidified NASCAR’s place on the national stage alongside IndyCar.
9. 1995 Brickyard 400
The 1995 Brickyard 400 saw Dale Earnhardt etch his name in history as the second winner, following Jeff Gordon’s 1994 triumph. Battling Rusty Wallace, Earnhardt secured victory, calling it “This is the biggest win of my life.” With 280,000 fans watching and Ernie Irvan’s late crash, Indy proved NASCAR’s presence was no fluke.
10. 1997 Daytona 500
The 1997 Daytona 500 was a historic NASCAR race held on February 16, 1997, at Daytona International Speedway. It saw Jeff Gordon, at just 25 years old, become the youngest driver to win the prestigious event at the time. The race was marked by numerous strategic pit stops and intense drafting battles.
11. 1998 Daytona 500
Dale Earnhardt had tried and failed for 20 years. This time, fate was on his side. After dominating for years without Daytona 500 glory, Earnhardt finally took the checkered flag. The entire pit road lined up to congratulate him, proving just how monumental the win was.
12. 1999 Goody’s Headache Powder 500
Dale Earnhardt wasn’t afraid to ruffle feathers, and Terry Labonte felt it firsthand. Earnhardt spun Labonte on the final lap at Bristol, securing the win. When asked about it later, he quipped, “I didn’t mean to wreck him, just rattle his cage a little.” Now, that was classic Earnhardt.
Osajus Photography on Wikimedia
13. 2000 Winston 500
Chaos reigned at Talladega, with 49 lead changes among 21 drivers, showcasing superspeedway racing at its peak. Dale Earnhardt pulled off a legendary last-to-first charge in the final laps, weaving through the pack like a magician. It was a final Earnhardt masterpiece before tragedy struck months later.
14. 2001 Daytona 500
Michael Waltrip finally broke his winless streak in the most bittersweet way possible. He took the checkered flag while behind him, Dale Earnhardt’s fatal crash shook the sport to its core. This tragedy spurred NASCAR to revolutionize safety standards.
Freewheeling Daredevil on Wikimedia
15. 2001 Cracker Barrel 500
Just weeks after the tragic death of Dale Earnhardt, the race saw Kevin Harvick secure his first career NASCAR Cup Series victory in only his third start. In a thrilling finish, Harvick edged out Jeff Gordon by a mere 0.006 seconds, one of the closest finishes in NASCAR history.
Zach Catanzareti Photo on Wikimedia
16. 2003 Carolina Dodge Dealers 400
Few finishes have been closer than Ricky Craven’s door-banging battle with Kurt Busch. The two scraped fenders in a run to the checkered flag, with Craven edging ahead by a mere 0.002 seconds—NASCAR’s closest-ever margin of victory. Darlington’s “Lady in Black” never looked so dramatic.
Ricky Craven 2003 Tide Grand Prix 1/24 Nascar Diecast Review
17. 2004 Ford 400
This one was a championship-deciding race like no other. Kurt Busch’s championship hopes nearly vanished when his right front wheel detached, but he recovered, clinching the inaugural Chase for the Cup title. Plus, the drama and unpredictability of the new playoff format were on full display.
Photo courtesy of U.S. Army, by Cameras in Action on Wikimedia
18. 2007 Daytona 500
Kevin Harvick stole victory from Mark Martin in a dramatic photo finish. As the field wrecked behind them, Harvick’s car inched ahead by 0.02 seconds. Martin had never won a Daytona 500, and this heartbreakingly close loss only added to his legend.
19. 2011 Ford 400
The 2011 Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway saw Tony Stewart win both the race and the Sprint Cup Series championship in a historic tiebreaker against Carl Edwards. Stewart’s win, overcoming multiple setbacks, gave him the title with more wins than Edwards. He became the first owner-driver champion since Alan Kulwicki in 1992.
Raniel Diaz from Corona del Mar, United States on Wikimedia
20. 2012 Finger Lakes 355 At The Glen
A last-lap duel between Kyle Busch, Brad Keselowski, and Marcos Ambrose turned chaotic when Busch spun out. Ambrose and Keselowski traded paint all the way to the finish, with Ambrose snatching the win in one of the wildest road course finishes in NASCAR history.
Brian Neudorff from Twin Falls, ID, United States on Wikimedia
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