NASCAR has never been a sport for the faint-hearted, either on or off the track. From unexpected winners to on-track brawls, NASCAR has seen its fair share of wild moments. Strap in as we revisit ten of the most outrageous races in its storied history.
1979 Daytona 500
Not only was this the first NASCAR race to be broadcasted in its entirety, but it also ended with a fistfight between Cale Yarborough and Donnie Allison while Richard Petty took the checkered flag.
2001 Pepsi 400
After the tragic loss of Dale Earnhardt Sr. at the Daytona 500 that year, NASCAR returned to Daytona in July. Dale Earnhardt Jr. triumphed in a cathartic win, with teammate Michael Waltrip right behind him.
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2012 Jet Dryer Incident
During the Daytona 500, under a caution, Juan Pablo Montoya’s car broke, causing him to collide with a jet dryer. The explosion caused a massive fire, but thankfully no one was seriously injured.
1959 Inaugural Daytona 500
The finish was so close between Lee Petty and Johnny Beauchamp that it took NASCAR three days to declare Petty the official winner after examining photos.
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2003 Carolina Dodge Dealers 400
In an iconic finish, Ricky Craven edged out Kurt Busch by .002 seconds, marking one of the closest finishes in NASCAR history.
2015 Martinsville Chase Race
This race saw a post-race brawl between Matt Kenseth and Joey Logano, following Kenseth’s deliberate crash into Logano due to prior altercations between the two.
2002 Food City 500
This Bristol race was notorious for the significant number of cautions. With tempers flaring, drivers even resorted to on-track confrontations, with Kevin Harvick notably leaping over cars to confront Greg Biffle.
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2014 Talladega Superspeedway
Known as one of NASCAR’s most unpredictable tracks, this race was no exception. A multi-car crash on the last lap left Brad Keselowski with the win and several drivers grumbling.
1990 North Wilkesboro Speedway
Dale Earnhardt and Ricky Rudd battled fiercely, with Earnhardt spinning Rudd on the last lap. NASCAR penalized Earnhardt for the move, handing Rudd the win.
1984 Firecracker 400
President Ronald Reagan attended, making him the first sitting U.S. president to attend a NASCAR race. In a poetic end, Richard Petty claimed his 200th (and final) career win.
While this list is by no means exhaustive, these ten races provide a snapshot of the drama, passion, and unpredictability that make NASCAR such an exciting sport. From legendary victories to jaw-dropping controversies, the world of NASCAR racing has had its fair share of unforgettable moments.
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