The Most Memorable Moments In NASCAR Racing History
NASCAR has given us some of the most unforgettable moments in sports — from nail-biting photo finishes to heartbreaking crashes. NASCAR's history is filled with events that have kept fans glued to their seats. These moments are why NASCAR holds such a special place in so many hearts.
NASCAR has also seen its share of dramatic moments. Some are exhilarating — like a rookie clinching an unexpected victory. Some others are deeply moving — such as tributes to racers who have tragically lost their lives. As we look back on these memorable events, we see how NASCAR has evolved and touched millions of lives.
In this article, we will revisit 10 memorable moments in NASCAR history. Each one is a defining point in the sport and reminds us of the thrills, heartbreaks, and unforgettable experiences that make NASCAR so beloved in the world of motorsports. If you are looking to catch the latest races without cable, check out how to stream NASCAR for free online for all your viewing options.
The 1959 Daytona 500 — A historic beginning
The 1959 Daytona 500 was a landmark event in NASCAR history. It was the inaugural race at the newly built Daytona International Speedway, which set the stage for the sport's future. The competition was fierce with drivers like Lee Petty and Johnny Beauchamp battling it out for the win.
From the start, the race was filled with excitement and drama. Fans watched as the drivers pushed their cars to the limit on the high-banked turns of the massive track. The race ended in controversy — with Beauchamp initially declared the winner in a close finish. However, it took NASCAR officials three days to review photographs and footage to determine the true winner: Lee Petty. He had indeed crossed the finish line first, clinching the victory in what would become one of the most talked about finishes in NASCAR history.
The 1959 Daytona 500 was a defining moment that demonstrated the excitement and unpredictability of NASCAR. The fierce competition, the close finish, and the lengthy review process — all highlighted the sport's intensity and the dedication of its participants.
The 1979 Daytona 500 — First ever live broadcast on national television
The 1979 Daytona 500 was the first time a 500-mile race was broadcast live on national television from start to finish. This historic event introduced millions of viewers to the thrills and spills of stock car racing, and it delivered one of the most memorable moments in NASCAR history.
Throughout the race, Donnie Allison and NASCAR icon Cale Yarborough were the dominant forces on the track. Their intense rivalry kept fans on the edge of their seats. Both drivers battled fiercely for the lead. As they approached the final lap, it seemed certain that one of them would take the victory.
Then came the moment no one saw coming. Allison and Yarborough's cars collided on the backstretch, sending both vehicles careening into the infield.. The crash crushed their hopes of winning and left fans in shock. However, the drama didn't end there. As if the crash wasn't enough, the two drivers got into a physical fight right on the track! They exchanged punches while millions watched on TV.
While this was happening, Richard Petty seized the opportunity to take the lead. Petty was a seasoned veteran and favorite of the fans. He crossed the finish line first and secured his sixth Daytona 500 victory. His win was significant, but it was the crash and the ensuing fight that stole the headlines and captured the public's imagination. The combination of live national coverage, a dramatic crash, and an unexpected fight made this race one of NASCAR's unforgettable moments.
1984 Firecracker 400 — First time a sitting president attends a NASCAR event
The 1984 Firecracker 400 at the Daytona International Speedway was a race that made history. It wasn't just another victory for Richard Petty. It was his 200th career win — a record that still stands today. What made this race genuinely unforgettable, however, was the presence of President Ronald Reagan, who became the first sitting president to attend a NASCAR event.
Richard Petty was already a legend in the sport, but he was chasing a milestone that seemed almost impossible to achieve. However, with sheer determination and skill, Petty battled his way to the front of the pack — showcasing the driving prowess that had earned him the nickname "The King" of NASCAR. Petty had begun driving Pontiacs in 1982, and it was in a Pontiac Grand Prix that he secured his record 200th Cup Series race win at the 1984 Firecracker 400 at Daytona.
Meanwhile, President Reagan — a known fan of the sport — added an extra layer of excitement to the event. His presence elevated the race to a national stage and also highlighted the growing popularity of NASCAR across the country.
As the race drew to a close, Petty found himself in a familiar position — leading the pack. As he crossed the finish line, the crowd erupted in cheers — celebrating not just a race win but a historic moment in NASCAR history.
1987 Winston 500 — A speed record and a horrifying crash
The 1987 Winston 500 at Talladega Superspeedway is remembered as one of the most dramatic moments in NASCAR history. During this race, Bill Elliott set an unbreakable NASCAR speed record — clocking in at a staggering 212.809 mph. This record stands to this day, which showcases the incredible engineering and driving skill of the era.
The race began with an air of excitement as fans anticipated high speeds and fierce competition. And Elliott didn't disappoint. He pushed his car to unprecedented limits. His record-setting lap was a marvel of precision and power, which highlighted his exceptional talent and the raw capabilities of NASCAR vehicles at the time.
However, the excitement quickly turned to horror when Bobby Allison experienced a terrifying crash. His car became airborne after making contact with debris and slammed into the catch fence, causing a massive accident. Miraculously, Allison survived without serious injury, but the incident rattled the NASCAR world. It was a serious wake-up call.
Allison's crash demonstrated the dangers of such high speeds, which led NASCAR to take immediate action. The decision was made to introduce restrictor plates, devices designed to reduce the airflow to the engine and thus limit the top speeds of cars. This change aimed to prevent similar dangerous scenarios and ensure the safety of drivers and also fans.
2001 Daytona 500 — A tragic turning point
The 2001 Daytona 500 was a race that started with the promise of excitement but ended in a horrible tragedy. Dale Earnhardt was one of NASCAR's most beloved and successful drivers. He was involved in a fatal crash that shocked the racing world and forever changed the sport.
Dale Earnhardt was known as "The Intimidator" for his aggressive driving style and fierce competitiveness. He was a favorite among fans and a legend in the sport. As the race unfolded, it seemed like just another Daytona 500 — with drivers jostling for position and the thrill of the competition in the air. However, tragedy struck during the final lap. Earnhardt's car made contact with another car and slammed into the wall at a high speed. The impact was devastating, and despite efforts to save him, Earnhardt succumbed to his injuries.
The loss of Earnhardt was not just a blow to NASCAR but to the entire world of sports. His death prompted a fundamental shift in NASCAR's approach to safety. The HANS device, which had been previously optional, became mandatory for all drivers. SAFER barriers designed to absorb impact and reduce the force of crashes were installed at the tracks. Changes were also made to car design to enhance driver safety. The 2001 Daytona 500 involved one of the biggest celebrity deaths and a tragic turning point in NASCAR history.
2003 Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 — A photo finish for the ages
The 2003 Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 at Darlington Raceway is etched in NASCAR history for one reason — it featured the closest finish in NASCAR history. This race saw Ricky Craven and Kurt Busch engage in a neck-to-neck battle for the lead, which culminated in a finish that would go down in legend.
As the race entered into its final laps, Craven and Busch found themselves in a thrilling duel for the win. They traded paint and positions, and neither driver was willing to give an inch. As they thundered towards the finish line, it became clear that this race was going to be decided by a matter of inches.
Craven and Busch crossed the finish line virtually side by side, as the margin of victory was a mere 0.002 seconds. This made it the closest finish in NASCAR's modern era. Craven emerged as the victor in a race where both the drivers showed incredible skill and determination in pushing their cars to the absolute limit.
2004 Daytona 500 — A triumph over tragedy
The 2004 Daytona 500 was an emotional event that captured the hearts of NASCAR fans around the world. The race held a special significance for Dale Earnhardt Jr. as he aimed to secure his first Daytona 500 victory — following in the footsteps of his legendary father Dale Earnhardt Sr., who had tragically died at the same track three years earlier.
The pressure on Earnhardt Jr. was immense. He was not just carrying on his father's legacy, but he was also racing at the track where his father had met his tragic and untimely end. Despite the weight of expectations, Earnhardt Jr. remained focused and determined to honor his father's memory with a strong performance.
As the competition heated up, Earnhardt Jr. navigated the challenges of Daytona International Speedway with precision. During the final laps, he found himself in contention for the lead, setting the stage for a thrilling finish. In a moment that brought tears to the eyes of fans and competitors alike, Earnhardt Jr. crossed the finish line first, securing his first Daytona 500 victory six years after his legendary father won the race. The win was a poignant moment that symbolized the enduring legacy of Dale Earnhardt Sr.
2011 Daytona 500 — Trevor Bayne's underdog triumph
The 2011 Daytona 500 will always be remembered for the underdog victory of Trevor Bayne. In just his second-ever NASCAR Cup Series start, Bayne achieved a stunning win that shocked the racing world.
With each passing lap, Bayne found himself in the lead pack in the final laps. He was competing against more experienced drivers for the win. Despite his relative inexperience, Bayne showed remarkable poise and skill to hold his own against some of the sport's biggest names.
He ended up doing more than holding his own, however. In a thrilling finish, Trevor Bayne was first to finish, becoming the youngest winner in Daytona 500 history at just 20 years old. His victory showed that on any race day, anything is possible, and that talent and determination can sometimes overcome experience. This race will forever be remembered as one of the most memorable moments in NASCAR history.
2016 Daytona 500: A thrilling race from start to finish
The 2016 Daytona 500 was a race that kept fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish — defined by breathtaking competition and a heart-stopping conclusion. With 20 different lead changes, no one driver could dominate the race for long. This made it one of the most unpredictable and exciting events in NASCAR history.
Anticipation hung thick in the air with the constant swapping of the lead. It kept everyone guessing who would come out on top. The tension built as the laps wound down, building anticipation for an unforgettable final showdown.
In the thrilling sprint to the finish line, Denny Hamlin and Martin Truex Jr. found themselves neck and neck. The two drivers crossed the finish line nearly simultaneously — leaving everyone in suspense. It took a review to determine the official winner, and the margin of victory was a razor-thin 0.010 seconds. It was one of the closest finishes in Daytona 500 history. It was a perfect example of why fans love this sport; it's the perfect combination of excitement, competition, and potential for historical significance.
2020 Daytona 500 — Unforgettable race for its thrilling finish and harrowing crash
The 2020 Daytona 500 stands out as one of the most unforgettable races in NASCAR history not only for its thrilling finish but also for a tragedy that could have changed NASCAR forever. As the laps wound down, tension mounted on the track for an intense and dramatic conclusion.
In the final moments of the race, Ryan Newman, 43, found himself in a strong position competing for the lead. However, in a sudden and shocking turn of events, Newman's car was clipped from behind and caused it to spin out of control. The car flipped and was hit by another vehicle, resulting in a terrifying crash that sent it airborne before skidding to a halt.
The crash was horrifying to witness, and the stadium fell silent as everyone awaited news on Newman's condition. Miraculously, despite the severity of the crash, Newman survived. His recovery became a testament to the advancements in NASCAR's safety measures and the resilience of its drivers. The race itself was a nail-biter with Denny Hamlin ultimately crossing the finish line first in a photo finish. This was Hamlin's third Daytona 500 victory but the celebration was subdued as the focus remained on Newman's well-being.