12 NASCAR Moments You Forgot Were Real Until Now
NASCAR has had some unbelievable moments over the years—some so strange, surprising, or wild that they almost feel like dreams. But these moments really happened, even if time and memory faded them a little.
- Tricia Quitales
- 4 min read
With decades of races, rivalries, and drama, NASCAR has delivered more jaw-dropping moments than most sports can claim. However, not every shocking event stays fresh in fans’ minds—some moments were so strange or out of the ordinary, they’ve slipped through the cracks of memory. From wild finishes to unexpected stunts and surprising twists, these moments remind us just how unpredictable racing can be. This article brings back 12 real NASCAR moments that might feel like a blur, but they definitely happened.
1. The Time a Jet Dryer Exploded on the Track (Daytona 2012)
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During a caution, Juan Pablo Montoya hit a jet dryer full of fuel, causing a fiery explosion. Flames shot down the track, delaying the race and shocking everyone watching. Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt, but it was one of the wildest delays ever.
2. When a Driver Got Out and Sat on His Car (Talladega 1999)
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Jimmy Spencer wrecked his car, and instead of going to the infield, he sat on the roof of his car in protest. Cameras showed him just chilling on top like it was no big deal. It was a quiet but unforgettable way to say, “I’m not happy.”
3. The Time a Car Finished the Race on Its Roof (Daytona 2012)
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Clint Bowyer crossed the finish line upside down after a wreck flipped his car. Fans couldn’t believe he still finished the race while sliding on his roof. It’s one of the weirdest photo finishes in NASCAR history.
4. The NASCAR Driver Who Raced in Loafers (1950s Era)
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Back in the early days, Curtis Turner once drove a race wearing casual loafers instead of racing shoes. He said they were just more comfortable. Imagine doing 150 mph in dress shoes—only old-school NASCAR.
5. When a Giant Waffle Sponsored a Car (Atlanta, 2005)
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One car showed up with a giant waffle on the hood, courtesy of Waffle House. It looked hilarious but somehow also made perfect sense in NASCAR’s world of wild sponsors. Fans still talk about “the breakfast car.”
6. The Time They Raced in a Blizzard (Martinsville 1993)
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Snow started falling mid-race, and drivers had to deal with icy track conditions. No one was prepared, but the race kept going for a while before finally being stopped. Yes, NASCAR once had a snow day.
7. When a Crew Member Tackled a Driver (Bristol 1995)
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After a crash, a crew member ran onto the track and tackled the driver he thought was responsible. It looked more like football than NASCAR. Security had to break it up, and everyone watching was stunned.
8. The Driver Who Drove in Reverse to the Pits (Charlotte 1986)
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Lake Speed spun out, but instead of giving up, he drove in reverse all the way back to pit road. The crowd went wild as he backed his way across half the track. That kind of determination is hard to forget—even if most did.
9. When a Squirrel Stopped the Race (Michigan 2003)
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A squirrel ran onto the track and caused a caution. Cars had to slow down while officials tried to herd it off safely. That little guy became a short-term NASCAR star.
10. The Time the Winner Got DQ’d for Being Too Low (2021)
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Denny Hamlin won at Pocono but was disqualified when his car failed inspection for being too low. It was rare to see a win taken away like that. Fans couldn’t believe it—and many had already left before the result was reversed.
11. When NASCAR Had a Beach Race (Daytona, 1940s)
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Long before the Daytona 500, drivers actually raced on the sand. Half the track was the beach; the other half was a paved road. It was messy, bumpy, and pure NASCAR history.
12. The “Hail Melon” Wall Ride (Martinsville 2022)
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Ross Chastain slammed the gas and rode the wall at full speed to pass five cars on the final lap. It looked like a video game move—but it was very real. The clip went viral and even stunned other drivers.