15 Unwanted Records in NASCAR

NASCAR’s unwanted records highlight losses and crashes at the tracks. These heartbreak shows that racing’s struggles are as memorable as its victories.

Rajat Srivastava
October 15, 2025
7 min read

15 Unwanted Records in NASCAR — Imagn Images

NASCAR’s history is filled with thrilling victories, but also unwanted records drivers wish they could erase from the history books. From McDowells winless starts to Nemechek’s crash filled races and Michael Waltrip’s long losing streak, these moments reflect upon the sport’s uncertain nature. Even legends like Richard Petty have records of their struggles. These unwanted marks are a reminder that racing is as much about moving ahead through failure as it is about crossing the finish line first.

15. Most Wins Without a Championship - Mark Martin

Mark Martin is regarded as one of the greatest drivers never to win a NASCAR Cup Series title. He finished runner up in the championship five times, despite winning 40 races. His unwanted record of being the best without the title remains a bittersweet legacy. While he is respected for his consistency and skill, Martin’s career proves that sometimes greatness falls just short of the ultimate prize.

14. Longest Losing Streak After a Win - Bill Elliott

Bill Elliott, who was popularly called as “Awesome Bill,” had a long and successful career, but he suffered a 226 race winless streak after one of his victories. For a driver of his capability, the drought was frustrating for both him and fans. Though he continued to compete hard, this unwanted record reflects the difficulty of sustaining success in NASCAR, where team strength and technology can quickly change fortunes.

13. Most Penalties in a Season - Kyle Busch

Kyle Busch is one of NASCAR’s most talented drivers, but in 2011 he earned an infamous record with the most penalties in a single season. His temper and style lead him to speeding on pit road and aggressive infractions. While Busch has achieved great success after that season, this unwanted record shows how his fiery approach sometimes cost him valuable races and points along the way.

12. Worst Crash Record - LeeRoy Yarbrough

LeeRoy Yarbrough’s 1970 season was badly hampered by crashes, setting a record for wrecks in a single year. Despite talent, he often couldn’t finish races, leaving fans disappointed. His struggles off the track compounded the decline, and his career faded quickly. This record reflects the risks of NASCAR’s earlier, more dangerous years, where crashes were frequent and often devastating.

11. Most Last Place Finishes - Derrike Cope

Derrike Cope is remembered for his shocking Daytona 500 win in 1990, but he also holds the record for most last place finishes in NASCAR history. With teams going through financial issues, Cope often failed to compete. This record contrasts sharply with his career defining victory, showing how one magical day can stand out against years of challenges in the unpredictable world of NASCAR.

10. Most Career Starts Without a Pole – Michael Waltrip

Michael Waltrip has the infamous record of most career starts without earning a pole position, with over 780. Despite racing for decades, Waltrip never qualified first, showing how tough it was for him to do well in qualifying. While he eventually had wins and a long career in NASCAR, this stat underlines the challenges he faced against faster, better equipped competitors during his long tenure.

9. Fewest Wins by a Full Time Driver - Dave Blaney

Dave Blaney competed full time in NASCAR for years but never won a Cup Series race, despite over 470 starts. He was a consistent mid-pack driver, who often lacked the resources to compete with top level teams. While he was admired for his persistence, the winless career in top level racing remains an unwanted record. Blaney’s legacy lives on through his son, Ryan Blaney, who has been quite successful.

8. Most Winless Seasons Before First Victory - Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Before winning his first Cup in 2000, Dale Earnhardt Jr. went through multiple full seasons without a victory, drawing criticism due to his famous name. Though he became one of NASCAR’s most popular drivers, this early drought remains an unwanted part of his career. It underlines the pressure of living up to his father’s legacy, before he ultimately carved his own path with major wins.

7. Worst Season by a Champion - Benny Parsons

Benny Parsons won the 1973 championship but had a nightmare 1979 season, finishing 30th in the standings. This was the worst ever season for a former champion. Despite his proven talent, nothing worked for him that year. Injuries, poor cars and bad luck combined for a rough campaign. Though Parsons made a comeback, but this poor record shows that how even champions can hit the lows in the unpredictable world of NASCAR.

6. Most Consecutive Winless Seasons - Matt DiBenedetto

Matt DiBenedetto raced for nearly a decade from 2012–2020 in the NASCAR Cup Series without earning a victory. Driving for smaller teams with limited resources, he often finished mid-pack despite showing flashes of talent. His perseverance and work ethic was appreciated, but the long winless stretch stands as a poor record. It highlights how difficult it is to succeed in NASCAR without top level equipment and support.

5. Most Accidents in a Career - Richard Petty

Richard Petty may be the King, but he also holds the record for most career crashes, with over 250 wrecks. Racing so much across diverse tracks across decades meant he inevitably found trouble. While his wins and titles overshadow this side of his career, it remains an unwanted mark that shows how much danger and risk came with such a long and legendary career in NASCAR.

4. Most Winless Starts Before First Victory - Michael McDowell

Michael McDowell raced 358 NASCAR Cup Series starts before finally winning the Daytona 500 in 2021. For years, he struggled to compete with well funded teams, often finishing behind the winners. His hard work finally paid off, but that long winless stretch remains an example of his patience and persistence. McDowell’s eventual triumph showed that in NASCAR, hard work sometimes beats power and money.

3. Longest Career Without a Win - Michael Waltrip

Before winning the Daytona 500 in 2001, Waltrip went through a staggering 462 races without a victory, the longest in NASCAR history. His consistency finally paid off in a rather tragic manner, as his first win came under the shadow of Dale Earnhardt’s death that same day on the track. While Waltrip eventually found success, this unwanted record remains an example of how difficult it is to win races in NASCAR.

2. Most DNFs in a Season - Joe Nemechek

Joe Nemechek was a respected driver, but his 1997 season was really unfortunate for him. He recorded 19 DNFs (Did Not Finish), setting a record no racer wants to set. Mechanical failures, accidents and bad luck combined for a nightmare of a season. Nemechek showed resilience in continuing his career, but this season stands as a painful reminder of how cruel racing can be when most of the things go wrong together.

1. Most Career Losses - Richard Petty

Richard Petty, known as ‘The King’, holds NASCAR’s record for wins. However, he also holds the record for the most career losses, with more than 1,100 races without a win. His longevity explains the numbers as more races meant more chances to lose. Though Richard’s legacy is unmatched, this unwanted record highlights the other side of greatness. As he took these unsuccessful races in his stride along with his legendary triumphs on the track.