15 Wild NASCAR Moments That Left Fans Speechless
These unforgettable NASCAR moments had fans on the edge of their seats and shouting at their screens.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
NASCAR has seen its fair share of amazing moments. These events continue to echo through racing history. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a casual viewer, these 15 highlights are guaranteed to amaze.
1. Dale Earnhardt’s Final Lap – 2001 Daytona 500
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The tragic loss of Dale Earnhardt Sr. stunned the entire racing world. On the final lap, a crash into the wall claimed the life of one of NASCAR’s most legendary drivers.
2. The 1979 Daytona 500 Fistfight
Ted Van Pelt on Wikimedia Commons
A post-race brawl on live TV? That happened when Cale Yarborough and the Allison brothers threw punches in the infield. It gave NASCAR national attention overnight. It was pure mayhem—and fans loved it.
3. Michael McDowell’s Fiery Qualifying Crash (2008)
Zach Catanzareti on Wikimedia Commons
McDowell slammed the wall at nearly 200 mph, causing his car to flip violently multiple times. Miraculously, he walked away unharmed.
4. The Ricky Bobby Moment: Carl Edwards at Talladega (2009)
Mauricio Campino on Wikimedia Commons
Edwards’ car went airborne into the catch fence after contact with Brad Keselowski. A fan was injured by debris, and Edwards jogged across the finish line on foot—mirroring a scene from Talladega Nights.
5. Jeff Gordon vs. Clint Bowyer – The Phoenix Brawl (2012)
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After an intentional wreck, Bowyer sprinted through the garage to confront Gordon. Chaos broke out as crews brawled on live TV.
6. The Jet Dryer Explosion – Daytona 500 (2012)
Andrew-44-19 on Wikimedia Commons
Juan Pablo Montoya hit a jet dryer during a caution, causing a massive explosion and fuel fire. Flames lit up the track, delaying the race for over two hours.
7. The Talladega “Big One” – 2012 Spring Race
Nascarking on Wikimedia Commons
With just meters to go, a 25-car pile-up erupted after contact between Tony Stewart and Michael Waltrip. Cars flew, flipped, and skidded in every direction.
8. Kyle Busch’s Leg Break – Daytona 2015 Xfinity Series
TaurusEmerald on Wikimedia Commons
Busch slammed an inside wall not protected by SAFER barriers. He suffered a compound fracture in his right leg and a broken left foot.
9. The Snow Delay – Atlanta Motor Speedway (1993)
Oleksandr Baiev on Unsplash
Snow in Georgia in March? That was what exactly happened, halting race activities and shocking everyone. Fans built snowmen on the pit road.
10. The Glove Mystery – 2004 Chicagoland
Kim Phillips on Wikimedia Commons
Tony Stewart threw his glove at teammate Brian Vickers during the cool-down lap. Cameras caught it mid-air, and fans couldn’t stop laughing.
11. The Return of the King – Richard Petty’s 200th Win (1984)
State Archives of North Carolina Raleigh, NC on Wikimedia Commons
In front of President Ronald Reagan, Petty secured his 200th career victory. The moment was historic and electric. Reagan even gave the victory call from Air Force One.
12. Chase Elliott’s Middle Finger at Kyle Busch – Darlington (2020)
Zach Catanzareti Photo on Wikimedia Commons
After being wrecked by Busch under caution, Elliott made his feelings crystal clear—right in front of the cameras. The finger became an instant meme.
13. The Wrong Winner Celebration – Sonoma (2007)
Zach Catanzareti on Flickr
Jamie McMurray thought he had won and started celebrating, but officials later ruled Juan Pablo Montoya was the actual winner.
14. The Helmet Toss Heard ‘Round the World – Bristol (2012)
Zach Catanzareti on Wikimedia Commons
After being spun out by Matt Kenseth, Tony Stewart hurled his helmet at Kenseth’s car in a rage. It became an iconic replay moment.
15. Ross Chastain’s “Wall Ride” – Martinsville (2022)
Roland Balik on Wikimedia Commons
Chastain floored his car and scraped the wall to slingshot past five cars in the final corner. It was a video game move pulled off in real life.