18 Wildest Crashes in NASCAR History (That Everyone Remembers)
NASCAR is known for its high-speed racing, which results in some spectacular crashes that fans will never forget. From cars flying through the air to pileups involving over a dozen drivers, these incidents have become part of racing history.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
NASCAR racing has always provided excitement, drama, and danger on the track, and some crashes are simply too spectacular to forget. In this article, we look back at 18 of the most insane and memorable wrecks in NASCAR history. Each moment stunned the fans, jolted the sport, and demonstrated how intense stock car racing can be. These legendary crashes continue to define NASCAR’s thrilling, albeit sometimes terrifying, legacy.
1. Dale Earnhardt, 2001 Daytona 500
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This crash is among the most heartbreaking in NASCAR history. Dale Earnhardt’s car collided with the wall on the final lap, ending his life and shaking the racing world. It changed the sport forever, resulting in stricter safety regulations.
2. Ricky Craven and Kurt Busch, Darlington 2003
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While not a major crash, their final lap contact was wild, resulting in one of the closest finishes ever. The two drivers rubbed fenders and nearly collided, but they both held on. It’s a crash dance that fans still perform today.
3. Michael Waltrip – Bristol 1990
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Waltrip’s car collided with an opening in the wall and exploded into pieces. Miraculously, he walked away unharmed, leaving fans stunned. It is still one of the most violent-looking crashes ever seen.
4. Carl Edwards – Talladega In 2009
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Edwards lost control and collided with a catch fence near the finish line. The crash injured several fans and was absolutely terrifying. It also resulted in further improvements in fence design and safety.
5. The Big One, Talladega 2002
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A 24-car pileup early in the race caused headlines; the accident resembled a demolition derby, with cars spinning, flipping, and crashing into one another. Talladega is well-known for its chaotic nature.
6. Austin Dillon – Daytona 2015
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Dillon’s car flew into the catch fence at over 190 mph. Fans and drivers held their breath as the accident appeared fatal, but he walked away with only bruises. It was a stark reminder of how dangerous racing still is.
7. Rusty Wallace – Talladega 1993
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Wallace flipped end-over-end several times after being hit from behind. The car was ripped apart, but he escaped with minor injuries. The crash has been replayed for decades.
8. Brad Keselowski and Carl Edwards, Talladega In 2009
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Edwards attempted to block Keselowski but went airborne and collided with the fence. The crash resembled a scene from a movie—dramatic, dangerous, and memorable.
9. Jeff Gordon – Daytona 2008
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Gordon was involved in a multi-car collision that sent his vehicle sliding and crashing violently. Several top drivers were involved in the crash. The high speeds at Daytona once again showed no mercy.
10. Clint Bowyer - Daytona 2012
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Bowyer flipped and spun across the finish line on his roof. It was wild to watch, but he still finished the race. Moments like this are pure NASCAR craziness.
11. Ryan Newman – Daytona 2020
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During the final lap, Newman’s car flipped and was struck mid-air. The entire racing world froze as safety crews rushed in. He survived and surprised everyone with his recovery.
12. Tony Stewart – Daytona 2012
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A last-lap wreck involved nearly the entire field, but Stewart emerged victorious. Cars were piled on top of one another, and smoke filled the atmosphere. It was one of Daytona’s most thrilling finishes ever.
13. Mark Martin – Michigan 1994
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Martin hit an opening in the pit road wall and nearly passed through it. It was a strange and scary moment that resulted in track design changes. Fans could not believe he had walked away.
14. Jimmie Johnson, Watkins Glen 2000.
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Johnson lost his brakes entering a corner and collided with a wall head-on. The impact was hard, but he climbed out and continued racing. This incident demonstrated the power of NASCAR’s safety technology.
15. Steve Park – Darlington 2001
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Park was hit while being cautious and collided heavily with the wall. He suffered a serious brain injury, which ended his season. It reminded everyone that even low-speed crashes can be dangerous.
16. Kyle Larson – Daytona 2013 Nationwide Series
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Larson’s car collided with the fence, and the entire engine broke off and landed near the stands. Debris flew into the crowd, causing several injuries. It was a terrifying wake-up call for NASCAR.
17. Geoffrey Bodine, Daytona Truck Series 2000.
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Bodine’s truck flipped wildly and caught fire. Everyone expected the worst, but he survived with injuries. The crash resembled something out of a movie.
18. Joey Logano – Talladega 2021
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Logano’s car became airborne and flipped after being caught in a chain reaction. The roof almost caved in, and fans were concerned for his safety. Following that, he requested that NASCAR conduct a safety review of the car.