The Daytona 500 is more than just a race; it’s a tapestry of unforgettable moments that have captivated fans and shaped the history of NASCAR. From thrilling last-lap battles to shocking upsets, each race has its own unique story.
This listicle delves into some of the most iconic moments in Daytona 500 history, highlighting the drama, excitement, and legacy that make this event a cornerstone of American motorsport.
15. David Pearson’s Crash and Dash (1976)
David Pearson secured a dramatic victory in the 1976 Daytona 500 after a last-lap collision with Richard Petty. Both cars spun out, but Pearson managed to restart his engine and limp across the finish line at just 30 mph, clinching his only Daytona 500 win in an unforgettable display of determination.
14. Austin Dillon’s Last-Lap Pass (2018)
Austin Dillon secured a thrilling victory in the 2018 Daytona 500 with a bold last-lap move. On the final turn, Dillon made contact with leader Aric Almirola, sending him spinning while Dillon surged ahead to claim the checkered flag. This dramatic finish marked the return of the iconic No. 3 car to Victory Lane at Daytona, 20 years after Dale Earnhardt’s historic win.
13. Denny Hamlin’s Closest Finish in History (2016)
Denny Hamlin secured Toyota’s first Daytona 500 victory in 2016 with a thrilling photo finish. He edged out Martin Truex Jr. by a mere 0.010 seconds, marking the closest finish in the race’s 58-year history. Hamlin’s last-lap charge from fourth place showcased his skill and determination, cementing this win as one of the most dramatic in Daytona 500 lore.=
12. Michael Waltrip’s Win Overshadowed by Tragedy (2001)
Michael Waltrip’s first NASCAR Cup Series victory came after 462 winless starts, a record at the time. However, his triumph was marred by the tragic death of his team owner and friend, Dale Earnhardt Sr., in a last-lap crash. This bittersweet victory remains one of the most poignant moments in NASCAR history.
11. Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Emotional Victory (2004)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. secured his first Daytona 500 win in 2004, exactly six years after his father’s victory. Holding off Tony Stewart in the final laps, Junior’s triumph was a poignant moment, honoring his late father’s legacy and solidifying his own place in NASCAR history.
10. Kevin Harvick’s Photo Finish (2007)
Kevin Harvick snatched victory from Mark Martin by a mere 0.02 seconds in a thrilling last-lap surge. Harvick’s daring high-line move propelled him from fifth to first, culminating in the closest recorded finish in Daytona 500 history at the time. The dramatic win was Harvick’s first in NASCAR’s premier event.
9. Derrike Cope’s Last-Lap Miracle (1990)
Derrike Cope pulled off one of NASCAR’s biggest upsets when Dale Earnhardt’s tire blew on the final lap. Cope, who had never finished higher than sixth, seized the opportunity and claimed an improbable victory. This Cinderella story remains one of the most shocking outcomes in Daytona 500 history.
8. Trevor Bayne’s Rookie Sensation (2011)
In a stunning upset, 20-year-old Trevor Bayne became the youngest Daytona 500 winner in history. Just one day after his birthday, Bayne, in only his second Cup Series start, piloted the Wood Brothers’ No. 21 Ford to victory lane, shocking the NASCAR world and etching his name in the record books.
7. The Yarborough-Allison Brawl (1979)
The 1979 Daytona 500 became legendary when Cale Yarborough and Donnie Allison crashed on the final lap, allowing Richard Petty to win. The real drama unfolded post-race as Yarborough and the Allison brothers engaged in a fistfight on live TV, catapulting NASCAR into the national spotlight and marking a pivotal moment in the sport’s history.
6. Richard Petty’s 200th Career Win (1984)
Richard Petty achieved his historic 200th NASCAR win at the 1984 Firecracker 400 at Daytona. The race was attended by President Ronald Reagan, adding to its significance. Petty narrowly edged out Cale Yarborough in a thrilling finish, securing his final career victory on Independence Day. This milestone win cemented Petty’s status as “The King” of NASCAR.
5. Tiny Lund’s Cinderella Story (1963)
Tiny Lund, a last-minute substitute for injured Marvin Panch, won the 1963 Daytona 500 in dramatic fashion. Lund, who had rescued Panch from a burning car days earlier, used a fuel-saving strategy to outlast favorites Fred Lorenzen and Ned Jarrett. His victory on fumes became known as NASCAR’s “Cinderella” story.
4. Mario Andretti’s Surprise Win (1967)
In 1967, open-wheel racing star Mario Andretti shocked the NASCAR world by winning the Daytona 500 in his first attempt. Driving for Holman-Moody, Andretti led 112 of 200 laps, outdueling teammate Fred Lorenzen to become the first foreign-born driver to win NASCAR’s premier event.
3. Dale Earnhardt’s Long-Awaited Triumph (1998)
After 19 unsuccessful attempts, Dale Earnhardt finally clinched his first and only Daytona 500 victory in 1998. The win ended a 59-race winless streak and cemented Earnhardt’s legacy. The race was the second-fastest Daytona 500 ever, with only three cautions. Earnhardt’s emotional victory lane celebration became an iconic NASCAR moment.
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2. The Allison Family Affair (1988)
Bobby Allison, at 50, clinched his final NASCAR victory in the 1988 Daytona 500, narrowly beating his son Davey. This historic father-son 1-2 finish marked the first Daytona 500 with restrictor plates. Tragically, Bobby lost memory of this triumph due to a later crash, adding poignancy to this remarkable family moment in NASCAR history.
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1. Lee Petty’s Photo Finish Victory (1959)
The inaugural Daytona 500 ended in controversy when Lee Petty and Johnny Beauchamp crossed the finish line side-by-side. Initially declared the winner, Beauchamp celebrated in Victory Lane. However, after three days of reviewing photographic evidence, NASCAR officially awarded the win to Petty, setting a precedent for photo finishes in racing history.
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