The Greatest NASCAR Cup Series Finishes of All Time
March 31, 2025
For over 75 years, NASCAR has delivered heart-pounding action, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable moments that leave fans on the edge of their seats.
Few things match the intensity of a race where every turn, every draft, and every last-second push matters. When the checkered flag waves, only one driver claims victory — but it’s the battles leading up to that moment that make NASCAR legendary. Here’s our ranking of the greatest finishes in NASCAR Cup Series history, counting down to number one.
7. 1976 Daytona 500 – Pearson vs. Petty
NASCAR doesn’t get more iconic than Richard Petty and David Pearson. The two legends put on a show for the ages at the 1976 Daytona 500, trading leads in the final lap before both cars made contact and crashed just shy of the finish line. While Petty’s engine stalled, Pearson miraculously kept his battered Mercury rolling to take one of the wildest wins in Daytona history.
6. 1979 Daytona 500 – The Fight That Started It All
The first live flag-to-flag broadcast of the Daytona 500 gave fans a race they’d never forget. Donnie Allison and Cale Yarborough were locked in a battle for the win when they collided on the final lap, sending both cars into the infield. Richard Petty snuck past to take the victory, but it was the post-race brawl between Yarborough and the Allison brothers that cemented this finish as one of NASCAR’s most unforgettable moments.
5. 2003 Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 – Ricky Craven by Inches
In a finish that still gives fans chills, Ricky Craven and Kurt Busch delivered the closest finish in modern NASCAR history at Darlington Raceway. Trading paint and leaning on each other all the way to the checkered flag, Craven edged out Busch by just 0.002 seconds — one of the narrowest margins ever recorded in NASCAR.
4. 2007 Daytona 500 – Harvick Steals It
With Mark Martin seemingly set to claim his first Daytona 500 win, Kevin Harvick had other plans. Coming out of Turn 4, Harvick surged past Martin in a last-ditch effort, narrowly winning in a dramatic finish that saw a massive crash erupt behind them. It was one of the most chaotic and thrilling endings to the Great American Race.
3. 2011 Aaron’s 499 – Jimmie Johnson by a Hair
Jimmie Johnson’s victory at Talladega in 2011 came by the slimmest of margins — just 0.002 seconds over Clint Bowyer. In a classic superspeedway draft-fest, Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. worked together perfectly, timing the final push just right to take the victory. It was a textbook example of teamwork and split-second decision-making at nearly 200 mph.
2. 2022 Daytona 500 – Austin Cindric’s Last-Second Block
The 2022 Daytona 500 saw a thrilling finish as rookie Austin Cindric held off Bubba Wallace in a wild final-lap battle. With a perfectly timed block and some daring moves, Cindric claimed his first Cup Series victory in NASCAR’s biggest race, proving that sometimes, guts and instinct are all it takes to cross the line first.
1. 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Championship – Ryan Blaney Seals the Deal
Ryan Blaney’s 2023 Cup Series Championship win was one for the ages. Holding off some of the toughest competition in the sport, Blaney showcased his skill and determination in the final stretch at Phoenix Raceway. His ability to stay calm under pressure and execute flawless late-race strategy secured his first championship, cementing his place among NASCAR’s elite. As a Black Buffalo brand ambassador, Blaney’s victory was more than just a win — it was a testament to grit, perseverance, and dedication to the craft.
Why We Love a Photo Finish
NASCAR has always been about more than just speed — it’s about determination, strategy, and the pure thrill of competition. These finishes remind us why we watch, why we cheer, and why we keep coming back for more. Just like the drivers who push their limits on the track, at Black Buffalo, we believe in grit, passion, and doing things the right way — no shortcuts, no compromises.
For those who live for the thrill, whether it’s behind the wheel or in the stands, we see you. Keep chasing that checkered flag.
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