Top 15 NASCAR Races Every Fan Should Watch (At Least Once)

15. 2022 AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 500 (Texas)

Tyler Reddick gets his third win, but the race was known for its chaos with tire failures, playoff drama, and heat tempers. A recent example of unpredictable modern racing.

14. 2011 Ford 400 (Homestead)

One of the most entertaining NASCAR finales ever, where Tony Stewart squared up against Carl Edwards. A tie in points. Stewart wins the race and the title in one of the greatest clutch performances ever.

13. 1979 Daytona 500

The first nationally televised NASCAR race — and it ends with a fistfight featuring Cale Yarborough and the Alison brothers. This race made NASCAR mainstream.

12. 2000 Winston 500 (Talladega)

Dale Earnhardt’s final win — from 18th to 1st in four laps. Vintage “Intimidator” magic in the draft. A race every Dale Sr. fan should never miss.

11. 2020 Daytona 500

Denny Hamlin wins in a photo finish, but the race is remembered for Ryan Newman’s terrifying crash — and miraculous survival.

10. 1992 Hooters 500 (Atlanta)

One of the most packed and unpredictable last races of the season ever. Richard Petty retires, Jeff Gordon debuts, and six drivers enter with a shot at the title. Alan Kulwicki wins the championship with a bold strategy.

9. 2003 Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 (Darlington)

The iconic Ricky Craven vs. Kurt Busch finish — separated by just 0.002 seconds. One of the closest and most exciting endings ever.

8. 2018 Roval 400 (Charlotte)

The Roval’s chaotic debut — with late crashes, revenge bumping, and a shocking finish. Modern NASCAR chaos at its best.

7. 2001 Pepsi 400 (Daytona)

Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins just months after his father’s death — an emotional, unforgettable night under the lights. The perfect way to pay tributes to the greatest driver ever to race in the sport.

6. 1994 Brickyard 400

NASCAR's first race at Indy. Jeff Gordon becomes a legend, and stock cars conquer the home of open-wheel racing. This single event was enough to make it a Crown Jewel race.

5. 2007 Daytona 500

Kevin Harvick vs. Mark Martin in a dramatic photo finish. Martin’s heartbreak, Harvick’s charge — a true Daytona classic.

4. 2014 AAA Texas 500

Jeff Gordon vs. Brad Keselowski vs. Kevin Harvick. A race that had everything; a post-race brawl and mid-race aggression — playoff pressure explodes.

3. 2011 Aaron’s 499 (Talladega)

Two-car tandems, constant lead changes, and Jimmie Johnson wins by 0.002 seconds. Peak restrictor plate madness.

2. 2023 Grant Park 220 (Chicago Street Race)

NASCAR hits the streets for the first time — and a debut winner in Shane van Gisbergen shocks the Cup Series. The one race helped the Kiwi Supercar champion to start a new chapter of his racing career with a move to NASCAR as a full-time driver with the help of Trackhouse Racing.

1. 2015 Goody's Fast Relief 500 (Martinsville)

Jeff Gordon gets his final win in dramatic fashion, securing a shot at one last championship. The crowd reaction is goosebump-inducing.