10 most “undeserving” NASCAR race wins ever

10 most "undeserving" NASCAR race wins

Kyle Busch

10. Kyle Busch – 2009 Firecracker 400 at Daytona

Busch took the win after a chaotic last-lap crash triggered by Tony Stewart, wiping out several contenders. Many fans felt it was more about survival than skill, making the win feel lucky instead of earned.

9. Jeff Gordon – 1994 Firecracker 400 at Daytona

Gordon led only the final lap to steal victory in dramatic fashion. While strategic, fans argued it was an opportunistic win rather than one built on dominance.

8. Bill Elliott – 1983 Daytona 500

Elliott’s win came amid questionable caution timing and pit sequence confusion that changed the race’s outcome. It left many feeling the victory was decided by NASCAR officials, not the racetrack.

7. Tony Stewart – 2001 Coke Zero 400 at Daytona

Stewart’s aggressive tactics — including diving below the yellow line — led to post-race penalties but the result stood. Many felt his actions violated the spirit of fair competition, tainting the win’s credibility.

6. Denny Hamlin – 2020 Daytona 500

Hamlin’s win came after a huge last-lap crash that flipped Ryan Newman across the line. The emotional aftermath overshadowed the victory, with many calling it a hollow win.

5. Rusty Wallace – 1989 The Winston All-Star Race

Wallace spun out Darrell Waltrip on the final lap to claim the big-money exhibition. Fans booed him heavily, calling it a dirty move that stole the win rather than earned it.

4. Kevin Harvick – 2011 Coca-Cola 600

Harvick won after Dale Earnhardt Jr. ran out of fuel just seconds before the finish line. It was a heartbreaking loss for Junior Nation, and fans said Harvick “backed into” the win.

3. Joey Logano – 2015 Talladega Chase Race

Logano’s win came after a controversial green–white–checkered restart that ended under caution. Many believed NASCAR manipulated the finish to favor Logano’s playoff position.

2. Richard Petty – 1983 Miller High Life 500 at Charlotte

Petty’s car failed post-race inspection for an oversized engine and swapped tires, but NASCAR still let the victory stand. Even fans of “The King” admitted it felt undeserved.

1. Michael Waltrip – 2013 Richmond “Spin-Gate” Race

Clint Bowyer, driving for Waltrip’s team, spun intentionally to help teammate Martin Truex Jr. make the playoffs. NASCAR later caught the manipulation and penalized the team, cementing this as one of the most tainted wins ever.