10 Times NASCAR Drivers Lost a Race in the Dumbest Ways

10. Joey Logano – Celebrates Too Hard, Too Soon (2014 Bristol)

After crossing the line to win his heat race, Logano did a massive burnout — but didn’t realize there was another lap to go in the qualifying segment. The confusion drew laughter and disbelief, proving even top drivers can forget where they are

9. Jimmie Johnson – Spins Himself Out on Final Lap (2018 Charlotte Roval)

Trying to pass Martin Truex Jr. for the win, Johnson overdrove Turn 17 and spun — taking both of them out. Ryan Blaney sneaked by for the victory, while Johnson missed the playoffs. It was an instant classic in NASCAR “what were you thinking” moments.

8. Carl Edwards – “Do or Die” Block Gone Wrong (2009 Talladega)

Edwards tried to block Brad Keselowski for the win, but instead caused a terrifying last-lap wreck that launched his car into the catchfence. He climbed out and jogged to the finish line — but the race (and dignity) were long gone.

7. Kyle Larson – Crashes During Burnout (2019 All-Star Open)

After winning a stage to advance into the All-Star Race, Larson spun into the wall during his victory burnout — damaging his car before the main event. He still raced, but the incident became a classic “NASCAR facepalm” moment.

6. Denny Hamlin – Misses Pit Road Under Green (2010 Richmond)

Hamlin dominated the race, but with 10 laps to go, he blew past pit road by mistake. The team’s panic call and awkward re-entry cost him the win — a mental error that even his crew chief called “unbelievable.”

5. Ricky Craven – Celebrates… and Almost Loses (2003 Darlington)

Craven’s photo-finish win over Kurt Busch was legendary — but fun fact: he nearly blew it by lifting off the gas too early. Had Busch had one more foot, Craven’s “dumb win” could’ve become one of NASCAR’s dumbest losses.

4. Kyle Busch – Runs Out of Fuel at New Hampshire (2009)

With the white flag waving, Busch looked set to win — until his Toyota sputtered out of gas in Turn 3. The team’s fuel miscalculation handed Joey Logano his first career win… while Busch coasted across the line, fuming.

3. Mark Martin – Celebrates Too Early (2002 All-Star Race)

Leading on the final lap, Martin eased up just before the finish line, thinking he’d won. Ryan Newman stormed past to steal the victory — and Martin’s premature celebration became an instant meme before memes even existed.

2. Denny Hamlin – The Pit Road Cone Incident (2008 Martinsville)

Hamlin led late and dove onto pit road — but missed the entry, hitting the orange pit road cone and drawing a penalty. What looked like a surefire win became a comedy of errors, as Hamlin’s race collapsed from a simple directional mistake.

1. Dale Earnhardt – The Daytona 500 Tire Blowout (1990)

After dominating the 1990 Daytona 500 and leading 155 laps, Earnhardt blew a tire on the final lap — less than two miles from victory. Derrike Cope slipped by for a stunning upset, and “The Intimidator” was left with one of the cruelest heartbreaks in NASCAR history.