25 unjust incidents in NASCAR history
25. Denny Hamlin’s 2023 Pocono Disqualification
Hamlin lost his win after NASCAR found a minor tape infraction on his car. Many believed the punishment didn’t fit the “crime.”
24. Bubba Wallace’s 2022 Vegas Suspension
Wallace was suspended a race for retaliating against Kyle Larson. Fans argued other drivers had done worse with no penalty.
23. Joey Logano’s 2018 Martinsville Move
Logano dumped Martin Truex Jr. in the final corner to win. NASCAR called it “hard racing” rather than penalizing him.
22. Chase Elliott’s 2017 Phoenix Incident
Hamlin wrecked Elliott late in the race to steal a playoff berth. NASCAR let Hamlin keep his spot, infuriating fans.
21. Kyle Busch’s 2017 Indy Restart Penalty
Busch was black-flagged for a restart violation no replay confirmed. It took him out of contention for a Brickyard win.
20. Joey Logano’s 2015 Talladega Restart
NASCAR called a restart violation on Logano that fans believed never happened. The decision ended his playoff hopes.
19. Matt Kenseth’s 2015 Kansas Retaliation
Kenseth wrecked Joey Logano after being wrecked himself weeks earlier. NASCAR suspended Kenseth two races, but Logano’s earlier actions went unpunished.
18. Clint Bowyer’s 2013 Richmond “SpinGate”
Bowyer spun out intentionally to help teammate Martin Truex Jr. make the playoffs. NASCAR punished the team later, but the damage was already done.
17. Carl Edwards’ 2011 Talladega Finish
Edwards was forced below the yellow line by Keselowski, but NASCAR refused to penalize. Instead, they stripped Edwards of the win.
16. Jeff Gordon’s 2011 Phoenix Restart Penalty
Gordon was accused of jumping the restart, despite clear video evidence he didn’t. It took him out of contention in the desert.
15. Clint Bowyer’s 2010 New Hampshire Penalty
After Bowyer won, NASCAR penalized him 150 points for an “out-of-spec” car. Richard Childress argued the car had been wreck-damaged and not illegal.
14. David Reutimann’s 2009 Charlotte Caution
Reutimann stayed out under caution in the rain, inheriting a win many felt wasn’t earned. Fans saw it as NASCAR manipulating the race.
13. Robby Gordon’s 2007 Montreal Disqualification
Gordon crossed the finish line first, but NASCAR black-flagged him for ignoring instructions during a caution. He was dropped to the back of the results.
12. Marcos Ambrose’s 2008 Watkins Glen Restart
Ambrose was penalized for jumping the restart, even though video showed he didn’t. It ended his shot at a long-awaited first win.
11. Kyle Busch’s 2008 Richmond Wreck
Busch spun Dale Jr. late in the race, but NASCAR let him keep his finishing spot. Many saw it as blatant favoritism.
10. Carl Edwards’ 2005 Atlanta Black Flag
Edwards was penalized for passing below the yellow line at a track where the rule didn’t even apply. It ruined his chance at back-to-back wins.
9. Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s 2004 Talladega Penalty
After winning, Junior was fined and docked points for saying a curse word in victory lane. The penalty helped decide the championship against him.
8. Sterling Marlin’s 2002 Daytona 500 Penalty
Marlin climbed out of his car under red to fix fender damage, and NASCAR penalized him. The move ended his shot at the biggest win of his career.
7. Terry Labonte’s 1999 Bristol Crash
Labonte was spun by Earnhardt late while leading, costing him the victory. NASCAR let Earnhardt’s win stand despite obvious contact.
6. Jeff Gordon’s 1995 Rockingham Pit Road Penalty
Gordon was penalized for speeding when radar data was inconclusive. The call cost him a potential win in his title season.
5. Dale Earnhardt’s 1991 Busch Clash Penalty
Earnhardt was penalized for passing before the start/finish line on a restart. Even competitors said the call was questionable.
4. Rusty Wallace’s 1990 Sears Point Penalty
Wallace was black-flagged for jumping a restart when replays showed he didn’t. It cost him a likely victory.
3. Tim Richmond’s 1988 Suspension
Richmond was suspended after a drug test many still claim was mishandled. The incident effectively ended his NASCAR career.
2. Darrell Waltrip’s 1983 Daytona 500 Penalty
Waltrip was black-flagged for a supposed pit road violation many say he never committed. The penalty ruined his shot at the win.
1. Wendell Scott’s 1963 Jacksonville Win
Scott won the race fair and square, but NASCAR didn’t declare him the winner until hours later. He was denied the trophy celebration due to racial prejudice.
