Top 10 redemption arcs in NASACR History

Best redemption arcs in NASACR History

Martin Truex Jr.

10. Kyle Busch (2015 Comeback to Champion)

Broke his leg in the Xfinity crash at Daytona… then returned mid-season and won the Cup championship the same year. One of the greatest comebacks ever.

9. Martin Truex Jr. (Career Saved After Loss & Setbacks)

After losing his ride at MWR and enduring personal heartbreak, Truex rebuilt everything and became a Cup champion in 2017.

8. Kurt Busch (From Suspension to Veteran Leader)

Went from being suspended and labeled “unmanageable” to becoming a respected veteran, winning races for multiple teams.

7. Kyle Larson (2020 Suspension to 2021 Dominance)

Suspended and out of NASCAR entirely… returns with Hendrick and delivers one of the most dominant seasons in modern history.

6. Jimmie Johnson (2016 Title After a Slump)

Everyone said he was done. He came back, won his 7th title, and tied the all-time record.

5. Tony Stewart (2011 Miracle Championship Run)

Winless entering the playoffs… then won 5 of 10 races and tied for the championship, winning the tiebreaker in the most improbable run ever.

4. Dale Earnhardt Jr. (From Career Crisis to Fan Hero)

After years of poor results, crashes, and switching teams, Junior rebuilt his confidence with Hendrick and became a perennial winner again.

3. Chase Elliott (2020 Playoff Clutch Comeback)

Entered the playoffs inconsistent… then won three straight elimination races, including Phoenix, for his first championship.

2. Ryan Newman (2014 Underdog Title Run)

With no wins, limited resources, and being consistently doubted, Newman nearly shocked the world — finishing one point from a championship.

1. Alan Kulwicki (1992 Independent Champion)

The ultimate redemption. Underdog. Undermanned. Undervalued. Built his own team, beat NASCAR’s giants, and won the 1992 title in one of the sport’s greatest stories ever.