Top 10 Underdogs in NASCAR History

Best Underdogs in NASCAR

Kurt Busch

10. Michael Waltrip

After 462 winless starts, Michael Waltrip finally broke through at the 2001 Daytona 500. His emotional victory became one of the most unforgettable underdog moments in NASCAR history.

9. Derrike Cope

Derrike Cope stunned the racing world by winning the 1990 Daytona 500. He capitalized on Dale Earnhardt’s last-lap tire failure to steal a shocking victory.

8. Trevor Bayne

Trevor Bayne won the 2011 Daytona 500 in just his second Cup Series start. At only 20 years old, he delivered one of the biggest surprises the sport has ever seen.

7. Alan Kulwicki

Alan Kulwicki defeated powerhouse teams to win the 1992 championship as an owner-driver. His precision and determination proved that a small team could beat NASCAR’s giants.

6. Jamie McMurray

Jamie McMurray shocked the sport by winning both the 2010 Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400. He turned an inconsistent career into a season of massive, unexpected victories.

5. Chris Buescher

Chris Buescher earned a surprise win at Pocono in 2016 driving for a small team. The fog-shortened race helped deliver one of the biggest underdog victories of the modern era.

4. Ross Chastain

Ross Chastain climbed from underfunded rides to becoming a playoff contender. His “Hail Melon” move at Martinsville became an instant underdog legend.

3. Ward Burton

Ward Burton captured a surprising win in the 2002 Daytona 500. He outperformed elite teams in a race few expected him to dominate.

2. Furniture Row Racing

Furniture Row Racing rose from a single-car team to champions in 2017. Operating outside NASCAR’s hub, they proved small teams could still reach the top.

1. Kurt Busch (2004 Championship)

Kurt Busch battled inconsistency and controversy throughout the 2004 season. Despite the chaos, he emerged as champion in one of NASCAR’s most unlikely title runs.