Top 25 Heartbreaking Losses in NASCAR History

25. Kevin Harvick – 2020 Martinsville

Missed the Championship 4 by one point after spinning on the last lap trying to pass Kyle Busch.

24. Dale Earnhardt – 1990 Daytona 500

Dominated all day, only to blow a tire with less than two laps to go, handing Derrike Cope a shocking win.

23. Mark Martin – 2007 Daytona 500

Led off Turn 4 on the final lap, but Kevin Harvick beat him by inches in a photo finish.

22. Jimmie Johnson – 2004 Pocono

Blew a tire while leading on the final lap, allowing Kurt Busch to steal the win.

21. Kyle Larson – 2016 Chicagoland

Looked set to grab his first career win before Martin Truex Jr. passed him in the closing laps.

20. Ricky Craven – 1997 Texas

Had his first career win locked up until he blew an engine just laps from the finish.

19. Denny Hamlin – 2010 Phoenix

Dominated and looked ready to clinch the title before a late fuel strategy mistake cost him the championship lead.

18. Tony Stewart – 2001 Daytona 500

Overheated while running strong, forcing him out of the race that Dale Earnhardt tragically won.

17. Kyle Busch – 2007 Dover

Led late, only for his engine to expire under caution, giving Martin Truex Jr. his first win.

16. Ryan Blaney – 2020 Daytona 500

Pushed Ryan Newman to the lead, then tried to pass, resulting in the infamous Newman crash and Denny Hamlin’s victory.

15. Jeff Gordon – 2007 Phoenix

Looked set to extend his points lead but lost track position late, opening the door for Jimmie Johnson’s title run.

14. Alan Kulwicki – 1989 Daytona 500

So close to his first big win, only to fall short in the closing laps.

13. Tim Richmond – 1986 Daytona 500

Dominated much of the race but was denied victory due to pit strategy and bad luck.

12. Chase Elliott – 2017 Dover

Led 138 laps and looked poised for his first win until Kyle Busch passed him with two laps to go.

11. Dale Earnhardt Jr. – 2004 Daytona 500 (Summer)

Had the lead late but got tangled, losing what could’ve been a sweep of Daytona.

10. Carl Edwards – 2016 Homestead

Was in position to win the championship until a late restart crash destroyed his hopes.

9. Mark Martin – 1994 Daytona 500

Another near-miss in a crown jewel race, Martin finished just short despite a dominant car.

8. Kyle Larson – 2017 Auto Club Speedway

Had the race in control but ran out of fuel with two laps to go.

7. Jeff Gordon – 2015 Martinsville

Led late in his final full-time season but was taken out, ending his title dream.

6. Dale Earnhardt – 1979 Daytona 500

Had a chance to win in his rookie year but came up just short.

5. Rusty Wallace – 1989 Daytona 500

Got spun in a massive last-lap crash, costing him NASCAR’s biggest race.

4. Denny Hamlin – 2014 Phoenix

Hamlin entered Phoenix in position to make the Championship 4, but his car faded badly on long runs. A 13th-place finish left him short on points, ending one of his best title chances.

3. Sterling Marlin – 2002 Daytona 500

Took the lead but got penalized for climbing out of his car under red flag conditions, costing him the win.

2. Carl Edwards – 2011 Homestead

Tied Tony Stewart in points for the championship, only to lose the title on a wins tiebreaker.

1. Mark Martin – 1990 Championship

Docked points for a minor engine spacer violation, ultimately losing the Cup title to Dale Earnhardt by just 26 points.