NASCAR’s Wildest “Win or Bust” Moments: When Drivers Cross the Line
NASCAR has long been known for its aggressive, full-contact racing, where drivers have more freedom to battle than in most other motorsports. However, there are times when some push the limits too far, sparking backlash from fans, competitors, and even NASCAR itself.
With controversy still swirling around last weekend’s Xfinity Series finish, let’s revisit some of the most infamous incidents where drivers prioritized winning over everything else—even sportsmanship. This isn’t about simple mistakes or hard racing gone wrong, but rather the most blatant cases of taking things too far in the pursuit of victory.
Austin Dillon at Richmond (2023)
Dillon was on the verge of victory when a late-race caution changed everything. On the final lap, he dove aggressively into Turn 3, spinning Joey Logano out of contention. But he didn’t stop there—Dillon then turned Denny Hamlin into the wall as well, securing the win. NASCAR let the victory stand but ultimately disqualified Dillon from the 2024 playoffs.
Carl Edwards vs. Brad Keselowski (2011, Gateway Xfinity Race)
Edwards and Keselowski had a heated rivalry, and it boiled over at Gateway. After Keselowski nudged Edwards aside for the lead, Edwards retaliated by turning him into the outside wall at high speed. Keselowski’s car spun back across the track into oncoming traffic, leading to a dangerous wreck. The aftermath was so intense that Brad’s father, Bob Keselowski, threatened to take matters into his own hands.
Ty Gibbs vs. Brandon Jones (2022, Martinsville Xfinity Race)
Gibbs, already locked into the Championship 4, wasn’t content to let teammate Brandon Jones win his way in. Instead, he drove through Jones from behind, wrecking him to take the win. Fans booed loudly, and NBC analyst Steve Letarte criticized Gibbs, saying, “It doesn’t take much of a race car driver to run another guy over from behind.”
John Hunter Nemechek vs. Cole Custer (2016, NASCAR Trucks at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park)
This race saw one of the most chaotic finishes in Truck Series history. In the final corner, Nemechek rammed into Custer’s truck, forcing him toward the wall. As they neared the finish line, Nemechek refused to back off, slamming Custer sideways and across the grass before taking the win. A post-race scuffle ensued, with Custer tackling Nemechek as he tried to claim the checkered flag.
Joey Logano vs. Denny Hamlin (2013, Fontana Cup Race)
Following a feud at Bristol, Logano and Hamlin found themselves battling for the win at Fontana. As Hamlin gained the advantage in the final corners, Logano made hard contact, causing both to lose momentum. Kyle Busch capitalized, passing them for the victory. But the drama wasn’t over—Hamlin crashed hard into the inside wall, suffering a compression fracture in his back.
Ross Chastain vs. Kyle Larson (2023, Darlington Cup Race)
Chastain’s aggressive driving made him a polarizing figure, and his feud with Larson reached its peak at Darlington. After Larson nudged Chastain into the wall under caution, Chastain retaliated on the restart, deliberately running Larson into the barrier. However, his move backfired—he wrecked himself in the process, and both drivers were taken out of the race. NASCAR legend Bill Elliott summed it up bluntly: “Children. Put them into the sandbox together and they can’t play.”
Dale Earnhardt vs. Terry Labonte (1999, Bristol Cup Race)
Earnhardt earned his “Intimidator” nickname by making life difficult for anyone between him and a win. At Bristol, Labonte took the lead with one lap to go, only for Earnhardt to drive straight into the back of his car, sending him spinning. The crowd booed as Earnhardt took the win, later defending his actions by saying, “I didn’t mean to wreck him, I just wanted to rattle his cage a little bit.”
These are just a few of NASCAR’s most controversial finishes, with many of the offenders escaping penalties despite their actions. Now, we want to hear from you—what are your most memorable “win at all costs” moments in NASCAR history? And should NASCAR take action against Sammy Smith for his role in the latest Xfinity Series incident?
