What Are the Best NASCAR 2024 Moments: The 2024 NASCAR season was filled with unforgettable moments, exciting wins, and intense drama. From first-time victories to close finishes, it had something for every fan. We saw emotional celebrations, surprising upsets, and memorable rivalries. So, what were the top moments of the year?
Key Highlights
- William Byron’s historic Daytona 500 victory celebrated Hendrick Motorsports’ 40th anniversary and a dramatic finish.
- Brad Keselowski’s first win with RFK Racing ended a 110-race drought, filled with nostalgic excitement.
- Chase Elliott ended a 42-race winless streak at Texas, securing his 19th Cup Series victory.
- Kyle Larson edged Buescher by 0.001 seconds, marking the closest finish in NASCAR history.
- Riley Herbst’s thrilling last-lap pass at Indy showcased young talent and Stewart-Haas Racing’s strong performance.
William Byron’s Daytona 500 Victory
William Byron kicked off his season in style by winning the Daytona 500, one of NASCAR’s biggest races. Often called the “Great American Race,” this event is a fan favorite and a major milestone for any driver. Byron’s win came after a chaotic race that saw an 18-car wreck on lap 192, taking out several top competitors, including former champions. Even though Ford showed strong speed during Speedweeks, Byron’s Hendrick Motorsports team came out on top.
The race, held at the iconic Daytona International Speedway, was notable not only for its intense competition but also for the rain delays that pushed the event to Monday, February 19, 2024. Byron’s triumph came after a dramatic finish where he took the lead during a restart with just four laps remaining, ultimately crossing the finish line just before a caution was called due to a crash involving Ross Chastain and Austin Cindric.
This victory is particularly special as it aligns with the 40th anniversary of Hendrick Motorsports’ debut in NASCAR, making it a celebratory moment for team owner Rick Hendrick. With this win, Byron became the first driver to win the Daytona 500 in his career, adding to his impressive tally of 11 Cup Series victories. The win also ties Hendrick Motorsports with Petty Enterprises for the most victories in the Daytona 500’s history, each team now boasting nine wins in this prestigious race269.
Byron expressed his excitement post-race, reflecting on his journey from sim racing to achieving such a significant milestone. “I’m just a kid from racing on computers and winning the Daytona 500,” he remarked, highlighting the surreal nature of his accomplishment.
Brad Keselowski’s Emotional Darlington Win
Brad Keselowski’s victory at Darlington was a heartfelt moment for him and his fans. It marked his first win with RFK Racing after facing some tough seasons. The excitement was amplified when the theme from Days of Thunder played as he celebrated, adding a nostalgic touch for fans of the classic racing movie.
The 2024 NASCAR season has been marked by thrilling races and emotional moments, notably Brad Keselowski’s victory at Darlington. On May 12, Keselowski, driving the No. 6 Ford Mustang for RFK Racing, secured his first win as an owner/driver in the Goodyear 400, ending a 110-race winless streak. This victory was especially significant as it was his first with the new Ford Mustang Dark Horse model. Keselowski expressed deep gratitude for the team effort that led to this triumph, stating, “It’s just so great to be here in Darlington.”
After a battle with teammates and competitors, he reflected on the emotional weight of winning at such a historic track: “This is a really special track… that battle at the end… it was freaking awesome.”
Chase Elliott’s Long-Awaited Victory
Chase Elliott’s victory at Texas Motor Speedway on April 14, 2024, marked a significant moment in the NASCAR season, ending his 42-race winless streak. This win, his 19th career victory in the NASCAR Cup Series, came during the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 and was particularly meaningful for now seven-time Most Popular Driver.
Elliott started from the 24th position but quickly advanced through the field, taking the lead for the first time on Lap 41. He showcased impressive driving skills, leading 39 laps overall and holding off fierce competition during multiple late-race restarts, including challenges from Denny Hamlin and Ross Chastain. The final laps were intense, with Elliott managing to fend off challengers despite a series of cautions that added to the drama of the race.
This victory not only revitalized Elliott’s season but also underscored Chevrolet’s dominance in NASCAR, as it marked their fourth consecutive win at Texas and contributed to a series-leading total of 18 victories at this track. The event also saw six Team Chevy drivers finishing in the top ten, highlighting the brand’s competitive edge in the ongoing season. Elliott expressed gratitude towards his team and sponsors, emphasizing their support throughout his challenging season.
Nail-Biting Finishes
The 2024 NASCAR season gave fans plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments, including some of the closest finishes in NASCAR history. Races at Kansas, Atlanta, and Homestead stood out for their intense battles to the checkered flag.
The Daytona 500 kicked off the points races on February 19, followed by several exciting events throughout the year, including significant races at Kansas, Atlanta, and Homestead.
The 2024 AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway featured the closest finish in NASCAR history, with Kyle Larson edging Chris Buescher by just 0.001 seconds. This surpassed the previous record of 0.002 seconds set in 2003 between Ricky Craven and Kurt Busch at Darlington.
Eye-Catching Paint Schemes
Fans loved the creative paint schemes this season, which added fun and personality to the races. Kyle Larson’s Kellogg’s throwback car and Bubba Wallace’s Darth Vader-themed ride were some of the most talked-about designs. These cars didn’t just look cool—they honored pop culture and gave fans a new way to connect with their favorite drivers.
Kyle Larson’s Kellogg’s throwback car pays homage to the classic designs of NASCAR’s past, capturing the nostalgia associated with the brand. This design resonates well with fans who appreciate the history of the sport and its iconic sponsors. The throwback theme is a staple in NASCAR, allowing teams to celebrate their heritage while engaging with long-time supporters of the series.
On the other hand, Bubba Wallace’s Darth Vader-themed car stands out for its unique collaboration with Lucasfilm. Designed by Doug Chiang, the executive design director at Lucasfilm, this paint scheme features elements inspired by the Sith Lord, including a striking red lightsaber motif that runs down the side of the car. The design process involved careful consideration to ensure it was visually appealing both at high speeds and when stationary. Wallace’s gear, including a specially designed helmet that mirrors Vader’s iconic look, adds another layer of excitement for fans of both NASCAR and Star Wars
Memorable Races
Several races stood out this season for their excitement and drama. The return of the Food City 500 on Bristol’s concrete surface was a fan favorite, with Denny Hamlin showing his veteran skills to dominate the race. At New Hampshire, rain created unpredictable challenges, leading to unexpected race strategies. The All-Star Race also became a hit, thanks to a heated altercation that sparked memes and laughter among fans. These events gave fans plenty to talk about and made the season unforgettable.
Food City 500 at Bristol: One of the standout events was the Food City 500, held on March 17, 2024, at Bristol Motor Speedway. This race, returning to its traditional concrete surface after several years on dirt, featured Denny Hamlin leading a remarkable 163 laps and ultimately securing victory. The race was characterized by an unprecedented level of competition, with a record 54 lead changes, highlighting the unpredictable nature of short-track racing. Hamlin’s win marked his 52nd career victory..
New Hampshire Race Challenges: At New Hampshire, rain played a pivotal role in shaping race strategies and outcomes. The weather led to unexpected twists, forcing teams to adapt quickly to changing conditions, which added an element of unpredictability that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
All-Star Race Drama: The All-Star Race also captured attention, not just for the racing but for an altercation that sparked widespread discussion and humor among fans. This incident generated numerous memes and highlighted the passionate rivalries within the sport, contributing to the season’s memorable moments
Riley Herbst’s Big Win at Indy
Riley Herbst captured a huge win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, proving that young drivers are ready to take on NASCAR’s best. His success at such a historic track showed his potential and hinted at a shift in the sport, where new talent is starting to challenge veteran drivers. Herbst’s victory was a big step forward for him and a sign of NASCAR’s bright future.
Riley Herbst achieved a significant milestone in the 2024 NASCAR season by winning the Pennzoil 250 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 20, 2024. This victory marked his first win of the season and was particularly notable as it was his first triumph at this iconic venue, often referred to as the “Brickyard”.
During a thrilling race, Herbst executed a daring last-lap maneuver to overtake Aric Almirola, ultimately finishing just 0.167 seconds ahead of his teammate, Cole Custer, who finished second. This victory not only secured Herbst a playoff spot but also continued Stewart-Haas Racing’s momentum following Custer’s win at Pocono the previous week. The race featured intense competition, with Herbst leading for 30 laps and winning Stage 1, while Custer led the most laps at 47.
Herbst expressed immense pride in winning at such a prestigious track, emphasizing its significance in the racing world. He stated, “This is hallowed ground… I won here. I don’t care if it is the Xfinity Series or the Cup Series” . The win was crucial for Stewart-Haas Racing, which announced plans to shut down its NASCAR operations after the season, making this victory even more poignant for the team.
Top Fans and Community Moments
Jeff Burton’s emotional reaction to his son Harrison’s victory at the 2024 Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona was a highlight of the NASCAR season. As Harrison clinched his first Cup Series win, Jeff, calling the race from the booth, rushed down to embrace him. Their heartfelt moment, filled with joy and pride, resonated deeply with fans and showed the strong bond between father and son in the world of racing
“Jeff Burton being able to announce his son’s first win.” – NASCAR Fans’ reaction
Ryan Blaney’s thrilling win at Martinsville captured significant attention as he executed daring maneuvers to overtake competitors. His bold moves during the race not only secured him a crucial victory but also demonstrated his skill and determination on the track. Blaney’s performance was a testament to the excitement and unpredictability that NASCAR fans love about the sport.
“Blaney passing everyone to win martinsville was pretty awesome.” – NASCAR Fans’ reaction
The All-Star Race fight between Kyle Busch and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. became a viral sensation, spawning numerous memes that added humor to the season. This incident highlighted the passionate and sometimes fiery nature of NASCAR rivalries, showing how fan engagement transforms these moments into shared experiences that enhance the community’s love for the sport.
“Stenhouse vs Busch at the All-Star race is top of my list.” – NASCAR Fans’ reaction
News in Brief: What Are the Best NASCAR 2024 Moments
The 2024 NASCAR season delivered thrilling moments from William Byron’s Daytona 500 win to Riley Herbst’s breakthrough at Indy. We witnessed Brad Keselowski’s emotional victory at Darlington, Chase Elliott’s long-awaited triumph, and unforgettable races like the Food City 500 at Bristol. The season also saw creative paint schemes and intense rivalries, adding extra excitement. With memorable performances, unforgettable finishes, and emotional celebrations, the year was one for the books
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