Shane van Gisbergen’s dominant NASCAR Cup victory margin in Mexico City last Sunday, June 15, stands as the second-largest in the modern era—falling just short of Kurt Busch’s record-setting win at Texas Motor Speedway in 2009. This result highlights a rare feat in the Cup Series, as van Gisbergen led the field by a wide gap at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, joining an elite group of drivers who have claimed runaway wins since 2000.
The Most Commanding NASCAR Cup Margins Since 2000
In over two decades of NASCAR Cup competition, only a handful of races have finished with one driver so far ahead that the rest barely stood a chance. Each of these wins defined a season with bold racing strategy, exceptional speed, or a mix of both. Here are the top five largest NASCAR Cup win margins of the 21st century, as storied by drivers and teams from Texas to California and beyond.
5. Martin Truex Jr. Asserts Control at Fontana
Martin Truex Jr. took charge at the Auto Club 400, hosted at the famed two-mile oval in Fontana during March 2018, delivering a striking victory margin of 11.685 seconds. After seizing pole position, Truex was relentless across 125 laps led, claiming both stage wins and leveraging sharp pit calls for extra pace. His No. 78 car from Furniture Row Racing pulled away on long green-flag runs, keeping rivals far from contention and proving the value of a flawless setup and careful race management.
4. Tony Stewart’s Fuel Gamble Pays at Kansas
Tony Stewart, a three-time Cup Series champion, showcased experience and bold tactics in the October 2006 Banquet 400 at Kansas Speedway. Despite rolling off 21st on the grid, Stewart stayed on track during a late yellow, gambling on fuel mileage. His Joe Gibbs Racing machine ran dry mere corners from the end, yet Stewart had built a 12.422-second lead—enough to keep Casey Mears and Mark Martin in his rearview through sheer calculated risk and aggressive moves in the closing laps.
3. Jeff Gordon’s Mastery Shines in California
During the May 2004 Auto Club 500 at California Speedway, Jeff Gordon overcame a deep starting position of 16th to win by 12.871 seconds over Jimmie Johnson. Gordon’s steady progress through the field was aided by strategic pit stops, allowing him to lead 81 laps and manage his pace to maintain a safe cushion. Even with pole-sitter Kasey Kahne showing strong early speed, Gordon’s consistency carried the day as he crossed the line well clear of his closest competition.
2. Shane van Gisbergen’s Runaway Debut in Mexico City
Trackhouse Racing’s Shane van Gisbergen delivered an emphatic performance on the road course of Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, piloting the No. 88 Chevrolet to victory in NASCAR’s Cup debut race in Mexico City with a 16.567-second advantage over Christopher Bell. Van Gisbergen, the New Zealand racer, started up front and controlled 60 laps, never letting the field close in as he secured the largest Cup margin in over 15 years in just his first time at the iconic venue.
1. Kurt Busch Makes History at Texas Motor Speedway
Kurt Busch holds the top spot for the most dominant NASCAR Cup win margin since 2000. In the November 2009 Dickies 500 at Texas Motor Speedway, Busch surged to victory with a staggering 25.686-second lead over Denny Hamlin. The 334-lap contest came down to fuel tactics as Kurt’s younger brother, Kyle Busch, led most laps but faltered when his tank ran dry three laps from the finish. Kurt Busch, for Team Penske, stretched his last run to 65 laps, ensuring an insurmountable advantage and finishing with only six cars on the lead lap—an achievement still unmatched in this century.
Why These Margins Still Resonate
Decisive wins, like Shane van Gisbergen’s dominant NASCAR Cup victory margin in Mexico City and Kurt Busch’s Texas triumph, illustrate the blend of speed, skill, and racing smarts needed for such rare blowouts in today’s tightly packed fields. As Cup Series competition grows fiercer, these standout margins serve as milestones that define careers, demonstrate a team’s technical excellence, and keep fans eagerly anticipating the next breakout contender to join this exclusive list.
