The world of NASCAR has seen more than 200 drivers celebrate victory in the Cup Series, but just 144 went on to win twice or more. That leaves a striking group of 62 competitors with only a single win—a distinctive feat, especially for some well-known figures. This spotlight on NASCAR drivers with one win uncovers both moments of triumph and the complex stories behind them.
One-Time Winners and Their Lasting Impact
Throughout NASCAR Cup Series history, accumulating even one points-paying victory represents a hard-fought achievement. Each of the 206 winners has their own story, but only a select group repeated the feat. For the remaining 62, their lone win stands out as both a career highlight and a symbol of racing unpredictability. While many names disappeared from the limelight after their victory, a handful made an enduring impact or achieved the seemingly impossible in remarkable ways.
Wendell Scott: Breaking Barriers with Grit
Among NASCAR drivers with one win, Wendell Scott stands as a historic trailblazer. Achieving his only Cup victory at Jacksonville in 1964, Scott became the first African American to win at NASCAR’s top level—a milestone not equaled for decades, until Bubba Wallace’s breakthrough in more recent years. Enshrined in the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Scott’s triumph is celebrated as a turning point for diversity in the sport.
What elevates Scott’s achievement is not just the historical significance, but the adversity he overcame. As an owner-driver, Scott lacked a full professional crew and the resources that others had at their disposal. He often acted as his own pit crew, handling refueling, tire changes, and necessary repairs all by himself during races. Despite these formidable challenges, Scott defied the odds and secured a permanent spot among the greatest figures in NASCAR, demonstrating unyielding perseverance and skill.
Trevor Bayne: Youthful Breakthrough at Daytona
Trevor Bayne burst onto the NASCAR scene in dramatic fashion, winning the prestigious Daytona 500 in 2011 at age 20—his second-ever Cup start. He showed impressive speed throughout the race, keeping pace with established leaders. When David Ragan was penalized for a restart late in the event, Bayne found himself unexpectedly in the lead on the final lap.
Stunning both fans and competitors, Bayne managed to hold his position and secure the victory, capturing national attention and sparking hopes of a bright future. Despite his promise and 187 further Cup Series starts, Bayne never returned to victory lane, making his Daytona triumph both memorable and poignant for its unique place in his career.
Casey Mears: Endurance Rewarded at the Coca-Cola 600
Casey Mears competed full-time for 14 seasons and racked up nearly 500 starts in the Cup Series, twice finishing among the top-15 in season points. Yet, the win column remained elusive save for a single occasion—the 2007 Coca-Cola 600. Mears played a strategic race, running with the leaders and managing his fuel cleverly over a long green-flag stretch, which allowed him to cross the finish line first. His lone victory is a testament to the endurance and tactical acumen required even for first-timers in victory lane.
Justin Haley: Capitalizing on Chaos for a Daytona Surprise
Justin Haley claimed what is often called the luckiest win in Cup Series history. Racing deep in the field during the 2019 Daytona 500, Haley witnessed a crash in front of him, followed by a caution as rain threatened. While others chose to pit, Haley stayed out, gambling on the rapidly approaching bad weather. NASCAR officials soon called the race early due to a thunderstorm, and with Haley leading, he was declared the winner. He has started 177 races since, but that inaugural win remains his only taste of Cup success to date.
Mario Andretti: IndyCar Legend’s Singular Stock Car Triumph
While some open-wheel legends like A.J. Foyt and Parnelli Jones found multiple successes on NASCAR tracks, none arrive with the same cross-disciplinary fame as Mario Andretti. The versatile racer entered just 14 NASCAR Cup events, yet he made one count spectacularly—winning the 1967 Daytona 500. For countless drivers, Daytona glory is a crowning achievement. For Andretti, however, the win was one highlight in a career defined by championships and major victories across motorsport, including IndyCar. Nevertheless, Andretti’s single NASCAR win remains a celebrated chapter in the sport’s history.
The Enduring Allure of a Single Win
While many NASCAR careers are defined by numerous victories, these stories show that a driver’s legacy can rest on a single, unforgettable moment. Each of these NASCAR drivers with one win not only claimed a place in racing history, but also demonstrated the sport’s unpredictability and enduring appeal. Their unique journeys—from overcoming adversity to seizing opportunity—continue to inspire fans and underscore NASCAR’s rich tradition of unexpected triumphs.
