The 20 Most Spectacular Crashes in NASCAR History (With Video)

Elliott PohnlJul 26, 2010

Since the early days of NASCAR, hundreds of wrecks have fueled efforts to protect drivers, crew members, and fans from the inevitable dangers of the world's fastest sport.

Regardless of safety innovations, fans will continue to delight in the spectacular and mourn the tragic in the wake of crashes throughout the circuits.

Let's take a look at 20 of the most memorable crashes in NASCAR's history:

No. 20: Michael McDowell, Samsung 500 Qualifying Run, 2008

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During qualifying for the 2008 Samsung 500 at the Texas Motor Speedway, Michael McDowell lost control and slammed into a barrier in turn one.

Amazingly, the rookie driver walked away from the wreck.

No. 19: Michael Waltrip, Bristol, 1990

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Accidents happen, but a simple oversight caused an amazing wreck during the 1990 Budweiser 250.

Michael Waltrip’s Pontiac brushed the wall in turn two, pushing open the gate used to access the track’s infield.

The gate hadn’t been properly secured, and Waltrip’s car slammed into a cement barrier and appeared to explode. He walked away with only minor bumps and bruises.

No. 18: Mike Harmon, Bristol, 2002

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No. 17: The Biggest Crash Ever, Daytona, 1960

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No. 16: Rusty Wallace, Daytona 1993

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Derrike Cope appeared to bump Wallace, causing his car to flip through the air in spectacular fashion.

No. 15: Richard Petty, Darlington, 1970

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No. 14: Rusty Wallace, Talladega, 1993

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No. 13: Ricky Rudd Pit Row Crash, Atlanta, 1980

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No. 12: Richard Petty, Daytona, 1988

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Petty’s Pontiac struck the wall and spun out before rolling over several times in Daytona. It seemed to take forever for the safety personnel to respond to the accident.