NASCAR’s history boasts races that fans still talk about with a spark in their eyes. Some thrilling races, some emotional, and some personal. There are races as such for everybody. It is common for fans to engage in conversations about races and the past, often expressing their desire to go back in time and witness the NASCAR of previous eras. 

Lately, a fan sparked a nostalgic discussion on a forum with a thought-provoking question: “If you were stranded on an island with only a radio and could listen to anyone past the NASCAR race, which would it be, and why?” And NASCAR fans have answered!

Iconic NASCAR races fans cannot forget! 

For fans, every race is special, every race gives a unique experience. However, some races are a class apart. The reason they are special to certain fans can be personal or collective. Notably, when the question came fourth in the forum, it seemed like fans already had answers on the edge of their lips and didn’t take long to share them with the world. 

One fan typed down the legendary lines spoken when Dale Earnhardt won at the Daytona 500, ending his 20-year quest for the win! The fan commented, “1998 Daytona 500. Twenty years of trying, twenty years of frustration…” would give me hope and inspiration to continue to try to get rescued. And this was the answer upvoted by many. And why not? The NASCAR race itself was legendary. 

Another fan commented on the 1979 Daytona 500. He said, “1979 Daytona 500. The fight between Cale and Donnie Allison was just icing on the cake.” And the race indeed was more than exemplary. It was the first race telecasted live on television for the first time, bringing NASCAR to a wider audience. Not to forget, the race itself was thrilling, and the finish was dramatic and Cale Yarborough and Donnie Allison were battling fiercely for the lead. They battled it out door to door and then a crash later had a wild fight. It was all captured on camera and telecasted!

Another race that was more emotional rather than thrilling and that stayed with fans was the Dover race of 2001. It was the first race back after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Earnhardt Jr. won the race and displayed the American flag in front of the packed grandstands. One fan highlighted a comment that said, “Dover Fall 2001, most emotional sporting event I have ever attended in my life. That was a special day.” Many had eyes pooled with tears that day.

Another race that still pulls the heartstrings of NASCAR fans is the Pepsi 400 in 2001. Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the race on the same track his dad had in that tragic accident that cost him his life. The victory was emotional and grown men hugged, cheered and became emotional at the grandstands. It was bone-chilling to many. One fan said, “Nothing more uplifting in a shi**y situation than listening to the 01 Pepsi 400.”

NASCAR, as such, has many pivotal races that leave their mark on fans. One fan couldn’t choose which one he’d listen to over and over again. He said, “The 1992 Hooters 500, the 1998 Daytona 500, or the 2001 Pepsi 400.” 

One driver who truly captivated the audience was the legendary Dale Earnhardt.

The time when Earnhardt threw the money off his back!

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Undoubtedly all the races are iconic, but 1998 Dale Earnhardt which had the most upvotes indicates that fans remember it the most and want to relive the moment. And the race was special not just for Dale Earnhardt; but for every NASCAR fan. Let’s look in the rear-view mirror about what exactly went down!

The Intimidator had some of the most impressive victories etched on his resume. He had won everything in sight. However, the Daytona 500 was missing! He finished second three times on the track, before finally winning one in 1998. One of the best shots he had at the win was in 1990 when he was leading, and everyone thought–this is it—he will win it.

But alas, a flat tire took him out. But as they say, the wait makes the win sweeter and after twenty years and seven Cup series titles later; he did it to scattered applause. Meanwhile, the commentator said the iconic lines that still raise hair, “Twenty years of trying, twenty years of frustrations.”

He led 107 out of the 200 laps and the crowds were going mad in the stands and on the pit road the crew was ready to celebrate. And then, after the remarkable win, a video captured how the pit crew lined up the lane to congratulate Earnhardt as he lingered towards the long-awaited victory lane.

After Earnhardt celebrated in the victory lane, he marched towards the press box for his interview. And what he did next was epic—he pulled a stuffed monkey doll from his shoulder and threw it across. And said, “Finally got that monkey off my back!”