NASCAR: Ranking The Five Worst Road Course Wrecks Ever

5. Jeff Gordon Sam Hornish (Watkins Glen – 2009)

Blindsided.

That’s the only word to describe what happened to Jeff Gordon during the 2009 Cup race at Watkins Glen. In fact, the wreck happened so fast and was so violent that even those in the broadcast booth that day couldn’t help but cringe at the sight of Jeff Gordon smashing into Sam Hornish’s car, which had come back onto the racing surface after heavy contact with The Armco Barrier.

The incident occurred when Kasey Kahne got into Hornish and forced him off the track. Hornish then slammed head first into the Armco barrier and then back onto the racing surface and into oncoming traffic. Gordon unfortunately had nowhere to go and smacked right into Hornish, leaving both drivers with totaled cars instantaneously.

The wreck also collected Jeff Burton, Tony Stewart and several others in the field, but they were able to get through the wreckage with minimal damage. To this day, the wreck remains one of the most violent and road course history and a reason why NASCAR must always stay a step ahead of safety innovations to keep drivers safer.

Next: A future champion's wild ride