NASCAR: The Five Greatest Drivers To Never Win The Daytona 500

Many great NASCAR drivers have reached the hollowed grounds of Daytona’s Victory Lane, but for those who have not, it is one of the most disheartening facets of their career. We have compiled the top drivers who never hoisted the most coveted trophy in NASCAR, the Harley J. Earl Trophy.

Any NASCAR fan can tell you what it means to win at Daytona, but only those who have cemented their names in Daytona 500 lore can tell what its truly like to reach Victory Lane in the Great American Race. NASCAR is unique in that it is the only sport to feature its biggest event at the beginning of the season. The lead up to the Daytona 500 is like no other race, with more than a week of on and off-track preparation to get ready for the event. Teams build their Daytona 500 cars months in advance.

Obviously with such prestige simply leading up to the event it is clear that the Daytona 500 is a race with a lot of stakes. The race itself is one of the most hotly contested of the season, with almost every team that arrives in Daytona having a shot at taking the checkers. For those who have won the race, it is easily their most glorious feat, just look at the career of Dale Earnhardt.

Dale had won everything there is to win at Daytona, and in many events more than once (i.e. 10 consecutive Duel wins). He had come up short in the 500 though because of crashes, blown tires, engines, and other things despite often leading the most laps in these events. 1998 marked Dale’s twentieth attempt in the 500, and once again debate was going on as to “would this be Dale’s year.” This race was, as usual, hotly contested, and Dale Earnhardt emerged as one of the primary contenders as the laps wound down. An accident occurred with two laps to go, and whomever was first to the caution flag would win the race. That man would be Dale, as he raced under the yellow and white flags to the cheers of thousands and the famous call of Mike Joy.

This event was the biggest win in Dale’s career, like the event is to anyone who wins it, and this win was perhaps the most popular win in NASCAR history, with all the circumstances surrounding it.  It is clear that the Great American Race is the best and most prestigious race in NASCAR, and here is the top drivers who have unfortunately never reached this prestigious Victory Lane.

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