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The Five Biggest Upsets In Recent NASCAR History

By Dhruva Byrapatna

Aug 1, 2016; Long Pond, PA, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Chris Buescher celebrates in victory lane after winning the Pennsylvania 400 at Pocono Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 1, 2016; Long Pond, PA, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Chris Buescher celebrates in victory lane after winning the Pennsylvania 400 at Pocono Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jamie McMurray, 2002 UAW-GM Quality 500

Jamie McMurray was supposed to be eased into the Sprint Cup Series before his 2003 rookie season. Instead, he got a trial by fire. McMurray was tabbed to replace Sterling Marlin in October 2002 after Marlin fractured a vertebrae during a crash at Kansas. After finishing 26th in his debut at Talladega, the driver headed to Charlotte for his second race, where he pulled off one of the biggest shockers in Cup history.

McMurray started 5th on the grid after qualifying was rained out, but instead of sliding backwards, he remained consistent throughout the evening. The team worked on the Chip Ganassi Chevy all night to perfect the setup, and their efforts paid off. McMurray led 96 of the final 100 laps en route to his first Sprint Cup victory in only his second career start. Although it took the Missouri native 7 years to find victory lane again, for one night Jamie McMurray was the hottest new driver in NASCAR.

Next: Front Row Motorsports' Other Upset

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