Winning races is impressive, but in NASCAR, the true pinnacle of success is capturing a Cup Series championship. While many legendary drivers have made frequent trips to Victory Lane, some of the sport’s most skilled competitors fell just short of securing that elusive title.
Whether it was due to fierce competition, bad luck, or heartbreaking near-misses in the standings, these drivers still made a lasting impact on NASCAR history. From fan favorites to all-time greats, here’s a look at the best drivers who came close but never claimed the ultimate prize.
15. Michael Waltrip
Michael Waltrip’s NASCAR career spanned over three decades, with 4 Cup Series wins, including two Daytona 500 victories. Despite his longevity and success at superspeedways, Waltrip never clinched a championship. His best points finish was 14th in 2002, showcasing his potential but falling short of the ultimate prize.
14. Geoff Bodine
Geoff Bodine’s NASCAR career spanned over two decades, with 18 Cup Series wins and 37 poles. He won the prestigious Daytona 500 in 1986 and finished third in the 1990 championship standings. Despite his success and innovative contributions to the sport, including introducing power steering, Bodine never clinched the coveted Cup Series title.
13. Sterling Marlin
Sterling Marlin came closest to a NASCAR championship in 2002, leading the points for consecutive 25 weeks until a neck injury at Kansas Speedway put him on the sidelines. With 10 Cup Series victories, including back-to-back Daytona 500 wins in 1994 and 1995, Marlin’s career spanned 33 years and 748 races. Marlin’s 2001 season was arguably his best, with 2 wins, 12 top-5s, and 20 top-10s, finishing third in the championship.
12. Harry Gant
Known as “Handsome Harry” and “Mr. September,” Harry Gant came agonizingly close to a championship, finishing second in 1984. With 18 Cup Series wins, including a remarkable four-race win streak in 1991, Gant’s talent was undeniable. He holds the record for the oldest driver to win a Cup race at 52, showcasing his enduring skill and competitiveness.
11. Fireball Roberts
Fireball Roberts was NASCAR’s first superstar, winning 33 races in just 206 starts. He dominated superspeedways, winning the Daytona 500 and Firecracker 250 in 1962. Despite his impressive 45% top-five finish rate, Roberts never clinched a championship before his tragic death in 1964 at age 35.
10. Curtis Turner
Curtis Turner, known as the “Babe Ruth of Stock Car Racing,” was a NASCAR pioneer who never clinched a championship despite his remarkable talent. He won 17 Cup Series races and 38 Convertible Division races, including the 1956 Southern 500. Turner’s aggressive driving style and larger-than-life personality made him a fan favorite throughout his career.
9. Fred Lorenzen
“Fast Freddie” dominated NASCAR in the 1960s, winning 26 races in just 158 starts. His highest points finish was 3rd in 1963. Lorenzen won the 1965 Daytona 500 and was the first driver to earn over $100,000 in a season. Despite his impressive record, he never clinched a championship before retiring in 1972.
8. Jeff Burton
Jeff Burton, known as “The Mayor,” had an impressive NASCAR career with 21 Cup wins, including two Coca-Cola 600s and a Southern 500. Despite finishing in the top 5 in points four times and consistently performing well, Burton never clinched a championship. His closest shot came in 2000 when he finished third in the standings.
7. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Despite his immense popularity and 26 Cup Series victories, Dale Earnhardt Jr. never clinched a championship. He came close in 2003 and 2004, finishing third and fifth in points respectively. Earnhardt Jr.’s career highlights include two Daytona 500 wins and 15 consecutive Most Popular Driver awards, solidifying his status as a NASCAR icon.
6. Davey Allison
Davey Allison’s promising career was cut short by a tragic helicopter crash in 1993. In just 191 Cup Series starts, he amassed 19 wins and 92 top-ten finishes. Allison came agonizingly close to a championship in 1992, finishing third in points after a wreck in the final race. His talent and potential make him one of NASCAR’s greatest “what-ifs.”
5. Ricky Rudd
Known as NASCAR’s “Iron Man,” Ricky Rudd competed in 906 races over 32 years, winning 23 times. His best championship finish was 2nd in 1991. Rudd’s toughness and consistency were legendary, including a record 788 consecutive starts. Despite his longevity and skill, a title always eluded him.
4. Carl Edwards
Carl Edwards came agonizingly close to a Cup Series title twice, finishing runner-up in 2008 and 2011. In 2011, he tied Tony Stewart on points but lost on a tiebreaker. Edwards amassed 28 Cup wins, including crown jewel victories in the Coca-Cola 600 and Southern 500, before his surprise retirement in 2016 at age 37.
3. Junior Johnson
Junior Johnson won 50 NASCAR races in his career, the most of any driver without a championship. Known as “The Last American Hero,” Johnson pioneered drafting techniques and dominated short tracks. After retiring in 1966, he became a successful team owner, winning 132 races and six championships with other drivers.
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2. Denny Hamlin
Denny Hamlin has amassed an impressive 54 NASCAR Cup Series victories, including three Daytona 500 wins. Despite his consistent performance and multiple Championship 4 appearances, the elusive title has remained just out of reach. Hamlin’s skill and determination make him one of the most successful drivers without a championship.
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1. Mark Martin
Mark Martin, often called the “greatest driver to never win a championship,” came agonizingly close five times, finishing second in points. With 40 Cup wins, 56 poles, and 453 top-10 finishes in 882 starts, Martin’s consistency and longevity were remarkable. His 96 wins across NASCAR’s three national series cement his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
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