Every sport has its grand event. For football, it’s the Super Bowl. In baseball, it’s the World Series. When it comes to NASCAR, the Great American Race at the Daytona International Speedway takes the cake.
Daytona kicks off every racing season with a field of 40 cars racing 500 miles at top speeds of 210 mph. One wrong move in a crowded field can send cars flying left and right with a spontaneous demolition derby that leaves a mixed crowd gasping and cheering at the same time.
This is “The Big One” — a multiple car wreck that often takes out a large part of the field in a race, many times at restrictor plate races.
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In honor of the 60th annual race this weekend, The News Wheel highlights ten Big Ones in the Daytona 500.
- 2017
- 2014
- 2012
- 2007
- 2005
- 2004
- 2003
- 2001
- 1999
- 1960
2016 reigning NASCAR Cup champion, Jimmie Johnson, went for a spin after Trevor Bayne got into him. This sparked a 16-car wreck with 72 laps to go. Johnson was in third place at the time, as other racecar drivers like Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer, Danica Patrick, Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin ended their bids.
2014 was an eventful Daytona 500 with a rain delay, 42 lead changes, and five wrecks with more seven or more cars. One of the larger wrecks came on Lap 146, where newcomer Brian Scott hit the wall in Turn 4. Aric Almirola checked-up behind him, and the rest was history on the front stretch as Danica Patrick experienced the hardest hit of the crash.
With a nudge from Elliott Sadler in the tri-oval, Jimmie Johnson’s night was over quicker than you could say, “Lap 2 complete.” Johnson’s hard hit into the wall at nearly a 90-degree angle was not his only impact he felt in the crash. Danica Patrick and David Ragan thrashed what was left of his car shortly after, placing Johnson with a finish at the back of the field.
Any fan can appreciate a photo finish, especially one that has an epic backdrop. As Kevin Harvick beat Mark Martin by .02 seconds, a domino effect of crashing cars resulted in Clint Bowyer’s Chevrolet sliding upside down while in flames.
Many fans may remember 2005 as Jeff Gordon winning his third Daytona 500, but they will not remember Scott Wimmer flipping on the racetrack. However, this crash was likely very memorable for him. Chaos began as Greg Biffle and Scott Riggs got together before Wimmer went for the ride of his life.
Over ten cars wrecked on Lap 71, and Michael Waltrip’s car got the worst of it after Brian Vickers slammed into another car on the backstretch. What happens next is nothing short of frightening as Waltrip nails Robby Gordon and flips multiple times.
After being hit by Ken Schrader on Lap 57, Ryan Newman goes airborne, finishing with multiple flips near the start/finish line. Finishing the race upside-down was far from his desired outcome, but Newman did walk away from the crash ok.
With 25 laps to go, Ward Burton got loose and clipped Tony Stewart, sending the Home Depot 20 car flipping over the remaining field like a star-studded performer at a rock concert. This action-packed wreck took out 19 racecars from contention.
Jarrett’s attempt at winning his third Daytona 500 victory was cut short in turn three of Lap 136 with the race’s third caution flag. His teammate, Kenny Irwin Jr., nudged him, sending him down to the apron. As he slid up the racetrack, a 12-car pileup ensued, including the cars of Terry Labonte, Steve Park, and Jeff Burton.
The second year of the Daytona 500 involved a 37-car crash fit for a demolition derby 500. It remains the largest wreck in NASCAR’s long, rich history. This old footage brings that day to life with a Hollywood vibe. Thankfully, racecars and safety technology evolved since then.
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Do you recall any other Big Ones at Daytona 500 that we missed? Share them in the comments section below.
Source: Sporting News, Newsday, For the Win
John Baden is known for his creativity, humor, and charm. Since writing books during his childhood, he has written for newspapers, radio and TV stations, and online publications. In his free time, he enjoys playing the piano, watching Chicago Cubs baseball, and experiencing the outdoors. For John, a perfect day is summed up in a morning cup of coffee, an afternoon run in the sun, and an evening spent in an exciting chapter of a good book. See more articles by John.
