NASCAR Classics: Ten most-watched races so far

The fiery passion of any NASCAR fan can be traced back to the day that they discovered NASCAR.

Each of these moments, both big and small, have been ingrained in our hearts through the years and helps continue to fuel our passion for racing today.

From some of the biggest moments in NASCAR history to the most minuscule details along the way, every little spark of a memory invokes a feeling of nostalgia and brings a smile to our faces. Many can recall who they were with, where they were and every tiny part of their day in between.

Our greatest memories have been spent alongside our family, friends, and even in the crowd, cheering with thousands of other race fans with whom we share so much.

Over the years, many have hoped, begged and dreamed of one place where they could relive all those memorable moments.

On Aug. 17, 2023, those dreams became a reality with the launch of the NASCAR Classics Library.

The library allowed fans to watch more than 1,000 NASCAR Cup Series races from the past for free. The catalog was filtered by era and track, while the search feature allowed fans to search for race wins by their favorite driver.

A custom timeline for each race allowed viewers to descriptively jump to the biggest and most memorable moments of each race.

This all coincided with the launch of NASCAR Classics’ social accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

Fast-forward to 2024, and there are over 1,360 races in the library, which continues to add more historic moments from our sport’s storied history.

Look at the most viewed races from the library‘s successful first calendar year.

1. 1951 Motor City 250 at Michigan State Fairgrounds

Aug. 12, 1951.

NASCAR raced a 250-mile event at the Michigan State Fairgrounds in honor of Detroit‘s 250th anniversary celebration. The race was won by Tommy Thompson, which was the only victory of his career.

This race currently is the second-oldest race in the NASCAR Classics Library.

2. 1952 Daytona Beach Course Race at Daytona Beach & Road Course

Feb. 10, 1952.

Marshall Teague captured the victory on the beach course for the second consecutive season.

This race is currently the third-oldest race in the NASCAR Classics Library.

3. 1979 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway

Feb. 18, 1979.

The first flag-to-flag broadcast of a 500-mile race ended with Richard Petty in Victory Lane, while Bobby Allison, Donnie Allison and Cale Yarborough brawled on the track following a crash between Yarborough and Donnie.

4. 2007 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway

Feb. 18, 2007.

Kevin Harvick beat Mark Martin to the line in a thrilling finish as Clint Bowyer‘s car crossed the line, sliding on his roof.

5. 1951 Daytona Beach at Daytona Beach & Road Course

Feb. 5, 1951.

The season-opening race saw Marshall Teague take the checkered flag, holding off Tim and Fonty Flock.

This race is currently the oldest race in the NASCAR Classics Library.

6. 2022 Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway

Oct. 30, 2022.

The title hopes of Christopher Bell continued with a clutch victory. Ross Chastain‘s thrilling “Hail Melon” move on the final lap helped him advance to the Championship 4.

7. 2001 Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway

July 7, 2001.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the NASCAR Cup Series returned to Daytona for the first time since Dale Earnhardt passed away in February 2001. Using lessons learned from his father, Earnhardt Jr. went from sixth to first to take the checkered flag.

8. 1959 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway

Feb. 22, 1959.

The first Daytona 500 ended in a photo finish and took three days to officially crown Lee Petty the winner over Johnny Beauchamp.

9. 1998 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway

Feb. 15, 1998.

Dale Earnhardt finally wins his first Daytona 500, after 20 years of frustration.

10. 1958 Daytona Beach at Daytona Beach & Road Course

Feb. 23, 1958.

The final race on the beach course was won by Paul Goldsmith, who led all 39 laps.

The following 10 races are the most viewed races on NASCAR‘s YouTube channel.

1. 1972 Carolina 500 from Rockingham Speedway

March 12, 1972.

Keith Jackson and Donnie Allison called the event, which was tape-delayed for six days. The race was won by Bobby Isaac.

2. 2014 Daytona 500 from Daytona International Speedway

Feb. 23, 2014.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. captured his second-career Daytona 500 victory, holding off a strong group of competitors on the final lap.

3. 2019 Daytona 500 from Daytona International Speedway

Feb. 17, 2019.

Joe Gibbs Racing sweeps the first three finishing positions as Denny Hamlin captures his second career Daytona 500 victory.

4. 1999 Goody‘s Headache Powder 500 from Bristol Motor Speedway

Aug. 28, 1999.

The race to the checkered flag came down to Dale Earnhardt and Terry Labonte for the second time but this time it was Earnhardt in Victory Lane.

5. 2010 Daytona 500 from Daytona International Speedway

Feb. 14, 2010.

The thrilling finish to the “Great American Race” saw Jamie McMurray hold off Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Greg Biffle for his fourth career series victory.

6. 2001 Pepsi 400 from Daytona International Speedway

July 7, 2001.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the NASCAR Cup Series returned to Daytona for the first time since Dale Earnhardt passed away in February 2001. Using lessons learned from his father, Earnhardt Jr. went from sixth to first to take the checkered flag.

7. 2001 Dura Lube 400 from Rockingham Speedway

Feb. 25, 2001.

The first race following the tragic passing of Dale Earnhardt saw his driver, Steve Park, take the checkered flag in thrilling fashion.

8. 2007 Daytona 500 from Daytona International Speedway

Feb. 18, 2007.

Kevin Harvick beat Mark Martin to the line in a thrilling finish as Clint Bowyer‘s car crossed the line, sliding on his roof.

9. 1985 Valleydale 500 from Bristol Motor Speedway

April 6, 1985.

Dale Earnhardt powers his way to victory, despite driving the race without power steering.

10. 1988 DieHard 500 from Talladega Superspeedway

July 31, 1988.

Ken Schrader takes the lead on the final lap and holds on for his first career NASCAR Cup Series victory.