NASCAR's 10 Best Moments in 2007

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Jan 2, 2008

NASCAR's 10 Best Moments in 2007

Kevin Harvick edges Mark Martin

Mark Martin appeared to finally have a major trophy within his grasp; but just as the Charlie Brown of his era came down to kick the football, Lucy cruelly took it away. Halfway through the final lap, Martin had a healthy lead, but a timely bump draft pushed Harvick up beside him coming off turn four and he beat Martin to the line.

Kyle Busch comes clean on the CoT

The much-hyped debut of NASCAR's Car of Tomorrow had a tame ending, as Kyle Busch survived a late charge to win with ease. What wasn't so easy on NASCAR officials was Busch's shocking reaction to the car in Victory Lane, replayed on news stations all over the country. ''I still am not a very big fan of these things,'' he said,

Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson go at it

Who says teammates can't compete with each other? Slamming into Johnson's rear bumper more times than you could count, Gordon finally got underneath him heading to the checkered flag.

Jeff Burton moves ahead on the last lap

It's a simple theory in racing; the only lap you need to lead is the last one. In a scintillating duel with former teammate Matt Kenseth, Burton battled door-to-door before taking control of the race shortly after the white flag lap.

Busch Brothers go at it

As the All-Star Challenge reached its final segment, the Busch Brothers were both in contention for the victory. However, little brother Kyle got a little too aggressive, causing a wreck. "Inevitably the Busch Brothers had to get together," said older brother Kurt. "He did a weird move I didn't expect."

Casey Mears upset win

Four months into his ride at Hendrick Motorsports, Casey Mears was outside the Top 30 in points and in a serious funk. But fuel mileage strategy resulted in a win and one of the most emotional victory celebrations of 2007: a heartfelt hug with childhood friend-turned-teammate Jimmie Johnson.

Jamie McMurray ends 166-race winless streak

Recovering from a black-flag penalty, McMurray charged to the front from 35th place to win by 0.005 seconds -- the second-closest finish in Cup racing since 1993. McMurray hadn't won a race since October 2002.

Kevin Harvick goes off

Martin Truex, Jr.'s tap of Juan Pablo Montoya caused a multi-car wreck that collected Harvick and others. But Harvick -- still angry about being wrecked by Montoya earlier this season -- could care less who started it. Frustrated and angry, he walked up to the rookie and insulted him, launching the closest thing NASCAR had to a fight this year -- and creating some fascinating tv in the process.

Gordon snookers them

Most of the action was follow-the-leader, single-file racing ... until the end. Jeff Gordon bided his time, finally bursting through a hole no one thought existed to blow by Tony Stewart and others to become the all-time leader in restrictor plate wins.

Jimmie Johnson wins second straight title

Needing merely an 18th place finish to win the title, Johnson came home a solid 7th to become the first back-to-back Cup champion since Jeff Gordon, in 1997-98.