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List of the closest NASCAR Cup Series finishes

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NASCAR's premier racing division, the NASCAR Cup Series, has seen many close finishes since the electronic scoring system was instituted in May during the 1993 season. As of 2025, the closest margin of victory in the NASCAR Cup Series is 0.001 seconds at the 2024 AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway, as Kyle Larson crossed the finish line inches ahead of Chris Buescher.

History

Prior to the introduction of integrated electronic scoring in May 1993, margins of victory were scored in laps, car lengths, feet, or inches, using handheld stopwatches or analog timing clocks. This occasionally led to controversy, such as occurred in the inaugural Daytona 500 in 1959. Initially, NASCAR declared the race won by Johnny Beauchamp, but many observers felt that Lee Petty had won. It took 61 hours before video evidence established Petty as the winner.

Beginning with the 1993 Save Mart Supermarkets 300K, scoring was standardized to the thousandth of a second using transponders located on the vehicles and timing lines around the track. Geoff Bodine won the first event using this electronic scoring, finishing 0.53 seconds ahead of Ernie Irvan.

Closest finishes

*Event was not part of the regular season
NASCAR Cup Series closest finishesRankRaceMarginWinner2nd PlaceTrackDate
1**[2024 AdventHealth 400](2024-adventhealth-400)**0.001Kyle LarsonChris BuescherKansas SpeedwayMay 5, 2024
2**[2003 Carolina Dodge Dealers 400](2003-carolina-dodge-dealers-400)**0.002Ricky CravenKurt BuschDarlington RacewayMarch 16, 2003
**[2011 Aaron's 499](2011-aaron-s-499)**Jimmie JohnsonClint BowyerTalladega SuperspeedwayApril 17, 2011
4**[2024 Ambetter Health 400](2024-ambetter-health-400)**0.003Daniel SuárezRyan BlaneyAtlanta Motor SpeedwayFebruary 25, 2024
5**[2001 Gatorade Duel 2](2001-gatorade-125s)***0.004Mike SkinnerDale Earnhardt Jr.Daytona International SpeedwayFebruary 15, 2001
6**[1993 DieHard 500](1993-diehard-500)**0.005Dale EarnhardtErnie IrvanTalladega SuperspeedwayJuly 25, 1993
**[2007 Pepsi 400](2007-pepsi-400)**Jamie McMurrayKyle BuschDaytona International SpeedwayJuly 7, 2007
**[2010 Gatorade Duel 1](2010-gatorade-duels)***Jimmie JohnsonKevin HarvickDaytona International SpeedwayFebruary 11, 2010
**[2011 Gatorade Duel 2](2011-gatorade-duels)***Jeff BurtonClint BowyerDaytona International SpeedwayFebruary 17, 2011
10**[2001 Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 500](2001-cracker-barrel-old-country-store-500)**0.006Kevin HarvickJeff GordonAtlanta Motor SpeedwayMarch 11, 2001
**[2024 YellaWood 500](2024-yellawood-500)**Ricky Stenhouse Jr.Brad KeselowskiTalladega SuperspeedwayOctober 6, 2024
12**[2019 1000Bulbs.com 500](2019-1000bulbs-com-500)**0.007Ryan BlaneyRyan NewmanTalladega SuperspeedwayOctober 14, 2019
**[2020 GEICO 500](2020-geico-500)**Ryan BlaneyRicky Stenhouse Jr.Talladega SuperspeedwayJune 22, 2020
14**[1994 Pepsi 400](1994-pepsi-400)**0.008Jimmy SpencerErnie IrvanDaytona International SpeedwayJuly 2, 1994
15**[2000 Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 500](2000-cracker-barrel-old-country-store-500)**0.010Dale EarnhardtBobby LabonteAtlanta Motor SpeedwayMarch 12, 2000
**[2004 Subway 400](2004-subway-400)**Matt KensethKasey KahneNorth Carolina SpeedwayFebruary 22, 2004
**[2016 Daytona 500](2016-daytona-500)**Denny HamlinMartin Truex Jr.Daytona International SpeedwayFebruary 21, 2016
**[2016 Good Sam 500](2016-good-sam-500)**Kevin HarvickCarl EdwardsPhoenix International RacewayMarch 13, 2016
19**[2010 Aaron's 499](2010-aaron-s-499)**0.011Kevin HarvickJamie McMurrayTalladega SuperspeedwayApril 25, 2010
20**[2012 Budweiser Shootout](2012-budweiser-shootout)***0.013Kyle BuschTony StewartDaytona International SpeedwayFebruary 18, 2012
22**[2010 Gatorade Duel 2](2010-gatorade-duels)***0.014Kasey KahneTony StewartDaytona International SpeedwayFebruary 11, 2010
**[2020 Daytona 500](2020-daytona-500)**Denny HamlinRyan BlaneyDaytona International SpeedwayFebruary 17, 2020
23**[2016 Sprint Showdown](2016-nascar-sprint-all-star-race)***0.015Kyle LarsonChase ElliottCharlotte Motor SpeedwayMay 20, 2016
24**[2005 Ford 400](2005-ford-400)**0.017Greg BiffleMark MartinHomestead-Miami SpeedwayNovember 20, 2005
26**[2011 Good Sam Club 500](2011-good-sam-club-500)**0.018Clint BowyerJeff BurtonTalladega SuperspeedwayOctober 23, 2011
**[2023 Bluegreen Vacations Duel #1](2023-bluegreen-vacations-duels)***Joey LoganoChristopher BellDaytona International SpeedwayFebruary 16, 2023
27**[2007 Daytona 500](2007-daytona-500)**0.020Kevin HarvickMark MartinDaytona International SpeedwayFebruary 18, 2007
28**[2014 Budweiser Duel 1*](2014-budweiser-duels)**0.022Matt KensethKasey KahneDaytona International SpeedwayFebruary 20, 2014
29**[1994 Diehard 500](1994-diehard-500)**0.025Jimmy SpencerBill ElliottTalladega SuperspeedwayJuly 24, 1994
30**[2005 Coca-Cola 600](2005-coca-cola-600)**0.027Jimmie JohnsonBobby LabonteLowe's Motor SpeedwayMay 29, 2005
31**[2004 Samsung/Radio Shack 500](2004-samsung-radio-shack-500)**0.028Elliott SadlerKasey KahneTexas Motor SpeedwayApril 5, 2004
**[2005 Golden Corral 500](2005-golden-corral-500)**Carl EdwardsJimmie JohnsonAtlanta Motor SpeedwayMarch 20, 2005
33**[1997 Pepsi 400](1997-pepsi-400)**0.029John AndrettiTerry LabonteDaytona International SpeedwayJuly 5, 1997
34**[2005 Gatorade Duel 1](2005-gatorade-duels)***0.030Michael WaltripDale Earnhardt Jr.Daytona International SpeedwayFebruary 17, 2005
35**[2025 Coke Zero Sugar 400](2025-coke-zero-sugar-400)**0.031Ryan BlaneyDaniel SuárezDaytona International SpeedwayAugust 23, 2025
36**[2022 Daytona 500](2022-daytona-500)**0.036Austin CindricBubba WallaceDaytona International SpeedwayFebruary 20, 2022
37**[2021 Bluegreen Vacations Duel #1](2021-bluegreen-vacations-duels)***0.041Aric AlmirolaChristopher BellDaytona International SpeedwayFebruary 11, 2021
38**[2006 UAW Daimler-Chrysler 400](2006-uaw-daimler-chrysler-400)**0.045Jimmie JohnsonMatt KensethLas Vegas Motor SpeedwayMarch 12, 2006
39**[2022 YellaWood 500](2022-yellawood-500)**0.046Chase ElliottRyan BlaneyTalladega SuperspeedwayOctober 2, 2022
40**[2024 Coke Zero Sugar 400](2024-coke-zero-sugar-400)**0.047Harrison BurtonKyle BuschDaytona International SpeedwayAugust 24, 2024
41**[2025 Shriners Children's 500](2025-shriners-children-s-500)**0.049Christopher BellDenny HamlinPhoenix RacewayMarch 9, 2025
42**[1995 Diehard 500](1995-diehard-500)**0.050Sterling MarlinDale JarrettTalladega SuperspeedwayJuly 23, 1995
43**[1998 Exide Select Batteries 400](1998-exide-select-batteries-400)**0.051Jeff BurtonJeff GordonRichmond International RacewaySeptember 12, 1998
44**[2008 Amp Energy 500](2008-amp-energy-500)**0.052Tony StewartPaul MenardTalladega SuperspeedwayOctober 5, 2008
45**[Bluegreen Vacations Duel #1](2024-bluegreen-vacations-duels)***0.056Tyler ReddickChase ElliottDaytona International SpeedwayFebruary 15, 2024
**[2025 Jack Link's 500](2025-jack-link-s-500)**Austin CindricKyle LarsonTalladega SuperspeedwayApril 27, 2025
47**[2021 Bluegreen Vacations Duel #2](2021-bluegreen-vacations-duels)***0.057Austin DillonBubba WallaceDaytona International SpeedwayFebruary 11, 2021
48**[2011 Budweiser Shootout](2011-budweiser-shootout)***0.058Kurt BuschJamie McMurrayDaytona International SpeedwayFebruary 12, 2011
49**[1994 AC Delco 500](1994-ac-delco-500)***0.06Dale EarnhardtRick MastRockingham SpeedwayOctober 23, 1994
**[2002 Aaron's 499](2002-aaron-s-499)**Dale Earnhardt Jr.Michael WaltripTalladega SuperspeedwayApril 21, 2002
**[2014 Budweiser Duel 1](2014-budweiser-duels)***Matt KensethKasey KahneDaytona International SpeedwayFebruary 20, 2014
52**[2023 YellaWood 500](2023-yellawood-500)**0.061Ryan BlaneyWilliam ByronTalladega SuperspeedwayOctober 1, 2023
53**[2007 Food City 500](2007-food-city-500)**0.064Kyle BuschJeff BurtonBristol Motor SpeedwayMarch 25, 2007
54**[2007 Goody's Cool Orange 500](2007-goody-s-cool-orange-500)**0.065Jimmie JohnsonJeff GordonMartinsville SpeedwayApril 1, 2007
**[2011 Gatorade Duel 1](2011-gatorade-duels)***Kurt BuschRegan SmithDaytona International SpeedwayFebruary 17, 2011
56**[2007 UAW-Ford 500](2007-uaw-ford-500)**0.066Jeff GordonJimmie JohnsonTalladega SuperspeedwayOctober 7, 2007
57**[1994 Winston Select 500](1994-winston-select-500)**0.067Dale EarnhardtErnie IrvanMay 1, 1994
58**[2025 Hollywood Casino 400](2025-hollywood-casino-400)**0.069Chase ElliottDenny HamlinKansas SpeedwaySeptember 28, 2025
59**[2007 Lenox Industrial Tools 300](2007-lenox-industrial-tools-300)**0.068Denny HamlinJeff GordonNew Hampshire Motor SpeedwayJuly 1, 2007
**[2024 Ally 400](2024-ally-400)**Joey LoganoZane SmithNashville SuperspeedwayJune 30, 2024
60**[2019 Quaker State 400](2019-quaker-state-400)**0.076Kurt BuschKyle BuschKentucky SpeedwayJuly 13, 2019
61**[2021 FireKeepers Casino 400](2021-firekeepers-casino-400)**0.077Ryan BlaneyWilliam ByronMichigan International SpeedwayAugust 22, 2021
62**[1995 Busch Clash](1995-busch-clash)***0.080Dale EarnhardtSterling MarlinDaytona International SpeedwayFebruary 12, 1995
**[2005 MBNA NASCAR RacePoints 400](2005-mbna-nascar-racepoints-400)**Jimmie JohnsonKyle BuschDover Motor SpeedwaySeptember 25, 2005
64**[2004 Banquet 400](2004-banquet-400)**0.081Joe NemechekRicky RuddKansas SpeedwayOctober 10, 2004
**[2018 Can-Am Duel #2](2018-can-am-duels)***Chase ElliottKevin HarvickDaytona International SpeedwayFebruary 15, 2018
66**[2023 South Point 400](2023-south-point-400)**0.082Kyle LarsonChristopher BellLas Vegas Motor SpeedwayOctober 15, 2023
**[2025 The Duel at Daytona #1](2025-the-duel-at-daytona)***Bubba WallaceWilliam ByronDaytona International SpeedwayFebruary 13, 2025
68**[2001 Kmart 400](2001-kmart-400)**0.085Jeff GordonRicky RuddMichigan International SpeedwayJune 10, 2001
69**[2020 Yellawood 500](2020-yellawood-500)**0.086Denny HamlinErik JonesTalladega SuperspeedwayOctober 4, 2020
70**[1996 Gatorade Twin 125 #2](1996-gatorade-twin-125s)***0.090Ernie IrvanKen SchraderDaytona International SpeedwayFebruary 15, 1996
71**[1997 Miller 500](1997-miller-500)**0.091Ricky RuddMark MartinDover Motor SpeedwayJune 1, 1997
**[2008 Gatorade Duel #2](2008-gatorade-duels)**Denny HamlinTony StewartDaytona International SpeedwayFebruary 14, 2008
73**[2008 Daytona 500](2008-daytona-500)**0.092Ryan NewmanKurt BuschDaytona International SpeedwayFebruary 17, 2008
**[2010 Coke Zero 400](2010-coke-zero-400)**Kevin HarvickKasey KahneDaytona International SpeedwayJuly 3, 2010
75**[2013 Budweiser Duel #2](2013-budweiser-duels)***0.093Kyle BuschKasey KahneDaytona International SpeedwayFebruary 21, 2013
**[2020 Consumers Energy 400](2020-consumers-energy-400)**Kevin HarvickDenny HamlinMichigan International SpeedwayAugust 9, 2020
77**[2002 Gatorade 125 #2](2002-gatorade-125s)***0.094Michael WaltripTony StewartDaytona International SpeedwayFebruary 14, 2002
78**[2003 EA Sports 500](2003-ea-sports-500)**0.095Michael WaltripDale Earnhardt Jr.Talladega SuperspeedwaySeptember 28, 2003
**[2017 GEICO 500](2017-geico-500)**Ricky Stenhouse Jr.Jamie McMurrayTalladega SuperspeedwayMay 7, 2017
80**[2025 NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race](2025-nascar-cup-series-championship-race)**0.097Ryan BlaneyBrad KeselowskiPhoenix RacewayNovember 9, 2025
82**[2009 Sharpie 500](2009-sharpie-500)**0.098Kyle BuschMark MartinBristol Motor SpeedwayAugust 22, 2009
**[2023 Coke Zero Sugar 400](2023-coke-zero-sugar-400)**Chris BuescherBrad KeselowskiDaytona International SpeedwayAugust 26, 2023
84**[1994 Gatorade Twin 125 #2](1994-gatorade-twin-125s)***0.100Dale EarnhardtSterling MarlinDaytona International SpeedwayFebruary 17, 1994
**[1995 Goody's 500](1995-goody-s-500)**Terry LabonteDale EarnhardtBristol Motor SpeedwayAugust 26, 1995
**[1996 Miller 400](1996-miller-400)**Ernie IrvanJeff GordonRichmond RacewaySeptember 7, 1996
86**[1997 Goody's Headache Powder 500](1997-goody-s-headache-powder-500)**0.102Dale JarretMark MartinBristol Motor SpeedwayAugust 23, 1997
**[2018 Advance Auto Parts Clash](2018-advance-auto-parts-clash)***Brad KeselowskiJoey LoganoDaytona International SpeedwayFebruary 11, 2018
**[2021 GEICO 500](2021-geico-500)**Brad KeselowskiWilliam ByronTalladega SuperspeedwayApril 25, 2021
88**[2001 Gatorade 125 #1](2001-gatorade-125s)**0.103Sterling MarlinJerry NadeauDaytona International SpeedwayFebruary 15, 2001
90**[2018 1000Bulbs.com 500](2018-1000bulbs-com-500)**0.105Aric AlmirolaClint BowyerTalladega SuperspeedwayOctober 14, 2018
**[2022 GEICO 500](2022-geico-500)**Ross ChastainAustin DillonTalladega SuperspeedwayApril 24, 2022
92**[2013 Coke Zero 400](2013-coke-zero-400)**0.107Jimmie JohnsonTony StewartDaytona International SpeedwayJuly 6, 2013
**[2018 First Data 500](2018-first-data-500)**Joey LoganoDenny HamlinMartinsville SpeedwayOctober 28, 2018
94**[2009 Coke Zero 400](2009-coke-zero-400)**0.110Tony StewartJimmie JohnsonDaytona International SpeedwayJuly 4, 2009
95**[2014 5-hour Energy 400](2014-5-hour-energy-400)**0.112Jeff GordonKevin HarvickKansas SpeedwayMay 10, 2014
96**[2024 Bluegreens Vacation Duel #2](2024-bluegreen-vacations-duels)***0.113Christopher BellAustin CindricDaytona International SpeedwayFebruary 15, 2024
**[2025 Daytona 500](2025-daytona-500)**William ByronTyler ReddickDaytona International SpeedwayFebruary 16, 2025
98**[1999 Winston 500](1999-winston-500)**0.114Dale EarnhardtDale JarrettTalladega SuperspeedwayOctober 17, 1999
**[2005 Nextel Open](2005-nextel-open)**Brian VickersMike BlissCharlotte Motor SpeedwayMay 21, 2005
100**[2004 EA Sports 500](2004-ea-sports-500)**0.117Dale Earnhardt Jr.Kevin HarvickTalladega SuperspeedwayOctober 3, 2004
**[2020 Bluegreens Vacation Duel #2](2020-bluegreen-vacations-duels)***William ByronJimmie JohnsonDaytona International SpeedwayFebruary 13, 2020

Notes

References

References

  1. (May 5, 2024). "Kyle Larson beats Chris Buescher to line at Kansas; scores second win of 2024".
  2. [https://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/22/sports/othersports/22auto.html?_r=1&oref=slogin NASCAR's Analysis Shows Competition Has Become Closer]
  3. [http://www.foxsports.com/nascar/gallery/classic-photos-controversial-first-daytona-500-1959-122916-010717 Classic photos from controversial first Daytona 500 in 1959]
  4. [http://racing-reference.info/race/1993_Save_Mart_Supermarkets_300K/W 1993 Save Mart Supermarkets 300K Results]
  5. (February 22, 2016). "Denny Hamlin edges Martin Truex Jr. by inches to win Daytona 500". ESPN.com.
  6. (March 13, 2016). "Harvick Edges Edwards for Thrilling Phoenix Victory". NASCAR.com.
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