Some of the most damaged cars to win NASCAR Cup races

With no right-front fender, Tyler Reddick won last weekend’s NASCAR Cup race in Atlanta, going back-to-back to open the 2026 season.

While impressive, it’s not unprecedented. NASCAR is a full-contact sport in the end and we’ve seen plenty of race winning cars take the checkered flag in less-than-ideal shape.

So, let’s take a look at some of the most beat up cars to win at the highest level of NASCAR. And no, crashing across the line doesn’t count, so don’t expect to find Terry Labonte’s 1995 Bristol car or Davey Allison’s 1992 All-Star car here! Though we did have a spirited debate over Jeff Burton slamming the wall as the rain came and ended Darlington in 1999…

But honestly, we could never highlight them all — NASCAR races can get pretty wild with the checkered flag in sight. But here’s some of the more famous moments where a wrecked or damaged car still won the day:

Atlanta 2025 — Tyler Reddick with a missing fender
Tyler Reddick, No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota