Most shocking NASCAR playoff moments

The NASCAR postseason is here and the frantic next ten weeks are known for producing some of the sport’s wildest moments on the way to deciding the series’ champion. Although it’s impossible to shine a light on every dramatic moment over the years, we picked those that had the biggest impact on the playoffs — or the sport as a whole. So here’s a look at the ten most shocking moments in the history of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.

The Greatest Pass – Ross Chastain’s “Hail Melon” wallride

It was the penultimate race of the 2022 season, and Ross Chastain was facing certain elimination from the NASCAR Cup playoffs. His first year with the fledgling Trackhouse Racing Team had been an incredible one, winning twice and making a lot of enemies along the way — none more so than Denny Hamlin. The two drivers had several run-ins and the elimination race at Martinsville was no different. They rubbed fenders and slammed doors while battling for the chance to advance into the Championship 4.

But the day belonged Hamlin, who had a two-point advantage over Chastain on the final lap. There was no way he could possibly gain more positions on his own. It was over. But the eighth-generation Florida watermelon farmer simply refused to accept defeat. What followed was one of, if not the most unbelievable pass in the history of NASCAR. The “Martinsville Miracle” as some have called it, but better known simply as the “Hail Melon.” As the pack slammed on the brakes, downshifting as they filed into the tight Turns 3 and 4 of the half-mile short track, Chastain upshifted instead. He kept the pedal to the floor, planting the No. 1 Chevrolet against the outside wall.

The car ripped along the outermost bounds of the track, grinding against the wall and blistering around astonished competitors. He lost hold of the wheel as he flew past five cars in total, drawing even with Hamlin at the line and eliminating his season-long rival from title contention. There was a stunned silence, and then there were only cheers. The move went viral — so iconic that the team retired the race car and the track cut out a section of the wall in honor of it. NASCAR honored it in their own way, banning the daring maneuver so that no one could ever attempt it again. 

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