5 Drivers who clinched their first NASCAR Cup Series win with the fewest starts

While most rookies are given grace in their first NASCAR season, some drivers find their footing right away to earn their sought-after maiden win. The Cup Series witnessed drivers beating their rivals to the checkered flag even in their first start.

To get a race start, drivers must put down a qualifying time and enter the race with them behind the wheel. While some drivers started over a three-digit number of races before winning, others didn't take long before getting a taste of victory lane.

Who are the drivers who won their first NASCAR Cup Series win with the fewest starts? Let's find out. Note that the list only contains drivers in the modern era (1972 to present).

#4 Justin Haley and Kevin Harvick (three starts)

The list kicks off with a tie between Justin Haley and Kevin Harvick at three starts. Haley won at Daytona International Speedway in 2019, while Harvick was victorious at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 2001.

Haley drove the No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro for Spire Motorsports when he won the 2019 Coke Zero Sugar 400. He only led for one lap before the NASCAR officials ended the race due to rain. His previous starts were recorded at Talladega Superspeedway and Sonoma Raceway.

Meanwhile, Harvick was with Richard Childress Racing when he won the 2001 Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 500. Driving the No. 29 Chevy, the Californian driver beat Jeff Gordon to the line in a photo finish for his first career victory.

Justin Haley's Daytona win remained his first and only win in the premier series so far, while Kevin Harvick went on to score 60 career victories before retiring after the 2023 season.

#2 Trevor Bayne and Jamie McMurray (two starts)

Tied for number two and three are Trevor Bayne and Jamie McMurray at two starts. Bayne won the prestigious Daytona 500 in 2011, while McMurray bagged his maiden win at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2002.

The Daytona 500 victory gave Wood Brothers Racing its fifth NASCAR win (including the pre-modern era) in the iconic No. 21 Ford. His first start was at Texas with the same car in 2010 where he finished 17th after starting 28th.

Trevor Bayne won the 2011 Daytona 500 in two Cup starts - Source: Imagn

As for McMurray, he won the 2002 UAW-GM Quality 500 race in the No. 40 Chip Ganassi Racing Dodge. The then 26-year-old driver led the race for 96 laps before finishing ahead of Bobby Labonte and Tony Stewart.

#1 Shane van Gisbergen (one start)

Shane van Gisbergen is the only driver in the modern era to win a Cup race with only one career start. He won the inaugural Chicago street race in 2023 while driving the No. 91 Chevrolet Camaro for Trackhouse Racing.

SVG won the 2023 Grant Park 220 - Source: Imagn

Following a full-time stint in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, SVG will compete in the Cup Series in 2025 as a full-time rookie with Trackhouse Racing. He will drive the No. 88 Chevy alongside teammates Daniel Suarez and Ross Chastain.