Drivers across the NASCAR series aim for the same end goal: to win the Series Championship. This title is claimed by the consistent performances of the drivers and regular point scoring. Throughout its history, all of the NASCAR Champions have been race winners throughout their championship seasons.
This has been true for all championships, except for one. Austin Dillon, the 2013 Xfinity Series Champion is the only one who has been able to clinch the title without winning a single race throughout his championship season.
2013 Xfinity Series
Austin Dillon is the only driver in the history of NASCAR who has been able to become a NASCAR Champion without winning a race. Dillon won the 2013 Nationwide Series, now called the Xfinity Series, He started his journey in the Xfinity Series as a full-time driver in the 2012 season. Fresh off the title win in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2011, Dillon finished the 2012 season with two race wins and a third position in the Drivers’ Standings. He was also able to secure Top-10 finishes during his season, accompanied by 16 Top-five finishes.
Dillon started the 2013 season with absolute confidence to clinch the title. His performance as a rookie made him the perfect contender for the title. The 2013 season did not see any race wins for the driver but he consistently delivered impressive performances. He was able to secure 22 Top-10 finishes as well as 13 Top-five finishes. He was able to clinch the title in the very last race of the season at Homestead-Miami Speedway by finishing 12th in the position.
This was the first and only Xfinity Championship for the driver. This win made him the third driver in history to win the Craftsman Truck Series as well as the Xfinity Series. He moved to the Cup Series with the same team, Richard Childress, as a full-time driver and has been with the team ever since. As of March, Dillon has won four races in his Cup Series career.
FAQ's On the championship without winning a race
A. Kyle Busch is the only driver who has come close to winning all active tracks in NASCAR. He has won at all tracks except for one.
A. Austin Dillon is the only driver who has won a national NASCAR series without winning a race. This was achieved by the driver during the Xfinity 2013 season.
A. J.D. McDuffie holds the record for most race wins without a championship. He has won 40 races throughout his career.
A. Formula 1 drivers like Juan Pablo Montoya, Jacques Villeneuve, and Mario Andretti are a few names who have won a race in the NASCAR series.
