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NASCAR is considered one of the most technical motorsports, and winning a race in the sport is a challenging feat for many drivers. Still, there have been a few talented racers who have managed to win over 10 races in a season.
With over 40 drivers vying for the NASCAR Cup Series championship every year, claiming victory is no easy task. While every racer tries to win multiple times in a season, factors such as multi-car wrecks, mechanical failures, and deteriorating weather can hamper a single driver/team from maximizing the result each weekend.
Despite the challenges, a few drivers have managed to clinch victory multiple times throughout a particular season. Here's a look at the top 5 drivers with the most wins in a NASCAR season in the modern era (post-1972).
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5. Kyle Larson (10 race wins in the 2021 Cup Series season)
The current championship leader, Kyle Larson, managed to win 10 races in the 2021 Cup Series season. With this achievement, the Hendrick Motorsports racer became part of an exclusive group of drivers. Not only did Larson win the championship that year, but also emerged as the regular series champion.
4. Dale Earnhardt Sr. (11 race wins in the 1987 Cup Series season)
The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Sr. joined the elite list of racers by winning 11 races in the 1987 season. Apart from winning the Cup Series championship that year, the Florida-based driver also set a record by leading 3,357 laps.
3. Darrell Waltrip (12 race wins in the 1981 and 82 Cup Series seasons)
The three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion (1981, 1982, and 1985), Darrell Waltrip, clinched two of his three championships in dominant fashion by winning 12 races in both 1981 and 1982. The Kentucky-based driver emerged as a force to be reckoned with in both years. With over 800 race starts throughout his illustrious career, Waltrip was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2012.
2. Richard Petty (10 wins in 1974 and 13 wins in 1975 Cup Series seasons)
Richard Petty, tied with Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jimmie Johnson for the most NASCAR Cup Series championships, achieved the feat twice in his career. Dominating the 1974 and 1975 seasons with 10 and a record-breaking 13 wins respectively, Petty cemented his legacy. He also holds the records for all-time wins, poles, and most victories at Daytona International Speedway.
1. Jeff Gordon (10 wins in 1996 and 1997, and 13 wins in the 1998 Cup Series seasons)
The four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon emerged as one of the most dominant drivers in the 1996, 1997, and 1998 seasons. He claimed 10 victories each in 1996 and 1997 and went on to win thirteen times in 1998. Gordon managed to win the championship in 1997 and 1998. However, despite winning the most races and leading over 2,300 laps, he finished as the first runner-up in the 1996 season.
