Ranking the top 10 Daytona 500 races of all time

8. 1989

This list consists of a lot of Daytona 500 races that were won by NASCAR legends, and the 1989 version of the “Great American Race” was no different. Darrell Waltrip came into the race a three-time Cup Series champion and winner of over 70 races, but a Daytona 500 victory had always eluded him. However, in his 17th try at Daytona, things changed. Many will remember the aggressive move by Waltrip and crew chief Jeff Hammond to not pit stop over the last 50-plus laps, and even though Waltrip claimed his No. 17 Tide car was out of fuel, he continued to speed through the track, taking him to victory lane. One of the great characters in the sport often remembered now for his “Boogity, boogity, boogity” calls at the beginning of NASCAR broadcasts, an emotional Waltrip celebrated his first career win in the Daytona 500 with future broadcast partner Mike Joy by doing the “Ickey Shuffle,” a dance made famous by former Cincinnati Bengals running back Ickey Woods.

Most Memorable #DAYTONA500 Celebrations.

No. 2: DW has got to dance. Darrell Waltrip delivers a little Ickey Shuffle after his 1989 win. pic.twitter.com/nTPvxcuY2K

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 11, 2021