Top 10 celebrations of 2003

Note: This is the second in NASCAR.com's annual series of top 10 lists. Today's installment focuses on the best races in NASCAR's top three series in 2003.

1. In backup, Kenseth backs against wall

Series: Winston Cup

Matt Kenseth's engine expired in the season finale -- but he had to celebrate the championship somehow.

Egged on by his crew, Kenseth got into his backup car and eased into the outside wall -- while keeping the throttle wide open.

The stunt couldn't have created more smoke, and it ended his year in fine style.

It was definitely something no one had ever done before.

2. Anytime Carl Edwards won

Series: Craftsman Truck Series

	Carl Edwards

The aw-shucks kid from Missouri was probably the most refreshing story of the year. He was quotable, polite -- and best of all, not boring.

He won three times -- usually in dramatic fashion -- and when he did, he would perform a back flip off the back of his Ford.

The flips gave some small -- but much needed -- publicity to the Truck Series. It definitely made some good sports highlights.

3. MartinWood Speedway

Series: Craftsman Truck Series

Jon Wood won his second career Truck Series race in October in front of a pro-Jon Wood crowd in Martinsville.

Despite little practice, Wood performed an awesome through-the-gears burnout that lasted nearly a minute.

Since the race was a companion event, Wood's entire family attended, something they weren't able to do when he won at Kansas in 2002.

4. Harvick's team employs da-fence

Series: Winston Cup

Kevin Harvick's crew took a page out of Helio Castroneves' book at Indy -- they climbed the fence after their man won the Brickyard 400.

The win was Harvick's first in over a year, sending his crew into a frenzy.

Harvick executed a straight burnout, but his technique was so rough that he blew out his right rear tire.

"Hey man, if you're going to win big, you might as well leave your mark," Harvick said.

5. The double burnout

Series: Busch Series

This was definitely one of the weirder ones of the year.

Brian Vickers and Kyle Busch finished 1-2 at Darlington, but for some reason, they each did burnouts on the frontstretch.

"Doughnuts have gotten a little carried away," Matt Kenseth said. "I mean, if the race winner does it and the other guy clinched the championship that day and does it, that's one thing. But second place? Unbelievable."

6. Old track, old school

	Terry Labonte at Darlington Credit: Autostock

Series: Winston Cup

Terry Labonte proved that actions are still louder than words.

Terry Labonte surprised everyone -- except himself -- with a win in the Southern 500. it was his first win in four years.

But Labonte didn't do any doughnuts -- he called for the checkered flag, and he took it in his left hand on his victory lap.

"I am too old to do doughnuts. I think it's goofy looking," said the 46-year-old Labonte.

7. Craven, Busch share podium

The Top 10 Kenseth is officially crowned Winston Cup champion Play video Carl Edwards celebrates his first career NCTS victory Play video Wood wins the race, then does an impressive burnout Play video Harvick wins the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Play video Vickers holds off his teammate at Darlington Play video Terry Labonte wins the Southern 500 at Darlington Play video Ricky Craven celebrates his thrilling win at Darlington Play video Bill Elliott celebrates his victory at Rockingham Play video Michael Waltrip celebrates his second victory of the season Play video Robby Gordon celebrates a win at Sonoma Play video

Series: Winston Cup

It isn't often that a second-place finisher congratulates the winner in victory lane, but Kurt Busch did just that in the Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 at Darlington in March.

After a thrilling duel, Busch jumped from his car and greeted Craven in victory lane with a hug.

"I've got to tell you," Craven, 36, said of Busch's visit. "That tops off the whole deal. Had he not come over I would not have lost any sleep. But the fact that he did come over is neat (and) I think that helps."

"It's a bit stale that I was on the wrong end of it (finish)," Busch said. "It was just an awesome duel between two guys that don't win all that often."

8. The standard winner and champion

Series: Winston Cup

It's become almost an annual thing, because the Winston Cup champion never wins and clinches the title at the same time. And this year was no different.

Bill Elliott won the Pop Secret 400 at The Rock, and Matt Kenseth clinched the title. Elliott, who had won the title in 1988, pulled up beside Kenseth to offer his congratulations.

Elliott certainly knew what Kenseth was going through.

9. Pop that hatch

Series: Winston Cup

After winning the EA SPORTS 500, Michael Waltrip exited the car through its escape hatch -- the hatch designed to provide a quick departure after a crash.

Ironically, Waltrip's car was the only one to have the hatch.

10. Robby picks up win, Miss Winston

Series: Winston Cup

This photo on the right was one of our favorites this year. Anytime Robby Gordon wins, it's a pretty rowdy victory lane.

Robby looked absolutely thrilled in Victory Lane. He picked up Miss Winston, and he even playfully gave a hug to the Mongo (Sirius Radio) mascot.

It sure made for some great photography.

Gordon made a heckuva burnout too -- he left major rubber on the start finish line on Watkins Glen's road course.

Information from the Associated Press was used to compile this list.