Memorable NASCAR Playoffs heartbreak moments

Heartache and unpredictability both are part of sports, and many NASCAR drivers have seen their share of both in this elimination-style playoff format. Read on for some of the most memorable playoff moments that made the heart ache.

Kyle Busch, Talladega 2014

In the middle of the best postseason of his career, Busch's No. 18 team strategized to run near the back at Talladega Superspeedway to avoid being swept up in the "Big One" ... except the "Big One" happened toward the rear of the field, and Busch caught it and fell below the cutoff line.

Jeff Gordon, Phoenix 2014

A runner-up finish at ISM Raceway looked like it would be enough for Gordon to advance to the Championship 4, but Ryan Newman had other plans. Newman ran Kyle Larson up the track coming to the checkered flag, gaining the one position he needed to surge past Gordon in the standings and advance to Miami as part of the first Championship 4 group.

Jimmie Johnson, Dover 2015

Perhaps the most stunning elimination in the elimination era, Johnson was forced to the garage at Dover International Speedway -- where he is the all-time wins leader -- for a repair. The No. 48 team famously quipped it was eliminated on a "$5 part" failing.

Jamie McMurray, Dover 2015

It was a double gut punch for McMurray. Kevin Harvick won at Dover, and he entered the race below the cutoff line, so he effectively stole a spot in the Round of 12. Then McMurray finished fourth, but lost the tiebreaker for the final spot to Dale Earnhardt Jr. -- who finished third.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., Talladega 2015

He needed a win, and the king of Talladega nearly got it. A wreck on the final restart brought out the yellow flag a split-second before Earnhardt powered by Joey Logano for the lead. Because Logano led at the time of caution, he was the winner.

Austin Dillon, Talladega 2016

Dillon tied for the final transfer spot into the Round of 8 with Denny Hamlin, but Hamlin advanced via tiebreaker. Dillon needed to finish one spot better at 'Dega to have advanced; he crossed the start-finish line approximately .003 seconds behind Aric Almirola.

Martin Truex Jr., Talladega 2016

A two-time winner in the opening round, Truex entered the Round of 12 elimination race a healthy 13 points above the cutoff line. But then his engine expired and he found himself in the garage, finishing last and out of the playoffs.

Matt Kenseth, Phoenix 2016

Kenseth was one point above the cutoff line entering the Round of 8 finale, and he led for a late 55-lap stretch. Ultimately, Kenseth and Alex Bowman wrecked battling for the lead, ending Kenseth's day and title hopes.

Matt Kenseth, Kansas 2017

Kenseth was involved in a wreck not of his own doing at Kansas Speedway but still might have recovered enough to advance if it wasn't for a miscommunication. The No. 20 team had seven crew members working on his car during the five-minute clock to repair damages, and the damaged vehicle policy stated a maximum of six. That disqualified the No. 20 team from the race.

Kyle Larson, Kansas 2017

Larson's bounty of 42 playoff points couldn't save him from elimination. An expired engine led to a 39th-place finish, too much to overcome.

Jimmie Johnson, Charlotte 2018

The No. 48 team's quest for a record eighth championship came to an end in the Round of 16 elimination race on the Charlotte Motor Speedway road course after a gamble by Johnson. He chased down Truex on the final lap at the Roval, but instead of collecting his points with a second-place finish and moving on to the next round, the veteran driver tried to pass the No. 78 on the front chicane and the two cars collided, ultimately knocking the No. 48 team out of postseason contention. After the race, Johnson lamented the driver error but said he was racing for the win.

Kurt Busch, Phoenix 2018

Kurt Busch entered the Round of 8 finale at ISM three points behind the cutoff line for the final spot in the Championship 4. He topped 50 laps led and was in second place on a restart with less than 50 laps to go that saw his title hopes ruined when he collided with Hamlin battling for position.