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Shortened NASCAR races: Who beat the rain?
By Terrin Waack | Published: July 10, 2019 8
Sean Gardner | Getty Images
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Brian Lawdermilk | Getty Images
Ever since the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series implemented its postseason elimination format in 2014, a win-and-you're-in mentality is prevalent among drivers. Rain won't stop that. So, take a look back at drivers who have won a rain-shortened race in the past five-plus seasons and the impact it had.
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Sean Gardner | Getty Images
Justin Haley
Date: July 7, 2019
Track: Daytona International Speedway
Race: Coke Zero Sugar 400
Laps: 127/160
The driver of the No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet is not a full-time Cup Series driver, so winning the race actually did not lock him into a playoff spot. Still, the 20-year-old pulled off an unlikely feat with an unlikely team.
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Jeff Zelevansky | Getty Images
Clint Bowyer
Date: June 10, 2018
Track: Michigan International Speedway
Race: FireKeepers Casino 400
Laps: 133/200
The driver of the No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford was eliminated from the postseason after the Round of 8 and ultimately finished the season 12th place in the championship point standings. The rain-shortened win at Michigan aided Bowyer's deep postseason run as it gave him five playoff points.
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Jerry Markland | Getty Images
Carl Edwards
Date: Nov. 6, 2016
Track: Texas Motor Speedway
Race: AAA Texas 500
Laps: 293/334
The driver of the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota made it all the way to the Championship 4, clinching his spot thanks to this victory. He placed fourth overall in the championship point standings.
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Brian Lawdermilk | Getty Images
Chris Buescher
Date: Aug. 1, 2016
Track: Pocono Raceway
Race: Pennsylvania 400
Laps: 138/160
The driver of the No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford was booted from the playoffs after the Round of 16 and wound up 16th overall in the championship point standings. The pit strategy call at Pocono gave Buescher his first career Cup Series win and the second win for Front Row Motorsports.
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Sean Gardner | Getty Images
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Date: Nov. 15, 2015
Track:ISM Raceway (then Phoenix International Raceway)
Race: Quicken Loans Race for Heroes 500
Laps: 219/312
The driver of the No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet got bumped after the Round of 12 and closed out the season 12th overall in the championship point standings. This would be the final win of Junior's career.
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Chris Trotman | Getty Images
Kurt Busch
Date: June 14, 2015
Track: Michigan International Speedway
Race: Quicken Loans 400
Laps: 138/200
The driver of the No. 41 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet fell short in the Round of 8 and proceeded to come eighth overall in the championship point standings.
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Chris Graythen | Getty Images
Aric Almirola
Date: July 6, 2014
Track: Daytona International Speedway
Race: Coke Zero 400
Laps: 112/160
The driver of the No. 43 Richard Petty Motorsports Ford didn't make it past the Round of 16 and ended up 16th overall in the championship point standings. This was his first career Cup Series win.