Ricky Craven

Ricky Craven won two Cup Series races in 278 starts, but his second victory -- at Darlington Raceway in 2003 -- produced what many consider the greatest finish in NASCAR history. Craven edged Kurt Busch by 0.002 seconds in a side-by-side, door-banging final lap that remains the closest finish ever recorded in a Cup Series points race. That 0.002-second margin is the standard against which all close finishes are measured. The Newburgh, Maine native overcame serious injuries from crashes at Talladega and Texas early in his career, injuries that would have ended most drivers' careers permanently. His determination to return to competition and then produce the single most memorable finish in the sport's modern history speaks to a competitive fire that burned hotter than the pain he endured. Craven's first victory came at Martinsville in 2001, proving his versatility on the short tracks where patience and racecraft matter most. His career may not have produced the volume of wins his talent deserved, but the quality of his most famous moment transcends any statistical measure. After retiring from driving, Craven became a respected racing analyst, bringing the perspective of a man who had experienced the highest highs and the lowest lows that motorsport can deliver. The Darlington finish alone ensures that Ricky Craven's name will be remembered as long as stock car racing exists.

Written by Richard R. Glover, NASCAR Reference