Dale Earnhardt celebrates after winning the 1998 Daytona 500. (Photo: NASCAR)

7. One of the most popular wins in NASCAR history was scored by Earnhardt when he captured the 1998 Daytona 500. Earnhardt looked right at home in victory lane when he climbed atop his black No. 3 and raised both arms in triumph.

8. But the tide turned just over a year later when fan favorite Earnhardt was greeted in victory lane by a large chorus of boos after spinning Terry Labonte to win the night race at Bristol, Tenn. in August 1999.

9. The moment the checkered flag waved over the Hooters 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway Bill Elliott partied in victory lane, Alan Kulwicki celebrated his championship and Petty rode off into the sunset as he took one final lap around the track.

My SPEED is devoted to the passionate fans who celebrate motorcycles, motorsports and the automotive lifestyle.

10. Petty pulled off an improbable win by capturing the 1979 Daytona 500. But his victory lane interview was overshadowed by the unforgettable fight in Turn 3 between Bobby and Donnie Allison and Cale Yarborough.

It’d suit me just fine to see Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick or Jimmie Johnson do something spectacular and out of the ordinary at the conclusion Sunday’s Ford 400 in Homestead, Fla. and generate new memories for NASCAR’s fanbase.

Have at it, boys!