Part-time competition was common during the early years of NASCAR, with drivers even winning championships without having to complete the full season. However, over time, the possibility of an occasional driver succeeding at the highest level has become increasingly rare.
In the 1990s, no victory by a part-time driver was recorded, and since the beginning of the 21st century, only nine drivers have managed to win. Recently, at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, Corey Heim has joined this list, becoming the most recent winner and the first since Shane van Gisbergen three years ago. Next, we will review other drivers who, with the strategy of participating part-time, have achieved their successes in the NASCAR Cup.
Corey Heim – 2026 San Diego Street Course
In his 13th professional participation and sixth of 2026, Heim, champion of the 2025 NASCAR Truck Series, drove a fourth unauthorized car from 23XI Racing. He qualified in 13th position and did not lead any laps until he surpassed his teammate Tyler Reddick with three laps to go, achieving a victory by 10.3 seconds over Bubba Wallace. This victory also becomes a historic fact, as Heim is the first driver to win a Cup race with the number 67.
After this victory, Heim already has a contract to be a full-time driver for 2027 with 23XI Racing, replacing Riley Herbst.
Shane van Gisbergen – 2023 Chicago Street Course
The three-time Supercars champion, SVG, made his debut in the NASCAR Cup with Trackhouse’s Project 91 program. He competed on the new Chicago track and, in rainy conditions, demonstrated his skill by moving from 18th to first position in the last 30 laps of the race, becoming the first driver in over 60 years to win on his debut.
After the victory, van Gisbergen decided to make the jump to NASCAR and is now a full-time driver for Trackhouse, where he has achieved multiple records.
AJ Allmendinger – 2021 Indianapolis Road Course
Allmendinger has experienced various stages in the NASCAR Cup, but found a new boost with Kaulig Racing. In his fourth of five races in 2021, he won at the Indianapolis RC, taking advantage of a penalty to Chase Briscoe and a problem with Denny Hamlin to take the lead. It was his first Cup victory since 2014.
After this triumph, Allmendinger has continued competing full-time, with other Cup victories in 2023.
Justin Haley – 2019 Daytona International Speedway
With only three races in his career, Haley caused a surprise at Daytona, winning after not pitting during a caution. He started 34th and led a single lap, marking his only victory in the Cup and the first for the Spire team.
Haley competed full-time for a few years, but now races full-time in the NASCAR Truck Series.
Brian Vickers – 2013 New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Vickers won his race with Michael Waltrip Racing, leading the last laps and leaving Tony Stewart behind. This victory marked the end of his count for MWR.
Although his career was interrupted by health issues, Vickers achieved a total of three victories in the Cup.
Trevor Bayne – 2011 Daytona 500
After 17 races with Wood Brothers Racing, Bayne made his second appearance in one of the most prestigious races, winning the Daytona 500 a day after his 20th birthday. This victory was the first for the team in a decade.
Despite that success, Bayne could not repeat victories in the Cup, but continued his career, now as an analyst.
Brad Keselowski – 2009 Talladega Superspeedway
Keselowski achieved his first Cup triumph in one of the most memorable races at Talladega, surpassing Carl Edwards. This victory would mark the beginning of a career that would lead him to win 36 races and become NASCAR Cup champion in 2012.
Jamie McMurray – 2002 Charlotte Motor Speedway
By replacing the injured Sterling Marlin, McMurray made his second appearance in a race he comfortably led, achieving victory over Bobby Labonte.
With an impressive record of seven Cup victories, McMurray is considered one of the most respected drivers in the sport.
Robby Gordon – 2001 New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Gordon, who replaced an injured driver, achieved his first victory in the last race of 2001, surpassing Jeff Gordon in a race that was rescheduled after the September 11 attacks.
With a total of three victories, Gordon has left a significant mark both in NASCAR and in other motorsport disciplines.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
