Reaching 700 starts in the NASCAR Cup Series is a rare and impressive achievement. Winning after that milestone? That’s another level entirely. Only a select group of drivers have managed to not only endure the grind of long careers but also remain competitive enough to reach Victory Lane deep into their racing years.
Here are 11 legendary drivers who earned at least one Cup Series win after making their 700th career start — a feat that combines talent, resilience, and sheer love of racing.
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1. Richard Petty
The gold standard of NASCAR longevity, “The King” recorded 22 wins after his 700th start. Petty, who ran an incredible 1,184 races, maintained championship-caliber performance well into his 40s. His post-700 success is unmatched in Cup history.
2. Kevin Harvick
Harvick stayed fast all the way through his retirement in 2023. He won 7 races after hitting the 700-start mark, proving that consistency, strategy, and fitness can keep a driver competitive even as younger stars emerge.
3. Jeff Gordon
Gordon collected 6 wins after his 700th start, continuing to deliver top-tier performances until his final full-time season in 2015. His career remains one of the most celebrated in modern NASCAR.
4. Mark Martin
Known for his discipline and physical fitness, Martin earned 5 wins after 700 starts. He was a threat well into his 50s and came heartbreakingly close to a championship in 2009.
5. Rusty Wallace
Wallace added 4 wins post-700, wrapping up a Hall of Fame career that was marked by aggressiveness and technical skill behind the wheel.
6. Bobby Allison
Allison notched 3 wins after crossing the 700-start threshold and captured the 1983 Cup title at age 45 — showing age was just a number for the fierce veteran.
7. Darrell Waltrip
Waltrip scored 2 wins after start 700. Though his later years didn’t match the pace of his prime, he still managed to be competitive well into the twilight of his career.
8. Terry Labonte
The two-time champ claimed 1 win beyond 700 starts. Labonte was known for quiet consistency and sportsmanship, and that late-career win was a testament to both.
9. Bill Elliott
The 1988 champion added 1 post-700 victory, proving his trademark speed hadn’t faded entirely as the years went on.
10. Kyle Petty
Though wins were few, Petty captured 1 victory after his 700th start, securing a place on this elite list.
11. Denny Hamlin
The newest member of the club, Hamlin recently earned his first win after 700 starts in 2025 — and he may not be done yet.
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Winning after 700 starts isn’t just about horsepower — it’s about heart, experience, and evolution. These 11 drivers proved that greatness has no expiration date.
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