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NASCAR

Top 5 NASCAR Performances of 2014

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Top 5 NASCAR Performances of 2014

Kevin Harvick checkered flag Charlotte
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There were a lot of great individual NASCAR performances in 2014. Here's a look at the top five.

5. Dale Earnhardt Jr., Daytona

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Daytona 500 trophy
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5. Dale Earnhardt Jr., Daytona

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Daytona 500 trophy
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Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced early that he was a contender this season with this win. Junior would go on to win four races this year, including a sweep of Pocono and a win at Martinsville. However, it was his win in the Daytona 500 that set the tone for the season, one of the best in Junior's career.

4. Jeff Gordon, Indianapolis

Jeff Gordon Brickyard 400 win
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4. Jeff Gordon, Indianapolis

Jeff Gordon Brickyard 400 win
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Jeff Gordon had proven early in the season that he was primed for a resurgent season, but it was his win at Indianapolis that proved he was a legit championship threat. He had the dominant car in winning his record fifth Brickyard 400, and was among the fastest cars at nearly every track throughout the rest of the season. Indy has always been a special track for Gordon, and he was back on top in 2014.

3. A.J. Allmendinger, Watkins Glen

AJ Allmendinger Watkins Glen celebrate
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3. A.J. Allmendinger, Watkins Glen

AJ Allmendinger Watkins Glen celebrate
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A.J. Allmendinger gave the Chase a true Cinderella story by qualifying for the NASCAR playoffs with his first career Sprint Cup win at Watkins Glen. It wasn't just that he won that was impressive -- he held off Marcos Ambrose, the circuit's premier road-course driver, over a thrilling shootout over the final few laps. Allmendinger made quite a showing in 2014 and was competitive more often than not despite driving for a single-car team.

2. Brad Keselowski, Talladega

Brad Keselowski Talladega celebrate
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2. Brad Keselowski, Talladega

Brad Keselowski Talladega celebrate
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In winning a season-best six races, Brad Keselowski certainly provided plenty of highlights, but none matched the grit he demonstrated in his final victory at Talladega. Keselowski's back was to the wall, facing elimination, but he came through with an unbelievably clutch drive to pick up the win and advance to the Eliminator Round.

1. Kevin Harvick, Phoenix/Homestead

Kevin Harvick victory lane Homestead
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1. Kevin Harvick, Phoenix/Homestead

Kevin Harvick victory lane Homestead
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Without a win in either of the final two races, Kevin Harvick would not have won the Sprint Cup title, but that's exactly what he did. After dominating the field at Phoenix, Harvick followed that by fending off Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano and Ryan Newman in picking up his second-straight win and his first NASCAR title. Each win was as impressive and crucial as the other, and therefore both belong in this countdown.

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