As the first decade of the new millennium comes to an end, the NASCAR Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series’ have produced many spectacular shows for the hardcore race fans of the sport. Recently members of the media voted on the top three races of the decade in each series to reminisce on the past.

In the Nationwide Series, Brian Vickers’ first series victory over Shane Hmiel in the 2003 Kroger 200 presented by Tom Raper RVs at the O’Reilly Raceway Park was chosen as the top race of the decade. Coming in second was Mike Wallace’s triumph at Daytona International Speedway in the 2004 Winn-Dixie 250 presented by PepsiCo marking his first win in 10 years. Wrapping up the best of the Nationwide Series, the 2008 NAPA Auto Parts 200 presented by Dodge in which Ron Fellows captured the first national series points race in the rain.

Taking the crown for the top race of the decade in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series is the 2005 Florida Dodge Dealers 250. Bobby Hamilton took the checkers by leading the last two feet of the event. Second place finisher Jimmy Spencer thought he had won the race and went down Victory Lane making for an interesting situation. The 2003 season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway claimed the second spot on the podium. Heading into the race, four drivers – Brendan Gaughan, Dennis Setzer, Ted Musgrave and Travis Kvapil – all had a shot to claim the series title, but it was Kvapil who celebrated following the race taking home his first NASCAR championship. The 2007 Chevy Silverado HD 250 at Daytona International Speedway settled in the third spot. Jack Sprague took the cake when he beat out two competitors in a three-wide race to the finish.

With the month of December fading in our rear view mirrors, a decade of great NASCAR action has gone with it. Forever living in our memories, the past always serves as a template for the future ensuring that there will be plenty more epic battles on the track.

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