Most memorable NASCAR moments of 2012

Huge underdog Brad Keselowski captures Sprint Cup crown

Yappin' and tweetin' most of the way, the fun-loving 28-year-old Michigan native became only the third driver under 30 to win the championship since 1985, joining Jeff Gordon and Kurt Busch. After finishing 30th or worse in two of the season's first three races, Keselowski was facing long odds to make the Sprint Cup Chase. However, a second straight win at Bristol sparked a roll that set up legendary car owner Roger Penske's team for its first Cup title. Keselowski won two of the first three Chase events before losing the points lead at Martinsville to Jimmie Johnson. It was the five-time champion who folded at the end, though, crashing at Phoenix and encountering mechanical failure at Homestead in the final two races. The crown marked the first Sprint Cup title for Dodge, which had announced earlier that it was withdrawing from NASCAR. "There a lot more to come. Keep expecting the unexpected," said Keselowski, who was admittedly "buzzed"in his post-race interview with ESPN in which he guzzled down sponsor Miller Lite in a 36-ounce glass.

2Earnhardt Jr. finally ends lengthy Cup losing streak

NASCAR's No. 1 drawing card hadn't won a Cup race in nearly four years when he climbed into his race car on July 17 at Michigan. Three hours later, Earnhardt had easily outrun second-place Tony Stewart and snapped a 143-race Cup losing skein. The streak-ending triumph came on Michigan's 2-mile oval, where Earnhardt won his last Cup event in June 2008.Earnhardt's success was huge for NASCAR, which saw crowds dwindle this season. Plus, Earnhardt won't have to answer the question "when are you going to win again" at every venue he visits. Junior was even more glad to do it for his rabid followers. "They stayed loyal," said Earnhardt of his fans who were concerned their driver would never win again. "As soon as I got out of that car, that was my initial thought -- was about how many people were in their living rooms screaming at the top of their lungs, or running out in the yard, or whatever they do. I just wish I could see it all at once."

Season opens with crazy Daytona 500

NASCAR's perennial season opener was like none before. First, rain postponed the race for the first time in history, dating back to the inaugural 500in 1959. So, for the first time ever,stock car racing's answer to the Super Bowl was run on Monday night under the lights. Things got even crazier before it was over as driver Juan Pablo Montoya -- no, he wasn't blindfolded -- somehow ran into the rear of a massive track jet dryer which sparked a huge fireball in Turn 3. During the long delay,eventual season champion Brad Keselowski became the first NASCAR driver to engage in social media during a race, shipping outhis random thoughts via his Twitter account. In the end, Matt Kenseth held off Dale Earnhardt Jr. in a green-white checker to capture his second Daytona 500 victory in four years.

The pit-road brawl in the Arizona desert

NASCAR revisited its old days on Nov. 11 at Phoenix. Jeff Gordon intentionally wrecked Clint Bowyer in a payback move, sparking a brawl in the garage area. After the race Gordon climbed from his car and appeared to be jumped from behind by one of Bowyer's crew members. That triggered a full-bore brawl between the two teams' crew members. Bowyer sprinted from his car to join the fracas. However, Bowyer was held back by NASCAR officials. Race winner Kevin Harvick loved what he saw. "The sport was made on fights," Harvick said. "We should have more fights. I like fights. They're not always fun to be in, sometimes you're on the wrong end, but fights are what made NASCAR what it is."

Michael Waltrip Racing rises from the deck

Michael Waltrip Racing flexed new found muscle all season. After not having one of its drivers qualify for the Sprint Cup Chase in its first five years, MWR had two drivers qualify for the 10-race shootout for the title. Clint Bowyer, in his first year with the organization, finished a career-high second in the final standings. Truex came home 11th. Michael Waltrip, who had become more known for his work in television covering stock car racing, says his improving outfit can produce even better results in 2013.

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