Accidents and spins in NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series fell to their lowest levels in five years, USA TODAY database research shows. The taller, boxier, sturdier new-generation car, which began full-time duty this season after a 16-race trial in 2007, was involved in 211 incidents resulting in a caution, according to data compiled from NASCAR race reports. That’s a 12% drop from last season and marked the lowest total since 2004, when the 10-race, playoff-style Chase began. Wrecks during this year’s Chase also fell 33% from 89 in ’07 to 60 this year, the lowest in the playoff’s five-year existence. One huge surprise was Rookie of the Year Regan Smith, who had the third-lowest accident rate (12%) and became the first Cup rookie to finish every race. Rookie Sam Hornish Jr., a former Indianapolis 500 and three-time IRL IndyCar Series champion, topped the list with 20 accidents in 34 starts (59%). Drivers with the highest total of crashes and spins in NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series, according to USA TODAY database research: 2008 — Sam Hornish Jr.* 2007 — David Ragan* 2006 — J.J. Yeley* 2005 — Michael Waltrip 2004 — Robby Gordon 2003 — Steve Park 2002 — Steve Park See more at USA Today.(12-16-2008)
