Although it’s NASCAR’s first of just two weekends off this season, it’s also only April, so we’re nowhere near the end — or even the halfway point — of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series schedule. But the first races of 2017 have not disappointed.
Through seven races, there have been six winners, young standouts, surprising veteran victors, a new grandfather clock owner and a headline-grabbing fight.
Within the extensive list of things that differ in NASCAR compared with other sports, a major distinction is the post-race celebration. Instead of hugs, fist pumps and high-fives, drivers celebrate every win like it’s the World Series, complete with spraying beer, Coca-Cola or Gatorade — depending on who their sponsor is.
So at the first break in the season, here are the most amazing celebration photos from each race so far.
1. Kurt Busch wins his first Daytona 500
Busch and his team at Daytona International Speedway. (Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)
(Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
2. Brad Keselowski claims victory at the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500
Keselowski celebrates with a burnout at Atlanta Motor Speedway. (Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)
Keselowski fist bumps his daughter, Scarlett. (Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports)
3. Martin Truex Jr.’s last-second win in the Kobalt 400
Truex celebrates at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)
(Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports)
Don’t remember seeing a lot of these? That’s because Kyle Busch stole Truex’s thunder when he took a swing at Joey Logano after the race.
4.Ryan Newman surprises everybody in the Camping World 500
Newman celebrates in victory lane at Phoenix International Raceway. (Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
Newman and his team. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)
5. Kyle Larson dominates in the Auto Club 400
Larson does a burnout after winning at Auto Club Speedway. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Larson celebrates with his crew chief Chad Johnston. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images)
6. Keselowski is the first driver to win two races this season in the STP 500
Keselowski celebrates at Martinsville Speedway. (Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports)
(Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
7. Jimmie Johnson gets his 81st career win in the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500
Johnson celebrates at Texas Motor Speedway. (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports)
(AP Photo/Larry Papke)
