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The 1989 NASCAR Winston Cup Series was the 41st season of professional stock car racing in the United States and the 18th modern-era Cup season. It began February 12 and ended November 19. Rusty Wallace of Blue Max Racing won the championship. This was the first year that every Winston Cup race had flag to flag coverage, with almost all of them being televised live.

The 1989 season marked the end of the first of two tire wars between Goodyear and Hoosier, with Hoosier leaving NASCAR shortly after Goodyear debuted their new radial tires. [1]

Also, 1989 was the first season without Bobby Allison, Benny Parsons, and Cale Yarborough.

1989 NASCAR Winston Cup Series Drivers

Complete schedule

Manufacturer Team No. Driver Crew Chief
Buick David Pearson Racing 16 Larry Pearson (R) Ricky Pearson
King Racing 26 Ricky Rudd Larry McReynolds
Stavola Brothers Racing 8 Bobby Hillin Jr. Harry Hyde
84 Mike Alexander 1 Jimmy Fennig
Dick Trickle (R) 28
Chevrolet Hendrick Motorsports 5 Geoff Bodine Waddell Wilson
17 Darrell Waltrip Jeff Hammond
25 Ken Schrader Richard Broome
Marcis Auto Racing 71 Dave Marcis
Richard Childress Racing 3 Dale Earnhardt Kirk Shelmerdine
Ford AK Racing 7 Alan Kulwicki Paul Andrews
Bud Moore Engineering 15 Brett Bodine Donnie Wingo
Junior Johnson & Associates 11 Terry Labonte Tim Brewer
Melling Racing 9 Bill Elliott Ernie Elliott
Robert Yates Racing 28 Davey Allison Robert Yates
Roush Racing 6 Mark Martin Robin Pemberton
Wood Brothers Racing 21 Neil Bonnett 26 Leonard Wood
Tommy Ellis 3
Oldsmobile Hagan Racing 94 Sterling Marlin
Jackson Brothers Motorsports 33 Harry Gant Andy Petree
55 Phil Parsons
Morgan-McClure Motorsports 4 Rick Wilson Tony Glover
Speed Racing 83 Lake Speed 24
Joe Ruttman 3
Eddie Bierschwale 1
Rodney Combs 1
Pontiac Bahari Racing 30 Michael Waltrip Bill Ingle
Baker-Schiff Racing 88 Greg Sacks 10 Dennis Conner
Joe Ruttman 1
Jimmy Spencer (R) 17
Blue Max Racing 27 Rusty Wallace Barry Dodson
Cale Yarborough Motorsports 29 Dale Jarrett
Means Racing 52 Jimmy Means
Osterlund Racing 57 Hut Stricklin (R) Doug Richert
Petty Enterprises 43 Richard Petty Dale Inman
RahMoc Enterprises 75 Morgan Shepherd Bob Rahilly
U.S. Racing 2 Ernie Irvan Bob Johnson

Limited schedule

Manufacturer Team No. Driver Crew Chief Round(s)
Buick AAG Racing 34 Charlie Glotzbach 1
Rodney Combs 4
Jim Bown 1
Chevrolet Hendrick Motorsports 18 Tommy Kendall Jake Elder 1
42 Kyle Petty Gary Nelson 1
46 Greg Sacks 1
51 Bobby Hamilton 1
Mach 1 Racing 66 Rick Mast (R) Travis Carter 14
Miller Racing 1 Butch Miller 1
51 9
Ford Dick Johnson Racing 38 Dick Johnson Ray Evernham 5
Donlavey Racing 90 Chad Little 8
Stan Barrett 4
Lennie Pond 1
Tracy Leslie 1
Gibbs Racing 01 Mickey Gibbs 2
Oldsmobile A.J. Foyt Enterprises 14 A.J. Foyt 8
Tracy Leslie 2
Aroneck Racing 53 Jerry O'Neil 7
Barkdoll Racing 73 Phil Barkdoll Cliff Champion 5
B&B Racing 23 Eddie Bierschwale 16
Hess Racing 40 Ben Hess Doug Richert 10
Pontiac Arrington Racing 67 Mickey Gibbs Buddy Arrington 1
Brad Teague 1
Bob Clark Motorsports 31 Jim Sauter 10
Dingman Brothers Racing 50 Jim Sauter 1
Mickey Gibbs 2
Group 44 44 Jim Sauter Lee Arter 9
McDuffie Racing 70 J.D. McDuffie Jeff McDuffie 23
Mueller Brothers Racing 89 Rodney Combs 8
SABCO Racing 42 Kyle Petty Gary Nelson 20
Whitcomb Racing 10 Ken Bouchard Buddy Parrott 5
Derrike Cope 20
Winkle Motorsports 48 Mickey Gibbs 4
Greg Sacks 10

Schedule

No. Race Title Track Date
Busch Clash Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach February 12
Twin 125 Qualifiers February 16
1 Daytona 500 February 19
2 Goodwrench 500 North Carolina Motor Speedway, Rockingham March 5
3 Motorcraft Quality Parts 500 Atlanta International Raceway, Hampton March 19
4 Pontiac Excitement 400 Richmond International Raceway, Richmond March 26
5 TranSouth 500 Darlington Raceway, Darlington April 2
6 Valleydale Meats 500 Bristol International Raceway, Bristol April 9
7 First Union 400 North Wilkesboro Speedway, North Wilkesboro April 16
8 Pannill Sweatshirts 500 Martinsville Speedway, Ridgeway April 23
9 Winston 500 Talladega Superspeedway, Talladega May 7
Winston Open Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord May 21
The Winston
10 Coca-Cola 600 May 28
11 Budweiser 500 Dover Downs International Speedway, Dover June 4
12 Banquet Frozen Foods 300 Sears Point Raceway, Sonoma June 11
13 Miller High Life 500 Pocono International Raceway, Long Pond June 18
14 Miller High Life 400 Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn June 25
15 Pepsi 400 Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach July 1
16 AC Spark Plug 500 Pocono International Raceway, Long Pond July 23
17 Talladega DieHard 500 Talladega Superspeedway, Talladega July 30
18 Budweiser at The Glen Watkins Glen International, Watkins Glen August 13
19 Champion Spark Plug 400 Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn August 20
20 Busch 500 Bristol International Raceway, Bristol August 26
21 Heinz Southern 500 Darlington Raceway, Darlington September 3
22 Miller High Life 400 Richmond International Raceway, Richmond September 10
23 Peak Performance 500 Dover Downs International Speedway, Dover September 17
24 Goody's 500 Martinsville Speedway, Ridgeway September 24
25 All Pro Auto Parts 500 Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord October 8
26 Holly Farms 400 North Wilkesboro Speedway, North Wilkesboro October 15
27 AC Delco 500 North Carolina Motor Speedway, Rockingham October 22
28 Autoworks 500 Phoenix International Raceway, Phoenix November 5
29 Atlanta Journal 500 Atlanta International Raceway, Hampton November 19

Races

No. Race Pole position Most laps led Winning driver Manufacturer
Busch Clash Ken Schrader Ken Schrader Ken Schrader Chevrolet
Twin 125 #1 Ken Schrader Ken Schrader Ken Schrader Chevrolet
Twin 125 #2 Darrell Waltrip Dale Earnhardt Terry Labonte Ford
1 Daytona 500 Ken Schrader Ken Schrader Darrell Waltrip Chevrolet
2 Goodwrench 500 Rusty Wallace Rusty Wallace Rusty Wallace Pontiac
3 Motorcraft Quality Parts 500 Alan Kulwicki Rusty Wallace Darrell Waltrip Chevrolet
4 Pontiac Excitement 400 Geoff Bodine Geoff Bodine Rusty Wallace Pontiac
5 TranSouth 500 Mark Martin Harry Gant Harry Gant Oldsmobile
6 Valleydale Meats 500 Mark Martin Greg Sacks Rusty Wallace Pontiac
7 First Union 400 Rusty Wallace Dale Earnhardt Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet
8 Pannill Sweatshirts 500 Geoff Bodine Darrell Waltrip Darrell Waltrip Chevrolet
9 Winston 500 Mark Martin Davey Allison Davey Allison Ford
Winston Open Mark Martin Sterling Marlin Sterling Marlin Oldsmobile
The Winston Terry Labonte Rusty Wallace Rusty Wallace Pontiac
10 Coca-Cola 600 Alan Kulwicki Alan Kulwicki Darrell Waltrip Chevrolet
11 Budweiser 500 Mark Martin Dale Earnhardt Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet
12 Banquet Frozen Foods 300 Rusty Wallace Ricky Rudd Ricky Rudd Buick
13 Miller High Life 500 Rusty Wallace Rusty Wallace Terry Labonte Ford
14 Miller High Life 400 Ken Schrader Rusty Wallace Bill Elliott Ford
15 Pepsi 400 Mark Martin Bill Elliott Davey Allison Ford
16 AC Spark Plug 500 Ken Schrader Rusty Wallace Bill Elliott Ford
17 Talladega DieHard 500 Mark Martin Morgan Shepherd Terry Labonte Ford
18 Budweiser at The Glen Morgan Shepherd Morgan Shepherd Rusty Wallace Pontiac
19 Champion Spark Plug 400 Geoff Bodine Rusty Wallace Rusty Wallace Pontiac
20 Busch 500 Alan Kulwicki Darrell Waltrip Darrell Waltrip Chevrolet
21 Heinz Southern 500 Alan Kulwicki Dale Earnhardt Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet
22 Miller High Life 400 Bill Elliott Rusty Wallace Rusty Wallace Pontiac
23 Peak Performance 500 Davey Allison Dale Earnhardt Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet
24 Goody's 500 Dale Earnhardt Rusty Wallace Darrell Waltrip Chevrolet
25 All Pro Auto Parts 500 Bill Elliott Bill Elliott Ken Schrader Chevrolet
26 Holly Farms 400 Dale Earnhardt Dale Earnhardt Geoff Bodine Chevrolet
27 AC Delco 500 Alan Kulwicki Rusty Wallace Mark Martin Ford
28 Autoworks 500 Ken Schrader Alan Kulwicki Bill Elliott Ford
29 Atlanta Journal 500 Alan Kulwicki Dale Earnhardt Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet

Busch Clash

The Busch Clash, an annual invitational event for all winners of the Busch Pole award from the previous season, was held February 12 at Daytona International Speedway. Ken Schrader drew for the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 25- Ken Schrader
  2. 28- Davey Allison
  3. 11- Terry Labonte
  4. 5- Geoff Bodine
  5. 4- Rick Wilson
  6. 27- Rusty Wallace
  7. 6- Mark Martin
  8. 17- Darrell Waltrip
  9. 75- Morgan Shepherd
  10. 66- Rick Mast

Gatorade 125s

The Gatorade 125s, a pair of qualifying races for the Daytona 500, were held February 16 at Daytona International Speedway. Ken Schrader and Darrell Waltrip won the poles for each event, respectively.

Race One Top Ten Results

  1. 25- Ken Schrader
  2. 75- Morgan Shepherd
  3. 6- Mark Martin
  4. 55- Phil Parsons
  5. 7- Alan Kulwicki
  6. 66- Rick Mast
  7. 9- Jody Ridley
  8. 10- Ken Bouchard -1
  9. 45- Joe Ruttman -1
  10. 71- Dave Marcis -1

Race Two Top Ten Results

  1. 11- Terry Labonte
  2. 94- Sterling Marlin
  3. 3- Dale Earnhardt
  4. 5- Geoff Bodine
  5. 33- Harry Gant
  6. 16- Larry Pearson
  7. 28- Davey Allison
  8. 17- Darrell Waltrip -1
  9. 15- Brett Bodine -1
  10. 29- Dale Jarrett -1

Daytona 500

The Daytona 500 was held February 19th. Ken Schrader won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 17- Darrell Waltrip
  2. 25- Ken Schrader
  3. 3- Dale Earnhardt
  4. 5- Geoff Bodine
  5. 55- Phil Parsons
  6. 66- Rick Mast*
  7. 7- Alan Kulwicki
  8. 4- Rick Wilson
  9. 11- Terry Labonte
  10. 23- Eddie Bierschwale
  • Darrell Waltrip stretched his fuel for 53 laps, and won the Daytona 500 for the first time in his career, after 17 tries.

Goodwrench 500

The Goodwrench 500 was held March 5 at North Carolina Motor Speedway. Rusty Wallace won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 27- Rusty Wallace
  2. 7- Alan Kulwicki
  3. 3- Dale Earnhardt
  4. 5- Geoff Bodine
  5. 6- Mark Martin
  6. 28- Davey Allison
  7. 94- Sterling Marlin
  8. 83- Lake Speed
  9. 88- Greg Sacks
  10. 31- Jim Sauter
  • Rusty Wallace became the first driver to claim the Unocal 76 Challenge. After one rollover, and bonus money added at the season ending banquet, Wallace received an additional $22,800 for winning from the pole.

Motorcraft Quality Parts 500

The Motorcraft Quality Parts 500 was held March 19 at Atlanta International Raceway. The No. 7 of Alan Kulwicki won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 17- Darrell Waltrip
  2. 3- Dale Earnhardt
  3. 84- Dick Trickle
  4. 42- Kyle Petty
  5. 94- Sterling Marlin
  6. 4- Rick Wilson
  7. 21- Neil Bonnett
  8. 57- Hut Stricklin
  9. 29- Dale Jarrett
  10. 75- Morgan Shepherd

Failed to qualify: #36- H. B. Baily, #69- Lee Raymond, #70- J. D. McDuffie, Rodney Combs, Rick Jeffrey

  • Richard Petty was a factor among the leaders, and led 9 laps. But during a pit stop, the gas can leaked fuel onto the exhaust pipe, and started a bad pit fire. Crew member Robert Callicutt suffered second degree burns over 40% of his body and was hospitalized. Petty was forced to drop out of the race. The incident led to new rules regarding crew member fire protection, and newly designed gas can nozzles to prevent leakage. In addition, all pit road reporters for ABC and ESPN would be required to wear fire protected suits for future races telecast by either network.

Pontiac Excitement 400

The Pontiac Excitement 400 was held March 26 at Richmond International Raceway. The No. 5 of Geoff Bodine won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 27- Rusty Wallace
  2. 7- Alan Kulwicki
  3. 3- Dale Earnhardt
  4. 26- Ricky Rudd
  5. 28- Davey Allison
  6. 16- Larry Pearson
  7. 17- Darrell Waltrip
  8. 94- Sterling Marlin
  9. 2- Ernie Irvan
  10. 9- Bill Elliott

Failed to qualify: 43- Richard Petty

  • This race was scheduled for the weekend after the Daytona 500 (February 26), but snow fell in Richmond and blanketed the Speedway. The race was postponed a month, and in subsequent seasons, the spring Richmond race was moved later and later into the season. It is one of the rare times a NASCAR race has been held on Easter Sunday, a weekend that has not had an originally scheduled NASCAR Cup race in the modern era.
  • After qualifying for 513 consecutive races, Richard Petty failed to make the field for this race for the first time since the 1971 Georgia 500. He wrecked his primary car during practice, and could not get the backup car up to speed. His consecutive starts record would stand until the 1996 First Union 400 when Terry Labonte broke the record. Petty's failure to qualify would not be this isolated race however as he would fail to qualify for three additional races later in the season. This would eventually lead to the past champion's provisional being added for former Cup champions failing to qualify on speed or normal provisionals.

TranSouth 500

The TranSouth 500 was held April 2 at Darlington Raceway. Mark Martin won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 33- Harry Gant
  2. 28- Davey Allison
  3. 5- Geoff Bodine
  4. 6- Mark Martin
  5. 94- Sterling Marlin
  6. 9- Bill Elliott
  7. 7- Alan Kulwicki
  8. 27- Rusty Wallace
  9. 30- Michael Waltrip
  10. 83- Lake Speed
  • This was Harry Gant's first victory since the 1985 Holly Farms 400.

Valleydale Meats 500

The Valleydale Meats 500 was held April 9 at Bristol International Raceway. Mark Martin won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 27- Rusty Wallace
  2. 17- Darrell Waltrip
  3. 5- Geoff Bodine
  4. 28- Davey Allison
  5. 84- Dick Trickle
  6. 6- Mark Martin
  7. 88- Greg Sacks
  8. 26- Ricky Rudd
  9. 9- Bill Elliott
  10. 33- Harry Gant

Failed to qualify: #40- Ben Hess, #43- Richard Petty, #52- Jimmy Means, #70- J. D. McDuffie, #71- Dave Marcis, Steve Seligman

  • This would be Greg Sacks' best finish of 1989.
  • This was the final NASCAR start for team owner Buddy Arrington with Brad Teague as his final driver. Teague would finish 17th, 12 laps down to the winner.
  • This race would set the all time caution record for the NASCAR Cup Series; this record would hold up for seventeen years before being beaten by the 2005 Coca-Cola 600.

First Union 400

The First Union 400 was held April 16 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Rusty Wallace won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 3- Dale Earnhardt
  2. 7- Alan Kulwicki
  3. 6- Mark Martin
  4. 84- Dick Trickle
  5. 11- Terry Labonte
  6. 26- Ricky Rudd
  7. 5- Geoff Bodine
  8. 17- Darrell Waltrip
  9. 27- Rusty Wallace
  10. 2- Ernie Irvan

Failed to qualify: 8- Bobby Hillin Jr., 43- Richard Petty, 55- Phil Parsons*, 70- J. D. McDuffie, 04- Bill Meacham, Jerry O'Neil, Kevin Evans, Mark Walbridge

Pannill Sweatshirts 500

The Pannill Sweatshirts 500 was held April 23 at Martinsville Speedway. The No. 5 of Geoff Bodine won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 17- Darrell Waltrip
  2. 3- Dale Earnhardt
  3. 84- Dick Trickle
  4. 4- Rick Wilson
  5. 11- Terry Labonte
  6. 6- Mark Martin
  7. 25- Ken Schrader
  8. 94- Sterling Marlin
  9. 71- Dave Marcis
  10. 21- Neil Bonnett

• This would mark the final race as well as race victory for the older Chevrolet Monte Carlo body style. The new Chevrolet Lumina would debut the next week at Talladega Superspeedway.

Winston 500

The Winston 500 was held May 7 at Alabama International Motor Speedway. Mark Martin won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 28- Davey Allison
  2. 11- Terry Labonte
  3. 6- Mark Martin
  4. 75- Morgan Shepherd
  5. 17- Darrell Waltrip
  6. 25- Ken Schrader
  7. 33- Harry Gant
  8. 3- Dale Earnhardt
  9. 21- Neil Bonnett
  10. 27- Rusty Wallace
  • This was the first race for the new Chevrolet Lumina race car.
  • This race marked the end of the first tire war, as Hoosier Racing Tire left NASCAR when they could not sell enough tires to be economically viable. Hoosier returned to the Winston Cup Series in 1994, but left for good after that season. [2] [3]
  • This was Robert Yates Racing's first race victory.
  • Derrike Cope brings his Purolator sponsorship to the Bob Whitcomb team as their new driver. He was involved in the race's final caution in The Big One crashing out of the race, finishing 30th.

The Winston

The Winston, an annual all-star race for previous winners and champions along with the winner of the same day Winston Open, was held May 21 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The No. 11 of Terry Labonte won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 27- Rusty Wallace
  2. 25- Ken Schrader
  3. 3- Dale Earnhardt
  4. 9- Bill Elliott
  5. 7- Alan Kulwicki
  6. 94- Sterling Marlin (Winston Open Winner)
  7. 17- Darrell Waltrip
  8. 26- Ricky Rudd
  9. 5- Geoff Bodine
  10. 88- Greg Sacks
  • Rusty Wallace spun Darrell Waltrip out of the lead coming to the white flag to earn the victory. This sparked a fight between Wallace and Waltrip's crew members in the pits before Wallace got to victory lane.

Coca-Cola 600

The Coca-Cola 600 was held May 28 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The No. 7 of Alan Kulwicki won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 17- Darrell Waltrip
  2. 94- Sterling Marlin
  3. 25- Ken Schrader
  4. 5- Geoff Bodine
  5. 9- Bill Elliott
  6. 6- Mark Martin
  7. 21- Neil Bonnett
  8. 15- Brett Bodine
  9. 8- Bobby Hillin Jr.
  10. 26- Ricky Rudd
  • By winning the Daytona 500 earlier in the season, and now the Coca-Cola 600, Waltrip secured a $100,000 bonus for winning two of the Winston Million races, and put himself in position to win the Winston Million later in the season at Darlington.
  • Kyle Petty drives the number 42 Peak Antifreeze Chevrolet Monte Carlo owned by Rick Hendrick in this race due to Kyle destroying the only car his regular owner Felix Sabates had during the previous weekend on lap 3 of The Winston. He would finish 17th, 8 laps down to the winner. [4]
  • Darrell Waltrip, who won the final race with the older Chevrolet Monte Carlo body style at Martinsville a month earlier, became the first driver to take the Lumina that replaced it to Victory Lane.

Budweiser 500

The Budweiser 500 was held June 4 at Dover Downs International Speedway. Mark Martin won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 3- Dale Earnhardt
  2. 6- Mark Martin
  3. 25- Ken Schrader
  4. 11- Terry Labonte
  5. 27- Rusty Wallace
  6. 26- Ricky Rudd
  7. 21- Neil Bonnett
  8. 9- Bill Elliott
  9. 17- Darrell Waltrip
  10. 55- Phil Parsons
  • This race marked the debut of Jimmy Spencer in the NASCAR Cup Series driving Buddy Baker's number 88. However it was short lived as he would finish 34th only completing 75 laps due to engine failure. [5]

Banquet Frozen Foods 300

The inaugural Banquet Frozen Foods 300 was held June 11 at Sears Point Raceway. Rusty Wallace won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 26- Ricky Rudd
  2. 27- Rusty Wallace
  3. 9- Bill Elliott
  4. 3- Dale Earnhardt
  5. 83- Lake Speed
  6. 88- Joe Ruttman
  7. 75- Morgan Shepherd
  8. 4- Rick Wilson
  9. 28- Davey Allison
  10. 30- Michael Waltrip
  • Mark Martin actually rolled his car during the race due to an error by a new tire changer (only two of the five lug nuts were properly fastened on the car). Right after the car left the pits, the right rear came off, the car spun, hit the tire barrier and rolled onto its roof. However, he came back to finish the race in 31st, 5 laps down.
  • This would be Buick's penultimate victory in the NASCAR Cup Series.

Miller High Life 500

The Miller High Life 500 was held June 18 at Pocono International Raceway. The No. 27 of Rusty Wallace won the pole. This race was one of the few races telecast on Pay Per View.

Top Ten Results

  1. 11- Terry Labonte
  2. 33- Harry Gant
  3. 3- Dale Earnhardt
  4. 25- Ken Schrader
  5. 75- Morgan Shepherd
  6. 94- Sterling Marlin
  7. 29- Dale Jarrett
  8. 21- Neil Bonnett
  9. 16- Larry Pearson
  10. 15- Brett Bodine
  • This was the first victory for Junior Johnson's team using a Ford since the 1969 American 500 at Rockingham.

Miller High Life 400 (Michigan)

The Miller High Life 400 was held June 25 at Michigan International Speedway. The No. 25 of Ken Schrader won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 9- Bill Elliott
  2. 27- Rusty Wallace
  3. 17- Darrell Waltrip
  4. 26- Ricky Rudd
  5. 15- Brett Bodine
  6. 4- Rick Wilson
  7. 83- Lake Speed
  8. 94- Sterling Marlin
  9. 10- Derrike Cope
  10. 42- Kyle Petty

Pepsi 400

The Pepsi 400 was held July 1 at Daytona International Speedway. The No. 6 of Mark Martin won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 28- Davey Allison
  2. 75- Morgan Shepherd
  3. 55- Phil Parsons
  4. 9- Bill Elliott
  5. 7- Alan Kulwicki
  6. 11- Terry Labonte
  7. 94- Sterling Marlin
  8. 84- Dick Trickle
  9. 26- Ricky Rudd
  10. 57- Hut Stricklin
  • This was first time the Pepsi 400 was aired on ESPN. The race was shown flag-to-flag, but on same-day tape delay. Previously, the Pepsi/Firecracker 400 was aired as part of ABC's Wide World of Sports and only highlights of the race would air.
  • This race featured a rollover crash involving the No. 83 of Lake Speed on lap 144.

AC Spark Plug 500

The AC Spark Plug 500 was held on July 23 at Pocono International Raceway. Ken Schrader won the pole.

Top Ten Finishers

  1. 9- Bill Elliott
  2. 27- Rusty Wallace
  3. 6- Mark Martin
  4. 17- Darrell Waltrip
  5. 28- Davey Allison
  6. 33- Harry Gant
  7. 25- Ken Schrader
  8. 75- Morgan Shepherd
  9. 3- Dale Earnhardt
  10. 15- Brett Bodine
  • This race was notable for two wrecks that tore open portions of the track's boilerplate walls. Jimmy Horton crashed in Turn Two and tore open a hole in the wall. Later a big wreck erupted in Turn One involving Greg Sacks in the Tom Winkle No. 48 and the No. 83 of Lake Speed. The two cars got together going into Turn One and smashed into the boilerplate wall head-on. The hit punched open the wall and sent Sacks flipping. The yellow remained out for the duration of time needed to repair the wall. Speed broke his shoulder in the crash and had to sit out for a couple weeks.
  • Elliott cut a tire on the opening lap but rallied to take the lead from Wallace in the final ten laps. The win tied Elliott with Tim Richmond for most wins at Pocono. Richmond, battling illness, was the subject of a short retrospective piece on the ESPN telecast and former Richmond crew chiefs Barry Dodson and Harry Hyde were interviewed on-air about him.

Talladega DieHard 500

The Talladega DieHard 500 was held July 30 at Alabama International Motor Speedway. Mark Martin won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 11- Terry Labonte
  2. 17- Darrell Waltrip
  3. 6- Mark Martin
  4. 25- Ken Schrader
  5. 4- Rick Wilson
  6. 75- Morgan Shepherd
  7. 42- Kyle Petty
  8. 33- Harry Gant
  9. 28- Davey Allison
  10. 21- Neil Bonnett
  • Joe Ruttman substituted for Lake Speed in the No. 83, and crashed spectacularly on lap 145. Ruttman hit the wall nearly head-on and almost got on his side as a result.
  • This would be Labontes final win with the Junior Johnson team. Labonte would not win again in the Cup series until 1994.

Budweiser at the Glen

The Budweiser at the Glen was held August 13 at Watkins Glen International. Morgan Shepherd won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 27- Rusty Wallace
  2. 6- Mark Martin
  3. 3- Dale Earnhardt
  4. 28- Davey Allison
  5. 8- Bobby Hillin Jr.
  6. 75- Morgan Shepherd
  7. 94- Sterling Marlin
  8. 4- Rick Wilson
  9. 44- Jim Sauter
  10. 30- Michael Waltrip
  • Eddie Bierschwale was the substitute driver in the No. 83 for Lake Speed, who was still recovering from his shoulder injury at Pocono. He finished 38th.
  • This race is notable for a big wreck on lap 89 involving the No. 5 of Geoff Bodine. Bodine lost a tire at the end of the backstraight, spun around and went through the barrier and hitting a fence behind the barrier (more or less marking off the property line of Watkins Glen International's land). Bodine was uninjured.
  • Also on this day, Tim Richmond who had a long battle with AIDS, died earlier in the day.

Champion Spark Plug 400

The Champion Spark Plug 400 was held August 20 at Michigan International Speedway. Geoff Bodine won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 27- Rusty Wallace
  2. 75- Morgan Shepherd
  3. 33- Harry Gant
  4. 57- Hut Stricklin
  5. 5- Geoff Bodine
  6. 10- Derrike Cope
  7. 28- Davey Allison
  8. 26- Ricky Rudd
  9. 6- Mark Martin
  10. 7- Alan Kulwicki

Busch 500

The Busch 500 was held August 26 at Bristol International Raceway. Alan Kulwicki won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 17- Darrell Waltrip
  2. 7- Alan Kulwicki
  3. 26- Ricky Rudd
  4. 33- Harry Gant
  5. 11- Terry Labonte
  6. 27- Rusty Wallace
  7. 8- Bobby Hillin Jr.
  8. 88- Jimmy Spencer
  9. 21- Neil Bonnett
  10. 29- Dale Jarrett

Failed to qualify: 43- Richard Petty

  • This was the fourth race that Petty failed to qualify. In response to fan complaints about Petty missing several races, NASCAR introduced the past champion's provisional in 1991. [6] [7]
  • Fortunately, this would be the last DNQ for Richard Petty before his retirement in 1992.

Heinz Southern 500

The Heinz Southern 500 was held September 3 at Darlington Raceway. The No. 7 of Alan Kulwicki won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 3- Dale Earnhardt
  2. 6- Mark Martin
  3. 26- Ricky Rudd
  4. 27- Rusty Wallace
  5. 25- Ken Schrader
  6. 33- Harry Gant
  7. 9- Bill Elliott
  8. 8- Bobby Hillin Jr.
  9. 75- Morgan Shepherd
  10. 94- Sterling Marlin

Miller High Life 400 (Richmond)

The Miller High Life 400 was held September 10 at Richmond International Raceway. The No. 9 of Bill Elliott won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 27- Rusty Wallace
  2. 3- Dale Earnhardt
  3. 5- Geoff Bodine
  4. 26- Ricky Rudd
  5. 33- Harry Gant
  6. 17- Darrell Waltrip
  7. 21- Neil Bonnett
  8. 84- Dick Trickle
  9. 57- Hut Stricklin
  10. 28- Davey Allison
  • Lake Speed returned to the No. 83 at Richmond after sitting out 5 races due to injury.
  • Lennie Pond retired after this race.

Peak Performance 500

The Peak Performance 500 was held September 17 at Dover Downs International Speedway. The No. 28 of Davey Allison won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 3- Dale Earnhardt
  2. 6- Mark Martin
  3. 25- Ken Schrader
  4. 9- Bill Elliott
  5. 26- Ricky Rudd
  6. 30- Michael Waltrip
  7. 27- Rusty Wallace
  8. 10- Derrike Cope
  9. 15- Brett Bodine
  10. 88- Jimmy Spencer
  • The race was red-flagged briefly because of a crash involving Neil Bonnett. Bonnett, who broke his sternum in the incident, was forced to sit out the next three races. The reason for the delay was to clear the track to allow for an ambulance to transport Bonnett out of the speedway to a local hospital.

Goody's 500

The Goody's 500 was held September 24 at Martinsville Speedway. Dale Earnhardt started on the pole, which was actually won by Jimmy Hensley (as a substitute driver) as Earnhardt and others could not reach the track in time due to Hurricane Hugo, which affected the area.

Top Ten Results

  1. 17- Darrell Waltrip
  2. 33- Harry Gant
  3. 84- Dick Trickle
  4. 27- Rusty Wallace
  5. 29- Dale Jarrett
  6. 2- Ernie Irvan
  7. 15- Brett Bodine
  8. 26- Ricky Rudd
  9. 3- Dale Earnhardt
  10. 25- Ken Schrader
  • Tommy Ellis substituted for Neil Bonnett in the No. 21 in this race, and the next 2 events in Charlotte and North Wilkesboro.

All Pro Auto Parts 500

The All Pro Auto Parts 500 was held October 8 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Bill Elliott won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 25- Ken Schrader
  2. 33- Harry Gant
  3. 6- Mark Martin
  4. 9- Bill Elliott
  5. 28- Davey Allison
  6. 10- Derrike Cope
  7. 94- Sterling Marlin
  8. 27- Rusty Wallace -1
  9. 8- Bobby Hillin Jr. -2
  10. 75- Morgan Shepherd -2

Failed to qualify: 14- A. J. Foyt*

  • Foyt was involved in a practice crash where he suffered a significant concussion which kept him from attempting to qualify.
  • Dale Earnhardt lost the points lead in this race when the camshaft in his No. 3 Chevrolet broke in the 13th lap, and he dropped out.

Holly Farms 400

The Holly Farms 400 at North Wilkesboro Speedway was originally scheduled for October 1, but rain forced the race to be postponed to October 15. Dale Earnhardt won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 5- Geoff Bodine
  2. 6- Mark Martin
  3. 11- Terry Labonte
  4. 33- Harry Gant
  5. 75- Morgan Shepherd
  6. 9- Bill Elliott
  7. 27- Rusty Wallace
  8. 2- Ernie Irvan
  9. 26- Ricky Rudd
  10. 3- Dale Earnhardt

AC Delco 500

The AC Delco 500 was held October 22 at North Carolina Motor Speedway. Alan Kulwicki won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 6- Mark Martin*
  2. 27- Rusty Wallace
  3. 17- Darrell Waltrip
  4. 25- Ken Schrader
  5. 84- Dick Trickle
  6. 21- Neil Bonnett*
  7. 5- Geoff Bodine
  8. 8- Bobby Hillin Jr.
  9. 7- Alan Kulwicki
  10. 42- Kyle Petty
  • This was Martin's first career Winston Cup victory.
  • This was Bonnett's first race back from his sternum injury that he suffered at Dover.

Autoworks 500

The Autoworks 500 was held November 5 at Phoenix International Raceway. Ken Schrader won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 9- Bill Elliott
  2. 11- Terry Labonte
  3. 6- Mark Martin
  4. 17- Darrell Waltrip
  5. 29- Dale Jarrett
  6. 3- Dale Earnhardt
  7. 84- Dick Trickle
  8. 33- Harry Gant
  9. 30- Michael Waltrip
  10. 88- Jimmy Spencer

Failed to qualify: 18- Tommy Ellis, 41-Danny Lawson, 89-Bob Howard, 35-Keith van Houten, 07-Mark Walbridge, 44-Jack Sellers, 19-Robert Sprague, 24-Butch Gilliland, 22-St. James Davis, 80-Bob Walker, 08-Rick McCray, 99-John Krebs, 38-Duke Hoenshell, 04-Hershel McGriff, 50-Rick Scribner [8]

  • Two cars entered by Hendrick Motorsports (the No. 46 City Chevrolet driven by Greg Sacks and the No. 51 Exxon Chevrolet driven by Bobby Hamilton) were entered to get in-race footage for the 1990 film Days of Thunder. Hamilton actually led the race with 100 laps to go (in his first career start) before the engine blew. A third movie car (the No. 18 Hardee's Chevrolet driven by Tommy Ellis) failed to make the race.

Atlanta Journal 500

The Atlanta Journal 500 was held November 19 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The No. 7 of Alan Kulwicki won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 3- Dale Earnhardt
  2. 5- Geoff Bodine
  3. 94- Sterling Marlin
  4. 25- Ken Schrader
  5. 17- Darrell Waltrip
  6. 42- Kyle Petty
  7. 8- Bobby Hillin Jr.
  8. 75- Morgan Shepherd
  9. 21- Neil Bonnett
  10. 83- Lake Speed
  • Three drivers entered the race mathematically eligible for the Winston Cup championship. Rusty Wallace had a 78-point lead over Mark Martin, and a 79-point lead over third-place Dale Earnhardt. Wallace had to finish 18th or better to clinch the title, but went into the race proclaiming he was going to 'run as hard as he could.' The statement was seen as a thinly veiled criticism of Bill Elliott whom Wallace lost the championship to a year earlier, in a similar situation. In that year, Elliott elected to drive a very conservative race, easily clinching the title, much to the ire of the hard-charging Wallace. Dale Earnhardt qualified 3rd, Wallace qualified 4th, but Martin would start back in 20th. [9]
  • Despite his plan to race all-out, Wallace encountered problems that complicated his day. On the first round of pit stops, he pitted under green but lost a lap when the caution came out shortly thereafter. Later, he suffered a flat tire and fell all the way back to the 33rd position. Wallace slowly and steadily worked his way back up the standings. Dale Earnhardt, meanwhile, dominated the race leading 294 of the 328 laps en route to victory. Mark Martin, the other driver in the mix for the championship did not end up being a factor. He dropped out on lap 224 with a blown engine that resulted in a fire. In the closing laps, Wallace was three laps down in 15th place, just barely holding on to the hypothetical points lead. Wallace managed to finish the race in 15th, and won the Winston Cup championship by a mere 12 points over Earnhardt. [10] It was Wallace's first and only Winston Cup championship, and the first championship in the modern era for Pontiac.
  • On lap 203, Grant Adcox struck the wall and suffered a heart attack and severe head injuries. Adcox died shortly after the accident.
  • Final career top 10 for Neil Bonnett.

Full Drivers' Championship

( keyBold – Pole position awarded by time. Italics – Pole position set by owner's points. * – Most laps led.

Pos Driver DAY CAR ATL RCH DAR BRI NWS MAR TAL CLT DOV SON POC MCH DAY POC TAL GLN MCH BRI DAR RCH DOV MAR CLT NWS CAR PHO ATL Pts
1 Rusty Wallace 18 1* 31* 1 8 1 9 31 10 31 5 2 22* 2* 17 2* 37 1 1* 6 4 1* 7 4* 8 7 2* 16 15 4176
2 Dale Earnhardt 3 3 2 3 33 16 1* 2 8 38 1* 4 3 17 18 9 11 3 17 14 1* 2 1* 9 42 10* 20 6 1* 4164
3 Mark Martin 33 5 38 11 4 6 3 6 3 6 2 31 15 12 16 3 3 2 9 20 2 17 2 23 3 2 1 3 30 4053
4 Darrell Waltrip 1 29 1 7 36 2 8 1* 5 1 9 38 32 3 19 4 2 16 37 1* 22 6 18 1 14 20 3 4 5 3971
5 Ken Schrader 2* 25 15 19 27 32 14 7 6 3 3 37 4 11 36 7 4 20 11 23 5 24 3 10 1 13 4 13 4 3876
6 Bill Elliott 35 19 11 10 6 9 22 20 11 5 8 3 21 1 4* 1 12 18 39 24 7 18 4 15 4* 6 15 1 27 3774
7 Harry Gant 12 31 29 14 1* 10 23 12 7 40 23 12 2 32 32 5 8 19 3 4 6 5 38 2 2 4 29 8 17 3610
8 Ricky Rudd 19 32 24 4 12 8 6 23 31 10 6 1* 20 4 9 31 17 29 8 3 3 4 5 8 21 9 28 29 14 3608
9 Geoff Bodine 4 4 19 18* 3 3 7 16 12 4 29 20 35 27 22 17 35 21 5 16 12 3 27 16 22 1 7 28 2 3600
10 Terry Labonte 9 18 36 30 18 24 5 5 2 39 4 15 1 14 6 13 1 14 40 5 33 12 14 11 11 3 14 2 40 3569
11 Davey Allison 25 6 40 5 2 4 11 14 1* 33 32 9 16 31 1 6 9 4 7 25 18 10 24 21 5 21 26 39 25 3481
12 Sterling Marlin 11 7 5 8 5 15 26 8 14 2 26 40 6 8 7 36 28 7 34 18 10 28 17 20 7 19 23 30 3 3422
13 Morgan Shepherd 15 27 10 33 16 26 17 18 4 32 33 7 5 35 2 8 6* 6* 2 26 9 27 16 28 10 5 36 12 8 3403
14 Alan Kulwicki 7 2 16 2 7 20 2 22 13 23* 25 36 34 36 5 39 30 39 10 2 32 15 32 26 28 11 9 11* 13 3236
15 Dick Trickle (R) 13 3 25 13 5 4 3 27 29 21 30 24 25 8 20 16 34 19 28 17 8 25 3 30 12 5 7 35 3203
16 Bobby Hillin Jr. 39 15 30 15 26 27 DNQ 21 35 9 13 13 13 20 28 11 29 5 14 7 8 13 15 27 9 15 8 18 7 3139
17 Rick Wilson 8 17 6 17 11 21 30 4 15 35 14 8 27 6 29 25 5 8 32 27 11 22 19 18 41 29 13 40 18 3119
18 Michael Waltrip 21 12 20 13 9 11 29 25 21 27 22 10 14 16 34 28 36 10 31 32 13 23 6 12 17 23 17 9 26 3057
19 Brett Bodine 29 34 33 28 14 30 28 27 19 8 15 27 10 5 11 10 14 15 36 17 16 34 9 7 12 17 21 19 23 3051
20 Neil Bonnett 42 14 7 21 39 12 13 10 9 7 7 11 8 24 21 23 10 36 15 9 15 7 26 6 34 9 2995
21 Phil Parsons 5 39 14 27 41 23 12 13 17 13 10 18 12 15 3 12 41 17 33 11 21 36 13 14 20 28 24 37 42 2933
22 Ernie Irvan 41 23 12 9 24 29 10 19 25 15 17 23 26 18 23 26 20 24 25 15 24 26 33 6 33 8 16 33 11 2919
23 Larry Pearson (R) 14 30 22 6 20 18 24 29 29 22 19 19 9 19 30 40 22 11 16 21 29 20 40 25 15 24 12 24 19 2860
24 Dale Jarrett 32 11 9 23 40 22 19 15 40 28 11 42 7 22 31 18 23 23 38 10 20 35 23 5 24 27 39 5 16 2789
25 Dave Marcis 20 35 42 20 17 DNQ 20 9 20 16 16 16 18 21 25 19 19 25 24 12 28 16 22 DNQ 19 14 30 15 33 2715
26 Hut Stricklin (R) DNQ 41 8 DNQ 30 28 16 30 33 14 12 21 17 33 10 37 13 22 4 19 19 9 20 17 23 30 22 23 20 2705
27 Lake Speed 30 8 21 12 10 25 27 11 18 24 18 5 11 7 24 29 14 36 22 38 25 19 22 10 2550
28 Derrike Cope DNQ 34 35 35 39 12 28 36 9 26 35 38 40 6 29 25 25 8 13 6 26 11 14 12 2180
29 Richard Petty 17 16 27 DNQ 15 DNQ DNQ 24 23 19 20 26 25 30 20 38 21 13 18 DNQ 35 33 30 24 34 32 34 42 28 2148
30 Kyle Petty DNQ 4 DNQ 28 28 17 10 14 14 7 13 22 14 32 11 30 29 31 10 21 6 2099
31 Jimmy Means DNQ 33 18 DNQ 38 DNQ 32 DNQ 41 41 24 DNQ 29 28 12 24 39 33 27 DNQ 26 19 21 31 37 22 31 25 DNQ 1698
32 Greg Sacks 23 9 26 34 25 7* 21 28 37 30 39 30 35 30 38 DNQ 19 35 18 38 29 1565
33 Jim Sauter DNQ 10 32 36 19 13 31 DNQ 36 37 38 16 9 23 DNQ 12 40 33 17 21 1510
34 Jimmy Spencer (R) 34 33 13 27 15 40 28 12 8 37 29 10 16 18 35 10 37 1445
35 Rick Mast (R) 6 21 25 16 34 14 25 32 DNQ 11 32 13 13 31 1315
36 Eddie Bierschwale 10 26 23 31 21 19 18 DNQ 39 36 27 34 29 32 38 28 25 DNQ 1306
37 Ben Hess (R) 22 22 17 24 23 DNQ 15 17 22 20 921
38 Chad Little (R) 36 35 22 37 26 34 18 26 602
39 Butch Miller (R) 42 26 31 DNQ 42 38 22 21 32 43 576
40 A. J. Foyt 38 28 16 35 18 37 Wth 36 527
41 Mickey Gibbs (R) 34 20 39 29 DNQ 25 DNQ 26 38 508
42 Rodney Combs 37 40 DNQ 32 29 DNQ DNQ 40 DNQ DNQ 23 32 27 41 470
43 Joe Ruttman 13 6 34 31 21 31 30 DNQ 27 20 469
44 J. D. McDuffie 24 37 DNQ DNQ 31 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 35 DNQ 36 31 34 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 457
45 Phil Barkdoll 31 32 DNQ 15 15 378
46 Jimmy Horton DNQ 13 32 DNQ 31 37 33 377
47 Dick Johnson 32 22 24 32 DNQ 322
48 Ken Bouchard 16 38 37 DNQ 22 313
49 Terry Byers 21 19 DNQ 21 DNQ 306
50 Darin Brassfield 22 12 30 297
51 Grant Adcox 24 13 DNQ 32 282
52 Jerry O'Neil 28 DNQ DNQ 26 36 38 DNQ 268
53 Norm Benning 30 30 DNQ DNQ 31 216
54 Ken Ragan DNQ 29 27 39 204
55 Bill Schmitt 17 26 197
56 Tracy Leslie 25 20 DNQ DNQ 191
57 Charlie Baker 40 26 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 40 171
58 Bob Schacht 27 25 170
59 Jim Bown DNQ 36 41 DNQ 29 37
60 H. B. Bailey DNQ DNQ 26 27 DNQ 167
61 Stan Barrett 37 34 26 31 155
62 Rich Bickle 39 22 143
63 Rob Moroso 28 34 140
64 Lennie Pond 11 130
65 Hershel McGriff 14 DNQ 121
66 Tommy Ellis DNQ 29 18 16 DNQ 115
67 John McFadden DNQ 40 31 113
68 Brad Teague QL 17 QL 31 112
69 Patty Moise 39 33 DNQ DNQ 110
70 Tommie Crozier 38 37 DNQ 101
71 Ron Esau 38 41 35 98
72 Bobby Gerhart DNQ DNQ 23 94
73 Ronnie Thomas 23 DNQ 94
74 James Hylton DNQ DNQ 39 39 DNQ 92
75 Jack Pennington 32 24 91
76 Troy Beebe 24 91
77 Dave Mader III 24 DNQ 91
78 Bill Ingram DNQ DNQ DNQ 26 DNQ 85
79 Terry Fisher 25 84
80 Roy Smith 39 41 83
81 Mike Alexander 27 82
82 Mark Stahl 27 DNQ 82
83 Randy LaJoie DNQ 28 79
84 Rick McCray 28 DNQ 79
85 Ronnie Sanders 28 79
86 Andy Belmont 29 76
87 Rick Jeffrey DNQ 30 73
88 Oma Kimbrough 30 73
89 Bobby Hamilton 32 72
90 Ted Thomas 31 70
91 Mark Gibson DNQ 33 64
92 John Krebs 33 DNQ 64
93 Allan Grice 34 61
94 Mike Miller 34 61
95 Mike Potter DNQ 34 61
96 Bill Cooper 35 58
97 Jack Ely DNQ 35 58
98 Bill Flowers 35 58
99 Bill Sedgwick DNQ 36 55
100 Bill Venturini 37 52
101 Lee Raymond 26 DNQ DNQ
102 Tommy Kendall 27
103 Trevor Boys DNQ 31
104 Charlie Glotzbach DNQ
105 Doug Heveron DNQ
106 Connie Saylor DNQ
107 Brad Noffsinger DNQ
108 Ricky Woodward DNQ
109 Tony Spanos DNQ DNQ DNQ
110 Philip Duffie DNQ DNQ
111 Delma Cowart DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ
112 Steve Seligman DNQ DNQ DNQ
113 Bill Meacham DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ
114 Kevin Evan DNQ
115 Mark Walbridge DNQ DNQ DNQ
116 Walter Surma DNQ DNQ
117 Marta Leonard DNQ
118 Jack Sellers DNQ DNQ
119 Bob Walker DNQ DNQ
120 Ed Sanger DNQ
121 Tom Rotsell DNQ
122 Robert Pressley DNQ
123 Dale Fischlein DNQ
124 Robert Sprague DNQ
125 Butch Gilliland DNQ
126 St. James Davis DNQ
127 Keith van Houten DNQ
128 Duke Hoenshell DNQ
129 Danny Lawson DNQ
130 Bob Howard DNQ
131 Rick Scribner DNQ
132 David Pearson Wth
133 Jimmy Hensley QL
134 Tommy Houston QL
Pos Driver DAY CAR ATL RCH DAR BRI NWS MAR TAL CLT DOV SON POC MCH DAY POC TAL GLN MCH BRI DAR RCH DOV MAR CLT NWS CAR PHO ATL Pts

Rookie of the Year

Dick Trickle was named the 1989 Winston Cup Rookie of the Year, despite entering the competition in the second week of the season, replacing Mike Alexander at Stavola Brothers Racing. The top runner-up was former Dash champion Hut Stricklin, driving for returning car owner Rod Osterlund. Two-time Busch champion Larry Pearson and former modified driver Jimmy Spencer were the only other candidates to make a full schedule, as Rick Mast, Ben Hess, Chad Little, Butch Miller, and Mickey Gibbs all ran part-time.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Bruce, Kenny (September 29, 2016). "How the tire war was won at North Wilkesboro". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  2. ^ "Historical Motorsports Stories: Tire Wars! Goodyear vs Hoosier". Racing-Reference.com. July 14, 2016. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  3. ^ "Historical Motorsports Stories: Tire Wars! NASCAR's Asphalt Battlefield". Racing-Reference.com. May 15, 2018. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  4. ^ "User Comments - the 1989 Coca-Cola 600".
  5. ^ "Race Results".
  6. ^ Newton, David (February 1, 2007). "Past champion's provisional entry limited to six". ESPN. Retrieved April 12, 2018.
  7. ^ Martin, Mark (29 April 2005). NASCAR for Dummies. ISBN  9780471750987. Retrieved April 12, 2018.
  8. ^ Qualifying information for the 1989 Autoworks 500 at Racing Reference
  9. ^ "Wallace planning all-out run to win first NASCAR title". The Indianapolis Star. November 19, 1989. p. 60. Retrieved July 12, 2018 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  10. ^ "Earnhardt wins race; Wallace wins title". The Indianapolis Star. November 20, 1989. p. 32. Retrieved July 12, 2018 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon

External links