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1991 NASCAR Winston Cup Series

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dale Earnhardt won his 5th of seven titles.
Ricky Rudd finished second in points.
Bobby Hamilton, the 1991 Winston Cup Rookie of the Year.

The 1991 NASCAR Winston Cup Series was the 43rd of professional stock car racing in the United States and the 20th modern-era Cup Season. It began February 10 and ended November 17. Dale Earnhardt of Richard Childress Racing won his fifth Winston Cup championship at the conclusion of the season. The season was marred by the death of driver and team owner J. D. McDuffie, who was killed in a wreck at Watkins Glen.

A bevy of new Pit rules were introduced at Daytona to start out the 1991 season, in response to the death of a Melling Racing rear tire changer in a pit road accident at Atlanta the previous November. The new rules changed the complexity of the races, and over the course of the season, they would be tweaked and revised. By mid-season, most of the more complicated rules were scrapped, but a few were made permanent. The pit road speed limit (at all times) and use of the "lollipop" style signboard were the significant changes made permanent (and remain to this day).

The 1991 season introduced the past champion's provisional (also known as the "Petty rule"), which allowed a former Cup Series champion to claim the final starting position in a race if he failed to qualify on speed, and if he was too low in the points standings to secure an ordinary provisional spot. If there were two or more former champions that failed to qualify, the Champion's Provisional would be awarded to the most recent champion. This rule was implemented after Richard Petty failed to qualify for four races in 1989, resulting in a drop in ratings that season.[1][2]

The 1991 season was also the final year for Buick as a full-time manufacturer in the series; Buick cars would run only limited schedules in 1992 and 1993 before leaving the series for good.

The Nashville Network debuted as a cable television partner with the Cup Series in 1991. For 1991, there were five television networks broadcasting the 29-race Winston Cup Series schedule: CBS, ABC, ESPN, TBS, and TNN.

This would be the last season until 2017 without Jeff Gordon.

1991 NASCAR Winston Cup Series drivers

[edit]

Full-time teams

[edit]
Manufacturer Team No. Driver Crew chief
Buick Bobby Allison Motorsports 12 Hut Stricklin Jimmy Fennig
King Racing 26 Brett Bodine
Stavola Brothers Racing 8 Rick Wilson Harry Hyde
Chevrolet Darrell Waltrip Motorsports 17 Darrell Waltrip Jeff Hammond
Hendrick Motorsports 5 Ricky Rudd Waddell Wilson
25 Ken Schrader Richard Broome
Marcis Auto Racing 71 Dave Marcis Bob Marcis
Morgan-McClure Motorsports 4 Ernie Irvan Tony Glover
Richard Childress Racing 3 Dale Earnhardt Kirk Shelmerdine
Travis Carter Enterprises 98 Jimmy Spencer Travis Carter
Bob Whitcomb Racing 10 Derrike Cope Buddy Parrott
Ford AK Racing 7 Alan Kulwicki Paul Andrews
Bud Moore Engineering 15 Morgan Shepherd Donnie Wingo
Junior Johnson & Associates 11 Geoff Bodine 25 Tim Brewer
Tommy Ellis 4
22 Sterling Marlin Mike Beam
Little Racing 19 Chad Little Harry Hyde
Melling Racing 9 Bill Elliott Ernie Elliott
Robert Yates Racing 28 Davey Allison Larry McReynolds
Roush Racing 6 Mark Martin Robin Pemberton
U.S. Racing 55 Ted Musgrave (R)
Wood Brothers Racing 21 Dale Jarrett Eddie Wood
Oldsmobile Hagan Racing 94 Terry Labonte Steve Lloyd
Leo Jackson Motorsports 33 Harry Gant Andy Petree
Precision Products Racing 1 Rick Mast
Pontiac Bahari Racing 30 Michael Waltrip Bill Ingle
Cale Yarborough Motorsports 66 Dick Trickle 4
Lake Speed 20
Chuck Bown 1
Dorsey Schroeder 1
Randy LaJoie 3
Penske Racing 2 Rusty Wallace Jimmy Makar
Petty Enterprises 43 Richard Petty Robbie Loomis
SABCO Racing 42 Kyle Petty 18 Gary Nelson
Kenny Wallace 2
Tommy Kendall 1
Bobby Hillin Jr. 7
Team III Racing 24 Mickey Gibbs 15 Barry Dodson
Dick Trickle 6
Dorsey Schroeder 1
Kenny Wallace 3
Jimmy Hensley 4
Oldsmobile 25
Chevrolet 4 		RahMoc Enterprises 75 Joe Ruttman Bob Rahilly
Oldsmobile 28
Pontiac 1 		Tri-Star Motorsports 68 Bobby Hamilton (R)
Pontiac 28
Oldsmobile 1 		Means Racing 52 Jimmy Means 25
Bobby Hillin Jr. 2
Mike Wallace 2

Part-time teams

[edit]
Manufacturer Team No. Driver Crew chief Rounds
Buick AAG Racing 34 Gary Balough 1
Dick Trickle 4
Hylton Motorsports 48 James Hylton 1
Labonte Motorsports 44 Jack Sellers 2
Linro Motorsports 13 Brian Ross 1
Kerry Teague 1
Randy LaJoie 1
Gary Balough 1
Oma Kimbrough 1
29 Kerry Teague 1
BS&S Motorsports 49 Stanley Smith (R) 11
Chevrolet 1
A. J. Foyt Enterprises 14 Mike Chase 1
Bahre Racing 65 Dave Mader III 2
Mader Racing 3
Ball Motorsports 99 Brad Teague 3
Buck Baker Racing 87 Randy Baker 3
Daytona Speed, Inc. 18 Greg Sacks 1
Faggart Racing 76 Robbie Faggart 1
Hylton Motorsports 48 James Hylton 1
Italian Connection 96 Phil Parsons 1
Larry Hedrick Motorsports 41 Larry Pearson 14
O'Neil Racing 63 Norm Benning 1
Phoenix Racing 51 Jeff Purvis 2
Pinnacle Racing 86 Jeff Green 1
Ross Racing 58 Brian Ross 1
Sadler Brothers Racing 95 Rick Jeffrey 1
Kerry Teague 1
Eddie Bierschwale 2
Spears Motorsports 76 Bill Sedgwick 4
Team Ireland 53 John Paul Jr. 3
Bobby Hillin Jr. 3
S&H Racing 80 Jimmy Horton 1
Ford 5
Compton Racing 69 Dorsey Schroeder 1
Donlavey Racing 90 Robby Gordon Junie Donlavey 2
Wally Dallenbach Jr. (R) 11
Steve Perry 1
Freymiller Racing 23 Mike Chase 1
Ragan Racing 77 Ken Ragan 1
Stahl Racing 82 Mark Stahl 10
Waters Racing 0 Delma Cowart 5
Oldsmobile Barkdoll Racing 73 Phil Barkdoll 4
Bierschwale Motorsports 23 Eddie Bierschwale 5
Close Racing 47 Rich Bickle 6
Greg Sacks 13
A. J. Foyt Enterprises 14 Mike Chase 3
Labonte Motorsports Bobby Labonte 1
44 2
Irv Hoerr 4
Moroso Racing 20 Sammy Swindell 1
Bobby Hillin Jr. 9
Kim Campbell 2
Buddy Baker 6
Ricky Craven 1
27 Bobby Hillin Jr. 1
88 Buddy Baker 1
Phoenix Racing 51 Jeff Purvis 9
Sadler Brothers Racing 95 Kerry Teague 1
Pontiac Bahre Racing 65 Dave Mader III 3
Hill Motorsports 56 Jerry Hill 2
Mansion Motorsports 27 Gary Balough 1
Mark Gibson Racing 59 Mark Gibson 3
McDuffie Racing 70 J. D. McDuffie 15
Mueller Brothers Racing 89 Jim Sauter 10
Osterlund Motorsports 88 Buddy Baker 1

Schedule

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

Races

[edit]
No. Race Pole position Most laps led Winning driver Manufacturer
Busch Clash Derrike Cope Dale Earnhardt Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet
Gatorade Twin 125 #1 Davey Allison Davey Allison Davey Allison Ford
Gatorade Twin 125 #2 Ernie Irvan Dale Earnhardt Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet
1 Daytona 500 Davey Allison Kyle Petty Ernie Irvan Chevrolet
2 Pontiac Excitement 400 Davey Allison Ricky Rudd Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet
3 GM Goodwrench 500 Kyle Petty Kyle Petty Kyle Petty Pontiac
4 Motorcraft 500 Alan Kulwicki Bill Elliott Ken Schrader Chevrolet
5 TranSouth 500 Geoff Bodine Michael Waltrip Ricky Rudd Chevrolet
6 Valleydale Meats 500 Rusty Wallace Ricky Rudd Rusty Wallace Pontiac
7 First Union 400 Brett Bodine Brett Bodine Darrell Waltrip Chevrolet
8 Hanes 500 Mark Martin Dale Earnhardt Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet
9 Winston 500 Ernie Irvan Dale Earnhardt Harry Gant Oldsmobile
Winston Open Michael Waltrip Michael Waltrip Michael Waltrip Pontiac
The Winston Davey Allison Davey Allison Davey Allison Ford
10 Coca-Cola 600 Mark Martin Davey Allison Davey Allison Ford
11 Budweiser 500 Michael Waltrip Dale Earnhardt Ken Schrader Chevrolet
12 Banquet Frozen Foods 300 Ricky Rudd Rusty Wallace Davey Allison Ford
13 Champion Spark Plug 500 Mark Martin Ernie Irvan Darrell Waltrip Chevrolet
14 Miller Genuine Draft 400 Michael Waltrip Davey Allison Davey Allison Ford
15 Pepsi 400 Sterling Marlin Ernie Irvan Bill Elliott Ford
16 Miller Genuine Draft 500 Alan Kulwicki Ernie Irvan Rusty Wallace Pontiac
17 DieHard 500 Sterling Marlin Dale Earnhardt Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet
18 Budweiser at The Glen Terry Labonte Ernie Irvan Ernie Irvan Chevrolet
19 Champion Spark Plug 400 Alan Kulwicki Davey Allison Dale Jarrett Ford
20 Bud 500 Bill Elliott Jimmy Spencer Alan Kulwicki Ford
21 Heinz Southern 500 Davey Allison Harry Gant Harry Gant Oldsmobile
22 Miller Genuine Draft 400 Rusty Wallace Davey Allison Harry Gant Oldsmobile
23 Peak AntiFreeze 500 Alan Kulwicki Harry Gant Harry Gant Oldsmobile
24 Goody's 500 Mark Martin Harry Gant Harry Gant Oldsmobile
25 Tyson Holly Farms 400 Harry Gant Harry Gant Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet
26 Mello Yello 500 Mark Martin Mark Martin Geoff Bodine Ford
27 AC Delco 500 Kyle Petty Harry Gant Davey Allison Ford
28 Pyroil 500 Geoff Bodine Davey Allison Davey Allison Ford
29 Hardee's 500 Bill Elliott Mark Martin Mark Martin Ford

Busch Clash

[edit]

The Busch Clash, an invitational event for all Busch Pole winners the previous year, was held February 10 at Daytona International Speedway. The #10 of Derrike Cope started in first (the starting grid was determined by a blind draw).

Top ten results

  1. 3–Dale Earnhardt
  2. 6–Mark Martin
  3. 9–Bill Elliott
  4. 4–Ernie Irvan
  5. 2–Rusty Wallace
  6. 25–Ken Schrader
  7. 42–Kyle Petty
  8. 5–Ricky Rudd
  9. 11–Geoff Bodine
  10. 26–Brett Bodine
  • After several years of mediocre competition, the race's format was slightly re-tooled. Instead of a single 20-lap sprint, the race was divided into two 10-lap segments. After the first 10-lap half, the caution was displayed (caution laps did not count), freezing the field. The field was inverted for the second 10-lap half. Prize money was awarded for finishing positions in both halves, encouraging drivers to race hard during the first segment, and not hold back or "sandbag" in order to start up front for the second half.

Gatorade 125s

[edit]

The Gatorade 125s, qualifying races for the Daytona 500 were held February 14 at Daytona International Speedway. Davey Allison and Ernie Irvan won the pole for each race, respectively.

Race one: top ten results

  1. 28–Davey Allison
  2. 43–Richard Petty
  3. 12–Hut Stricklin
  4. 1–Rick Mast
  5. 5–Ricky Rudd
  6. 33–Harry Gant
  7. 30–Michael Waltrip
  8. 9–Bill Elliott
  9. 21–Dale Jarrett
  10. 11–Geoff Bodine

Race two: top ten results

  1. 3–Dale Earnhardt
  2. 4–Ernie Irvan
  3. 42–Kyle Petty
  4. 2–Rusty Wallace
  5. 17–Darrell Waltrip
  6. 22–Sterling Marlin
  7. 75–Joe Ruttman
  8. 88–Buddy Baker
  9. 6–Mark Martin
  10. 68–Bobby Hamilton

Daytona 500 by STP

[edit]

The Daytona 500 by STP was held on February 17 at Daytona International Speedway. Davey Allison won the pole.

Main article: 1991 Daytona 500

Top ten results

  1. 4–Ernie Irvan
  2. 22–Sterling Marlin
  3. 75–Joe Ruttman
  4. 1–Rick Mast
  5. 3–Dale Earnhardt
  6. 21–Dale Jarrett −1
  7. 27–Bobby Hillin Jr. −1
  8. 7–Alan Kulwicki −1
  9. 5–Ricky Rudd −1
  10. 68–Bobby Hamilton −1
  • A bevy of new Pit rules were introduced at Daytona to start out the 1991 season, in response to the death of a Melling Racing rear tire changer in a pit road accident at Atlanta the previous November. The new rules changed the complexity of the race, and would be tweaked and revised over the next several races.
  • Earnhardt was again a dominating factor, but for the 13th time in his career, he came away empty. After a late-race caution, Irvan led, Earnhardt was second and pole-sitter Davey Allison was third. Earnhardt and Allison battled door-to-door for three laps while Irvan inched out to a slight advantage. Finally, with three laps remaining, Allison and Earnhardt touched, sending both of them into a wild spin. The race finished under caution with Irvan scoring the most significant win of a NASCAR Winston Cup competitor's career. Sterling Marlin, in his first race with Junior Johnson, finished second followed by Joe Ruttman, Rick Mast and Earnhardt. Irvan won the first leg of the Winston Million races and qualified for the $1 million bonus. To collect the Winston bonus, he would have needed to win two of the three remaining "Crown Jewel" races, the Winston 500, Coca-Cola 600 or Southern 500, a feat which he failed to accomplish this year.

Pontiac Excitement 400

[edit]

The Pontiac Excitement 400 was held February 24 at Richmond International Raceway. The #28 of Davey Allison won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 3–Dale Earnhardt
  2. 5–Ricky Rudd
  3. 33–Harry Gant
  4. 2–Rusty Wallace
  5. 7–Alan Kulwicki
  6. 6–Mark Martin
  7. 17–Darrell Waltrip
  8. 15–Morgan Shepherd −1
  9. 22–Sterling Marlin −2
  10. 25–Ken Schrader −2

Failed to qualify: 70–J. D. McDuffie

  • Fueled by his Daytona disappointment, Earnhardt rebounded with a heart-stopping 1+1⁄2 car length victory over Ricky Rudd. Ironically, the door-to-door battle between the two Chevrolet drivers proved to be a prelude to the chase for the $1 million NASCAR Winston Cup points title. Earnhardt left Richmond with a 340–318 point lead over Rudd. The two drivers would remain 1–2 all season long, occasionally trading the point.

Goodwrench 500

[edit]

The Goodwrench 500 was held March 3 at North Carolina Motor Speedway. Kyle Petty won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 42–Kyle Petty
  2. 25–Ken Schrader
  3. 33–Harry Gant −1
  4. 5–Ricky Rudd −1
  5. 9–Bill Elliott −1
  6. 4–Ernie Irvan −2
  7. 30–Michael Waltrip −2
  8. 3–Dale Earnhardt −3
  9. 17–Darrell Waltrip −4
  10. 15–Morgan Shepherd −4

Failed to qualify: 64–Gary Wright, 70–J. D. McDuffie, 82–Mark Stahl

  • This was the first live flag to flag Winston Cup Series race televised on TNN. Both races at Rockingham, along with Dover, and the series penultimate race at Phoenix, switched from ESPN to TNN starting in 1991. This was after ESPN moved some races to tape delay at the last minute in 1990. ESPN likewise decided to drop some of the longer, less-prestigious events, in favor of freeing up their schedules in favor of other sports (which they were rapidly gaining rights to at the time). This was not the first race ever on TNN, however. Previous Winston Cup races had been shown tape delayed on American Sports Cavalcade.

Motorcraft 500

[edit]

The Motorcraft 500 started on March 18 but heavy rain forced the finish of the race to be postponed to March 19, the race was run at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Alan Kulwicki won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 25–Ken Schrader
  2. 9–Bill Elliott
  3. 3–Dale Earnhardt
  4. 15–Morgan Shepherd
  5. 30–Michael Waltrip
  6. 5–Ricky Rudd
  7. 22–Sterling Marlin
  8. 7–Alan Kulwicki* −1
  9. 17–Darrell Waltrip −1
  10. 2–Rusty Wallace −1

Failed to qualify: 49–Stanley Smith, 82–Mark Stahl*

  • This was the last NASCAR race in this series not to be televised. It has been slated to air on ABC but was a two-day race because of rain early in the race. The majority of the race was not televised on TV (Motor Racing Network was able to cover the entirety of the race on the radio) and results were only available on local news.
  • It was this race where Alan Kulwicki first gained his iconic Hooters sponsorship. Hooters was initially Mark Stahl's sponsor, but after Stahl failed to qualify for Hooter's home race, Hooters moved their sponsorship to Kulwicki's unsponsored machine.

TranSouth 500

[edit]

The TranSouth 500 was held April 7 at Darlington Raceway. Geoff Bodine won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 5–Ricky Rudd
  2. 28–Davey Allison
  3. 30–Michael Waltrip
  4. 6–Mark Martin −1
  5. 2–Rusty Wallace −2
  6. 42–Kyle Petty −2
  7. 4–Ernie Irvan −2
  8. 15–Morgan Shepherd −2
  9. 11–Geoff Bodine −2
  10. 22–Sterling Marlin −2

Failed to qualify: #82–Mark Stahl

Valleydale Meats 500

[edit]

The Valleydale Meats 500 was held April 14 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Rusty Wallace won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 2–Rusty Wallace
  2. 4–Ernie Irvan
  3. 28–Davey Allison
  4. 6–Mark Martin
  5. 5–Ricky Rudd
  6. 17–Darrell Waltrip
  7. 21–Dale Jarrett
  8. 98–Jimmy Spencer
  9. 94–Terry Labonte
  10. 15–Morgan Shepherd −2

Failed to qualify: 52–Jimmy Means, 70–J. D. McDuffie, 71–Dave Marcis

  • Sterling Marlin suffered second and third degree burns following a crash late in the race.
  • After numerous complaints about the pit road procedure where cars could not pit for tires under caution, NASCAR attempted a new procedure for cautions. When the pits opened, the blue flag waved to permit the odd-numbered cars to pit first. The second lap, the even-numbered cars (based on starting position) would then be able to pit. The blue-sticker cars lined up on the inside, the orange-sticker cars on the outside, and lapped cars to the rear on all restarts. Pit road was open for any car on green flag situations.
  • ESPN moved the finish of the race on tape delay because of a rain delay lasting 1 hour and 12 minutes.

First Union 400

[edit]

The First Union 400 was held April 21 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. The #26 of Brett Bodine won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 17–Darrell Waltrip
  2. 3–Dale Earnhardt
  3. 98–Jimmy Spencer
  4. 15–Morgan Shepherd
  5. 25–Ken Schrader
  6. 28–Davey Allison
  7. 30–Michael Waltrip
  8. 9–Bill Elliott
  9. 6–Mark Martin
  10. 4–Ernie Irvan

Failed to qualify: 19–Chad Little, 41–Larry Pearson, 44–Irv Hoerr, 47–Rich Bickle, 51–Jeff Purvis, 52–Jimmy Means, 70–J. D. McDuffie, 76–Bill Sedgwick

  • NASCAR tinkered and modified the pit procedure one final time. The odd/even policy was abandoned. On the first lap of a caution flag after the field had lined up behind the pace car, all cars on the lead lap could pit. On the second lap of caution following the opening of pit road, all of the cars that were not on the lead lap could pit. The rule was waived if NASCAR called a "quickie caution". A new pit speed limit was implemented, and for the remainder of the 1991 season, cars would be run through pit road for tachometer readings. The use of a "second" pace car during cautions for the pit road (to control the speed) was abandoned. The pit speed limit was in place for all situations when a car was on pit road, including green flag stops. A violation of the speed limit on entrance was subject to a 15-second holding penalty before the car exited the pit. A violation on exit was subject to a stop-and-go penalty. A violation under caution resulted in being sent to the rear of the field on the ensuing restart.
  • Waltrip's victory set a modern era NASCAR record with seven different winners in the first seven races of the season (at the time). It was the overall longest such streak since 1964.
  • Sterling Marlin, still recovering from burns suffered in his accident the previous week, was relieved by Charlie Glotzbach shortly after the start of the race.

Hanes 500

[edit]

The Hanes 500 was held April 28 at Martinsville Speedway. The #6 of Mark Martin won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 3–Dale Earnhardt
  2. 42–Kyle Petty
  3. 17–Darrell Waltrip
  4. 26–Brett Bodine
  5. 33–Harry Gant −1
  6. 98–Jimmy Spencer −1
  7. 30–Michael Waltrip −1
  8. 28–Davey Allison −1
  9. 7–Alan Kulwicki −3
  10. 12–Hut Stricklin −4

Failed to qualify: 10–Derrike Cope, 52–Jimmy Means, 68–Bobby Hamilton, 70–J. D. McDuffie, 71–Dave Marcis

  • Dale Earnhardt becomes the 9th driver to win 50+ NASCAR races.
  • Ernie Irvan required relief from Dick Trickle during the race due to heat exhaustion. Trickle had started the race in the #34 Buick for owner Ken Allen, but finished last (32nd) after overheating problems popped up after only 12 laps.

Winston 500

[edit]

The Winston 500 was scheduled for Sunday, May 5 but was delayed to Monday, May 6 due to rain at Talladega Superspeedway. Ernie Irvan won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 33–Harry Gant
  2. 17–Darrell Waltrip
  3. 3–Dale Earnhardt
  4. 22–Sterling Marlin
  5. 30–Michael Waltrip
  6. 11–Geoff Bodine
  7. 25–Ken Schrader
  8. 9–Bill Elliott
  9. 98–Jimmy Spencer
  10. 1–Rick Mast −1

Failed to qualify: 59–Mark Gibson, 65–Dave Mader III, 70–J. D. McDuffie, 77–Ken Ragan, 53–Don Paul

  • Ernie Irvan was also the center of controversy after "The Big One" on lap 71, which took out 20 cars and injured Kyle Petty, who was out until the Southern 500 in September due to a broken leg.
  • During the Big One on lap 71, Mark Martin's car became airborne, lifting to its nose, but it did not flip over.
  • Harry Gant won the race on a gas-mileage gamble. He out-lasted Darrell Waltrip and Dale Earnhardt, and reportedly ran out of fuel right after taking the checkered flag.
  • A mild controversy stirred up after the race, where it appeared Gant was being pushed by his teammate Rick Mast on the final lap (pushing is not allowed on the final lap). Video footage was inconclusive, and the results were unchanged. Gant and Mast insisted they were simply drafting very closely.
  • Dale Earnhardt would take over the points lead from Ricky Rudd. He would hold on to the lead for the rest of 1991.
  • Footage of Kyle Petty's rehabilitation from his injury was shown during the starting lineup on the telecast of the 1992 Daytona 500 on CBS.

The Winston

[edit]
Main article: 1991 The Winston

The Winston, an invitational event for all past winners in the Cup series and the top three finishers in The Winston Open, was held May 19 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Davey Allison won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 28–Davey Allison
  2. 25–Ken Schrader
  3. 17–Darrell Waltrip
  4. 9–Bill Elliott
  5. 4–Ernie Irvan
  6. 30–Michael Waltrip (Winston Open Winner)[3]
  7. 2–Rusty Wallace
  8. 12–Hut Stricklin (Winston Open 3rd place)[4]
  9. 33–Harry Gant
  10. 3–Dale Earnhardt

Winston Open

[edit]

The Winston Open, a qualifying race for drivers who are normally not eligible for The Winston, was held May 19 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Michael Waltrip won the pole. The top three finishers would be eligible to run in The Winston later that day.

Top ten results

  1. 30–Michael Waltrip
  2. 22–Sterling Marlin
  3. 12–Hut Stricklin
  4. 1–Rick Mast
  5. 68–Bobby Hamilton
  6. 43–Richard Petty
  7. 47–Greg Sacks
  8. 19–Chad Little
  9. 94–Terry Labonte
  10. 71–Dave Marcis

Winston Legends Race

[edit]

During the festivities of The Winston, a special exhibition race of 22 retired NASCAR legends took place on a quarter-mile oval paved in the quad oval segment of the speedway. Elmo Langley battled Cale Yarborough on the final lap, and held him off for the victory by less than a car length. Dick Brooks started on the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 64–Elmo Langley
  2. 11–Cale Yarborough
  3. 99–Paul Goldsmith
  4. 06–Neil Castles
  5. 28–Fred Lorenzen
  6. 14–Coo Coo Marlin
  7. 61–Hoss Ellington
  8. 90–Dick Brooks
  9. 42–Marvin Panch
  10. 300–Tim Flock
  • The race was shortened by 10 laps due to damp conditions.

Coca-Cola 600

[edit]

The Coca-Cola 600 was held May 26 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The #6 of Mark Martin won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 28–Davey Allison
  2. 25–Ken Schrader
  3. 3–Dale Earnhardt
  4. 33–Harry Gant
  5. 21–Dale Jarrett
  6. 12–Hut Stricklin
  7. 4–Ernie Irvan −1
  8. 17–Darrell Waltrip −1
  9. 5–Ricky Rudd −1
  10. 94–Terry Labonte −1

Failed to qualify: 29–Kerry Teague, 44–Bobby Labonte, 70–J. D. McDuffie, 82–Mark Stahl, 99–Brad Teague, 86–Jeff Green

  • During the previous week's The Winston, the #11 Junior Johnson-owned Ford was thrown out of the track. Johnson, crew chief Tim Brewer, and substitute driver Tommy Ellis were suspended for 12 weeks for the engine being larger than the legal limit of 358 cubic inches. Regular driver Geoff Bodine was injured in a practice crash for The Winston at Charlotte and was out for two races plus The Winston. All three parties appealed; Johnson and Brewer's suspensions were cut to four races, and Ellis, who drove as a late substitute, had his suspension nullified. Here, Ellis finished the race in 16th, 4 laps down. During the ban, Johnson designated his wife Flossie as the car owner and changed the number of the car to 97.

Budweiser 500

[edit]

The Budweiser 500 was held June 3 at Dover Downs International Speedway. The #30 of Michael Waltrip* won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 25–Ken Schrader*
  2. 3–Dale Earnhardt
  3. 33–Harry Gant
  4. 4–Ernie Irvan
  5. 6–Mark Martin
  6. 12–Hut Stricklin
  7. 17–Darrell Waltrip −1
  8. 15–Morgan Shepherd −2
  9. 2–Rusty Wallace −2
  10. 5–Ricky Rudd −3

Failed to qualify: 45-Billy Fulcher, 80-Jimmy Horton, 85-Bobby Gerhart, 47-Rich Bickle

Banquet Frozen Foods 300

[edit]
Main article: 1991 Banquet Frozen Foods 300

The Banquet Frozen Foods 300 was held June 9 at Sears Point Raceway. Ricky Rudd won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 28–Davey Allison
  2. 5–Ricky Rudd
  3. 2–Rusty Wallace
  4. 4–Ernie Irvan
  5. 25–Ken Schrader
  6. 94–Terry Labonte
  7. 3–Dale Earnhardt
  8. 97–Geoff Bodine*
  9. 6–Mark Martin
  10. 30–Michael Waltrip
  • A wild finish ended in controversy. Accomplished Trans-Am champion and NASCAR road course ringer Tommy Kendall (substituting for the injured Kyle Petty) was leading Mark Martin with 4 laps to go, in Felix Sabates' #42 Pontiac. Going into the turn 7 hairpin, Martin slid by on the outside, but the cars made contact, and Martin spun out. Kendall suffered a flat tire, and limped back to the pits. With 2 laps remaining, Davey Allison who had been running third took the lead. Allison led Ricky Rudd into turn 11 as the cars were anticipating seeing the white flag. Rudd's nose got inside, touched Allison's rear bumper, and Allison spun out with the white flag waving. Allison refired, and got back on to the track to hold on to second position. The next time by, Ricky Rudd was displayed the black flag and penalized 5 seconds for "dirty driving." Allison, the second car in line, was given the checkered flag and declared the winner. Rudd officially dropped back to 2nd place, with the black flag being reduced to a 5-second penalty following Allison's time of victory. After the race, Dave Marcis, a lapped car who was right behind the incident and saw it unfold, claimed that Rudd's tap was not dirty, and in his opinion was simply drivers racing hard on the final lap.
  • Geoff Bodine returned after missing two races and The Winston because of an injury during a practice crash for The Winston.

Champion Spark Plug 500

[edit]

The Champion Spark Plug 500 was held June 16 at Pocono Raceway. Mark Martin won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 17–Darrell Waltrip
  2. 3–Dale Earnhardt
  3. 6–Mark Martin
  4. 33–Harry Gant
  5. 97–Geoff Bodine
  6. 4–Ernie Irvan
  7. 25–Ken Schrader
  8. 22–Sterling Marlin
  9. 15–Morgan Shepherd
  10. 10–Derrike Cope
  • A caution flag was thrown during the race for (oddly enough) a chicken attempting to cross the track.
  • This race was plagued by rain, even causing a red flag at one point, but it still ran to the full 500 mile distance.
  • During the race, the wife of ESPN color commentator Benny Parsons, Connie, died of an illness. ESPN announcers Bob Jenkins and Ned Jarrett broke word of her death coming back from a commercial. A video exists of the satellite feed, in which Jenkins and Jarrett were informed of Connie's passing (Benny Parsons was in North Carolina with her), and previewed an obituary slide that was shown after the commercial break.[5]
  • Bill Elliott, whose day ended early with a valve problem, would leave to return to his hometown of Dawsonville, Georgia, as his grandmother also died later on that same day (when interviewed after his car's problems developed, he mentioned that he had no word of his grandmother's condition at the time of the interview, but that she was still alive before the race began).

Miller Genuine Draft 400

[edit]

The Miller Genuine Draft 400 was held June 23 at Michigan International Speedway. The #30 of Michael Waltrip won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 28–Davey Allison
  2. 12–Hut Stricklin
  3. 6–Mark Martin
  4. 3–Dale Earnhardt
  5. 4–Ernie Irvan
  6. 25–Ken Schrader
  7. 17–Darrell Waltrip
  8. 5–Ricky Rudd
  9. 15–Morgan Shepherd –1
  10. 33–Harry Gant –1

Failed to qualify: #70–J. D. McDuffie, #53–Don Paul

Pepsi 400

[edit]

The Pepsi 400 was held July 6 at Daytona International Speedway. Sterling Marlin won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 9–Bill Elliott
  2. 11–Geoff Bodine
  3. 28–Davey Allison
  4. 25–Ken Schrader
  5. 4–Ernie Irvan
  6. 30–Michael Waltrip
  7. 3–Dale Earnhardt
  8. 22–Sterling Marlin
  9. 5–Ricky Rudd
  10. 98–Jimmy Spencer

Failed to qualify: 95–Kerry Teague, 70–J. D. McDuffie, 80–Jimmy Horton, 95–Eddie Bierschwale, 0–Delma Cowart

  • This race is probably best known for a wild crash involving the #17 of Darrell Waltrip and the #75 of Joe Ruttman on lap 119. Sterling Marlin got loose, slid into Alan Kulwicki, and Kulwicki slid into Ruttman. Waltrip and Ruttman hooked together on the backstretch and veered into the grass, jumping over part of the infield road course (both cars got all 4 wheels off the ground when this happened). Waltrip's car landed hard on the left side, dug into the dirt and grass, and barrel rolled while Ruttman's car spun back toward the racing surface.
  • This was Bill Elliott's last win for Melling Racing; he would drive for Junior Johnson beginning in 1992. It was also Elliott's only win in a car that was not red (it was a blue and white Ford Thunderbird, sponsored by Coors Light).
  • This race was the first race Benny Parsons covered for ESPN after the loss of his wife Connie three weeks earlier.
  • A bizarre sidelight emerged involving Terry Labonte (driving the #94 Sunoco Oldsmobile Cutlass). Labonte would drop out of the race after 8 laps claiming an engine vibration, but when the car was tested in the garage, the engine was working normally. By that time, however, Labonte had already left and with the team unable to find a replacement driver, it was ultimately decided that the car would not attempt to return to the race. However, more info about this came to light in a book called Behind The Wall by Richard Huff where Labonte stated that the wrong car type was brought to the track (Intermediate car instead of Superspeedway car) and Labonte refused to continue due to the car being so slow; it would not keep up in the draft.[6]

Miller Genuine Draft 500

[edit]

The Miller Genuine Draft 500 was held July 21 at Pocono Raceway. The #7 of Alan Kulwicki won the pole. The race was shortened to 179 laps due to rain.

Top ten results

  1. 2–Rusty Wallace*
  2. 6–Mark Martin
  3. 11–Geoff Bodine
  4. 12–Hut Stricklin
  5. 22–Sterling Marlin
  6. 21–Dale Jarrett
  7. 4–Ernie Irvan
  8. 26–Brett Bodine
  9. 9–Bill Elliott −1
  10. 75–Joe Ruttman −1

Failed to qualify: 85–Bobby Gerhart, Walter Surma, Norm Benning

  • On lap 72, a major crash on the frontstretch happened involving twelve cars. Among those involved were polesitter Irvan, Earnhardt, and Stricklin.
  • When the red flag was thrown for rain, Rusty Wallace's car was nearly out of gas. The red flag was out for over two hours before the track dried and the cars were started again under a yellow condition. However, after just running 1 lap under yellow the rain started falling again. Rusty Wallace was very close to running out of gas, so he was pushed around by Dale Earnhardt so that he wouldn't run out of gas. Once the field was given the white flag, Earnhardt backed off. Under NASCAR rules, this is legal unless it is the final scheduled lap of the race.
  • This was the final race J. D. McDuffie actually finished on track in. He finished in 25th, 27 laps down to the winner.

DieHard 500

[edit]

The DieHard 500 was held July 28 at Talladega Superspeedway. Sterling Marlin won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 3–Dale Earnhardt
  2. 9–Bill Elliott
  3. 6–Mark Martin
  4. 5–Ricky Rudd
  5. 22–Sterling Marlin
  6. 2–Rusty Wallace
  7. 30–Michael Waltrip
  8. 21–Dale Jarrett
  9. 28–Davey Allison
  10. 75–Joe Ruttman

Failed to qualify: 0–Delma Cowart, 51–Jeff Purvis, Walter Surma

  • This race featured a blowover crash for the #1 of Rick Mast after he was spun around in the tri-oval by the #20 of Buddy Baker on lap 166.

Budweiser at The Glen

[edit]
Main article: 1991 Budweiser at The Glen

The Budweiser at The Glen was held August 11 at Watkins Glen International. Terry Labonte won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 4–Ernie Irvan
  2. 5–Ricky Rudd
  3. 6–Mark Martin
  4. 2–Rusty Wallace
  5. 21–Dale Jarrett
  6. 17–Darrell Waltrip
  7. 9–Bill Elliott
  8. 12–Hut Stricklin
  9. 43–Richard Petty
  10. 28–Davey Allison

Failed to qualify: 89–Jim Sauter, 65–Jerry O'Neil, 45–Ed Ferree

  • The race was marred by the death of veteran J. D. McDuffie in a Lap 5 crash in the Loop with the #52 of Jimmy Means. The other drivers were not informed of McDuffie's death until after the race.
  • The wreck that claimed J. D. McDuffie's life resulted in a nearly 2 hour long red flag to repair the Armco barrier and remove the two wrecked race cars.
  • McDuffie's crash was just one in a long series of big wrecks in the Loop-Chute area at Watkins Glen in 1991. Before this crash, Tommy Kendall had broken both legs in the IMSA Camel Continental race in June after spinning out at 180 mph and hitting the Armco head on. Multiple drivers in the Winston Cup Series and in IROC crashed in Turn 5 during the August race weekend. A bus stop chicane (Inner Loop) was added before the entrance of Turn 5 for the 1992 season to slow cars before the entrance of what is now the Carousel.
  • Chip Williams, a media coordinator for NASCAR, made the first announcement of McDuffie's death, which was after the red flag period ended, in an interview with Jerry Punch of ESPN that was simulcast on Motor Racing Network.
  • Last career top 10 for Richard Petty.

Champion Spark Plug 400

[edit]

The Champion Spark Plug 400 was held August 18 at Michigan International Speedway. Alan Kulwicki won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 21–Dale Jarrett*
  2. 28–Davey Allison
  3. 2–Rusty Wallace
  4. 6–Mark Martin
  5. 9–Bill Elliott
  6. 33–Harry Gant
  7. 4–Ernie Irvan
  8. 7–Alan Kulwicki
  9. 30–Michael Waltrip
  10. 25–Ken Schrader −1

Failed to qualify: 53–John Paul Jr., 82–Mark Stahl

  • This was Dale Jarrett's first career Winston Cup victory. Jarrett raced door to door to the finish line with the #28 of Davey Allison. The official margin of victory was 10 inches. The win was special to Dale's father Ned Jarrett who was in the ESPN broadcast booth for the telecast.[7]

Bud 500

[edit]

The Bud 500 was held August 24 at Bristol International Raceway. The #9 of Bill Elliott won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 7–Alan Kulwicki
  2. 22–Sterling Marlin
  3. 25–Ken Schrader
  4. 6–Mark Martin −1
  5. 5–Ricky Rudd −1
  6. 15–Morgan Shepherd −2
  7. 3–Dale Earnhardt −2
  8. 17–Darrell Waltrip −2
  9. 94–Terry Labonte −7
  10. 26–Brett Bodine −7

Failed to qualify: 41–Larry Pearson, 52–Jimmy Means

  • Jimmy Spencer led the majority of the race and appeared to be on his way to his first victory, but two late pit stop errors cost him the victory and Spencer would eventually fall to mechanical issues. During the race, Rick Wilson needed relief from Bobby Labonte after Wilson was suffering from flu-like symptoms.[8]

Heinz Southern 500

[edit]

The Heinz Southern 500 was held September 1 at Darlington Raceway. The #28 of Davey Allison won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 33–Harry Gant
  2. 4–Ernie Irvan
  3. 25–Ken Schrader
  4. 10–Derrike Cope −1
  5. 94–Terry Labonte −1
  6. 22–Sterling Marlin −2
  7. 11–Geoff Bodine −2
  8. 3–Dale Earnhardt −2
  9. 75–Joe Ruttman −2
  10. 68–Bobby Hamilton −3
  • This was Kyle Petty's first race since breaking his leg at Talladega in May.
  • No driver was eligible for the Winston Million; however, three drivers going into this race (Ernie Irvan, Davey Allison, and Harry Gant) were eligible for a $100,000 bonus from Winston if a driver were to win 2 out of the 4 NASCAR majors. Gant won the bonus by winning the Winston 500 and this race.

Miller Genuine Draft 400

[edit]

The Miller Genuine Draft 400 was held September 7 at Richmond International Raceway. Rusty Wallace won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 33–Harry Gant
  2. 28–Davey Allison
  3. 2–Rusty Wallace
  4. 4–Ernie Irvan
  5. 5–Ricky Rudd
  6. 7–Alan Kulwicki
  7. 17–Darrell Waltrip
  8. 25–Ken Schrader
  9. 9–Bill Elliott
  10. 22–Sterling Marlin −1

Peak Antifreeze 500

[edit]

The Peak Antifreeze 500 was held September 15 at Dover Downs International Speedway. The #7 of Alan Kulwicki won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 33–Harry Gant
  2. 11–Geoff Bodine −1
  3. 15–Morgan Shepherd −1
  4. 12–Hut Stricklin −1
  5. 30–Michael Waltrip −2
  6. 24–Dick Trickle −4
  7. 5–Ricky Rudd −7
  8. 68–Bobby Hamilton −7
  9. 1–Rick Mast −7
  10. 71–Dave Marcis −10
  • Harry Gant's official margin of victory in this race was 1 lap, and an additional 19 seconds.
  • This was Harry Gant's third consecutive victory.
  • Dick Trickle's last start of 1991 ended up as his best finish of 1991 (6th).[10]

Goody's 500

[edit]

The Goody's 500 was held September 22 at Martinsville Speedway. Mark Martin won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 33–Harry Gant*
  2. 26–Brett Bodine
  3. 3–Dale Earnhardt
  4. 4–Ernie Irvan
  5. 6–Mark Martin
  6. 94–Terry Labonte
  7. 2–Rusty Wallace
  8. 5–Ricky Rudd
  9. 25–Ken Schrader
  10. 24–Jimmy Hensley

Failed to qualify: 52–Jimmy Means

  • This was Harry Gant's 4th consecutive victory, tying the modern-era record for consecutive victories. Gant more or less dominated the race but crashed on lap 377 in Turn 3. The crash damaged the right front of the #33 Skoal Bandit Oldsmobile. This incident led ESPN's race analyst Benny Parsons to discount Gant as a threat to win the race. The team repaired the car the best they could (since this was Martinsville, this consisted of removal of sheet metal that could rub against the right front tire), and sent Gant back out. Gant proceeded to charge up through the field and overtook Brett Bodine for the victory with about 50 laps to go.

Tyson Holly Farms 400

[edit]

The Tyson Holly Farms 400 was held September 29 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Harry Gant won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 3–Dale Earnhardt
  2. 33–Harry Gant
  3. 15–Morgan Shepherd
  4. 28–Davey Allison
  5. 6–Mark Martin
  6. 2–Rusty Wallace
  7. 26–Brett Bodine
  8. 25–Ken Schrader
  9. 21–Dale Jarrett
  10. 7–Alan Kulwicki
  • Dale Earnhardt passed Harry Gant for the victory with 12 laps to go, denying Gant a 5th consecutive victory. Gant had dominated the race when with just a few laps to go an O-Ring failed to give Gant limited braking for the final few laps allowing Earnhardt to pass.
  • Earnhardt's victory would be the last win for a General Motors brand until his victory in the 1992 Coca-Cola 600.
  • Brett Bodine's 7th-place finish came despite having to start at the rear of the field due to an emergency pit stop prior to the green flag start when his car began leaking fluid during the pace laps.

Mello Yello 500

[edit]

The Mello Yello 500 was held October 6 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The #6 of Mark Martin won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 11–Geoff Bodine
  2. 28–Davey Allison
  3. 7–Alan Kulwicki −1
  4. 33–Harry Gant −1
  5. 22–Sterling Marlin −3
  6. 94–Terry Labonte −4
  7. 30–Michael Waltrip −4
  8. 26–Brett Bodine −4
  9. 17–Darrell Waltrip −5
  10. 19–Chad Little −5

Failed to qualify: 0–Delma Cowart, 41–Larry Pearson, 76–Robbie Faggart, 20–Buddy Baker, 51–Jeff Purvis, 74–Mike Potter, 89–Jim Sauter, 87–Randy Baker, 72–Tracy Leslie

  • Five days before this race, Richard Petty held a press conference at his Level Cross, North Carolina race shop. Petty said that instead of retiring at the end of 1991, he would race for one more year. The 1992 NASCAR Winston Cup Series, his last as a driver, would be dubbed the "Fan Appreciation Tour". Petty denied it was a farewell tour because he "wasn't going anywhere".
  • With this race and continuing into the beginning of 1992, the Ford brand would win 13 races in a row (the last four races in 1991 and the first nine races in 1992)

AC Delco 500

[edit]

The AC Delco 500 was held October 20 at North Carolina Speedway. Kyle Petty won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 28–Davey Allison
  2. 33–Harry Gant
  3. 6–Mark Martin
  4. 11–Geoff Bodine
  5. 25–Ken Schrader −1
  6. 68–Bobby Hamilton −2
  7. 3–Dale Earnhardt −2
  8. 22–Sterling Marlin −2
  9. 42–Kyle Petty −2
  10. 9–Bill Elliott −2

Failed to qualify: 53–Bobby Hillin Jr., 05–Bill Meacham

  • This was Kyle Petty's 100th top ten finish.

Pyroil 500K

[edit]

The Pyroil 500K was held November 3 at Phoenix International Raceway. Geoff Bodine won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 28–Davey Allison
  2. 17–Darrell Waltrip
  3. 22–Sterling Marlin
  4. 7–Alan Kulwicki
  5. 2–Rusty Wallace
  6. 4–Ernie Irvan
  7. 98–Jimmy Spencer −1
  8. 11–Geoff Bodine −1
  9. 3–Dale Earnhardt −1
  10. 15–Morgan Shepherd −1

Failed to qualify: 93–Troy Beebe, 44–Jack Sellers, 89–Jim Sauter, 00–Scott Gaylord

  • The only time that Davey Allison would score back-to-back wins in his career.

Hardee's 500

[edit]

The Hardee's 500 was held November 17 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Bill Elliott won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 6–Mark Martin
  2. 4–Ernie Irvan
  3. 9–Bill Elliott
  4. 33–Harry Gant
  5. 3–Dale Earnhardt*
  6. 15–Morgan Shepherd
  7. 22–Sterling Marlin −1
  8. 11–Geoff Bodine −1
  9. 7–Alan Kulwicki −2
  10. 17–Darrell Waltrip −2

Failed to qualify: 0–Delma Cowart, 13–Kerry Teague, 35–Bill Venturini, 36–H. B. Bailey, 59–Mark Gibson, 65–Dave Mader III, 65–Keith van Houten

  • This was the race in which Dale Earnhardt clinched his fifth Winston Cup championship. ESPN ran a comedic segment on "How to Steal a Championship" where two crew members from Davey Allison and Ricky Rudd's teams, which were second and third in points respectively, attempted to steal Earnhardt's driving uniform and helmet so Earnhardt could not start the race.[11] Those efforts were thwarted by longtime Earnhardt crewman Chocolate Myers and Earnhardt won by merely starting the race and completing the first lap.

Full Drivers' Championship

[edit]
Further information: List of NASCAR points scoring systems

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

Pos Driver DAY RCH CAR ATL DAR BRI NWS MAR TAL CLT DOV SON POC MCH DAY POC TAL GLN MCH BRI DAR RCH DOV MAR NWS CLT CAR PHO ATL Pts
1 Dale Earnhardt 5 1 8 3 29 20 2 1* 3* 3 2* 7 2 4 7 22 1* 15 24 7 8 11 15 3 1 25 7 9 5 4287
2 Ricky Rudd 9 2* 4 6 1 5* 11 11 13 9 10 2 20 8 9 20 4 2 11 5 15 5 7 8 12 32 12 11 11 4092
3 Davey Allison 15 12 16 40 2 3 6 8 22 1* 16 1 12 1* 3 14 9 10 2* 24 12 2* 31 29 4 2 1 1* 17 4088
4 Harry Gant 25 3 3 19 27 11 23 5 1 4 33 27 4 10 23 26 39 28 6 19 1* 1 1* 1* 2* 4 2* 23 4 3985
5 Ernie Irvan 1 27 6 14 7 2 10 15 32 7 4 4 6 5 5* 7* 33 1 7 18 2 4 28 4 33 30 31 6 2 3925
6 Mark Martin 21 6 14 17 4 4 9 29 24 23 5 9 3 3 11 2 3 3 4 4 29 33 21 5 5 35* 3 19 1* 3914
7 Sterling Marlin 2 9 33 7 10 27 22 28 4 11 15 26 8 13 8 5 5 12 12 2 6 10 17 14 13 5 8 3 7 3839
8 Darrell Waltrip 24 7 9 9 25 6 1 3 2 8 7 25 1 7 32 29 15 6 32 8 24 7 19 15 20 9 32 2 10 3711
9 Ken Schrader 31 10 2 1 19 29 5 23 7 2 1 5 7 6 4 23 40 30 10 3 3 8 33 9 8 38 5 17 37 3690
10 Rusty Wallace 27 4 28 10 5 1 32 21 26 22 9 3* 31 17 12 1 6 4 3 32 32 3 25 7 6 27 11 5 34 3582
11 Bill Elliott 28 30 5 2* 12 28 8 26 8 26 13 20 36 11 1 9 2 7 5 21 18 9 11 27 24 11 10 25 3 3535
12 Morgan Shepherd 34 8 10 4 8 10 4 30 14 14 8 42 9 9 20 34 14 36 26 6 19 23 3 11 3 28 17 10 6 3438
13 Alan Kulwicki 8 5 17 8 34 26 29 9 27 35 14 17 16 24 14 16 16 23 8 1 35 6 24 22 10 3 33 4 9 3354
14 Geoff Bodine 32 13 12 23 9 24 28 20 6 8 5 39 2 3 30 22 35 31 7 14 2 23 15 1 4 8 8 3277
15 Michael Waltrip 38 17 7 5 3* 23 7 7 5 15 32 10 18 34 6 38 7 21 9 25 27 30 5 25 27 7 19 24 40 3254
16 Hut Stricklin 29 22 31 13 32 16 14 10 23 6 6 35 28 2 16 4 29 8 14 22 17 21 4 16 17 36 13 39 13 3199
17 Dale Jarrett 6 21 11 20 39 7 25 12 35 5 35 41 19 12 18 6 8 5 1 28 25 20 34 18 9 26 25 35 16 3124
18 Terry Labonte 13 14 39 35 15 9 31 31 37 10 24 6 21 25 41 15 24 34 16 9 5 19 26 6 14 6 28 12 15 3024
19 Brett Bodine 22 24 13 15 16 22 30* 4 11 28 33 11 33 36 36 8 32 25 37 10 14 18 32 2 7 8 30 14 29 2980
20 Joe Ruttman 3 29 24 27 26 13 24 16 29 21 12 31 22 19 31 10 10 14 30 17 9 28 13 31 29 16 27 22 20 2938
21 Rick Mast 4 35 30 29 13 18 12 13 10 30 20 19 25 29 19 27 28 35 18 26 11 27 9 13 25 13 18 28 28 2918
22 Bobby Hamilton (R) 10 28 21 33 20 31 21 DNQ 12 27 11 22 35 22 28 11 34 29 19 13 10 12 8 17 18 29 6 13 18 2915
23 Ted Musgrave (R) 30 19 25 37 21 12 17 24 16 17 18 37 27 21 37 13 26 29 17 16 20 22 14 20 22 14 21 18 30 2841
24 Richard Petty 19 11 15 38 37 17 16 14 40 20 17 34 11 35 22 31 18 9 23 12 16 24 20 30 19 12 16 41 22 2817
25 Jimmy Spencer 40 34 38 16 11 8 3 6 9 31 28 29 14 32 10 37 37 27 36 15* 31 15 18 28 23 23 22 7 38 2750
26 Rick Wilson 33 18 19 12 14 33 27 22 25 18 25 16 13 31 24 24 38 19 39 20 13 13 29 26 32 17 20 15 33 2723
27 Chad Little 14 16 22 18 36 14 DNQ 27 38 25 29 28 23 26 29 12 12 11 25 14 36 34 16 24 21 10 23 30 21 2678
28 Derrike Cope 26 32 34 11 31 32 15 DNQ 28 12 27 30 10 41 17 36 35 13 34 29 4 16 36 19 30 33 15 16 24 2516
29 Dave Marcis 35 33 23 36 18 DNQ 19 DNQ 18 32 23 24 24 16 25 18 21 37 20 23 33 29 10 21 31 34 26 40 12 2374
30 Bobby Hillin Jr. 7 20 18 21 17 15 20 17 17 19 19 21 15 15 15 28 11 18 33 30 18 DNQ 32 2317
31 Kyle Petty 16* 25 1* 39 6 21 18 2 33 22 26 12 12 16 15 9 20 19 2078
32 Lake Speed 40 25 13 18 31 29 22 12 17 18 38 30 36 33 15 11 34 17 35 32 1742
33 Jimmy Means 39 31 27 31 23 DNQ DNQ DNQ 20 38 26 27 26 21 23 39 27 DNQ 28 35 23 DNQ 28 24 35 1562
34 Mickey Gibbs 17 23 20 25 22 19 33 25 15 34 30 14 30 14 27 1401
35 Dick Trickle 11 15 29 28 30 26 32 40 35 20 21 27 23 6 1258
36 Stanley Smith (R) 37 DNQ 21 36 23 23 40 31 40 22 22 36 25 893
37 Larry Pearson DNQ 41 41 32 20 21 17 DNQ 30 36 30 DNQ 33 14 841
38 Wally Dallenbach Jr. (R) 26 34 33 28 34 41 32 22 25 QL 19 36 803
39 Greg Sacks 42 39 39 DNQ 39 17 19 21 32 DNQ DNQ 31 29 26 791
40 Buddy Baker 37 36 30 13 13 13 DNQ DNQ 552
41 Jimmy Hensley 10 11 20 14 488
42 Eddie Bierschwale 12 24 38 DNQ 27 DNQ 27 431
43 Jim Sauter 23 22 37 37 DNQ 31 DNQ DNQ DNQ 35 423
44 Kenny Wallace 13 26 31 43 23 412
45 Jeff Purvis (R) 36 35 24 DNQ 30 DNQ 30 DNQ DNQ 38 399
46 Phil Barkdoll 20 19 35 22 364
47 Mike Chase 40 33 25 29 26 356
48 J. D. McDuffie DNQ DNQ DNQ 30 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 31 34 DNQ DNQ 25 40 335
49 Bill Sedgwick DNQ 19 15 21 324
50 Randy LaJoie 29 24 32 31 304
51 Rich Bickle (R) DNQ 26 34 24 DNQ DNQ 237
52 Irv Hoerr DNQ 36 19 38 210
53 H. B. Bailey DNQ 35 33 28 DNQ DNQ 201
54 James Hylton 37 DNQ 38 DNQ 37 DNQ 40 196
55 Robby Gordon 18 26 194
56 John Paul Jr. 32 16 DNQ 182
57 Bill Schmitt 13 37 176
58 Randy Baker 28 26 DNQ 164
59 Dorsey Schroeder (R) DNQ 17 41 157
60 Hershel McGriff 32 27 149
61 Dave Mader III (R) DNQ 30 33 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 137
62 Mike Wallace 31 39 116
63 Tommy Kendall 18 114
64 Andy Hillenburg 40 32 110
65 Bobby Labonte DNQ 34 38 110
66 Mike Skinner 32 40 110
67 Mark Stahl DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 37 36 107
68 Bill Meacham 36 38 DNQ 104
69 Jim Derhaag 20 103
70 Tommy Ellis 16 21 100
71 Brad Teague DNQ DNQ 21 100
72 Jerry Hill DNQ 38 38 94
73 Oma Kimbrough 24 91
74 Gary Balough DNQ 40 39 89
75 Bill Venturini DNQ 40 39 DNQ 89
76 Chuck Bown DNQ DNQ 26 85
77 Steve Perry 27 82
78 Butch Gilliland DNQ 29 76
79 Kim Campbell DNQ 31 70
80 Scott Gaylord 33 DNQ 64
81 Gary Wright DNQ 33 64
82 Mark Reed 34 61
83 Ricky Craven 34 61
84 John Krebs 38 DNQ 54
85 Kerry Teague DNQ DNQ 37 DNQ 52
86 Robert Sprague 39 DNQ 51
87 Gary Brooks 39 46
88 Brian Ross DNQ 39 46
89 Andy Belmont 40 43
90 Sammy Swindell (R) 41 40
91 Gary Collins 42 37
92 R. K. Smith 43 DNQ 34
93 Keith van Houten 37 DNQ
94 Phil Parsons DNQ
95 Rick Jeffrey DNQ
96 Philip Duffie DNQ
97 Blackie Wangerin DNQ
98 Jimmy Horton DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ
99 Delma Cowart DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ
100 K. C. Spurlock DNQ
101 Billy Fulcher DNQ DNQ DNQ
102 Ken Ragan DNQ
103 Donny Paul DNQ DNQ
104 Mark Gibson DNQ DNQ DNQ
105 Jeff Green DNQ
106 Bobby Gerhart DNQ DNQ
107 Jack Sellers DNQ DNQ
108 Troy Beebe DNQ DNQ
109 Walter Surma DNQ DNQ DNQ
110 Norm Benning DNQ
111 Jerry O'Neil DNQ
112 Ed Ferree DNQ
113 Dale Fischlein DNQ
114 Mike Potter DNQ
115 Robbie Faggart DNQ
116 Tracy Leslie DNQ
117 Rick Scribner DNQ
118 St. James Davis DNQ
119 Rick Carelli DNQ
120 Wayne Jacks DNQ
121 Ron Hornaday Jr. DNQ
122 Billy Jac Shaw DNQ
Pos Driver DAY RCH CAR ATL DAR BRI NWS MAR TAL CLT DOV SON POC MCH DAY POC TAL GLN MCH BRI DAR RCH DOV MAR NWS CLT CAR PHO ATL Pts

Rookie of the Year

[edit]

Bobby Hamilton, driving for Tri-Star Motorsports, narrowly defeated Ted Musgrave for Rookie of the Year honors in 1991. Stanley Smith, Wally Dallenbach Jr., and Sammy Swindell also declared for the award, but did not complete enough races to challenge Hamilton or Musgrave.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Newton, David (February 1, 2007). "Past champion's provisional entry limited to six". ESPN. Retrieved August 8, 2018.
  2. ^ Martin, Mark (29 April 2005). NASCAR for Dummies. ISBN 9780471750987. Retrieved August 8, 2018.
  3. ^ "Race Results".
  4. ^ "Race Results".
  5. ^ 1991 Champion Spark Plug 500 - Sad News. Battalionfan888. Archived from the original on 2021-12-14. Retrieved 9 February 2017 – via YouTube.
  6. ^ "User Comments - the 1991 Pepsi 400".
  7. ^ 1991 Champion Spark Plug 400 Telecast
  8. ^ 1991 Bud 500 ESPN telecast
  9. ^ "Race Results".
  10. ^ "Race Results".
  11. ^ 1991 ESPN Broadcast of Hardee's 500
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