The 1991 NASCAR Winston Cup Series was the: 43rd of professional stock car racing in theββUnited 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 Daytonaββto start out the 1991 season, in responseββto 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.
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 driversβ»
Full-time teamsβ»
Part-time teamsβ»
Scheduleβ»
Racesβ»
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 Clashβ»
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
- 3βDale Earnhardt
- 6βMark Martin
- 9βBill Elliott
- 4βErnie Irvan
- 2βRusty Wallace
- 25βKen Schrader
- 42βKyle Petty
- 5βRicky Rudd
- 11βGeoff Bodine
- 26βBrett 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/"sandbag" in order to start up front for the second half.
Gatorade 125sβ»
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
- 28βDavey Allison
- 43βRichard Petty
- 12βHut Stricklin
- 1βRick Mast
- 5βRicky Rudd
- 33βHarry Gant
- 30βMichael Waltrip
- 9βBill Elliott
- 21βDale Jarrett
- 11βGeoff Bodine
Race two: top ten results
- 3βDale Earnhardt
- 4βErnie Irvan
- 42βKyle Petty
- 2βRusty Wallace
- 17βDarrell Waltrip
- 22βSterling Marlin
- 75βJoe Ruttman
- 88βBuddy Baker
- 6βMark Martin
- 68βBobby Hamilton
Daytona 500 by STPβ»
The Daytona 500 by STP was held on February 17 at Daytona International Speedway. Davey Allison won the pole.
Top ten results
- 4βErnie Irvan
- 22βSterling Marlin
- 75βJoe Ruttman
- 1βRick Mast
- 3βDale Earnhardt
- 21βDale Jarrett β1
- 27βBobby Hillin Jr. β1
- 7βAlan Kulwicki β1
- 5βRicky Rudd β1
- 68βBobby Hamilton β1
- 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 400β»
The Pontiac Excitement 400 was held February 24 at Richmond International Raceway. The #28 of Davey Allison won the pole.
Top ten results
- 3βDale Earnhardt
- 5βRicky Rudd
- 33βHarry Gant
- 2βRusty Wallace
- 7βAlan Kulwicki
- 6βMark Martin
- 17βDarrell Waltrip
- 15βMorgan Shepherd β1
- 22βSterling Marlin β2
- 25βKen Schrader β2
Failed to qualify: 70βJ. 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 340β318 point lead over Rudd. The two drivers would remain 1β2 all season long, occasionally trading the point.
Goodwrench 500β»
The Goodwrench 500 was held March 3 at North Carolina Motor Speedway. Kyle Petty won the pole.
Top ten results
- 42βKyle Petty
- 25βKen Schrader
- 33βHarry Gant β1
- 5βRicky Rudd β1
- 9βBill Elliott β1
- 4βErnie Irvan β2
- 30βMichael Waltrip β2
- 3βDale Earnhardt β3
- 17βDarrell Waltrip β4
- 15βMorgan Shepherd β4
Failed to qualify: 64βGary Wright, 70βJ. D. McDuffie, 82βMark 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 500β»
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
- 25βKen Schrader
- 9βBill Elliott
- 3βDale Earnhardt
- 15βMorgan Shepherd
- 30βMichael Waltrip
- 5βRicky Rudd
- 22βSterling Marlin
- 7βAlan Kulwicki* β1
- 17βDarrell Waltrip β1
- 2βRusty Wallace β1
Failed to qualify: 49βStanley Smith, 82βMark 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 500β»
The TranSouth 500 was held April 7 at Darlington Raceway. Geoff Bodine won the pole.
Top ten results
- 5βRicky Rudd
- 28βDavey Allison
- 30βMichael Waltrip
- 6βMark Martin β1
- 2βRusty Wallace β2
- 42βKyle Petty β2
- 4βErnie Irvan β2
- 15βMorgan Shepherd β2
- 11βGeoff Bodine β2
- 22βSterling Marlin β2
Failed to qualify: #82βMark Stahl
Valleydale Meats 500β»
The Valleydale Meats 500 was held April 14 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Rusty Wallace won the pole.
Top ten results
- 2βRusty Wallace
- 4βErnie Irvan
- 28βDavey Allison
- 6βMark Martin
- 5βRicky Rudd
- 17βDarrell Waltrip
- 21βDale Jarrett
- 98βJimmy Spencer
- 94βTerry Labonte
- 15βMorgan Shepherd β2
Failed to qualify: 52βJimmy Means, 70βJ. D. McDuffie, 71βDave Marcis
- Sterling Marlin suffered second and third degree burns following 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 400β»
The First Union 400 was held April 21 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. The #26 of Brett Bodine won the pole.
Top ten results
- 17βDarrell Waltrip
- 3βDale Earnhardt
- 98βJimmy Spencer
- 15βMorgan Shepherd
- 25βKen Schrader
- 28βDavey Allison
- 30βMichael Waltrip
- 9βBill Elliott
- 6βMark Martin
- 4βErnie Irvan
Failed to qualify: 19βChad Little, 41βLarry Pearson, 44βIrv Hoerr, 47βRich Bickle, 51βJeff Purvis, 52βJimmy Means, 70βJ. D. McDuffie, 76βBill 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 500β»
The Hanes 500 was held April 28 at Martinsville Speedway. The #6 of Mark Martin won the pole.
Top ten results
- 3βDale Earnhardt
- 42βKyle Petty
- 17βDarrell Waltrip
- 26βBrett Bodine
- 33βHarry Gant β1
- 98βJimmy Spencer β1
- 30βMichael Waltrip β1
- 28βDavey Allison β1
- 7βAlan Kulwicki β3
- 12βHut Stricklin β4
Failed to qualify: 10βDerrike Cope, 52βJimmy Means, 68βBobby Hamilton, 70βJ. D. McDuffie, 71βDave 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 500β»
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
- 33βHarry Gant
- 17βDarrell Waltrip
- 3βDale Earnhardt
- 22βSterling Marlin
- 30βMichael Waltrip
- 11βGeoff Bodine
- 25βKen Schrader
- 9βBill Elliott
- 98βJimmy Spencer
- 1βRick Mast β1
Failed to qualify: 59βMark Gibson, 65βDave Mader III, 70βJ. D. McDuffie, 77βKen Ragan, 53βDon 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 Winstonβ»
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
- 28βDavey Allison
- 25βKen Schrader
- 17βDarrell Waltrip
- 9βBill Elliott
- 4βErnie Irvan
- 30βMichael Waltrip (Winston Open Winner)
- 2βRusty Wallace
- 12βHut Stricklin (Winston Open 3rd place)
- 33βHarry Gant
- 3βDale Earnhardt
Winston Openβ»
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
- 30βMichael Waltrip
- 22βSterling Marlin
- 12βHut Stricklin
- 1βRick Mast
- 68βBobby Hamilton
- 43βRichard Petty
- 47βGreg Sacks
- 19βChad Little
- 94βTerry Labonte
- 71βDave Marcis
Winston Legends Raceβ»
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
- 64βElmo Langley
- 11βCale Yarborough
- 99βPaul Goldsmith
- 06βNeil Castles
- 28βFred Lorenzen
- 14βCoo Coo Marlin
- 61βHoss Ellington
- 90βDick Brooks
- 42βMarvin Panch
- 300βTim Flock
- The race was shortened by 10 laps due to damp conditions.
Coca-Cola 600β»
The Coca-Cola 600 was held May 26 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The #6 of Mark Martin won the pole.
Top ten results
- 28βDavey Allison
- 25βKen Schrader
- 3βDale Earnhardt
- 33βHarry Gant
- 21βDale Jarrett
- 12βHut Stricklin
- 4βErnie Irvan β1
- 17βDarrell Waltrip β1
- 5βRicky Rudd β1
- 94βTerry Labonte β1
Failed to qualify: 29βKerry Teague, 44βBobby Labonte, 70βJ. D. McDuffie, 82βMark Stahl, 99βBrad Teague, 86βJeff 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 500β»
The Budweiser 500 was held June 3 at Dover Downs International Speedway. The #30 of Michael Waltrip* won the pole.
Top ten results
- 25βKen Schrader*
- 3βDale Earnhardt
- 33βHarry Gant
- 4βErnie Irvan
- 6βMark Martin
- 12βHut Stricklin
- 17βDarrell Waltrip β1
- 15βMorgan Shepherd β2
- 2βRusty Wallace β2
- 5βRicky Rudd β3
Failed to qualify: 45-Billy Fulcher, 80-Jimmy Horton, 85-Bobby Gerhart, 47-Rich Bickle
- This race marked Ken Schrader's fourth and last victory in the Winston Cup Series. All four of his Cup Series wins came in the #25 car for Hendrick Motorsports.
- This was Michael Waltrip's first career pole position in the Winston Cup Series.
Banquet Frozen Foods 300β»
The Banquet Frozen Foods 300 was held June 9 at Sears Point Raceway. Ricky Rudd won the pole.
Top ten results
- 28βDavey Allison
- 5βRicky Rudd
- 2βRusty Wallace
- 4βErnie Irvan
- 25βKen Schrader
- 94βTerry Labonte
- 3βDale Earnhardt
- 97βGeoff Bodine*
- 6βMark Martin
- 30βMichael 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 practice crash for The Winston.
Champion Spark Plug 500β»
The Champion Spark Plug 500 was held June 16 at Pocono Raceway. Mark Martin won the pole.
Top ten results
- 17βDarrell Waltrip
- 3βDale Earnhardt
- 6βMark Martin
- 33βHarry Gant
- 97βGeoff Bodine
- 4βErnie Irvan
- 25βKen Schrader
- 22βSterling Marlin
- 15βMorgan Shepherd
- 10βDerrike 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.
- 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 400β»
The Miller Genuine Draft 400 was held June 23 at Michigan International Speedway. The #30 of Michael Waltrip won the pole.
Top ten results
- 28βDavey Allison
- 12βHut Stricklin
- 6βMark Martin
- 3βDale Earnhardt
- 4βErnie Irvan
- 25βKen Schrader
- 17βDarrell Waltrip
- 5βRicky Rudd
- 15βMorgan Shepherd β1
- 33βHarry Gant β1
Failed to qualify: #70βJ. D. McDuffie, #53βDon Paul
- Geoff Bodine's team reverted to the #11 following owner Junior Johnson's return from his 4-race suspension.
Pepsi 400β»
The Pepsi 400 was held July 6 at Daytona International Speedway. Sterling Marlin won the pole.
Top ten results
- 9βBill Elliott
- 11βGeoff Bodine
- 28βDavey Allison
- 25βKen Schrader
- 4βErnie Irvan
- 30βMichael Waltrip
- 3βDale Earnhardt
- 22βSterling Marlin
- 5βRicky Rudd
- 98βJimmy Spencer
Failed to qualify: 95βKerry Teague, 70βJ. D. McDuffie, 80βJimmy Horton, 95βEddie Bierschwale, 0βDelma 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.
Miller Genuine Draft 500β»
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
- 2βRusty Wallace*
- 6βMark Martin
- 11βGeoff Bodine
- 12βHut Stricklin
- 22βSterling Marlin
- 21βDale Jarrett
- 4βErnie Irvan
- 26βBrett Bodine
- 9βBill Elliott β1
- 75βJoe Ruttman β1
Failed to qualify: 85βBobby 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 500β»
The DieHard 500 was held July 28 at Talladega Superspeedway. Sterling Marlin won the pole.
Top ten results
- 3βDale Earnhardt
- 9βBill Elliott
- 6βMark Martin
- 5βRicky Rudd
- 22βSterling Marlin
- 2βRusty Wallace
- 30βMichael Waltrip
- 21βDale Jarrett
- 28βDavey Allison
- 75βJoe Ruttman
Failed to qualify: 0βDelma Cowart, 51βJeff 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 Glenβ»
The Budweiser at The Glen was held August 11 at Watkins Glen International. Terry Labonte won the pole.
Top ten results
- 4βErnie Irvan
- 5βRicky Rudd
- 6βMark Martin
- 2βRusty Wallace
- 21βDale Jarrett
- 17βDarrell Waltrip
- 9βBill Elliott
- 12βHut Stricklin
- 43βRichard Petty
- 28βDavey Allison
Failed to qualify: 89βJim Sauter, 65βJerry O'Neil, 45βEd 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. 23 years later, a similar accident happened again in 2014 at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka when Jules Bianchi crashed heavily, sustaining serious head trauma (similar to J. D. McDuffie) and thus Adrian Sutil helped Bianchi to get out of his car. Nine months later, Bianchi died from complications of the head trauma.
- 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 400β»
The Champion Spark Plug 400 was held August 18 at Michigan International Speedway. Alan Kulwicki won the pole.
Top ten results
- 21βDale Jarrett*
- 28βDavey Allison
- 2βRusty Wallace
- 6βMark Martin
- 9βBill Elliott
- 33βHarry Gant
- 4βErnie Irvan
- 7βAlan Kulwicki
- 30βMichael Waltrip
- 25βKen Schrader β1
Failed to qualify: 53βJohn Paul Jr., 82βMark 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.
Bud 500β»
The Bud 500 was held August 24 at Bristol International Raceway. The #9 of Bill Elliott won the pole.
Top ten results
- 7βAlan Kulwicki
- 22βSterling Marlin
- 25βKen Schrader
- 6βMark Martin β1
- 5βRicky Rudd β1
- 15βMorgan Shepherd β2
- 3βDale Earnhardt β2
- 17βDarrell Waltrip β2
- 94βTerry Labonte β7
- 26βBrett Bodine β7
Failed to qualify: 41βLarry Pearson, 52βJimmy 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.
Heinz Southern 500β»
The Heinz Southern 500 was held September 1 at Darlington Raceway. The #28 of Davey Allison won the pole.
Top ten results
- 33βHarry Gant
- 4βErnie Irvan
- 25βKen Schrader
- 10βDerrike Cope β1
- 94βTerry Labonte β1
- 22βSterling Marlin β2
- 11βGeoff Bodine β2
- 3βDale Earnhardt β2
- 75βJoe Ruttman β2
- 68βBobby Hamilton β3
- 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 400β»
The Miller Genuine Draft 400 was held September 7 at Richmond International Raceway. Rusty Wallace won the pole.
Top ten results
- 33βHarry Gant
- 28βDavey Allison
- 2βRusty Wallace
- 4βErnie Irvan
- 5βRicky Rudd
- 7βAlan Kulwicki
- 17βDarrell Waltrip
- 25βKen Schrader
- 9βBill Elliott
- 22βSterling Marlin β1
- This was the 1st night race for the Winston Cup Series held at Richmond International Raceway.
- This was Harry Gant's second consecutive victory.
- Richard Petty led his lone lap of 1991; it also was the only lap he ever led on the 3/4 mile configuration of Richmond.
Peak Antifreeze 500β»
The Peak Antifreeze 500 was held September 15 at Dover Downs International Speedway. The #7 of Alan Kulwicki won the pole.
Top ten results
- 33βHarry Gant
- 11βGeoff Bodine β1
- 15βMorgan Shepherd β1
- 12βHut Stricklin β1
- 30βMichael Waltrip β2
- 24βDick Trickle β4
- 5βRicky Rudd β7
- 68βBobby Hamilton β7
- 1βRick Mast β7
- 71βDave Marcis β10
- 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).
Goody's 500β»
The Goody's 500 was held September 22 at Martinsville Speedway. Mark Martin won the pole.
Top ten results
- 33βHarry Gant*
- 26βBrett Bodine
- 3βDale Earnhardt
- 4βErnie Irvan
- 6βMark Martin
- 94βTerry Labonte
- 2βRusty Wallace
- 5βRicky Rudd
- 25βKen Schrader
- 24βJimmy Hensley
Failed to qualify: 52βJimmy 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 400β»
The Tyson Holly Farms 400 was held September 29 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Harry Gant won the pole.
Top ten results
- 3βDale Earnhardt
- 33βHarry Gant
- 15βMorgan Shepherd
- 28βDavey Allison
- 6βMark Martin
- 2βRusty Wallace
- 26βBrett Bodine
- 25βKen Schrader
- 21βDale Jarrett
- 7βAlan 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 500β»
The Mello Yello 500 was held October 6 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The #6 of Mark Martin won the pole.
Top ten results
- 11βGeoff Bodine
- 28βDavey Allison
- 7βAlan Kulwicki β1
- 33βHarry Gant β1
- 22βSterling Marlin β3
- 94βTerry Labonte β4
- 30βMichael Waltrip β4
- 26βBrett Bodine β4
- 17βDarrell Waltrip β5
- 19βChad Little β5
Failed to qualify: 0βDelma Cowart, 41βLarry Pearson, 76βRobbie Faggart, 20βBuddy Baker, 51βJeff Purvis, 74βMike Potter, 89βJim Sauter, 87βRandy Baker, 72βTracy 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 500β»
The AC Delco 500 was held October 20 at North Carolina Speedway. Kyle Petty won the pole.
Top ten results
- 28βDavey Allison
- 33βHarry Gant
- 6βMark Martin
- 11βGeoff Bodine
- 25βKen Schrader β1
- 68βBobby Hamilton β2
- 3βDale Earnhardt β2
- 22βSterling Marlin β2
- 42βKyle Petty β2
- 9βBill Elliott β2
Failed to qualify: 53βBobby Hillin Jr., 05βBill Meacham
- This was Kyle Petty's 100th top ten finish.
Pyroil 500Kβ»
The Pyroil 500K was held November 3 at Phoenix International Raceway. Geoff Bodine won the pole.
Top ten results
- 28βDavey Allison
- 17βDarrell Waltrip
- 22βSterling Marlin
- 7βAlan Kulwicki
- 2βRusty Wallace
- 4βErnie Irvan
- 98βJimmy Spencer β1
- 11βGeoff Bodine β1
- 3βDale Earnhardt β1
- 15βMorgan Shepherd β1
Failed to qualify: 93βTroy Beebe, 44βJack Sellers, 89βJim Sauter, 00βScott Gaylord
- The only time that Davey Allison would score back-to-back wins in his career.
Hardee's 500β»
The Hardee's 500 was held November 17 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Bill Elliott won the pole.
Top ten results
- 6βMark Martin
- 4βErnie Irvan
- 9βBill Elliott
- 33βHarry Gant
- 3βDale Earnhardt*
- 15βMorgan Shepherd
- 22βSterling Marlin β1
- 11βGeoff Bodine β1
- 7βAlan Kulwicki β2
- 17βDarrell Waltrip β2
Failed to qualify: 0βDelma Cowart, 13βKerry Teague, 35βBill Venturini, 36βH. B. Bailey, 59βMark Gibson, 65βDave Mader III, 65βKeith 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" were 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. 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' Championshipβ»
(key) Bold β Pole position awarded by time. Italics β Pole position set by owner's points. * β 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 Yearβ»
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 alsoβ»
Referencesβ»
- ^ Newton, David (February 1, 2007). "Past champion's provisional entry limited to six". ESPN. Retrieved August 8, 2018.
- ^ Martin, Mark (29 April 2005). NASCAR for Dummies. ISBN 9780471750987. Retrieved August 8, 2018.
- ^ "Race Results".
- ^ "Race Results".
- ^ 1991 Champion Spark Plug 500 - Sad News. Battalionfan888. Archived from the original on 2021-12-14. Retrieved 9 February 2017 – via YouTube.
- ^ "User Comments - the 1991 Pepsi 400".
- ^ 1991 Champion Spark Plug 400 Telecast
- ^ 1991 Bud 500 ESPN telecast
- ^ "Race Results".
- ^ "Race Results".
- ^ 1991 ESPN Broadcast of Hardee's 500