1991 NASCAR Winston Cup Series

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.

1991 NASCAR Winston Cup Series

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1990

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1992

Champions | Seasons

Dale Earnhardt won his 5th of seven titles.

Ricky Rudd finished second in points.

Bobby Hamilton, the 1991 Winston Cup Rookie of the Year.

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

Full-time teams

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
	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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• 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 300

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

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

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

• Geoff Bodine's team reverted to the #11 following owner Junior Johnson's return from his 4-race suspension.

Pepsi 400

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• 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.^[9]

Peak Antifreeze 500

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• 1991 NASCAR Busch Series

References

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

External links

• Winston Cup standings and statistics for 1991