1988 NASCAR Winston Cup Series

The 1988 NASCAR Winston Cup Series was the 40th season of professional stock car racing in the United States and the 17th modern-era Cup series. The season began on February 7 at Daytona International Speedway and ended on November 20 at the Atlanta International Speedway. Bill Elliott of Melling Racing won the championship.

The 1988 season was notable for hosting the first of two NASCAR tire wars between Goodyear and Hoosier notably unless a team was under an exclusive tire contract teams were allowed to switch tire manufacturers from race to race so no team ran a full season on the same tire like in other motorsports where teams tend exclusively run one tire manufacturer during a tire war.[1]

Teams and drivers

Complete schedule

Manufacturer Team No. Driver Crew Chief
Buick Curb Racing 98 Ed Pimm 3 Carlisle Johnson
Brad Noffsinger (R) 25
King Racing 26 Ricky Rudd Larry McReynolds
Stavola Brothers Racing 8 Bobby Hillin Jr. Bill Woodruff
12 Bobby Allison 13 Jimmy Fennig
Mike Alexander 16
Winkle Motorsports 97 Morgan Shepherd 3
Rodney Combs 21
Tommy Ellis 2
Joe Ruttman 1
Chevrolet Hendrick Motorsports 5 Geoff Bodine Waddell Wilson
17 Darrell Waltrip Jeff Hammond
25 Ken Schrader Harry Hyde
Junior Johnson & Associates 11 Terry Labonte Tim Brewer
Mach 1 Racing 33 Harry Gant 24 Travis Carter
Morgan Shepherd 5
Marcis Auto Racing 71 Dave Marcis Ivan Baldwin
Richard Childress Racing 3 Dale Earnhardt Kirk Shelmerdine
Ford AK Racing 7 Alan Kulwicki Paul Andrews
Bud Moore Engineering 15 Brett Bodine Bud Moore
Donlavey Racing 90 Benny Parsons 27 Doug Richert
Tommy Ellis 1
Jimmy Means 1
Melling Racing 9 Bill Elliott Ernie Elliott
Ranier-Lundy Racing 28 Davey Allison Tony Price
Roush Racing 6 Mark Martin Robin Pemberton
Testa Racing 68 Derrike Cope Dave Fuge
Whitcomb Racing 10 Ken Bouchard (R) Bob Johnson 14
Jim Garde 15
Wood Brothers Racing 21 Kyle Petty Leonard Wood
Oldsmobile Cale Yarborough Motorsports 29 Cale Yarborough 10 Elmo Langley 28
Cale Yarborough 1
Dale Jarrett 19
Bob Clark Motorsports 31 Brad Teague 9 Bob Sutton 14
Bob Clark 15
Joe Ruttman 9
Donnie Allison 1
Butch Miller 2
Jim Sauter 4
Lee Faulk 3
Johnny Rutherford 1
Hagan Racing 44 Sterling Marlin Jake Elder
Jackson Brothers Motorsports 55 Phil Parsons Andy Petree
Morgan-McClure Motorsports 4 Rick Wilson Tony Glover
Speed Racing 83 Lake Speed Darrell Bryant
Pontiac Bahari Racing 30 Michael Waltrip Mike Beam
Baker-Schiff Racing 88 Buddy Baker 17 Herb Nab 7
Joey Knuckles 22
Morgan Shepherd 3
Rick Mast 2
Greg Sacks 7
Blue Max Racing 27 Rusty Wallace Barry Dodson
Means Racing 52 Jimmy Means Keith Wilson
Petty Enterprises 43 Richard Petty Dale Inman
RahMoc Enterprises 75 Neil Bonnett 27 Butch Mock
Morgan Shepherd 2
U.S. Racing 2 Ernie Irvan (R) Marc Reno 15
D.K. Ulrich 3
Bob Johnson 11

Limited schedule

Manufacturer Team No. Driver Crew Chief Round(s)
Buick AAG Racing 34 Donnie Allison 1
Connie Saylor 2
Rodney Combs 1
Ellington Racing 1 Dale Jarrett Shelton Pittmann 9
Jim Bown 2
Hope Motorsports 37 Patty Moise David Ifft 2
Philip Duffie 32 Philip Duffie 4
James Hylton 48 Tony Spanos 5
Shepherd Racing 47 Morgan Shepherd 3
57 Bobby Wawak 1
Morgan Shepherd 8
Reet Racing 66 Bob Schacht 1
Chevrolet Hamby Motorsports 22 Steve Moore 4
Lennie Pond 1
Hendrick Motorsports 18 Sarel van der Merwe Gary Nelson 1
Rick Hendrick 1
47 Rob Moroso 1
Henley Gray 54 Ronnie Sanders 2
Lennie Pond 1
Linro Motorsports 63 Jocko Maggiacomo 7
John McFadden 24 John McFadden 1
Pearson Racing 16 Larry Pearson Ricky Pearson 3
Potter Racing 64 Mike Potter 7
Brad Teague 1
Richard Childress Racing 22 Rodney Combs 2
Ronnie Thomas 41 Ronnie Thomas 1
Terry Petris 62 Terry Petris 1
Ford Autosports Enterprises 19 Chad Little Chuck Little 2
Jefferson Racing 1
Stoke Racing 2
32 Ruben Garcia 1
Joe Booher 41 Joe Booher 1
Wangerin Racing 39 Blackie Wangerin 3
Oldsmobile A. J. Foyt Enterprises 14 A. J. Foyt Tex Powell 7
B&B Racing 23 Eddie Bierschwale Buddy Parrott 20
Bob Clark Motorsports 32 Lee Faulk 2
Collins Racing 24 Gary Collins 1
Gordon Chilson 16 Bob Schacht 2
Tom Rotsell 1
Hess Racing 40 Ben Hess 6
KC Racing 66 John Krebs 2
Moroso Racing 22 Rob Moroso Gary Nelson 1
Pro-Star Motorsports 38 Mike Laws 3
Pontiac Bahre Racing 20 Dave Mader III Gary Nelson 3
David Simko 51 David Simko 2
Dingman Brothers Racing 50 Greg Sacks Billy Dingman 9
Charlie Glotzbach 1
Bobby Coyle 1
H. B. Bailey 36 H. B. Bailey 8
Mark Gibson 59 Mark Gibson 4

Schedule

No. Race title Track Date
Busch Clash Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach February 7
Twin 125 Qualifiers February 11
1 Daytona 500 February 14
2 Pontiac Excitement 400 Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway, Richmond February 21
Goodyear NASCAR 500 Calder Park Thunderdome, Melbourne February 28
3 Goodwrench 500 North Carolina Motor Speedway, Rockingham March 6
4 Motorcraft Quality Parts 500 Atlanta International Raceway, Hampton March 20
5 TranSouth 500 Darlington Raceway, Darlington March 27
6 Valleydale Meats 500 Bristol International Raceway, Bristol April 10
7 First Union 400 North Wilkesboro Speedway, North Wilkesboro April 17
8 Pannill Sweatshirts 500 Martinsville Speedway, Ridgeway April 24
9 Winston 500 Alabama International Motor Speedway, Talladega May 1
Winston Open Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord May 22
The Winston
10 Coca-Cola 600 May 29
11 Budweiser 500 Dover Downs International Speedway, Dover June 5
12 Budweiser 400 Riverside International Raceway, Riverside June 12
13 Miller High Life 500 Pocono International Raceway, Long Pond June 19
14 Miller High Life 400 Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn June 26
15 Pepsi Firecracker 400 Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach July 2
16 AC Spark Plug 500 Pocono International Raceway, Long Pond July 24
17 Talladega DieHard 500 Alabama International Motor Speedway, Talladega July 31
18 Budweiser at The Glen Watkins Glen International, Watkins Glen August 14
19 Champion Spark Plug 400 Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn August 21
20 Busch 500 Bristol International Raceway, Bristol August 27
21 Southern 500 Darlington Raceway, Darlington September 4
22 Miller High Life 400 Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway, Richmond September 11
23 Delaware 500 Dover Downs International Speedway, Dover September 18
24 Goody's 500 Martinsville Speedway, Ridgeway September 25
25 Oakwood Homes 500 Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord October 9
26 Holly Farms 400 North Wilkesboro Speedway, North Wilkesboro October 16
27 AC Delco 500 North Carolina Motor Speedway, Rockingham October 23
28 Checker 500 Phoenix International Raceway, Phoenix November 6
29 Atlanta Journal 500 Atlanta International Raceway, Hampton November 20

Races

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

Busch Clash

The Busch Clash, an invitational event for all Busch Pole winners the previous season, was held February 7 at Daytona International Speedway. Geoff Bodine drew the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #3 - Dale Earnhardt
  2. #28 - Davey Allison
  3. #12 - Bobby Allison
  4. #5 - Geoff Bodine
  5. #9 - Bill Elliott
  6. #27 - Rusty Wallace
  7. #25 - Ken Schrader
  8. #97 - Morgan Shepherd
  9. #11 - Terry Labonte
  10. #33 - Harry Gant
  • Tim Richmond was eligible to race in this event, but was without a ride.

Gatorade 125s

The Gatorade 125s, a pair of qualifying races for the Daytona 500, were held February 11 at Daytona International Speedway. Ken Schrader and Davey Allison won the poles for the races.

Race one: top ten results

  1. #12 - Bobby Allison
  2. #27 - Rusty Wallace
  3. #25 - Ken Schrader
  4. #50 - Greg Sacks
  5. #8 - Bobby Hillin Jr.
  6. #97 - Morgan Shepherd
  7. #4 - Rick Wilson
  8. #5 - Geoff Bodine
  9. #14 - A. J. Foyt
  10. #55 - Phil Parsons

Race two: top ten results

  1. #17 - Darrell Waltrip
  2. #3 - Dale Earnhardt
  3. #28 - Davey Allison
  4. #11 - Terry Labonte
  5. #83 - Lake Speed
  6. #44 - Sterling Marlin
  7. #75 - Neil Bonnett
  8. #7 - Alan Kulwicki
  9. #88 - Buddy Baker
  10. #33 - Harry Gant

Daytona 500

The Daytona 500, was held February 14, 1988, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. Ken Schrader won the pole.

Main article: 1988 Daytona 500

Top ten results

  1. #12 - Bobby Allison
  2. #28 - Davey Allison
  3. #55 - Phil Parsons
  4. #75 - Neil Bonnett
  5. #11 - Terry Labonte
  6. #25 - Ken Schrader
  7. #27 - Rusty Wallace
  8. #44 - Sterling Marlin
  9. #88 - Buddy Baker
  10. #3 - Dale Earnhardt

Failed to qualify: #34 - Donnie Allison, #07 - Larry Moyer, #82 - Mark Stahl, #18 - Sarel van der Merwe, #85 - Bobby Gerhart, #2 - Ernie Irvan, #30 - Michael Waltrip*, #67 - Buddy Arrington, #10 - Ken Bouchard, #24 - Bobby Coyle, #01 - Mickey Gibbs, #77 - Ken Ragan, #63 - Jocko Maggiacomo, #03 - David Pletcher, #54 - Ronnie Sanders, #80 - Jimmy Horton, #0 - Delma Cowart, #59 - Mark Gibson, #70 - J.D. McDuffie, #48 - Tony Spanos, #74 - John Linville, #02 - Joe Booher, #64 - Mike Potter, #39 - Blackie Wangerin, #56 - Joey Sonntag, #57 - Bobby Wawak, #49 - Mike Porter

Pontiac Excitement 400

The Pontiac Excitement 400 was held February 21 at Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway. Morgan Shepherd won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #75 - Neil Bonnett
  2. #26 - Ricky Rudd
  3. #43 - Richard Petty*
  4. #17 - Darrell Waltrip
  5. #44 - Sterling Marlin
  6. #83 - Lake Speed
  7. #27 - Rusty Wallace
  8. #8 - Bobby Hillin Jr.
  9. #11 - Terry Labonte
  10. #3 - Dale Earnhardt

Failed to qualify: #2 - Ernie Irvan, #4 - Rick Wilson, #25* - Ken Schrader

  • Ken Schrader's team bought the #67 entry (normally driven by Buddy Arrington) in order to get Schrader into the race.
  • This was the last race on the half-mile Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway. After the race, workers immediately began to convert the track into a more modern-looking, 3/4-mile oval.
  • A scoring error failed to show that Neil Bonnett was one lap down after making a green flag pit stop. A post-race protest filed by Ricky Rudd's car owner Kenny Bernstein did not resolve the NASCAR scoring error and Bonnett's win stood even though a review of the race tape showed that Rudd should have won.
  • Last career top 5 finish for Richard Petty.
  • This race marked the first victory for RahMoc Enterprises since the Atlanta Journal 500 in 1983; the penultimate race of Neil Bonnett's first stint with RahMoc.

Goodyear NASCAR 500

Main article: 1988 Goodyear NASCAR 500

The Goodyear NASCAR 500 was a non-points exhibition race held on February 28 at the Calder Park Thunderdome in Melbourne, Australia - the first NASCAR-style high-banked paved oval built outside of North America. It was also the first NASCAR sanctioned race outside of North America. Neil Bonnett won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #75 - Neil Bonnett
  2. #12 - Bobby Allison
  3. #71 - Dave Marcis
  4. #18 - Glen Steurer
  5. #83 - Sumner McKnight
  6. #98 - Hershel McGriff
  7. #15 - Terry Petris
  8. #19 - Chad Little
  9. #82 - Jim Danielson
  10. #21 - Kyle Petty
  • Out of 32 starters, seven were Australian, and one (Jim Richards) was from New Zealand. And out of all local drivers, only Allan Grice had previously competed in a Winston Cup points event, having raced in the 1987 Coca-Cola 600. The 'visiting' American drivers were a mix of those from the Winston Cup and Winston West Series.
  • The Thunderdome, a 1.119 mi (1.801 km) track with 24° banking in the turns, was actually modelled on a scaled down version of the Charlotte Motor Speedway and was opened in 1987.
  • As the race was run in Australia where the metric system is used, the '500' was actually 500 kilometers (310 miles), or around the same distance as a Busch Series race.
  • Bonnett's pole speed was 139.734 mp/h. The race's average speed over the 280 laps was 101.67 mp/h. 52 laps were run under caution.

Goodwrench 500

The Goodwrench 500 was held March 6 at North Carolina Motor Speedway. Bill Elliott won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #75 - Neil Bonnett*
  2. #83 - Lake Speed
  3. #44 - Sterling Marlin
  4. #7 - Alan Kulwicki
  5. #3 - Dale Earnhardt
  6. #9 - Bill Elliott
  7. #97 - Morgan Shepherd
  8. #10 - Ken Bouchard
  9. #28 - Davey Allison
  10. #25 - Ken Schrader

Failed to qualify: Billy Fulcher, Howard Mark, Dave Pletcher, D. Wayne Strout, #48 - Tony Spanos

  • This was Bonnett's final Cup Series victory as well as his final top-5 finish. It is also the last victory for RahMoc Enterprises.

Motorcraft Quality Parts 500

Main article: 1988 Motorcraft Quality Parts 500

The Motorcraft Quality Parts 500 was held March 20 at Atlanta International Raceway. Geoff Bodine won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #3 - Dale Earnhardt
  2. #27 - Rusty Wallace
  3. #17 - Darrell Waltrip
  4. #11 - Terry Labonte
  5. #21 - Kyle Petty
  6. #8 - Bobby Hillin Jr.
  7. #88 - Buddy Baker
  8. #25 - Ken Schrader
  9. #15 - Brett Bodine
  10. #4 - Rick Wilson

Failed to qualify: Donnie Allison, #01 - Mickey Gibbs, #1 - Dale Jarrett, #03 - Dave Pletcher, #22 - Steve Moore, #50 - Greg Sacks, #63 - Jocko Maggiacomo, #67 - Buddy Arrington, #80 - Jimmy Horton, #86 - Rick Jeffrey, #93 - Charlie Baker

TranSouth 500

Main article: 1988 TranSouth 500

The TranSouth 500 was held March 27 at Darlington Raceway. Ken Schrader won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #83 - Lake Speed*
  2. #7 - Alan Kulwicki
  3. #28 - Davey Allison
  4. #9 - Bill Elliott
  5. #44 - Sterling Marlin
  6. #6 - Mark Martin
  7. #5 - Geoff Bodine
  8. #55 - Phil Parsons
  9. #12 - Bobby Allison
  10. #88 - Buddy Baker

Failed to qualify: none

Valleydale Meats 500

Main article: 1988 Valleydale Meats 500

The Valleydale Meats 500 was held April 10 at Bristol International Raceway. Rick Wilson won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #9 - Bill Elliott
  2. #6 - Mark Martin
  3. #5 - Geoff Bodine
  4. #27 - Rusty Wallace
  5. #12 - Bobby Allison
  6. #43 - Richard Petty
  7. #21 - Kyle Petty
  8. #44 - Sterling Marlin
  9. #71 - Dave Marcis
  10. #25 - Ken Schrader

Failed to qualify: #64 - Mike Potter, #97 - Rodney Combs, #98 - Brad Noffsinger

First Union 400

Main article: 1988 First Union 400

The First Union 400 was held April 17 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Terry Labonte won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #11 - Terry Labonte*
  2. #26 - Ricky Rudd
  3. #3 - Dale Earnhardt
  4. #27 - Rusty Wallace
  5. #21 - Kyle Petty
  6. #43 - Richard Petty
  7. #55 - Phil Parsons
  8. #28 - Davey Allison
  9. #5 - Geoff Bodine
  10. #9 - Bill Elliott

Failed to qualify: #00 - Gary Brooks, #04 - Bill Meacham, #09 - Doug French, #20 - Alan Russell, #31 - Brad Teague, #46 - Glenn Moffat, #67 - Rick Jeffrey, #70 - Jeff McDuffie, #78 - Jay Sommers, #98 - Brad Noffsinger

  • Labonte passed Dale Earnhardt with 10 laps to go when Earnhardt's right-rear tire began to lose air.

Pannill Sweatshirts 500

Main article: 1988 Pannill Sweatshirts 500

The Pannill Sweatshirts 500 was held April 24 at Martinsville Speedway. Ricky Rudd won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #3 - Dale Earnhardt
  2. #44 - Sterling Marlin
  3. #8 - Bobby Hillin Jr.
  4. #11 - Terry Labonte
  5. #17 - Darrell Waltrip
  6. #28 - Davey Allison
  7. #88 - Buddy Baker
  8. #12 - Bobby Allison
  9. #55 - Phil Parsons
  10. #25 - Ken Schrader

Failed to qualify: #2 - Ernie Irvan, #52 - Jimmy Means

Winston 500

Main article: 1988 Winston 500

The Winston 500 was held May 1 at Alabama International Motor Speedway. Davey Allison won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #55 - Phil Parsons*
  2. #12 - Bobby Allison*
  3. #5 - Geoff Bodine
  4. #11 - Terry Labonte
  5. #25 - Ken Schrader
  6. #44 - Sterling Marlin
  7. #9 - Bill Elliott
  8. #21 - Kyle Petty
  9. #3 - Dale Earnhardt
  10. #27 - Rusty Wallace

Failed to qualify: #10 - Ken Bouchard, #80 - Jimmy Horton, #95 - Trevor Boys, #99 - Connie Saylor

  • During the race, A. J. Foyt had a series of incidents and penalties. He intentionally wrecked Alan Kulwicki, spun out on pit road out of anger, and drove through several pit stalls doing pass-through penalties, nearly hurting many pit crew members. For his actions, Foyt was issued a six-month ban from NASCAR (later reduced to two months following an appeal).
  • This was Phil Parsons' first and only victory in the Winston Cup Series.
  • Last Top-5 finish for Bobby Allison in a points-paying race.

The Winston

Main article: 1988 The Winston

The Winston, an annual invitational race for previous winners in Winston Cup along with the winner of the same day Winston Open, was held May 22 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Ken Schrader won the pole for the Winston Open, and Darrell Waltrip won the pole for The Winston. The winner of the Open would transfer to the main event.

Top ten results (Open)

  1. #44 - Sterling Marlin
  2. #7 - Alan Kulwicki
  3. #88 - Buddy Baker
  4. #90 - Benny Parsons
  5. #68 - Derrike Cope
  6. #15 - Brett Bodine
  7. #25 - Ken Schrader
  8. #71 - Dave Marcis
  9. #4 - Rick Wilson
  10. #1 - Dale Jarrett

Top ten results

  1. #11 - Terry Labonte
  2. #44 - Sterling Marlin
  3. #28 - Davey Allison
  4. #9 - Bill Elliott
  5. #12 - Bobby Allison
  6. #21 - Kyle Petty
  7. #3 - Dale Earnhardt
  8. #47 - Morgan Shepherd
  9. #17 - Darrell Waltrip
  10. #75 - Neil Bonnett
  • Tim Richmond was eligible to run The Winston, but he chose not to participate due to an ongoing legal dispute with NASCAR after he was suspended for testing positive for banned substances earlier during the season.
  • Richard Petty was eligible to run the race as a past winner, but was eliminated when Phil Parsons won the Winston 500.
  • Last overall Top-5 finish for Bobby Allison.

Coca-Cola 600

Main article: 1988 Coca-Cola 600

The Coca-Cola 600 was held May 29 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Davey Allison won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #17 - Darrell Waltrip
  2. #27 - Rusty Wallace
  3. #7 - Alan Kulwicki
  4. #15 - Brett Bodine
  5. #28 - Davey Allison
  6. #25 - Ken Schrader
  7. #26 - Ricky Rudd*
  8. #55 - Phil Parsons
  9. #11 - Terry Labonte
  10. #50 - Greg Sacks

Failed to qualify: Donnie Allison, #16 - Larry Pearson, #67 - Buddy Arrington, #70 - J.D. McDuffie, #82 - Mark Stahl, #93 - Charlie Baker

  • Prior to the race, Goodyear withdrew their tires after practice when it was discovered that their compound was too soft for the track; as a result, all drivers except Dave Marcis switched to Hoosiers over safety concerns. Goodyear offered Daytona-spec tires for those who wanted them.[2][3]
  • Ricky Rudd was relieved during the race by Mike Alexander, as Rudd had injured his knee in a crash during The Winston the previous week.
  • This race was marred by several hard accidents that resulted in driver injuries.
    • Harry Gant suffered a compound fracture in his leg during a crash, forcing him to miss the next five races.
    • Buddy Baker suffered a hard crash on lap 243 that resulted in a blood clot in his brain.
    • Neil Bonnett crashed and cracked several ribs.
    • Rick Wilson, who led 107 laps, crashed after a tire failure, suffering a broken shoulder blade.
  • The injuries weren't limited to drivers, as Bud Moore Engineering owner Bud Moore suffered a broken leg when his driver, Brett Bodine, ran over him during a pit stop.
  • Dale Earnhardt was issued a five lap penalty after spinning out Geoff Bodine early in the race. He would finish 13th, 6 laps down.[4]
  • This race made sure no driver would win 3 out of 4 Crown Jewel races meaning no driver would win the Winston Million in 1988. However the $100,000 bonus to a driver winning 2 out of 4 Crown Jewel races was still alive for the Southern 500 later in the season.

Budweiser 500

Main article: 1988 Budweiser 500

The Budweiser 500 was held June 5 at Dover Downs International Speedway. Alan Kulwicki won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #9 - Bill Elliott
  2. #33 - Morgan Shepherd*
  3. #27 - Rusty Wallace
  4. #83 - Lake Speed
  5. #28 - Davey Allison
  6. #7 - Alan Kulwicki
  7. #4 - Rick Wilson
  8. #5 - Geoff Bodine
  9. #6 - Mark Martin
  10. #12 - Bobby Allison*

Failed to qualify: #67 - Buddy Arrington

Budweiser 400

Main article: 1988 Budweiser 400

The final Budweiser 400 was held June 12 at Riverside International Raceway. Ricky Rudd won the pole. It was the last NASCAR race held at Riverside before the track's closure.

Top ten results

  1. #27 - Rusty Wallace
  2. #11 - Terry Labonte
  3. #26 - Ricky Rudd
  4. #3 - Dale Earnhardt
  5. #55 - Phil Parsons
  6. #43 - Richard Petty*
  7. #6 - Mark Martin
  8. #29 - Dale Jarrett
  9. #44 - Sterling Marlin
  10. #75 - Neil Bonnett

Failed to qualify: #03 - Howard Mark, #10 - Ken Bouchard, #14W - Butch Gilliland, #16W - Reno Fontana, #20W - Scott Gaylord, #22W - St. James Davis, #41W - Jack Sellers, #45 - Billy Fulcher, #46W - Marta Leonard, #48 - Tony Spanos, #50W - George Follmer, #67 - Ron Esau, #74W - Ray Kelly, #81W - Glen Steurer, #82W - Jim Danielson, #85W - Sumner McKnight, #89W - Bob Howard, #97 - Rodney Combs

  • For this race, Richard Petty was forced to go to a backup car, which was a 1987 Pontiac Grand Prix 2+2.
  • Bobby Allison would finish in 22nd place, 2 laps down. This would be the final race he completed before suffering career-ending injuries at Pocono the following week.

Miller High Life 500

Main article: 1988 Miller High Life 500

The Miller High Life 500 was held June 19 at Pocono International Raceway. Alan Kulwicki won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #5 - Geoff Bodine
  2. #30 - Michael Waltrip
  3. #27 - Rusty Wallace
  4. #6 - Mark Martin
  5. #28 - Davey Allison
  6. #17 - Darrell Waltrip
  7. #88 - Buddy Baker
  8. #55 - Phil Parsons
  9. #25 - Ken Schrader
  10. #9 - Bill Elliott

Failed to qualify: Steve Moore, #64 - Mike Potter, #70 - J.D. McDuffie

Miller High Life 400 (Michigan)

Main article: 1988 Miller High Life 400 (June)

The Miller High Life 400 was held June 26 at Michigan International Speedway. Bill Elliott won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #27 - Rusty Wallace
  2. #9 - Bill Elliott
  3. #11 - Terry Labonte
  4. #3 - Dale Earnhardt
  5. #5 - Geoff Bodine
  6. #25 - Ken Schrader
  7. #55 - Phil Parsons
  8. #17 - Darrell Waltrip
  9. #29 - Cale Yarborough
  10. #12 - Mike Alexander*

Failed to qualify: Connie Saylor, Jay Sommers, #70 - J.D. McDuffie, #80 - Jimmy Horton

Pepsi Firecracker 400

Main article: 1988 Pepsi Firecracker 400

The Pepsi Firecracker 400 was held July 2 at Daytona International Speedway. Darrell Waltrip won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #9 - Bill Elliott*
  2. #4 - Rick Wilson*
  3. #55 - Phil Parsons
  4. #3 - Dale Earnhardt
  5. #17 - Darrell Waltrip
  6. #88 - Buddy Baker
  7. #33 - Morgan Shepherd
  8. #25 - Ken Schrader
  9. #83 - Lake Speed
  10. #50 - Greg Sacks

Failed to qualify: Ronnie Sanders, Ricky Woodward, #0 - Delma Cowart, #32 - Philip Duffie, #39 - Blackie Wangerin, #59 - Mark Gibson, #73 - Phil Barkdoll, #76 - Hut Stricklin, #80 - Jimmy Horton, #98 - Brad Noffsinger

  • This was the first Pepsi Firecracker 400 run with restrictor plates since 1973.
  • Bill Elliott charged from 38th starting position, and nearly fell a lap down at one point. On the final lap, Elliott battled with Rick Wilson out of the final turn, with Elliott taking the win by 18 inches.
  • This would be Wilson's best career Cup Series finish.
  • This race marked the final start at Daytona for Cale Yarborough. He would crash out on lap 2 and finish 41st.
  • This was the first Pepsi Firecracker 400 to not take place on July 4. Before this year, the race was always held on the Fourth of July, regardless of the day of the week. Starting in 1988, the race was moved to the first Saturday of July, where it would remain until 2019. The race would be run on July 4 only two more times, in 1992 and 2009.

AC Spark Plug 500

The AC Spark Plug 500 was held July 24 at Pocono International Raceway. Morgan Shepherd won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #9 - Bill Elliott
  2. #25 - Ken Schrader
  3. #28 - Davey Allison
  4. #5 - Geoff Bodine
  5. #17 - Darrell Waltrip
  6. #75 - Morgan Shepherd*
  7. #6 - Mark Martin
  8. #7 - Alan Kulwicki
  9. #11 - Terry Labonte
  10. #33 - Harry Gant*

Failed to qualify: Ben Hess, #48 - Tony Spanos, #67 - Ron Esau, #70 - J.D. McDuffie, #93 - Charlie Baker

  • Morgan Shepherd drove the #75 in place of Neil Bonnett for this race and Talladega.
  • This race marked Harry Gant's return to racing since breaking his leg at Charlotte.
  • Goodyear was disallowed from using their tires in this race after a pre-race inspection found that the tires had too wide of a tread. This marked the first time since the 1956 Southern 500 that Goodyear did not supply tires for a NASCAR race.[2][3]

Talladega DieHard 500

The Talladega DieHard 500 was held July 31 at Talladega Superspeedway. Darrell Waltrip won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #25 - Ken Schrader*
  2. #5 - Geoff Bodine
  3. #3 - Dale Earnhardt
  4. #4 - Rick Wilson
  5. #27 - Rusty Wallace
  6. #44 - Sterling Marlin
  7. #6 - Mark Martin
  8. #9 - Bill Elliott
  9. #29 - Cale Yarborough
  10. #88 - Buddy Baker*

Failed to qualify: #0 - Delma Cowart, #07 - Larry Moyer, #32 - Philip Duffie, #59 - Mark Gibson, #70 - J.D. McDuffie, #76 - Hut Stricklin, #86 - Rick Jeffrey, #95 - Slick Johnson

Budweiser at The Glen

The Budweiser at The Glen was held August 14 at Watkins Glen International. Geoff Bodine won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #26 - Ricky Rudd
  2. #27 - Rusty Wallace
  3. #9 - Bill Elliott
  4. #55 - Phil Parsons
  5. #12 - Mike Alexander
  6. #3 - Dale Earnhardt
  7. #88 - Morgan Shepherd*
  8. #44 - Sterling Marlin
  9. #31 - Joe Ruttman*
  10. #25 - Ken Schrader

Failed to qualify: Phil Good

  • This was the best finish in the Winston Cup Series for Bob Clark's #31 Slender You Figure Salons team.
  • Much like Goodyear at Pocono, Hoosier was disallowed after the tread on their tires was discovered to be too wide.[2][3]
  • Final race for Jocko Maggiacomo; who finished 35th in this race, the first race he attempted after the crash in Pocono that ended the career of Bobby Allison. Maggiacomo would attempt to qualify for the fall Charlotte and Rockingham races; failing to make the field in either track.

Champion Spark Plug 400

The Champion Spark Plug 400 was held August 21 at Michigan International Speedway. Bill Elliott won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #28 - Davey Allison
  2. #27 - Rusty Wallace
  3. #9 - Bill Elliott
  4. #88 - Morgan Shepherd
  5. #83 - Lake Speed
  6. #15 - Brett Bodine
  7. #30 - Michael Waltrip
  8. #21 - Kyle Petty
  9. #4 - Rick Wilson
  10. #5 - Geoff Bodine

Failed to qualify: #06 - Lee Raymond, #07 - Larry Moyer, #38 - Mike Laws, #40 - Ben Hess, #51 - David Simko, #67 - Ron Esau, #70 - J.D. McDuffie, #80 - Jimmy Horton, #95 - Slick Johnson

  • Donnie Allison made his final career Cup Series start in this race. Allison suffered an engine failure on lap 114 and finished 35th.[5]

Busch 500

The Busch 500 was held August 27 at Bristol International Raceway. Alan Kulwicki won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #3 - Dale Earnhardt
  2. #9 - Bill Elliott*
  3. #5 - Geoff Bodine
  4. #28 - Davey Allison
  5. #7 - Alan Kulwicki
  6. #33 - Harry Gant
  7. #17 - Darrell Waltrip
  8. #43 - Richard Petty
  9. #27 - Rusty Wallace*
  10. #8 - Bobby Hillin Jr.

Failed to qualify: #10 - Ken Bouchard, #32 - Lee Falk, #41 - Ronnie Thomas, #52 - Jimmy Means, #57 - Morgan Shepherd, #64 - Mike Potter, #70 - J.D. McDuffie, #90 - Benny Parsons

  • During practice on Friday, Rusty Wallace wrecked and barrel-rolled down the frontstretch, knocking him unconscious. ESPN pit reporter Dr. Jerry Punch was the first person on the scene and actually revived Wallace. Wallace would recover, and started the race Saturday night, but eventually turned the car over to relief driver Larry Pearson.
  • Bill Elliott finished seven positions ahead of Rusty Wallace, allowing Elliott to take the championship lead, which he would hold for the rest of the season.
  • Rick Mast made his Cup Series debut in this race. Mast crashed out on lap 207 and finished 28th.

Southern 500

Main article: 1988 Southern 500

The Southern 500 was held September 4 at Darlington Raceway. Bill Elliott won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #9 - Bill Elliott
  2. #27 - Rusty Wallace
  3. #3 - Dale Earnhardt
  4. #17 - Darrell Waltrip
  5. #44 - Sterling Marlin
  6. #55 - Phil Parsons
  7. #5 - Geoff Bodine
  8. #11 - Terry Labonte
  9. #28 - Davey Allison
  10. #26 - Ricky Rudd

Failed to qualify: Slick Johnson, Ricky Woodward, #04 - Hershel McGriff, #64 - Mike Potter, #98 - Brad Noffsinger

Miller High Life 400 (Richmond)

The Miller High Life 400 was held September 11 at Richmond International Raceway (formerly known as Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway). Davey Allison won the pole. This was the first Cup Series race on the new 3/4-mile Richmond International Raceway.

Top ten results

  1. #28 - Davey Allison*
  2. #3 - Dale Earnhardt
  3. #11 - Terry Labonte
  4. #6 - Mark Martin
  5. #7 - Alan Kulwicki
  6. #21 - Kyle Petty
  7. #9 - Bill Elliott
  8. #17 - Darrell Waltrip
  9. #75 - Neil Bonnett
  10. #71 - Dave Marcis

Failed to qualify: #68 - Derrike Cope, #20 - Rayvon Clark, #37 - Randy Morrison, #40 - Ben Hess, #54 - Lennie Pond, #67 - Ron Esau, #70 - J. D. McDuffie, #78 - Jay Sommers, #98 - Brad Noffsinger

  • This was Allison's first short track victory in the Cup Series, and his first Cup victory from the pole.

Delaware 500

The Delaware 500 was held September 18 at Dover International Speedway. Mark Martin won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #9 - Bill Elliott
  2. #3 - Dale Earnhardt
  3. #27 - Rusty Wallace
  4. #28 - Davey Allison
  5. #5 - Geoff Bodine
  6. #21 - Kyle Petty
  7. #12 - Mike Alexander
  8. #75 - Neil Bonnett
  9. #83 - Lake Speed
  10. #26 - Ricky Rudd

Failed to qualify: Bobby Gerhart, Ben Hess, James Hylton, Rick Jeffrey, Graham Taylor, #20 - Rayvon Clark, #70 - J. D. McDuffie

  • Mark Martin's pole was the first for Roush Racing in the Cup Series.
  • Ken Bouchard (who would go on the win this season's rookie of the year) led the only 4 laps in his Cup career eventually finishing 25th completing 409 of 500 laps due to crashing the car.

Goody's 500

The Goody's 500 was held September 25 at Martinsville Speedway. Rusty Wallace won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #17 - Darrell Waltrip
  2. #7 - Alan Kulwicki
  3. #27 - Rusty Wallace
  4. #25 - Ken Schrader
  5. #5 - Geoff Bodine
  6. #9 - Bill Elliott
  7. #11 - Terry Labonte
  8. #3 - Dale Earnhardt
  9. #6 - Mark Martin
  10. #15 - Brett Bodine

Failed to qualify: #20 - Dave Mader III, #31 - Lee Faulk, #70 - J. D. McDuffie, #97 - Rodney Combs, #98 - Brad Noffsinger

Oakwood Homes 500

The Oakwood Homes 500 was held October 9 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Alan Kulwicki won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #27 - Rusty Wallace
  2. #17 - Darrell Waltrip
  3. #15 - Brett Bodine
  4. #9 - Bill Elliott
  5. #44 - Sterling Marlin
  6. #8 - Bobby Hillin Jr.
  7. #25 - Ken Schrader
  8. #26 - Ricky Rudd
  9. #6 - Mark Martin
  10. #11 - Terry Labonte

Failed to qualify: Gary Brooks, Slick Johnson, Johnny Rutherford, Ronnie Silver, #2 - Ernie Irvan, #19 - Chad Little, #22 - Rodney Combs, #24 - John McFadden, #32 - Philip Duffie, #34 - Connie Saylor, #36 - H. B. Bailey, #40 - Ben Hess, #50 - Charlie Glotzbach, #59 - Mark Gibson, #63 - Jocko Maggiacomo, #64 - Mike Potter, #70 - J. D. McDuffie, #74 - Randy LaJoie, #87 - Randy Baker, #93 - Troy Beebe, #98 - Brad Noffsinger

  • Benny Parsons finished 12th after leading 13 laps, the last laps he would lead in his career.

Holly Farms 400

The Holly Farms 400 at North Wilkesboro Speedway was originally scheduled for October 2, but two consecutive days of rain caused it to be postponed to October 16. Bill Elliott won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #27 - Rusty Wallace
  2. #55 - Phil Parsons
  3. #5 - Geoff Bodine
  4. #11 - Terry Labonte
  5. #9 - Bill Elliott
  6. #3 - Dale Earnhardt
  7. #26 - Ricky Rudd
  8. #25 - Ken Schrader
  9. #12 - Mike Alexander
  10. #88 - Greg Sacks

Failed to qualify: Kevin Evans, Doug French, Alan Russell, Brad Teague, #38 - Mike Laws, #52 - Jimmy Means*, #70 - J. D. McDuffie, #98 - Brad Noffsinger

AC Delco 500

The AC Delco 500 was held October 23 at North Carolina Motor Speedway. Bill Elliott won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #27 - Rusty Wallace*
  2. #26 - Ricky Rudd
  3. #11 - Terry Labonte
  4. #9 - Bill Elliott
  5. #3 - Dale Earnhardt
  6. #12 - Mike Alexander
  7. #33 - Harry Gant
  8. #55 - Phil Parsons
  9. #21 - Kyle Petty
  10. #75 - Neil Bonnett

Failed to qualify: Philip Duffie, Lee Raymond, D. Wayne Strout, #63 - Jocko Maggiacomo, #70 - J. D. McDuffie, #80 - Jimmy Horton, #93 - Charlie Baker

Checker 500

The inaugural Checker 500 was held November 6 at Phoenix International Raceway. Geoff Bodine won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #7 - Alan Kulwicki*
  2. #11 - Terry Labonte
  3. #28 - Davey Allison
  4. #9 - Bill Elliott*
  5. #27 - Rusty Wallace
  6. #5 - Geoff Bodine
  7. #8 - Bobby Hillin Jr.
  8. #90 - Benny Parsons*
  9. #55 - Phil Parsons
  10. #44 - Sterling Marlin

Failed to qualify: #14W - Butch Gilliland, #20W - Scott Gaylord, #22W - St. James Davis, #41W - Jack Sellers, #66W - John Krebs, #82W - Jim Danielson, #89W - Bob Howard, #95W - Harry Jefferson

  • This was Alan Kulwicki's first career Winston Cup Series win. After taking the checkered flag, Kulwicki turned the car clockwise around and completed what he eventually referred to as a "Polish victory lap." Kulwicki, himself a Polish American, wanted to be able to wave to the fans directly from his driver's side window.
  • This was Benny Parsons' final career top-10, finishing one spot ahead of younger brother Phil.
  • 3rd-place points contender Dale Earnhardt was involved in an early crash with Joe Ruttman and lost a lap. Earnhardt would salvage an 11th-place finish, but the incident, and both Elliott and Wallace gettng top-5s, effectively ended Earnhardt's chances of a third consecutive Cup title.
  • Championship leader Bill Elliott finished one position ahead of Rusty Wallace, allowing him to maintain his 79-point lead going into the season finale in Atlanta.
  • Ricky Rudd had a dominating run until overheating late in the race led to an engine failure. Rudd would finish 26th.

Atlanta Journal 500

The Atlanta Journal 500 was held November 20 at Atlanta International Raceway. Rusty Wallace won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. #27 - Rusty Wallace*
  2. #28 - Davey Allison
  3. #12 - Mike Alexander
  4. #26 - Ricky Rudd
  5. #17 - Darrell Waltrip
  6. #25 - Ken Schrader
  7. #30 - Michael Waltrip -1 Lap
  8. #11 - Terry Labonte -1 Lap
  9. #8 - Bobby Hillin Jr. -1 Lap
  10. #29 - Cale Yarborough -1 Lap*

Failed to qualify: Don Hume, Bill Meacham, Alan Russell, Joe Ruttman, David Sosebee, #10 - Ken Bouchard, #20 - Dave Mader III, #38 - Mike Laws, #50 - Bobby Coyle, #78 - Jay Sommers, #93 - Charlie Baker

  • By finishing 11th, Bill Elliott secured the 1988 NASCAR Winston Cup Series championship by 24 points over Rusty Wallace.
  • Despite winning from the pole, and leading the most laps, Wallace was unable to overtake Elliott for the championship, as Elliott only needed to finish 18th or better to become champion.
  • Benny Parsons, in his 525th and final career NASCAR start, crashed out on lap 140, finishing 34th.
  • Cale Yarborough, in his 560th and final career NASCAR start, finished a lap down in 10th after starting 26th.
  • Out of 42 starters, only 20 finished.
  • Out of the 22 cars that fell out of the race, 16 of them were engine related.

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 RIV POC MCH DAY POC TAL GLN MCH BRI DAR RCH DOV MAR CLT NWS CAR PHO ATL Pts
1 Bill Elliott 12 12 6 19 4 1 10 11 7 19 1* 16 10 2 1 1* 8 3 3 2 1* 7 1* 6 4 5 4* 4 11 4488
2 Rusty Wallace 7 7 14 2 25 4 4 16 10 2 3 1* 3 1* 12 24 5 2 2* 9 2 35 3 3 1 1 1* 5 1* 4464
3 Dale Earnhardt 10 10* 5 1* 11 14 3* 1* 9 13 16 4 33 4 4 11 3 6 29 1* 3 2 2 8 17* 6 5 11 14 4256
4 Terry Labonte 5 9 31 4 23 16 1 4 4 9 12 2 32 3 19 9 14 18 13 22 8 3 18 7 10 4 3 2 8 4007
5 Ken Schrader 6 20 10 8 29 10 11 10 5 6 21 20 9 6 8 2 1 10 12 21 11 18 35 4 7 8 11 14 6 3858
6 Geoff Bodine 14 13 18 33 7 3 9 15 3* 24 8 34 1* 5 16 4 2 32 10 3 7 22 5 5 34 3 30 6 15 3799
7 Darrell Waltrip 11 4 24 3 24 23 14 5 37 1 23 28 6 8 5 5 33* 20 17 7 4 8 17 1 2 12 31 13 5 3764
8 Davey Allison 2 29 9 40 3 29 8 6 34 5 5 32 5 35 38 3 39 16 1 4 9 1* 4 18 19 11 27 3 2 3631
9 Phil Parsons 3 30 15 37 8 22 7 9 1 8 39 5 8 7 3 31 11 4 20 19 6 24 14 21 27 2 8 9 16 3630
10 Sterling Marlin 8 5 3 20 5 8 16 2 6 27 11 9 28 37 34 14 6 8 11 12 5 16 23 26 5 14 34 10 12 3621
11 Ricky Rudd 17 2 17 24 30 20 2 18 29 7 9 3 30 11 22 12 41 1 16 16 10 26 10 24* 8 7* 2 26* 4 3547
12 Bobby Hillin Jr. 13 8 21 6 17 15 18 3 13 14 17 24 15 12 13 21 17 13 37 10 30 14 21 14 6 13 23 7 9 3446
13 Kyle Petty 18 18 19 5 40 7 5 17 8 16 33 14 12 33 24 18 15 34 8 13 28 6 6 22 11 16 9 17 22 3296
14 Alan Kulwicki 32 21 4 39 2 19 15 20 22 3 6 38 27 21 40 8 19 19 36 5 15 5 31 2 28 29 28 1 25 3176
15 Mark Martin 41 25 12 31 6 2 29 23 12 37 9 7 4 14 17 7 7 28 32 27 19 4 39 9 9 19 28 36 20 3142
16 Neil Bonnett 4 1 1* 22 19 11 19 30 14 36 35 10 11 19 18 38 40 14 16 9 8 19 18 28 10 21 13 3040
17 Lake Speed 37 6 2 38 1* 30 26 28 15 21 4 26 23 29 9 32 13 37 5 20 12 36 9 28 34 15 24 15 37 2984
18 Michael Waltrip 22 31 13 12 21 12 32 22 33 23 36 11 2 28 21 17 20 33 7 31 25 12 12 25 23 25 19 28 7 2949
19 Dave Marcis 20 17 23 15 37 9 25 12 27 34 32 21 38 18 23 30 18 26 22 29 22 10 16 13 26 21 16 18 19 2854
20 Brett Bodine 35 27 27 9 15 17 13 27 19 4 31 40 35 27 42 20 28 23 6 25 17 11 22 10 3 17 29 43 27 2828
21 Rick Wilson 15 DNQ 36 10 27 25 28 25 35 18* 7 33 25 41 2 13 4 12 9 23 38 33 24 16 25 20 22 29 17 2762
22 Richard Petty 34 3 41 23 41 6 6 32 20 15 15 6 26 24 20 28 21 17 39 8 33 34 38 27 38 18 25 35 36 2644
23 Dale Jarrett 16 26 16 29 12 28 21 13 11 41 20 8 13 25 14 25 37 11 41 26 34 15 28 32 37 23 32 31 41 2622
24 Benny Parsons 31 14 33 13 34 13 17 14 24 25 22 13 31 38 35 35 27 39 15 13 20 27 20 12 QL 13 8 34 2559
25 Ken Bouchard (R) DNQ 23 8 16 13 21 27 31 DNQ 11 14 DNQ 14 17 36 16 35 27 25 DNQ 18 19 25 17 33 27 18 23 DNQ 2378
26 Ernie Irvan (R) DNQ DNQ 25 18 22 26 24 DNQ 32 22 26 31 37 15 25 22 32 29 33 15 20 28 13 11 DNQ 26 15 22 18 2319
27 Harry Gant 29 28 28 21 38 18* 12 26 36 30 10 16 31 21 6 40 32 11 30 24 30 7 12 30 2266
28 Morgan Shepherd 42 16 7 30 39 26 2 42 16 34 7 6 40 7 4 DNQ 39 31 29 31 16 22 14 40 2193
29 Buddy Baker 9 15 11 7 10 31 31 7 16 29 13 19 7 13 6 23 10 QL 2056
30 Jimmy Means 25 24 40 42 35 32 30 DNQ 23 12 27 43 20 36 27 39 23 14 38 DNQ 24 29 19 23 42 24 39 24 38 2045
31 Derrike Cope 27 32 20 26 26 24 22 29 26 40 18 17 24 32 39 33 24 40 34 30 35 DNQ 36 32 36 16 33 1985
32 Mike Alexander 10 15 15 25 5 23 18 14 17 7 29 21 9 6 27 3 1931
33 Bobby Allison 1* 11 22 11 9 5 20 8 2 17 10 22 39 1654
34 Eddie Bierschwale 28 32 17 14 39 28 40 29 26 31 38 31 24 26 27 26 40 33 40 24 1481
35 Rodney Combs Wth 27 32 DNQ 23 DNQ 38 32 29 DNQ 34 30 33 36 29 24 14 11 21 21 40 DNQ DNQ 40 29 1468
36 Brad Noffsinger (R) 14 36 DNQ DNQ 21 25 33 24 19 20 DNQ 19 22 15 26 32 DNQ DNQ 34 DNQ DNQ DNQ 37 25 26 1316
37 Greg Sacks 40 DNQ 31 17 10 10 34 38 42 13 12 29 10 12 38 28 1237
38 Cale Yarborough 38 32 18 38 9 41 9 18 22 10 940
39 Joe Ruttman 20 30 29 17 16 11 27 42 9 35 38 41 DNQ 803
40 Brad Teague 21 19 39 36 20 27 DNQ 19 21 30 15 15 DNQ 35 39 802
41 Jimmy Horton (R) DNQ DNQ 18 DNQ 31 34 18 DNQ DNQ 29 DNQ 37 20 DNQ 32 647
42 A. J. Foyt 33 34 28 37 12 36 31 523
43 H. B. Bailey 41 16 35 39 28 27 DNQ 35 478
44 Jim Sauter QL 25 39 19 23 32 13 17 32 23 463
45 Chad Little 23 27 15 DNQ 19 405
46 Buddy Arrington DNQ DNQ 28 DNQ DNQ 21 23 28 352
47 Ken Ragan DNQ 35 41 30 30 31 Wth 314
48 Dana Patten 28 22 30 33 313
49 Rick Jeffrey 30 26 DNQ DNQ 30 29 DNQ DNQ 307
50 Mickey Gibbs DNQ 35 DNQ 40 34 31 39 283
51 Steve Moore 23 30 DNQ 33 DNQ 231
52 Phil Barkdoll 36 31 DNQ 26 210
53 Hershel McGriff 36 25 DNQ 34 204
54 Rob Moroso 14 31 191
55 Bobby Gerhart DNQ 22 26 DNQ 182
56 Bill Schmitt 12 37 179
57 Jocko Maggiacomo DNQ DNQ 30 40 35 DNQ DNQ 174
58 Roy Smith 27 30 160
59 Patty Moise 26 30 158
60 Ed Pimm 24 DNQ 34 152
61 J. D. McDuffie DNQ DNQ 25 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 36 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 148
62 Larry Pearson DNQ 41 21 140
63 Rick Hendrick 15 118
64 Tommy Kendall 18 114
65 Trevor Boys 19 DNQ 20
66 Lee Faulk DNQ 23 DNQ 20 32 103
67 Ben Hess DNQ Wth DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 20 103
68 Connie Saylor 39 DNQ DNQ Wth DNQ 21 100
69 Ron Esau DNQ DNQ 36 21 DNQ DNQ 100
70 Bob Schacht 36 40 30 98
71 Tom Rotsell 22 97
72 Dave Mader III 24 DNQ DNQ 91
73 John Krebs 25 DNQ 88
74 Ralph Jones 26 85
75 David Sosebee 28 Wth 31 DNQ 79
76 Jim Bown 41 42 77
77 Philip Duffie DNQ DNQ 29 DNQ DNQ 76
78 Dave Pletcher DNQ DNQ 29 DNQ 76
79 Larry Moyer DNQ DNQ 32 DNQ DNQ 67
80 Gary Collins 33 64
81 Donnie Allison DNQ DNQ Wth DNQ 35 58
82 Randy Baker 36 DNQ 55
83 Rick McCray 37 52
84 Mike Potter DNQ DNQ Wth DNQ 37 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 52
85 Jay Sommers DNQ 37 DNQ DNQ DNQ 52
86 Mark Stahl DNQ 37 DNQ 52
87 Charlie Baker 38 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 49
88 Joe Booher DNQ 38 49
89 Ruben Garcia 39 46
90 Johnny Rutherford DNQ 39 46
91 Tommy Ellis DNQ 30 42 37
92 Butch Miller 17 25
93 Rick Mast 28 32
94 Lennie Pond 22 DNQ
95 Jimmy Hensley 24
96 Terry Petris 35
97 Randy LaJoie 37 DNQ
98 David Simko Wth 40 DNQ
99 Sarel van der Merwe DNQ
100 Mike Porter DNQ
101 Joey Sonntag DNQ
102 Bobby Wawak DNQ
103 John Linville DNQ
104 Tony Spanos DNQ DNQ Wth DNQ DNQ
105 Ronnie Sanders DNQ DNQ Wth
106 Delma Cowart DNQ Wth DNQ DNQ
107 Mark Gibson DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ
108 Blackie Wangerin DNQ Wth DNQ
109 Bobby Coyle DNQ DNQ
110 Glenn Moffat DNQ DNQ
111 Graham Taylor DNQ DNQ
112 D. Wayne Strout DNQ
113 Billy Fulcher DNQ DNQ
114 Howard Mark DNQ DNQ
115 Jeff McDuffie DNQ
116 Gary Brooks DNQ DNQ DNQ
117 Doug French DNQ DNQ
118 Alan Russell DNQ DNQ DNQ
119 Bill Meacham DNQ DNQ
120 Reno Fontana DNQ
121 Marta Leonard DNQ
122 George Follmer DNQ
123 Ray Kelly DNQ
124 Glen Steurer DNQ
125 Summer McKnight DNQ
126 Bob Howard DNQ DNQ
127 Butch Gilliland DNQ DNQ
128 Jack Sellers DNQ DNQ
129 St. James Davis DNQ DNQ
130 Scott Gaylord DNQ DNQ
131 J. C. Danielson DNQ DNQ
132 Hut Stricklin DNQ DNQ
134 Ricky Woodward DNQ DNQ
135 Slick Johnson DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ
136 Phil Good DNQ
137 Mike Laws DNQ DNQ DNQ
138 Lee Raymond DNQ DNQ
139 Randy Morrison DNQ
140 Rayvon Clark DNQ DNQ
141 James Hylton DNQ
142 Charlie Glotzbach DNQ
143 Ronnie Silver DNQ
144 John McFadden DNQ
145 Troy Beebe DNQ
146 Kevin Evans DNQ
147 Harry Jefferson DNQ
148 Don Hume DNQ
149 Charlie Rudolph Wth
150 Darin Brassfield Wth
151 Earle Canavan Wth
Pos Driver DAY RCH CAR ATL DAR BRI NWS MAR TAL CLT DOV RIV POC MCH DAY POC TAL GLN MCH BRI DAR RCH DOV MAR CLT NWS CAR PHO ATL Pts

Rookie of the Year

Ken Bouchard defeated Ernie Irvan by 59 points to win the Rookie of the Year title in 1988, driving for Bob Whitcomb. Bouchard raced only eight more times in the Cup series over his career, while Irvan won fifteen races over the next twelve years (his first victory was in 1990). The only other contenders were USAC driver Brad Noffsinger and Jimmy Horton, both of whom ran part-time schedules that season.

See also

References

  1. ^ Bruce, Kenny (September 29, 2016). "How the tire war was won at North Wilkesboro". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  2. ^ a b c "Historical Motorsports Stories: Tire Wars! Goodyear vs Hoosier". Racing-Reference.com. July 14, 2016. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  3. ^ a b c "Historical Motorsports Stories: Tire Wars! NASCAR's Asphalt Battlefield". Racing-Reference.com. May 15, 2018. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  4. ^ "Race Results".
  5. ^ "Race Results".
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