1990 NASCAR Winston Cup Series

American motorsport season March 2016 November 2025 1990 NASCAR Winston Cup Series 1989 1991 The 1990 NASCAR Winston Cup Series was the 42nd season of professional stock car racing in the United States and the 19th modern-era Cup Series. It began on Sunday, February 11, and ended on Sunday, November 18. Because of a highly controversial penalty to Mark Martin early in the season, Dale Earnhardt with Richard Childress Racing was crowned the Winston Cup champion for the fourth time, edging out Martin by 26 points. Teams and drivers Complete schedule ManufactuterTeamNo. Car numberDriverCrew Chief Buick Bobby Allison Racing 12 Mike Alexander 7 1–7 Jimmy Fennig Jeff Purvis 1 8 Hut Stricklin 21 9-29 King Racing 26 Brett Bodine Larry McReynolds Stavola Brothers Racing 8 Bobby Hillin Jr. Harry Hyde Chevrolet Hendrick Motorsports 5 Ricky Rudd Waddell Wilson17 Darrell Waltrip 23 1–14, 16, 22-29 Jeff Hammond Jimmy Horton 2 15, 17 Sarel van der Merwe 1 18 Greg Sacks 3 19-21 25 Ken Schrader Richard Broome Marcis Auto Racing 71 Dave Marcis Bob Marcis Richard Childress Racing 3 Dale Earnhardt Kirk Shelmerdine Travis Carter Enterprises 98 Butch Miller 23 1-23 Travis Carter Rick Mast 6 24-29 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 Tim Brewer Melling Racing 9 Bill Elliott Mike Beam Robert Yates Racing 28 Davey Allison Jake Elder Roush Racing 6 Mark Martin Robin Pemberton Wood Brothers Racing 21 Neil Bonnett 5 1-5 Leonard WoodDale Jarrett 24 6-29Oldsmobile Hagan Racing 94 Sterling Marlin Steve Loyd Leo Jackson Motorsports 33 Harry Gant 28 1-5, 7-29 Andy PetreePhil Parsons 1 6 Moroso Racing 20 Rob Moroso (R) 25 1-25Steve Bird 4 1-4Jake Elder 25 5-29Jimmy Hensley 2 26-27Chad Little 1 28Steve Grissom 1 29 Precision Products Racing 1 Terry Labonte Cliff Champion RahMoc Enterprises 75 Rick Wilson Bob Rahilly Pontiac Bahari Racing 30 Michael Waltrip Bill Ingle Blue Max Racing 27 Rusty Wallace Jimmy Makar Cale Yarborough Motorsports 66 Dick Trickle Doug Williams Means Racing52 Jimmy Means Darrell Bryant Osterlund Racing 57 Jimmy Spencer 26 1-26Jim Bown 3 27-29 Petty Enterprises 43 Richard Petty Dale InmanSABCO Racing 42 Kyle Petty Gary Nelson Oldsmobile 17 1-16, 25Chevrolet 12 17-24, 26-29 Morgan-McClure Motorsports 4 Phil Parsons 3 1-3 Tony Glover Ernie Irvan 26 4-29 Limited schedule ManufacturerTeamNo. Car numberDriverCrew ChiefRound(s)BuickFreymiller Racing23Mike ChaseJim Benison3 12, 28Pearson Racing16Larry PearsonRicky Pearson5 1-4, 6Troy Beebe93Troy Beebe3 12, 26, 28ChevroletHendrick Motorsports18Greg SacksGary DeHart13 9-10, 13-18, 22-23, 26, 28-29Stan Barrett1 1246Greg Sacks1 551Hut StricklinDennis Connor1 5Larry Hedrick Motorsports41Larry PearsonLarry Hedrick5 20-21, 25-27Phoenix Racing51Jeff PurvisFrankie Grill4 23, 25, 27-28Ray DeWitt50Rich Vogler2 14, 16Ted Musgrave2 19, 27Reno Enterprises40Tommy KendallTony Eury Sr.4 12, 18, 25-27Spears Motorsports76Bill SedgwickLeon Ruther4 7-8, 12, 28Tex Racing97Chuck Bown3 26, 28-29Venturini Motorsports35Bill Venturini7 1, 9-10, 14, 17, 19, 26 Ford Little Racing 19 Chad Little (R)20 1-2, 4-6, 9-10, 12-13, 15, 17, 19-20, 21-22, 24-27, 29Branch-Ragan Racing77Ken RaganGary Cruise7 1, 4, 10, 14, 16-17, 19 Dick Johnson Racing 38 Dick Johnson Ray Evernham4 5, 10, 16, 18Jim Sauter1 13 Donlavey Racing 90 Ernie Irvan Junie Donlavey3 1-3Buddy Baker8 4-5, 9-10, 15, 17, 19, 26Troy Beebe1 18Charlie Glotzbach1 22Gibbs Racing01Mickey Gibbs (R)David Ifft12 1-5, 9-10, 14-15, 17, 22, 26H.L. Waters Racing0Delma Cowart6 1, 4, 10, 17, 26-27Jim Sauter1 29S & H Racing80Jimmy Horton8 1, 9-11, 13, 15, 23, 29Stahl Racing82Mark Stahl12 1, 3-5, 9-10, 15, 17, 21, 26-27, 29OldsmobileA.J. Foyt Enterprises14A. J. Foyt4 1, 4, 15, 17Aroneck Racing53Jerry O'NeilAlan Aroneck7 1-2, 4, 10, 13, 16, 26B & B Racing23Eddie Bierschwale2 14, 26Barkdoll Motorsports72Phil Parsons1 973Phil Barkdoll3 1, 9, 15Bickle Racing02Rich Bickle1 1Close Racing47Jack Pennington (R)Tony Furr16 1, 4-5, 9-10, 13-15, 17, 19, 21-22, 25-27, 29George Hakes Racing54Tommy Riggins4 13, 16, 18, 23Speed Racing83Lake Speed7 1, 4, 9-10, 14, 17, 21Tommy Ellis2 2, 23Phil Parsons1 26Precision Products Racing0Irv Hoerr2 12, 18U.S. Racing2Eddie BierschwaleBob Johnson1 1PontiacRick Mast10 2-11Jim Bown1 12Troy Beebe3 13-14, 16Charlie Glotzbach2 15, 21Jerry O'Neil1 18D.K. Ulrich1 22Jim Sauter1 23Ron Esau2 24-25Ted Musgrave2 15, 2122Rick Mast4 16, 19-21Rick Ware1 18Diamond Ridge Motorsports29Phil ParsonsDoug Richert3 14, 17, 2168Bobby Hamilton1 10McDuffie Racing70J. D. McDuffieJeff McDuffie25 1-7, 8-11, 13-27Mueller Brothers Racing89Rodney Combs7 1, 10, 14, 19, 26, 28-29TriStar Motorsports18Hut Stricklin1 4681 1Stanley Smith1 17Mike Chase1 19Bobby Hamilton2 26, 29Wawak Racing74Mike Potter7 5, 10-11, 16, 20, 23, 26John Linville1 13 Schedule No. Race title Track DateBusch ClashDaytona International Speedway, Daytona BeachFebruary 11Twin 125 QualifiersFebruary 151Daytona 500February 182Pontiac Excitement 400Richmond International Raceway, RichmondFebruary 253GM Goodwrench 500North Carolina Motor Speedway, RockinghamMarch 44Motorcraft 500Atlanta International Raceway, HamptonMarch 185TranSouth 500Darlington Raceway, DarlingtonApril 16Valleydale Meats 500Bristol International Raceway, BristolApril 87First Union 400North Wilkesboro Speedway, North WilkesboroApril 228Hanes Activewear 500Martinsville Speedway, RidgewayApril 299Winston 500Talladega Superspeedway, TalladegaMay 6Winston OpenCharlotte Motor Speedway, ConcordMay 20The Winston10Coca-Cola 600May 2711Budweiser 500Dover Downs International Speedway, DoverJune 312Banquet Frozen Foods 300Sears Point Raceway, SonomaJune 1013Miller Genuine Draft 500Pocono International Raceway, Long PondJune 1714Miller Genuine Draft 400Michigan International Speedway, BrooklynJune 2415Pepsi 400Daytona International Speedway, Daytona BeachJuly 716AC Spark Plug 500Pocono International Raceway, Long PondJuly 2217DieHard 500Talladega Superspeedway, TalladegaJuly 2918Budweiser at The GlenWatkins Glen International, Watkins GlenAugust 1219Champion Spark Plug 400Michigan International Speedway, BrooklynAugust 1920Busch 500Bristol International Raceway, BristolAugust 2521Heinz Southern 500Darlington Raceway, DarlingtonSeptember 222Miller Genuine Draft 400Richmond International Raceway, RichmondSeptember 923Peak Antifreeze 500Dover Downs International Speedway, DoverSeptember 1624Goody's 500Martinsville Speedway, RidgewaySeptember 2325Tyson Holly Farms 400North Wilkesboro Speedway, North WilkesboroSeptember 3026Mello Yello 500Charlotte Motor Speedway, ConcordOctober 727AC Delco 500North Carolina Motor Speedway, RockinghamOctober 2128Checker 500Phoenix International Raceway, PhoenixNovember 429Atlanta Journal 500Atlanta Motor Speedway, HamptonNovember 18 Races No.RacePole positionMost laps ledWinning driverManufacturer Winning manufacturerBusch ClashJimmy HensleyKen SchraderKen SchraderChevroletTwin 125 #1Ken SchraderKen SchraderGeoff BodineFordTwin 125 #2Dale EarnhardtDick TrickleDale EarnhardtChevrolet1Daytona 500Ken SchraderDale EarnhardtDerrike CopeChevrolet2Pontiac Excitement 400Ricky RuddRusty WallaceMark MartinFord3GM Goodwrench 500Kyle PettyKyle PettyKyle PettyPontiac4Motorcraft 500Dale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtChevrolet5TranSouth 500Geoff BodineGeoff BodineDale EarnhardtChevrolet6Valleydale Meats 500Ernie IrvanDarrell WaltripDavey AllisonFord7First Union 400Mark MartinBrett BodineBrett BodineBuick8Hanes Activewear 500Geoff BodineGeoff BodineGeoff BodineFord9Winston 500Bill ElliottDale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtChevroletWinston OpenErnie IrvanErnie IrvanDick TricklePontiacThe WinstonDale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtChevrolet10Coca-Cola 600Ken SchraderRusty WallaceRusty WallacePontiac11Budweiser 500Dick TrickleRusty WallaceDerrike CopeChevrolet12Banquet Frozen Foods 300Ricky RuddRusty WallaceRusty WallacePontiac13Miller Genuine Draft 500Ernie IrvanGeoff BodineHarry GantOldsmobile14Miller Genuine Draft 400Mark MartinBill ElliottDale EarnhardtChevrolet15Pepsi 400Greg SacksDale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtChevrolet16AC Spark Plug 500Mark MartinGeoff BodineGeoff BodineFord17DieHard 500Dale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtChevrolet18Budweiser at The GlenDale EarnhardtRusty WallaceRicky RuddChevrolet19Champion Spark Plug 400Alan KulwickiMark MartinMark MartinFord20Busch 500Dale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtErnie IrvanChevrolet21Heinz Southern 500Dale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtChevrolet22Miller Genuine Draft 400Ernie IrvanDale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtChevrolet23Peak Antifreeze 500Bill ElliottBill ElliottBill ElliottFord24Goody's 500Mark MartinRicky RuddGeoff BodineFord25Tyson Holly Farms 400Kyle PettyDale EarnhardtMark MartinFord26Mello Yello 500Brett BodineBill ElliottDavey AllisonFord27AC Delco 500Ken SchraderKyle PettyAlan KulwickiFord28Checker 500Rusty WallaceDale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtChevrolet29Atlanta Journal 500Rusty WallaceBill ElliottMorgan ShepherdFord Busch Clash The exhibition Busch Clash race, for drivers who have won a pole position in the previous season or have won the event before, was held on February 11 at Daytona International Speedway. Jimmy Hensley drew the pole. Results #25 - Ken Schrader #46 - Greg Sacks* #28 - Davey Allison #11 - Geoff Bodine #9 - Bill Elliott #6 - Mark Martin #7 - Alan Kulwicki #27 - Rusty Wallace #15 - Morgan Shepherd #20 - Jimmy Hensley Sacks' #46 Chevrolet was entered for in-race footage for the 1990 film Days of Thunder. Gatorade Twin 125s The Gatorade Twin 125s qualifying for the Daytona 500 was held on February 15 at Daytona International Speedway. Top-Ten Results: (Race One) #11 - Geoff Bodine #33 - Harry Gant #6 - Mark Martin #17 - Darrell Waltrip #43 - Richard Petty #14 - A. J. Foyt #25 - Ken Schrader #12 - Mike Alexander #98 - Butch Miller #5 - Ricky Rudd Top-Ten Results: (Race Two) #3 - Dale Earnhardt* #9 - Bill Elliott #57 - Jimmy Spencer #4 - Phil Parsons #8 - Bobby Hillin Jr. #10 - Derrike Cope #83 - Lake Speed #28 - Davey Allison #90 - Ernie Irvan #1 - Terry Labonte Two cars entered by Hendrick Motorsports (the #46 Superflo Chevrolet driven by Greg Sacks and the #51 Exxon Chevrolet driven by Rick Mast) were entered into in-race footage for the 1990 film Days of Thunder. Both cars were unscored and withdrew from the race early. This would be the first of what would be ten consecutive Daytona Duel victories for Earnhardt, lasting all the way to 1999. Daytona 500 1990 Daytona 500 The 32nd annual Daytona 500 was held on February 18 at Daytona International Speedway. Ken Schrader won the pole position, but was forced to start in the back of the field after crashing in the first Duel race. Top-Ten Results: #10 - Derrike Cope* #1 - Terry Labonte #9 - Bill Elliott #5 - Ricky Rudd #3 - Dale Earnhardt* #8 - Bobby Hillin Jr. #27 - Rusty Wallace #30 - Michael Waltrip -1 lap #11 - Geoff Bodine -1 lap #15 - Morgan Shepherd -1 lap Failed to qualify: #0 - Delma Cowart, #13 - Mike Potter, #19 - Chad Little, #29 - Joe Booher, #34 - Charlie Glotzbach, #35 - Bill Venturini, #37 - Dennis Langston, #39 - Blackie Wangerin, #44 - Jim Sauter, #48 - Trevor Boys, #59 - Mark Gibson, #70 - J. D. McDuffie, #72 - Stan Barrett, #77 - Ken Ragan, #82 - Mark Stahl, #85 - Bobby Gerhart, #89 - Rodney Combs, #96 - Phillip Duffie, #01 - Mickey Gibbs Dale Earnhardt dominated the race, leading 155 of 200 laps. While leading on the last lap , Earnhardt ran over a piece of Rick Wilson's expired engine cutting the right rear tire in turn three on the final lap allowing Derrike Cope to shoot past for the win. This was Cope's first career Cup Series victory, becoming the first driver since Pete Hamilton in 1970 to score his first Cup victory in the Daytona 500, and the fourth overall. Two cars entered by Hendrick Motorsports (the #18 Hardee's Chevrolet driven by Tommy Ellis and the #51 Mello Yello Chevrolet driven by Bobby Hamilton) were entered for in-race footage for the 1990 film Days of Thunder. Both cars were unscored and withdrew from the race early. Despite starting in the back, Schrader would still be eligible for the Unocal 76 Challenge, which at that point, had rolled over to $212,800. Pontiac Excitement 400 The Pontiac Excitement 400 was held on February 25 at Richmond International Raceway. Ricky Rudd won the pole. Top-Ten Results: #6 - Mark Martin* #3 - Dale Earnhardt #5 - Ricky Rudd #9 - Bill Elliott #66 - Dick Trickle #27 - Rusty Wallace #15 - Morgan Shepherd #26 - Brett Bodine #57 - Jimmy Spencer #25 - Ken Schrader Failed to qualify: #70 - J. D. McDuffie, #53 - Jerry O'NeilGrand National Scene race reports from 1990 This was possibly the coldest race in NASCAR history, with a temperature in the mid-20s and winds gusting to 41 MPH, generating a wind chill of about 5 degrees. After winning the race, Martin would be docked 46 points after NASCAR officials discovered a somewhat oversized carburetor spacer plate in his car. This ultimately became a key factor in determining the 1990 championship. It was admitted later that the spacer plate was actually not oversized and not technically illegal. The part was bolted on instead of welded on, thus landing in the "gray area" of NASCAR rules. Dale Earnhardt and his car owner, Richard Childress, who finished second in the race, protested the result because of the findings of the post-race inspection. NASCAR eventually ruled that Martin's victory would stand, but would lose 46 points as a result of the infraction. This has spawned many years of speculation that NASCAR was biased toward Earnhardt, the eventual seven-time champion, but given that the race was only the second of the season (27 races still remained), nobody could have foreseen that the penalty would decide the points championship at the conclusion of the season. GM Goodwrench 500 The GM Goodwrench 500 was held on March 4, 1990, at North Carolina Motor Speedway. Kyle Petty won the pole. Top-Ten results: #42 - Kyle Petty* #11 - Geoff Bodine #25 - Ken Schrader -1 lap #94 - Sterling Marlin -2 laps #27 - Rusty Wallace -2 laps #17 - Darrell Waltrip -3 laps #15 - Morgan Shepherd -3 laps #57 - Jimmy Spencer -3 laps #1 - Terry Labonte -3 laps #3 - Dale Earnhardt -3 laps Failed to qualify: none This was Kyle Petty's first pole on his 277th start. Petty would dominate, leading 433 of the 492 laps. Petty claimed the Unocal 76 Challenge, which had rolled over 29 times since it had last been won. Petty won a bonus of $228,400 in addition to the race purse, for an all-time NASCAR record (at the time) $284,450 single-race payday. Car owner Felix Sebates presented Petty with a Rolls-Royce as a gift for winning the elusive bonus. Motorcraft Quality Parts 500 The Motorcraft Quality Parts 500 was held on March 18 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Dale Earnhardt won the pole. Top Ten Results #3 - Dale Earnhardt #15 - Morgan Shepherd #4 - Ernie Irvan* #25 - Ken Schrader #6 - Mark Martin #42 - Kyle Petty #11 - Geoff Bodine #7 - Alan Kulwicki -1 lap #33 - Harry Gant -1 lap #94 - Sterling Marlin -2 laps Failed to qualify: #14 - A. J. Foyt, #46 - Greg Sacks, #70 - J. D. McDuffie Ernie Irvan replaced Phil Parsons in the #4 Oldsmobile for Morgan-McClure Motorsports. This began a 3½ year tenure for Irvan at MMM. TranSouth 500 The TranSouth 500 was held on April 1 at Darlington Raceway. Geoff Bodine started on the pole. Top-Ten Results: #3 - Dale Earnhardt #6 - Mark Martin #28 - Davey Allison #11 - Geoff Bodine #15 - Morgan Shepherd #33 - Harry Gant #9 - Bill Elliott #26 - Brett Bodine #30 - Michael Waltrip #25 - Ken Schrader -1 lap Failed to qualify: #48 - Norm Benning, #74 - Mike Potter, #82 - Mark Stahl The race came under some controversy, as Ernie Irvan, who was ten laps down, was racing aggressively against then-leader Ken Schrader, lost control and started a large pileup. Neil Bonnett would suffer career-ending injuries in the incident. Two cars entered by Hendrick Motorsports (the #46 City Chevrolet driven by Greg Sacks and the #51 Exxon Chevrolet driven by Hut Stricklin) were originally for the 1990 film Days of Thunder, but were not used for in-race footage. Sacks started 7th but finished 37th due to a broken crankshaft, while Stricklin started 27th place but finished 36th after withdrawing from the race. Valleydale Meats 500 The Valleydale Meats 500 was held on April 8 at Bristol International Raceway. Ernie Irvan won the pole. Top-Ten Results: #28 - Davey Allison* #6 - Mark Martin #5 - Ricky Rudd #1 - Terry Labonte #75 - Rick Wilson #25 - Ken Schrader #94 - Sterling Marlin* #15 - Morgan Shepherd -1 lap #17 - Darrell Waltrip -1 lap #42 - Kyle Petty -1 lap Failed to qualify: #19 - Chad Little, #16 - Larry Pearson Allison held off Mark Martin to win, by a margin of about 8 inches, making it one of the closest short track finishes in NASCAR history. Sterling Marlin was spun out with half a lap to go by Rudd. This resulted in a physical confrontation inside Rudd's transporter after the race. Dale Jarrett was hired to drive the #21 Ford for the Wood Brothers. Jarrett was originally intended to be a temporary relief driver, but became the permanent driver after Neil Bonnett developed a case of amnesia, which left him unable to race competitively. Harry Gant was forced to miss this race due to Gant attending his father's funeral. Rick Wilson was originally hired to drive Gant's #33 Oldsmobile, only for Wilson to give way to Phil Parsons for the actual race. First Union 400 The First Union 400 was held at North Wilkesboro Speedway on April 22, 1990. Mark Martin was the polesitter. Top-Ten Results: #26 - Brett Bodine* #17 - Darrell Waltrip #3 - Dale Earnhardt #5 - Ricky Rudd #15 - Morgan Shepherd #6 - Mark Martin #27 - Rusty Wallace #11 - Geoff Bodine #28 - Davey Allison #42 - Kyle Petty -1 lap Failed to qualify: #48 - Freddie Crawford, #70 - J. D. McDuffie, #76 - Bill Sedgwick This would be Brett Bodine first and only Cup Series victory, and it was the final victory for Buick in NASCAR. Bodine's victory remains one of the most controversial in NASCAR's modern era. It started after Kenny Wallace, who was making his Cup Series debut, crashed in turn one and brought out a caution on lap 320. During the yellow, the pace car erroneously picked up Dale Earnhardt as the leader, instead of Brett Bodine. This led to much confusion as to who was leading the race (NASCAR did not have electronic timing and scoring until 1993). Bodine had been waved around and was at the tail end of the line of cars, ostensibly the true race leader. Bodine's team was in fact in executing an "undercut" strategy (somewhat unfamiliar at the time), having pitted earlier on the previous stint (in order to gain track position with newer tires). With Bodine momentarily at the tail end of the line, the King Racing crew brought him into the pits for fresh tires. It took 18 caution laps to sort out the scoring error. Ultimately, the field was waved by until Bodine was the first car behind the pace car as the true leader. With the added advantage of fresh tires, Bodine cruised to victory. After the race, Darrell Waltrip, who finished second, protested the victory; however, it was turned down on the grounds that the decision to put Bodine in the lead was a judgment call that was unappealable under NASCAR rules. Hanes Activewear 500 The Hanes Activewear 500 was held on April 29 at Martinsville Speedway. Geoff Bodine won the pole. Top-Ten Results: #11 - Geoff Bodine #27 - Rusty Wallace #15 - Morgan Shepherd #17 - Darrell Waltrip #3 - Dale Earnhardt -1 lap #25 - Ken Schrader -2 laps #6 - Mark Martin -2 laps #30 - Michael Waltrip -3 laps #66 - Dick Trickle -3 laps #9 - Bill Elliott -3 laps Failed to qualify: none Winston 500 The Winston 500 was held on May 6 at Talladega Superspeedway. Bill Elliott won the pole.* Top-Ten Results: #3 - Dale Earnhardt #18 - Greg Sacks #6 - Mark Martin #4 - Ernie Irvan #30 - Michael Waltrip #1 - Terry Labonte #42 - Kyle Petty -1 lap #15 - Morgan Shepherd -1 lap #12 - Hut Stricklin -1 lap #17 - Darrell Waltrip -1 lap Failed to qualify: #70 - J. D. McDuffie, #80 - Jimmy Horton, #82 - Mark Stahl, #85 - Bobby Gerhart Bill Elliott's pole speed of 199.388 mph (48.027 seconds) is the fastest qualifying lap turned in the Winston Cup Series since restrictor plates began to be used at Daytona and Talladega. At one point in the race, an ESPN on-board camera caught footage of Dick Trickle smoking in his car during a caution period. Winston Open The Winston Open, a shootout race for drivers who are normally not eligible for The Winston, was held May 20 at Charlotte Motor Speedway with the winner transferring to The Winston later in the day. Ernie Irvan won the pole. Top-Five Results: #66 - Dick Trickle #20 - Rob Moroso #4 - Ernie Irvan #94 - Sterling Marlin #12 - Hut Stricklin The Winston The Winston was held May 20 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Dale Earnhardt started on the pole. Top-Ten Results: #3 - Dale Earnhardt* #25 - Ken Schrader #6 - Mark Martin #9 - Bill Elliott #28 - Davey Allison #66 - Dick Trickle #33 - Harry Gant #7 - Alan Kulwicki #15 - Morgan Shepherd #8 - Bobby Hillin Jr. Earnhardt led all 70 laps after starting from the pole position & won $325,000, becoming the first 2-time winner of the race. Coca-Cola 600 The Coca-Cola 600 was held May 27 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Ken Schrader won the pole. Top-Ten Results: #27 - Rusty Wallace* #9 - Bill Elliott #6 - Mark Martin #30 - Michael Waltrip #4 - Ernie Irvan #7 - Alan Kulwicki #28 - Davey Allison #15 - Morgan Shepherd #10 - Derrike Cope #11 - Geoff Bodine Failed to qualify: #0 - Delma Cowart, #35 - Bill Venturini, #36 - H. B. Bailey, #38 - Dick Johnson, #52 - Jimmy Means, #53 - Jerry O'Neil, #70 - J. D. McDuffie, #74 - Mike Potter, #82 - Mark Stahl, #01 - Mickey Gibbs, #04 - Bill Meacham, #48 - Robin Best This was Wallace's only career victory in a crown jewel event (Daytona 500, Winston 500, Coca-Cola 600, and Southern 500). Budweiser 500 The Budweiser 500 was held at Dover Downs International Speedway on June 3, 1990. Dick Trickle won the pole. Top-Ten Results: #10 - Derrike Cope* #25 - Ken Schrader #66 - Dick Trickle #6 - Mark Martin #94 - Sterling Marlin #15 - Morgan Shepherd* #4 - Ernie Irvan #9 - Bill Elliott #42 - Kyle Petty #27 - Rusty Wallace Failed to qualify: none Footage from this race was used in the ESPN Home Video Racing Tough, hosted by Benny Parsons and Brett Bodine. After Dale Earnhardt blew his engine on lap 23, Earnhardt's crew performed the unheard-of feat of actually fixing a blown engine and getting the car back on the track. Earnhardt would blow the engine again later in the race, finishing 31st. This was Derrike Cope's 2nd and last Cup Series victory. As a result of both his consistency and Earnhardt's engine problems, Morgan Shepherd would briefly assume the points lead for the only time in his career. Banquet Frozen Foods 300 1990 Banquet Frozen Foods 300 The Banquet Frozen Foods 300 was held June 10 at Sears Point Raceway. Ricky Rudd won the pole. Top-Ten Results: #27 - Rusty Wallace* #6 - Mark Martin #5 - Ricky Rudd #11 - Geoff Bodine #8 - Bobby Hillin Jr. #94 - Sterling Marlin #4 - Ernie Irvan #0 - Irv Hoerr #30 - Michael Waltrip #75 - Rick Wilson Failed to qualify: #52 - Jimmy Means, #84 - J. C. Danielson, #22 - St. James Davis, #03 - Mike Hickingbottom This was Rusty Wallace's fifth road course victory in the last seven races, finishing second in the other two. This was the final race victory for Blue Max Racing as the team would fold after Wallace left the team at the end of 1990. After finishing 29th due to a blown engine, the first time all season finishing outside the top-10, Morgan Shepherd lost the points lead to Mark Martin. Miller Genuine Draft 500 The Miller Genuine Draft 500 was held at Pocono International Raceway on June 17, 1990. Ernie Irvan started on the pole. Top-Ten Results: #33 - Harry Gant #27 - Rusty Wallace #11 - Geoff Bodine #26 - Brett Bodine #28 - Davey Allison #12 - Hut Stricklin #18 - Greg Sacks #17 - Darrell Waltrip #94 - Sterling Marlin #42 - Kyle Petty Failed to qualify: #74 - John Linville This race broke the record for most cars finishing on the lead lap, with 22 cars completing all 500 miles. Miller Genuine Draft 400 The Miller Genuine Draft 400 was held at Michigan International Speedway on June 24, 1990. Mark Martin won the pole via points as qualifying was rained out. Top-Ten Results: #3 - Dale Earnhardt #4 - Ernie Irvan #11 - Geoff Bodine #6 - Mark Martin #33 - Harry Gant #7 - Alan Kulwicki #1 - Terry Labonte #42 - Kyle Petty #5 - Ricky Rudd #75 - Rick Wilson Failed to qualify: #50 - Rich Vogler, #77 - Ken Ragan, #34 - Charlie Glotzbach Pepsi 400 The Pepsi 400 was held at Daytona International Speedway on July 7, 1990. Greg Sacks won the pole. Top-Ten Results: #3 - Dale Earnhardt* #7 - Alan Kulwicki #25 - Ken Schrader #1 - Terry Labonte #94 - Sterling Marlin #8 - Bobby Hillin Jr. #33 - Harry Gant #21 - Dale Jarrett #20 - Rob Moroso* #42 - Kyle Petty -1 lap Failed to qualify: #70 - J. D. McDuffie*, #72 - Tracy Leslie, #80 - Jimmy Horton* The race weekend was marred by a brutal practice crash involving Darrell Waltrip, who spun in oil, and was slammed into by Dave Marcis on the driver's side door. Waltrip suffered multiple leg fractures, a broken arm, 9 broken ribs, and a concussion, forcing him to miss the next 6 races. Marcis suffered a broken leg and had to borrow J. D. McDuffie's Pontiac to start the race. McDuffie relieved him after the pace lap.Forty Years of Stock Car Racing: Forty Plus Four 1990–1993 by Greg Fielden, pp. 49–51 Jimmy Horton, who had failed to qualify for the race, was tapped to fill in for Waltrip at Daytona and was Waltrip's relief driver 2 weeks later at Pocono. As a result of Waltrip's crash, NASCAR thoroughly inspected Waltrip's car. Waltrip describes in his book, DW: A Lifetime Going Around in Circles, that the engine had a "floating block in the manifold that sat under the restrictor plate." This was not necessarily illegal, but it was not approved by NASCAR. NASCAR forced Hendrick Motorsports and other teams to weld the blocks into proper place. The Big One broke out at the end of the 1st lap, which involved 24 cars and took 11 cars immediately out of the race. Dale Earnhardt dominated the race and led 127 laps en route to his first Cup Series points race victory at Daytona. Shortly after the race, Earnhardt, Terry Labonte, Mark Martin, and Rusty Wallace all departed for Cleveland to compete in an IROC race that same afternoon. This race would mark Rob Moroso's only Top 10 finish in a points-paying race, as he was the last car on the lead lap in 9th place. AC Spark Plug 500 The AC Spark Plug 500 was held July 22 at Pocono Raceway. Mark Martin qualified on the top spot. Top-Ten Results: #11 - Geoff Bodine #9 - Bill Elliott #27 - Rusty Wallace #3 - Dale Earnhardt #28 - Davey Allison #6 - Mark Martin #5 - Ricky Rudd #98 - Butch Miller #43 - Richard Petty #1 - Terry Labonte Failed to qualify: #2 - Troy Beebe, #70 - J. D. McDuffie, #85 - Bobby Gerhart Did not start: #50 - Rich Vogler* https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1990_AC_Spark_Plug_500/W Race Results Rich Vogler was set to make his Winston Cup debut at this event as he had qualified 32nd for this race, but on the night before, he was killed in a sprint car race at Salem Speedway. Darrell Waltrip actually started the race in the #17, and pulled in to put Jimmy Horton in the car at the end of the 1st lap. NASCAR official Dick Beaty stated the day before that he wanted Darrell to stay at the back of the field, do not pass anybody, and pull in at the end of the 1st lap for the driver change. Waltrip passed 3 or 4 cars at the start, then caught a caution that allowed him to do the driver change under yellow. Beaty then penalized the #17 1 lap for disobeying the earlier command. DieHard 500 The DieHard 500 was held July 29, 1990, at Talladega Superspeedway. Dale Earnhardt won the pole. Top-Ten Results: #3 - Dale Earnhardt* #9 - Bill Elliott #94 - Sterling Marlin #7 - Alan Kulwicki #5 - Ricky Rudd #4 - Ernie Irvan #10 - Derrike Cope #42 - Kyle Petty #6 - Mark Martin #8 - Bobby Hillin Jr. -1 lap Failed to qualify: #0 - Delma Cowart, #70 - J. D. McDuffie, #77 - Ken Ragan Earnhardt's victory made it three of four major superspeedway titles in the 1990 season by winning the pole, leading a record-breaking 134 laps and winning the race. As of 2022, this marks the only time in NASCAR history that a driver won 3 straight restrictor plate races. A scary pit road incident occurred when Stanley Smith lost control of his car and hit several crew members for Tracy Leslie's team. No one was seriously injured. Jimmy Spencer was involved in a scary last lap crash with Ken Schrader, which resulted in Spencer's car flipping onto its roof. The crash brought the caution out as the leaders exited turn 4. The crash was never revealed by the CBS commentators, was never shown on the broadcast and no known footage of the crash exists, with only a few photographs showing the accident. Despite flipping the car, Spencer drove away, and managed to still finish 24th, 2 laps down. Budweiser at The Glen The Budweiser at The Glen was held at Watkins Glen International on August 12, 1990. Dale Earnhardt won the pole. Top-Ten Results: #5 - Ricky Rudd #11 - Geoff Bodine #26 - Brett Bodine #30 - Michael Waltrip #6 - Mark Martin #15 - Morgan Shepherd #3 - Dale Earnhardt #40 - Tommy Kendall #25 - Ken Schrader #0 - Irv Hoerr Failed to qualify: #93 - Troy Beebe After finishing the race in 11th, Alan Kulwicki's Ford caught fire, forcing Alan to bail out just past the start-finish line. Originally, Rick Hendrick was scheduled to race the event. Instead, South African sports car racer Sarel van der Merwe substituted for Darrell Waltrip in the #17. He finished in 24th place after crashing late in the race. At the time, van der Merwe was racing for Rick Hendrick's Camel GT team in IMSA. Future NASCAR team owner Rick Ware made his only career Cup Series start as a driver in this race. Ware's #22 Pontiac started 35th and finished 36th. Champion Spark Plug 400 The Champion Spark Plug 400 was held on August 19, 1990, at Michigan International Speedway. Alan Kulwicki won the pole. Top-Ten Results: #6 - Mark Martin #17 - Greg Sacks #27 - Rusty Wallace #9 - Bill Elliott #5 - Ricky Rudd #28 - Davey Allison #11 - Geoff Bodine #3 - Dale Earnhardt #15 - Morgan Shepherd #21 - Dale Jarrett Failed to qualify: #34 - Charlie Glotzbach, #36 - H. B. Bailey, #70 - J. D. McDuffie, #72 - Tracy Leslie Busch 500 The Busch 500 was held August 25, 1990, at Bristol International Raceway. Dale Earnhardt won the pole. Top-Ten Results: #4 - Ernie Irvan* #27 - Rusty Wallace #6 - Mark Martin #1 - Terry Labonte #94 - Sterling Marlin #7 - Alan Kulwicki #21 - Dale Jarrett -1 lap #3 - Dale Earnhardt -1 lap #30 - Michael Waltrip -1 lap #5 - Ricky Rudd -1 lap Failed to qualify: #19 - Chad Little, #70 - J. D. McDuffie, #74 - Mike Potter This was the first Cup Series victory for Ernie Irvan, and for Morgan-McClure Motorsports. Heinz Southern 500 The Heinz Southern 500 was held on September 2, 1990, at Darlington Raceway. Dale Earnhardt won the pole. Top-Ten Results: #3 - Dale Earnhardt* #4 - Ernie Irvan #7 - Alan Kulwicki #9 - Bill Elliott #33 - Harry Gant #6 - Mark Martin #5 - Ricky Rudd #11 - Geoff Bodine #10 - Derrike Cope -1 lap #26 - Brett Bodine -1 lap Failed to qualify: #70 - J. D. McDuffie Earnhardt came back from a lost lap, and dealt with a vibrating tire and an ill-handling car to win, also winning $200,000. With this victory, Dale became the first race car driver in history to surpass $11,000,000 career winnings. This was the final time Dale Earnhardt won from the pole. During the race, Morgan Shepherd and Ken Schrader made contact, sending Schrader into the wall.September 2011 An angry Schrader returned to the race and rammed Shepherd into the wall, knocking both drivers out of the race. Miller Genuine Draft 400 1990 Miller Genuine Draft 400 (September) The Miller Genuine Draft 400 was held September 9, 1990, at Richmond International Raceway. Ernie Irvan won the pole. Top-Ten Results: #3 - Dale Earnhardt #6 - Mark Martin #17 - Darrell Waltrip* #9 - Bill Elliott #27 - Rusty Wallace #42 - Kyle Petty #66 - Dick Trickle #5 - Ricky Rudd -1 lap #11 - Geoff Bodine -1 lap #25 - Ken Schrader -1 lap Failed to qualify: #70 - J. D. McDuffie, #47 - Jack Pennington, #13 - Kerry Teague This would be the final fall Richmond race that would be run in the daytime. This was Darrell Waltrip's first full race back from his injuries suffered at Daytona in July. Peak AntiFreeze 500 1990 Peak AntiFreeze 500 The Peak AntiFreeze 500 was held at Dover Downs International Speedway on September 16. Bill Elliott won the pole Top-Ten Results: #9 - Bill Elliott #6 - Mark Martin #3 - Dale Earnhardt #33 - Harry Gant -1 lap #30 - Michael Waltrip -1 lap #21 - Dale Jarrett -1 lap #27 - Rusty Wallace -1 lap #42 - Kyle Petty -1 lap #28 - Davey Allison -1 lap #25 - Ken Schrader -2 laps Failed to qualify: #13 - Kerry Teague Goody's 500 The Goody's 500 was held at Martinsville Speedway on September 23. Mark Martin won the pole. Top-ten results: #11 - Geoff Bodine #3 - Dale Earnhardt #6 - Mark Martin #26 - Brett Bodine #33 - Harry Gant #7 - Alan Kulwicki #28 - Davey Allison #9 - Bill Elliott #1 - Terry Labonte -2 laps #21 - Dale Jarrett -3 laps Failed to qualify: #2 - Ron Esau, #70 - J. D. McDuffie Tyson Holly Farms 400 The Tyson Holly Farms 400 was held September 30 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Kyle Petty won the pole. Top-Ten Results: #6 - Mark Martin #3 - Dale Earnhardt #26 - Brett Bodine #9 - Bill Elliott #25 - Ken Schrader #4 - Ernie Irvan #17 - Darrell Waltrip #27 - Rusty Wallace #7 - Alan Kulwicki #42 - Kyle Petty -1 lap Failed to qualify: #2 - Ron Esau, #40 - Tommy Kendall, #41 - Larry Pearson, #47 - Jack Pennington, #70 - J. D. McDuffie With the victory, Martin retained his 16-point advantage in the Winston Cup Championship race. Two pit stops to remove spring rubber left him in 12th place on lap 196, but by lap 288 he was in second place. On lap 263, Martin was the only driver to pass Earnhardt under green. The race would later be marked by tragedy, as rookie driver Rob Moroso, who finished in 21st place in this race, would be killed in a highway accident hours after this race had concluded. Police reports said that Moroso was above the legal alcohol limit when he crashed. Mello Yello 500 The Mello Yello 500 was held on October 7 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Brett Bodine won the pole. Top-Ten Results: #28 - Davey Allison #15 - Morgan Shepherd #30 - Michael Waltrip #42 - Kyle Petty #7 - Alan Kulwicki #5 - Ricky Rudd #10 - Derrike Cope #26 - Brett Bodine #17 - Darrell Waltrip #21 - Dale Jarrett -1 lap Failed to qualify: #13 - Mike Skinner, #65 - Dave Mader III, #89 - Rodney Combs, #64 - Gary Wright, #40 - Tommy Kendall, #13 - Kerry Teague, #70 - J. D. McDuffie, #74 - Mike Potter, #93 - Troy Beebe, #72 - Tracy Leslie, #53 - Jerry O'Neil, #36 - H. B. Bailey, #54 - Bob Schacht, #0 - Delma Cowart, #04 - Bill Meacham, #35 - Bill Venturini. During a caution, Dale Earnhardt lost all four tires at the end of pit road after a pit stop communication mix-up. Earnhardt's pit crew ran down pit lane with jacks and got him back on all fours but he lost a few laps. Despite the actions of the crew being against the rules, no penalty was assessed. AC Delco 500 The AC Delco 500 was held October 21 at North Carolina Speedway. Ken Schrader won the pole. Top-Ten Results: #7 - Alan Kulwicki #9 - Bill Elliott #33 - Harry Gant #11 - Geoff Bodine #25 - Ken Schrader #94 - Sterling Marlin -1 lap #5 - Ricky Rudd -1 lap #17 - Darrell Waltrip -1 lap #4 - Ernie Irvan -2 laps #3 - Dale Earnhardt -2 laps Failed to qualify: #0 - Delma Cowart, #48 - James Hylton, #70 - J. D. McDuffie, #82 - Mark Stahl With both finishing three laps down, Dale Earnhardt gained five points on Mark Martin in the Winston Cup Championship race, though Martin still held a 45-point lead with two races remaining. Checker 500 The Checker 500 was held November 4, 1990, at Phoenix International Raceway. Rusty Wallace won the pole. Top-Ten Results: #3 - Dale Earnhardt* #25 - Ken Schrader #15 - Morgan Shepherd #17 - Darrell Waltrip #9 - Bill Elliott #7 - Alan Kulwicki #98 - Rick Mast #11 - Geoff Bodine #4 - Ernie Irvan #6 - Mark Martin Failed to qualify: #04 - Hershel McGriff, #34 - Ted Kennedy, #24 - Butch Gilliland, #61 - Rick Scribner, #44 - Jack Sellers, #22 - St. James Davis Dale Earnhardt's victory allowed him to retake the points lead by 6 points over Mark Martin heading into the season finale at Atlanta. This was the first season since 1987 where Dale Earnhardt won the most races in a season. 1990 was also the final season in his career that he won the most races in a season. Atlanta Journal 500 The final race of the season was held on November 18, 1990, at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Rusty Wallace won the pole. Top-Ten Results: #15 - Morgan Shepherd #11 - Geoff Bodine #3 - Dale Earnhardt* #21 - Dale Jarrett #17 - Darrell Waltrip #6 - Mark Martin* #4 - Ernie Irvan #7 - Alan Kulwicki #27 - Rusty Wallace #18 - Greg Sacks -1 lap Failed to qualify: #82 - Mark Stahl Dale Earnhardt's 3rd-place finish allowed him to win the 1990 Winston Cup Series championship by 26 points over Mark Martin. Martin's 46-point penalty at Richmond in February would be the deciding factor in the championship. If the penalty was never issued, Martin would've won by 20 points over Earnhardt. Tragedy struck during the race when Ricky Rudd lost control of the car on pit road, and spun into Bill Elliott's pit stall, striking and killing tire changer Mike Ritch. Ritch's death resulted in a wave of new pit road procedures in the Winston Cup Series. At this time, pit road had no speed limit, which meant that cars would blast down pit road in order to lose a least amount of time. Drivers were essentially waved into their pit stall by a sign board man who would stand out in pit lane holding up their team's pit board. In addition, pit road was not closed when the caution was first displayed, which would result in cars rushing into the pits before the pace car picked up the field. This was first curtailed by the banning of tire changes under caution, an extremely unpopular move (all other services were still allowed though). The pit road closing procedures (that continue today in a modified form) also began with this pit procedure. New rules for pit crews that required crews to stay on the other side of the pit wall from the cars until their car was one stall away were instituted. Pit board men were no longer allowed to stand out in the middle of the pit lane. Lollipops, similar to what is used in most other motorsports, were dangled out over the pit stall from the other side of the pit wall. In addition, each car was issued either a blue (with a white number 1 on it) or orange sticker (with a white number 2 on it). The odd numbered cars got the blue stickers while the even numbered cars got the orange stickers. Once the green flag came back out, the blue flag was put out at the end of the second lap after the restart, which allowed only the odd-numbered cars to pit for tires. At the end of the third lap after the restart, an orange flag was displayed, allowing only even-numbered cars to pit for tires. This procedure only lasted a few races before it was dumped in favor of pit road speed limits. Full Drivers' Championship 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 Position 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 Points Scored 1 Dale Earnhardt 5* 2 10 1* 1 19 3 5 1* 30 31 34 13 1 1* 4 1* 7 8 8* 1* 1* 3 2 2* 25 10 1* 3 4430 2 Mark Martin 21 1 26 5 2 2 6 7 3 3 4 2 14 4 11 6 9 5 1* 3 6 2 2 3 1 14 11 10 6 4404 3 Geoff Bodine 9 33 2 7 4* 24 8 1* 24 10 15 4 3 3 25 1* 17 2 7 11 8 9 36 1 16 36 4 8 2 4017 4 Bill Elliott 3 4 33 12 7 17 18 10 22 2 8 21 16 25* 29 2 2 12 4 13 4 4 1* 8 4 15* 2 5 15* 3999 5 Morgan Shepherd 10 7 7 2 5 8 5 3 8 8 6 29 11 13 34 36 26 6 9 31 21 30 25 25 12 2 12 3 1 3689 6 Rusty Wallace 7 6* 5 24 18 28 7 2 20 1* 10* 1* 2 17 14 3 32 34* 3 2 40 5 7 15 8 38 32 38 9 3676 7 Ricky Rudd 4 3 31 27 24 3 4 23 33 28 11 3 32 9 13 7 5 1 5 10 7 8 32 28* 11 6 7 32 16 3601 8 Alan Kulwicki 35 24 27 8 23 31 11 25 13 6 24 11 34 6 2 17 4 11 11 6 3 26 29 6 9 5 1 6 8 3599 9 Ernie Irvan 13 22 29 3 32 16 16 15 4 5 7 7 17 2 33 26 6 28 35 1 2 12 26 11 6 27 9 9 7 3593 10 Ken Schrader 40 10 3 4 10 6 19 6 28 11 2 18 15 27 3 11 16 9 40 12 39 10 10 27 5 35 5 2 11 3572 11 Kyle Petty 24 11 1* 6 13 10 10 16 7 17 9 16 10 8 10 35 8 17 16 28 25 6 8 23 10 4 20* 41 41 3501 12 Brett Bodine 17 8 25 11 8 22 1* 12 12 29 18 41 4 14 22 16 33 3 17 25 10 31 20 4 3 8 17 15 18 3440 13 Davey Allison 20 20 34 13 3 1 9 22 25 7 17 24 5 36 24 5 20 19 6 23 15 16 9 7 26 1 29 11 25 3423 14 Sterling Marlin 19 13 4 10 28 7 31 32 26 35 5 6 9 18 5 30 3 15 20 5 18 24 12 12 13 16 6 16 38 3387 15 Terry Labonte 2 32 9 40 14 4 15 31 6 13 13 35 20 7 4 10 42 14 14 4 14 17 15 9 27 17 13 13 21 3371 16 Michael Waltrip 8 27 28 38 9 20 27 8 5 4 26 9 19 21 16 23 21 4 30 9 26 14 5 30 15 3 15 43 14 3251 17 Harry Gant 18 36 11 9 6 13 26 36 25 34 19 1 5 7 14 15 21 13 26 5 36 4 5 28 26 3 37 19 3182 18 Derrike Cope 1 29 12 29 27 32 21 17 40 9 1 13 12 12 28 13 7 35 19 27 9 35 13 24 22 7 33 14 12 3140 19 Bobby Hillin Jr. 6 31 17 16 12 21 30 21 23 34 16 5 29 28 6 12 10 16 21 15 31 11 14 26 14 31 14 42 22 3048 20 Darrell Waltrip 14 12 6 26 11 9* 2 4 10 22 19 33 8 15 QL 20 3 19 19 7 9 8 4 5 3013 21 Dave Marcis 23 17 22 22 15 15 12 14 14 16 35 32 22 19 20 28 28 31 18 19 16 15 22 14 25 13 23 17 34 2944 22 Dick Trickle 12 5 23 14 22 13 24 9 27 12 3 39 25 24 19 15 36 30 32 17 11 7 23 22 29 30 36 40 37 2863 23 Rick Wilson 30 30 18 17 29 5 22 27 39 19 23 10 35 10 39 31 35 32 29 32 12 20 27 20 18 11 18 19 33 2666 24 Jimmy Spencer 15 9 8 15 25 18 20 11 32 21 32 27 30 20 15 19 24 29 25 18 23 27 18 18 23 41 2579 25 Dale Jarrett 11 14 30 34 32 12 14 31 34 8 18 39 20 10 7 28 29 6 10 19 10 16 30 4 2558 26 Richard Petty 34 35 32 25 21 26 29 20 29 27 21 26 38 11 36 9 29 18 33 29 34 21 16 29 17 20 21 23 17 2556 27 Butch Miller 22 28 13 20 17 14 25 18 16 18 14 31 23 23 23 8 34 25 12 16 29 19 17 2377 28 Hut Stricklin 33 37 36 9 37 27 12 6 32 26 29 14 23 15 21 20 13 11 13 20 29 34 26 13 2316 29 Jimmy Means 29 18 21 31 31 29 28 19 21 DNQ 22 DNQ 27 39 12 21 30 39 27 22 36 18 24 16 30 39 28 25 28 2271 30 Rob Moroso (R) 38 15 30 33 26 30 32 13 37 26 29 42 36 16 9 32 12 13 26 30 13 28 28 21 21 2184 31 Rick Mast 21 19 35 39 12 23 29 17 31 28 22 36 24 24 31 32 34 22 7 29 1719 32 Greg Sacks DNQ 37 2 14 7 26 37 33 18 40 2 20 30 23 21 Wth 12 10 1663 33 Chad Little DNQ 16 19 16 DNQ 15 24 37 18 27 19 22 DNQ 35 32 17 24 40 25 21 27 1632 34 Jack Pennington (R) 25 30 20 11 20 21 38 18 23 38 22 DNQ DNQ 12 24 36 1278 35 Larry Pearson 27 23 20 34 DNQ 42 14 17 DNQ 19 19 822 36 Jimmy Horton 37 DNQ 23 20 39 17 13 30 23 35 756 37 Mickey Gibbs DNQ 19 15 39 38 19 DNQ DNQ 32 22 34 21 755 38 Mike Alexander 41 14 16 23 19 23 17 682 39 Phil Parsons 42 26 14 25 35 22 41 19 18 632 40 J. D. McDuffie DNQ DNQ 35 DNQ 35 27 DNQ DNQ DNQ 25 28 37 DNQ DNQ DNQ 22 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 40 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 557 41 Buddy Baker 21 40 31 15 30 40 23 37 498 42 Lake Speed 16 DNQ 38 38 33 11 32 QL 479 43 Neil Bonnett 11 25 36 18 30 455 44 Mark Stahl DNQ 24 28 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 31 33 32 DNQ DNQ 371 45 Bill Venturini DNQ 18 DNQ 30 25 28 DNQ 349 46 Rodney Combs DNQ 33 40 34 DNQ 27 30 323 47 Tommy Kendall 38 8 DNQ DNQ 26 281 48 Irv Hoerr 8 10 281 49 Ted Musgrave 39 37 22 26 280 50 Chuck Bown 24 24 23 276 51 Jerry O'Neil (R) 31 DNQ DNQ DNQ 40 34 26 DNQ 259 52 Bill Sedgwick DNQ 24 36 20 249 53 Tommy Riggins 26 37 33 39 247 54 Eddie Bierschwale 32 29 22 240 55 Jeff Purvis (R) 28 33 31 38 36 238 56 Ken Ragan DNQ 36 41 DNQ 24 DNQ 37 238 57 Mike Chase 25 24 39 230 58 Jim Sauter DNQ 24 34 31 222 59 Bill Schmitt 20 18 212 60 Mike Potter DNQ DNQ DNQ 30 25 DNQ 38 DNQ 210 61 Jim Bown 22 27 28 39 207 62 A. J. Foyt 36 DNQ 38 27 191 63 Phil Barkdoll 39 30 31 189 64 Dick Johnson 34 DNQ 39 27 189 65 H. B. Bailey 32 33 DNQ DNQ 38 DNQ 180 66 Bobby Hamilton 39 28 40 168 67 John Krebs 23 31 164 68 Philip Duffie DNQ 21 37 152 69 Tracy Leslie 36 DNQ 38 DNQ DNQ 39 150 70 Charlie Glotzbach DNQ DNQ 35 DNQ 27 22 140 71 Troy Beebe 30 37 31 DNQ DNQ DNQ 35 131 72 Terry Fisher 15 DNQ 118 73 Randy LaJoie 33 38 113 74 Stan Barrett DNQ 17 112 75 Dave Mader III DNQ 20 103 76 Edward Cooper 35 41 98 77 Charlie Baker 37 40 95 78 Steve Grissom 24 91 79 Sarel van der Merwe 24 91 80 Ron Esau 25 DNQ DNQ DNQ 88 81 Joe Ruttman 26 85 82 Kenny Wallace DNQ 26 85 83 Brian Ross 27 82 84 Rich Bickle 28 79 85 Butch Gilliland 28 DNQ 79 86 Brent Kaeding 29 76 87 Rick Jeffrey 30 73 88 Jimmy Hensley 33 31 70 89 Ben Hess 31 70 90 Pancho Carter 32 67 91 Gary Collins 33 64 92 Bobby Gerhart DNQ DNQ 33 DNQ 64 93 D. K. Ulrich 33 64 94 Bill Meacham 34 DNQ DNQ 61 95 Mark Reed 34 61 96 Mike Skinner DNQ 35 58 97 Rick Ware 36 55 98 Jerry Hufflin 37 52 99 Oma Kimbrough 37 52 100 Stanley Smith Wth 37 52 101 John Alexander 38 49 102 J. T. Hayes 38 49 103 Terry Byers 40 40 43 104 Ted Kennedy 43 DNQ 34 105 Hershel McGriff 44 DNQ 31 106 Tommy Ellis DNQ 31 107 James Hylton 35 DNQ 108 Freddie Crawford DNQ 36 109 Jack Sellers 40 DNQ 110 Trevor Boys DNQ 111 Mark Gibson DNQ 112 Blackie Wangerin DNQ 113 Dennis Langston DNQ 114 Joe Booher DNQ 115 Delma Cowart DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 116 Keith Thomas DNQ 117 Norm Benning DNQ 118 Robin Best DNQ 119 Mike Hickingbottom DNQ 120 J. C. Danielson DNQ 121 St. James Davis DNQ DNQ 122 John Linville DNQ 123 Rich Vogler DNQ 40 124 Kerry Teague DNQ DNQ DNQ 125 Gary Wright DNQ 126 Bob Schacht DNQ 127 Rick Scribner DNQ 128 Bob Walker DNQ 129 Robert Sprague DNQ 130 Rick Mackey DNQ 131 Doug Heveron Wth Pos Position 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 Points Scored Rookie of the Year thumb|right|Rob Moroso's 1990 Oldsmobile The 1990 season was a slim season for Rookie of the Year contenders. 1989 Busch Series champion Rob Moroso had a top-ten finish and qualified for every race, but he was killed in a car crash before the end of the year and was awarded the top rookie award posthumously. His top runner-up was Jack Pennington, a late-model dirt racing champion, who had 16 starts and no top-tens in an unsponsored car. The only other declarees were Jerry O'Neil and Jeff Purvis, who did not run enough races to be completely eligible for the honor. See also 1990 NASCAR Busch Series 1990 NASCAR Winston West Series References 30em External links Winston Cup Standings and Statistics for 1990 Race Summaries are from Maxx Trading Card's 1990 NASCAR set. Non-qualifiers taken from contemporary reports in Grand National Scene magazine. Category:NASCAR Cup Series seasons Category:1990 in sports in California