1997 NASCAR Winston Cup Series

American motorsport season February 2025 November 2025 1997 NASCAR Winston Cup Series 1996 1998 The 1997 NASCAR Winston Cup Series was the 49th season of professional stock car racing in the United States and the 26th modern-era NASCAR Cup series. It began on February 9 and ended on November 16. Jeff Gordon of Hendrick Motorsports won his second Cup championship at the end of the season. thumb|1997 Winston Cup champion Jeff Gordon thumb|Dale Jarrett finished second behind Gordon by only 14 points thumb|Mark Martin finished third in the championship thumb|Mike Skinner, the 1997 Winston Cup Rookie of the Year. Teams and drivers Complete schedule ManufacturerTeamNo. Car numberRace driverCrew chiefChevroletAmerican Equipment Racing96 David Green (R) Sammy JohnsAndy Petree Racing33 Ken Schrader Andy PetreeDarrell Waltrip Motorsports17 Darrell Waltrip Jeff HammondDiamond Ridge Motorsports29 Robert Pressley 10 1-10 Wes Ward Jeff Green 22 11-32Hendrick Motorsports5 Terry Labonte Gary DeHart24 Jeff Gordon Ray Evernham25 Ricky Craven 30 1-5, 8-32 Phil Hammer 1 1Andy Graves 31 2-32 Todd Bodine 1 6 Jack Sprague 1 7Larry Hedrick Motorsports41 Steve Grissom Charley PressleyMarcis Auto Racing71 Dave Marcis Bob MarcisMorgan-McClure Motorsports4 Sterling Marlin Robert LarkinsRichard Childress Racing3 Dale Earnhardt Larry McReynolds31 Mike Skinner (R) Kevin HamlinTeam SABCO40 Robby Gordon (R) 21 1-9, 11, 16-26 Mike Hillman Joe Nemechek 1 10 Wally Dallenbach Jr. 1 12 Greg Sacks 7 13-15, 29-32 Steve Park 1 27 Elliott Sadler 1 2842 Joe Nemechek 31 1-4, 6-32 Tony Glover Phil Parsons 1 5FordBill Elliott Racing94 Bill Elliott Mike BeamBrett Bodine Racing11 Brett Bodine Donnie RichesonButch Mock Motorsports75 Rick Mast Dave CharpentierCale Yarborough Motorsports98 John Andretti Tony FurrDonlavey Racing90 Dick Trickle 31 1-19, 21-32 Bob Johnson 4 1-4Tommy Baldwin Jr. 21 12-32 Dorsey Schroeder 1 20FILMAR Racing81 Kenny Wallace Newt MooreGeoff Bodine Racing7 Geoff Bodine 31 1-10, 12-32 Pat Tryson Todd Bodine 1 11Jasper Motorsports77 Bobby Hillin Jr. 13 1-13 Terry Whooten Morgan Shepherd 11 14-24 Robert Pressley 8 25-32Kranefuss-Haas Racing37 Jeremy Mayfield Paul AndrewsPenske Racing South2 Rusty Wallace Robin PembertonRobert Yates Racing28 Ernie Irvan Marc Reno88 Dale Jarrett Todd ParrottRudd Performance Motorsports10 Ricky Rudd Jim LongStavola Brothers Racing8 Hut Stricklin Bill IngleTravis Carter Enterprises23 Jimmy Spencer Donnie WingoTriad Motorsports78 Billy Standridge 16 1-8, 10-17 Bill Hayes 7 1-7Bob Johnson 20 9-28 Tom Hubert 1 9 Bobby Hillin Jr. 3 18-20 Gary Bradberry 12 21-32Wood Brothers Racing21 Michael Waltrip Leonard WoodRoush Racing6 Mark Martin Jimmy Fennig16 Ted Musgrave James Ince99 Jeff Burton Buddy Parrott97 Chad Little All 1-20 with Mark Rypien Motorsports, 21-32 with Roush Racing Harold HollyPontiacMark Rypien MotorsportsBahari Racing30 Johnny Benson Doug HewittBill Davis Racing22 Ward Burton Chris HusseyJoe Gibbs Racing18 Bobby Labonte Jimmy MakarMB2 Motorsports36 Derrike Cope Ryan PembertonPetty Enterprises43 Bobby Hamilton Robbie LoomisPE244 Kyle Petty Bobby KennedyPrecision Products Racing1 Morgan Shepherd 20 1-13, 26-32 Michael McSwain Jerry Nadeau 5 14-18 Mike Wallace 1 19 Lance Hooper 6 20-25 Limited schedule ManufacturerTeamNo. Car numberRace driverCrew chiefRaces ChevroletBACE Motorsports 74 Randy LaJoie 1 6Barkdoll Racing 73 Joe Nemechek 1 1 Phil Barkdoll 1 10Dale Earnhardt, Inc. 14 Steve Park Philippe Lopez 8 18, 20, 25-26, 28, 30-32Darrell Waltrip Motorsports 26 Rich Bickle Dave McCarty 1 19Ken Schrader Racing 52 Jack Sprague 1 31LAR Motorsports 12 Jeff Purvis Philippe Lopez 3 19, 23, 28LJ Racing 91 Mike Wallace Doug Richert ? 4 15 1-15 Loy Allen Jr. 1 16 Greg Sacks 2 18, 23 Ron Hornaday Jr. 1 24 Kevin Lepage 4 25, 28-29, 32Miller Racing 08 Mike Miller 1 4Norm Benning Racing 84 Norm Benning 1 1Team SABCO 46 Wally Dallenbach Jr. Terry Shirley 24 1, 4, 6, 9-11, 13-16, 18-25, 27-32T.R.I.X. Racing 79 Randy MacDonald 3 8, 17, 25 FordA. J. Foyt Enterprises 50 A. J. Foyt 1 19Bill Elliott Racing 92 Ron Barfield 1 19Bud Moore Engineering 15 Larry Pearson 2 1, 19 Greg Sacks 1 28David Blair Motorsports 27 Rick Wilson Slugger Labbe 4 6, 14, 19, 28 Kenny Irwin Jr. 5 24, 27, 30-32H. L. Waters Racing 0 Delma Cowart 1 1H. S. Die Racing Team 61 Tim Steele 1 19Melling Racing 9 Lake Speed Jeff Buice 25 1-8, 10-11, 14-16, 19, 21-25, 27-32 Jeff Davis 1 9Ranier-Walsh Racing 20 Greg Sacks Tommy Baldwin Jr. 8 1-7, 10 Lance Hooper 2 8-9Sadler Brothers Racing 95 Gary Bradberry Lee Leslie 2 1-2 Ed Berrier 12 4, 6-7, 10-12, 14, 19, 22, 29, 30, 32Standridge Motorsports 47 Billy Standridge 1 29TriStar Motorsports 19 Loy Allen Jr. Peter Sospenzo 2 1-2 Gary Bradberry 12 3-14Ultra Motorsports 02 Mike Bliss 2 6, 24 PontiacBailey Racing 66 H. B. Bailey 1 6Buckshot Racing 00 Buckshot Jones Ricky Pearson 1 32ISM Racing 35 Todd Bodine 2 28, 32 Schedule No. Race title Track DateBusch ClashDaytona International Speedway, Daytona BeachFebruary 9Gatorade 125sFebruary 131Daytona 500February 162Goodwrench Service 400North Carolina Motor Speedway, RockinghamFebruary 233Pontiac Excitement 400Richmond International Raceway, RichmondMarch 24Primestar 500Atlanta Motor Speedway, HamptonMarch 95TranSouth Financial 400Darlington Raceway, DarlingtonMarch 236Interstate Batteries 500Texas Motor Speedway, Fort WorthApril 67Food City 500Bristol Motor Speedway, BristolApril 138Goody's Headache Powder 500Martinsville Speedway, RidgewayApril 209Save Mart Supermarkets 300Sears Point Raceway, SonomaMay 410Winston 500Talladega Superspeedway, TalladegaMay 10Winston OpenCharlotte Motor Speedway, ConcordMay 17The Winston11Coca-Cola 600May 2512Miller 500Dover Downs International Speedway, DoverJune 113Pocono 500Pocono Raceway, Long PondJune 814Miller 400Michigan Speedway, BrooklynJune 1515California 500 presented by NAPACalifornia Speedway, FontanaJune 2216Pepsi 400Daytona International Speedway, Daytona BeachJuly 517Jiffy Lube 300New Hampshire International Speedway, LoudonJuly 1318Pennsylvania 500Pocono Raceway, Long PondJuly 2019Brickyard 400Indianapolis Motor Speedway, SpeedwayAugust 220The Bud at The GlenWatkins Glen International, Watkins GlenAugust 1021DeVilbiss 400Michigan Speedway, BrooklynAugust 1722Goody's Headache Powder 500Bristol Motor Speedway, BristolAugust 2323Mountain Dew Southern 500Darlington Raceway, DarlingtonAugust 3124Exide NASCAR Select Batteries 400Richmond International Raceway, RichmondSeptember 625CMT 300New Hampshire International Speedway, LoudonSeptember 1426MBNA 400Dover Downs International Speedway, DoverSeptember 2127Hanes 500Martinsville Speedway, RidgewaySeptember 2928UAW-GM Quality 500Charlotte Motor Speedway, ConcordOctober 529DieHard 500Talladega Superspeedway, TalladegaOctober 1230AC Delco 400North Carolina Motor Speedway, RockinghamOctober 2731Dura Lube 500 presented by KmartPhoenix International Raceway, PhoenixNovember 232NAPA 500Atlanta Motor Speedway, HamptonNovember 16NASCAR Thunder Special SuzukaSuzuka Circuit, SuzukaNovember 23 Results No.RacePole positionMost laps ledWinning driverManufacturer Winning manufacturerBusch ClashTerry LabonteTerry LabonteJeff GordonChevroletGatorade 125 #1Mike SkinnerDale JarrettDale JarrettFordGatorade 125 #2Steve GrissomDale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtChevrolet1Daytona 500Mike SkinnerMark MartinJeff GordonChevrolet2Goodwrench Service 400Mark MartinDale JarrettJeff GordonChevrolet3Pontiac Excitement 400Terry LabonteDale JarrettRusty WallaceFord4Primestar 500Robby GordonDale JarrettDale JarrettFord5TranSouth Financial 400Dale JarrettDale JarrettDale JarrettFord6Interstate Batteries 500Dale JarrettTerry LabonteJeff BurtonFord7Food City 500Rusty WallaceRusty WallaceJeff GordonChevrolet8Goody's Headache Powder 500Kenny WallaceJeff GordonJeff GordonChevrolet9Save Mart Supermarkets 300Mark MartinMark MartinMark MartinFord10Winston 500John AndrettiDale EarnhardtMark MartinFordWinston OpenChad LittleRicky CravenRicky CravenChevroletThe WinstonBill ElliottBobby LabonteJeff GordonChevrolet11Coca-Cola 600Jeff GordonErnie IrvanJeff GordonChevrolet12Miller 500Bobby LabonteDale JarrettRicky RuddFord13Pocono 500Bobby HamiltonWard BurtonJeff GordonChevrolet14Miller 400Dale JarrettTed MusgraveErnie IrvanFord15California 500 pres. by NAPAJoe NemechekJeff GordonJeff GordonChevrolet16Pepsi 400Mike SkinnerJohn AndrettiJohn AndrettiFord17Jiffy Lube 300Ken SchraderJeff BurtonJeff BurtonFord18Pennsylvania 500Joe NemechekDale JarrettDale JarrettFord19Brickyard 400Ernie IrvanErnie IrvanRicky RuddFord20The Bud at The GlenTodd BodineJeff GordonJeff GordonChevrolet21DeVilbiss 400Johnny Benson Jr.Mark MartinMark MartinFord22Goody's Headache Powder 500Kenny WallaceDale JarrettDale JarrettFord23Mountain Dew Southern 500Bobby LabonteBill ElliottJeff GordonChevrolet24Exide NASCAR Select Batteries 400Bill ElliottJeff BurtonDale JarrettFord25CMT 300Ken SchraderJeff GordonJeff GordonChevrolet26MBNA 400Mark MartinMark MartinMark MartinFord27Hanes 500Ward BurtonRusty WallaceJeff BurtonFord28UAW-GM Quality 500Geoff BodineBobby LabonteDale JarrettFord29DieHard 500Ernie IrvanTerry LabonteTerry LabonteChevrolet30AC Delco 400Bobby LabonteRicky CravenBobby HamiltonPontiac31Dura Lube 500 pres. by KmartBobby HamiltonRusty WallaceDale JarrettFord32NAPA 500Geoff BodineBobby LabonteBobby LabontePontiac Race Summaries Busch Clash The Busch Clash, a race for pole winners from the previous season, and drivers who have won the event before was run on February 9 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Terry Labonte drew the pole. The race was broadcast on CBS. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon #2 - Rusty Wallace #3 - Dale Earnhardt #22 - Ward Burton #28 - Ernie Irvan #6 - Mark Martin #88 - Dale Jarrett #25 - Ricky Craven #30 - Johnny Benson #37 - Jeremy Mayfield Gatorade 125s The Gatorade Twin 125s were run on February 13 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Mike Skinner and Steve Grissom were the pole sitters for races one and two, respectively. The races were broadcast tape-delayed on CBS just prior to the Daytona 500. Race one results #88 - Dale Jarrett #31 - Mike Skinner #28 - Ernie Irvan #23 - Jimmy Spencer #4 - Sterling Marlin #6 - Mark Martin #10 - Ricky Rudd #18 - Bobby Labonte #22 - Ward Burton #29 - Robert Pressley Race two results #3 - Dale Earnhardt #24 - Jeff Gordon #94 - Bill Elliott #33 - Ken Schrader #21 - Michael Waltrip #2 - Rusty Wallace #30 - Johnny Benson #5 - Terry Labonte #40 - Robby Gordon #17 - Darrell Waltrip 39th Daytona 500 1997 Daytona 500 The 1997 Daytona 500 was run on February 16 at Daytona International Speedway. Mike Skinner won the pole. The race ended under caution after a big crash with five laps remaining involved several cars. The race was broadcast on CBS. #24 - Jeff Gordon* #5 - Terry Labonte #25 - Ricky Craven #94 - Bill Elliott #4 - Sterling Marlin #37 - Jeremy Mayfield #6 - Mark Martin #22 - Ward Burton #10 - Ricky Rudd #17 - Darrell Waltrip Failed to qualify: #91 - Mike Wallace, #95 - Gary Bradberry, #78 - Billy Standridge, #15 - Larry Pearson, #42 - Joe Nemechek*, #97 - Chad Little, #75 - Rick Mast, #96 - David Green, #0 - Delma Cowart, #84 - Norm Benning. Robert Pressley's car caught air after he spun on lap 10. The rear of the car lifted so much, the car was temporarily sliding across the track on its nose. After the crew repaired the car, Todd Bodine drove the car to complete more laps. Joe Nemechek's car owner Felix Sabates bought the #73 entry of Phil Barkdoll, who had qualified 38th. Nemechek drove Barkdoll's #73 for the 500. Dale Earnhardt rolled his #3 Chevrolet in a crash with Ernie Irvan while in a four-way battle for the lead with 12 laps to go. In the crash, the hood of Irvan's car flew into the backstretch grandstand, injuring some fans. Earnhardt famously noticed that his tires were still on the car after the roll, had his car taken off the hook, and drove it back to pit road. The car was repaired and Earnhardt finished the race in 31st, 5 laps down. At 25 years old, Jeff Gordon became the youngest Daytona 500 winner ever until Trevor Bayne in 2011. Hendrick Motorsports posted a 1-2-3 finish with Gordon winning the race, Terry Labonte finishing second, and Ricky Craven finishing in third. Goodwrench Service 400 The Goodwrench Service 400 was run on February 23 at North Carolina Speedway. Mark Martin won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon #88 - Dale Jarrett #99 - Jeff Burton #10 - Ricky Rudd #25 - Ricky Craven #2 - Rusty Wallace #5 - Terry Labonte #7 - Geoff Bodine #28 - Ernie Irvan #1 - Morgan Shepherd Failed to qualify: #97 - Chad Little, #78 - Billy Standridge, #91 - Mike Wallace, #95 - Gary Bradberry Pontiac Excitement 400 The Pontiac Excitement 400 was held March 2 at Richmond International Raceway. Terry Labonte won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN. Top ten results #2 - Rusty Wallace* #7 - Geoff Bodine #88 - Dale Jarrett #24 - Jeff Gordon (-1) #43 - Bobby Hamilton (-1) #10 - Ricky Rudd (-1) #5 - Terry Labonte (-1) #18 - Bobby Labonte (-1) #30 - Johnny Benson (-1) #44 - Kyle Petty (-2) Failed to qualify: #78 - Billy Standridge, #20 - Greg Sacks, #91 - Mike Wallace During the post-race inspection, Rusty Wallace's engine failed to meet the proper 14:1 compression ratio. Due to this, NASCAR suspended Wallace's victory and confiscated his car's motor. After conducting another test the following day, the cooler temperature engine met the required compression ratio. As a result, Wallace's victory was certified official. Only 3 cars finished on the lead lap in this race. This was the last Winston Cup race at Richmond International Raceway scheduled for the daytime (excluding rain-delayed races) until 2016, and the last Richmond race to be held in March. Primestar 500 The Primestar 500 was run on March 9 at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia. Robby Gordon won the pole. The race was broadcast on ABC. Top ten results #88 - Dale Jarrett #28 - Ernie Irvan #1 - Morgan Shepherd #18 - Bobby Labonte #99 - Jeff Burton #6 - Mark Martin #21 - Michael Waltrip #3 - Dale Earnhardt #5 - Terry Labonte #43 - Bobby Hamilton Failed to qualify: #29 - Robert Pressley, #36 - Derrike Cope, #46 - Wally Dallenbach Jr., #71 - Dave Marcis, #77 - Bobby Hillin Jr., #95 - Ed Berrier, #08 - Mike Miller This was the final race held on the 1.522 mi km on configuration of Atlanta Motor Speedway. Renovations had already started that would turn the racetrack into a 1.54 mi km on quad-oval. This race was red-flagged on lap 282 due to a crash involving Steve Grissom, in which Grissom spun to avoid another wreck and hit the inside wall with enough force to obliterate the back end of his car, and break the wall. The force of the impact sheared the fuel cell out of the car, sending it flying across the track, and spilling fuel. The spilled fuel later ignited, causing a significant fire. Grissom was not seriously injured. TranSouth Financial 400 The TranSouth Financial 400 was held March 23 at Darlington Raceway. Dale Jarrett won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN. Top ten results #88 - Dale Jarrett #16 - Ted Musgrave #24 - Jeff Gordon #99 - Jeff Burton #18 - Bobby Labonte #2 - Rusty Wallace #21 - Michael Waltrip #33 - Ken Schrader #7 - Geoff Bodine #30 - Johnny Benson Failed to qualify: #41 - Steve Grissom, #78 - Billy Standridge, #90 - Dick Trickle Phil Parsons substituted for Joe Nemechek, who was with family after his younger brother John's death. This was Parsons' final career Cup Series start. This would be the last Darlington race to be won from the pole until April 2014. Interstate Batteries 500 1997 Interstate Batteries 500 The inaugural Interstate Batteries 500 was held April 6 at Texas Motor Speedway. Dale Jarrett won the pole. This was the first race held at the track and the first NASCAR race in the state of Texas since 1981. The race was broadcast on CBS. Top ten results #99 - Jeff Burton* #88 - Dale Jarrett #18 - Bobby Labonte #5 - Terry Labonte #10 - Ricky Rudd #3 - Dale Earnhardt #22 - Ward Burton #4 - Sterling Marlin #21 - Michael Waltrip #41 - Steve Grissom Failed to qualify: #19 - Gary Bradberry, #27 - Rick Wilson, #29 - Robert Pressley, 46 - Wally Dallenbach Jr., 66 - H. B. Bailey, 74 - Randy LaJoie, 95 - Ed Berrier, 96 - David Green, 02 - Mike Bliss This was Jeff Burton's first career Winston Cup victory. On the first lap of the race, 15 cars were involved in a multi-car accident in turns 1 and 2. Dale Earnhardt was involved in the incident, but was able to continue. On lap 162, an 8-car crash on the tri-oval began when Mike Skinner, Brett Bodine and Sterling Marlin spun into the infield coming off turn 4, and Rusty Wallace struck the outside wall after getting into some oil. Later, Ernie Irvan rear-ended Greg Sacks at over 140 mph while trying to race leader Terry Labonte back to the flag to get his lap back and hit the outside wall. Jeff Gordon ran into the back of Irvan trying to avoid Sacks. Ricky Craven suffered a concussion in a practice crash and was forced to sit out. This was the beginning of a series of injuries that adversely affected Craven's career over the next 4 years. Todd Bodine subbed for Craven in this race and ran well until he crashed out of the lead. Food City 500 The Food City 500 was held on April 13 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Rusty Wallace won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon* #2 - Rusty Wallace #5 - Terry Labonte #88 - Dale Jarrett #6 - Mark Martin #3 - Dale Earnhardt #94 - Bill Elliott #97 - Chad Little #37 - Jeremy Mayfield #11 - Brett Bodine Failed to qualify: #20 - Greg Sacks, #77 - Bobby Hillin Jr., #78 - Billy Standridge, #91 - Mike Wallace This race had 20 cautions for 132 laps, which tied the record for most cautions with the 1989 spring event at Bristol. On the last lap, Jeff Gordon bumped Rusty Wallace out of the way in Turn 4 to win the race. Wallace barely was able to hold off Terry Labonte for 2nd. Jack Sprague subbed for Ricky Craven in this race due to Craven's injury at Texas last weekend. Goody's Headache Powder 500 The Goody's Headache Powder 500 was held April 20 at Martinsville Speedway. Kenny Wallace won the pole. It was FILMAR Racing's first career pole of the season. The race was broadcast on ESPN. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon* #43 - Bobby Hamilton #6 - Mark Martin #5 - Terry Labonte #2 - Rusty Wallace #81 - Kenny Wallace #37 - Jeremy Mayfield #18 - Bobby Labonte #17 - Darrell Waltrip #33 - Ken Schrader Failed to qualify: #19 - Gary Bradberry, #20 - Lance Hooper, #78 - Billy Standridge, #79 - Randy MacDonald, #96 - David Green Winner Jeff Gordon was spun out at one point of the race by Jimmy Spencer but was able to recover from the spin to win the race. Ricky Craven returned to the #25 Chevrolet after missing 2 races. He finished 22nd, 2 laps down. Jeff Gordon led 431 of the 500 laps in this race, the most laps he has led in a single race in his career. Save Mart Supermarkets 300 The Save Mart Supermarkets 300 was held May 4 at Sears Point Raceway. Mark Martin won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN. Top ten results #6 - Mark Martin* #24 - Jeff Gordon #5 - Terry Labonte #88 - Dale Jarrett #17 - Darrell Waltrip #11 - Brett Bodine #21 - Michael Waltrip #28 - Ernie Irvan #99 - Jeff Burton #22 - Ward Burton Failed to qualify: #29 - Robert Pressley, #42 - Joe Nemechek, #45 - Gary Smith, #75 - Rick Mast, #78w - Chuck Pruitt, #90 - Dick Trickle, #96 - David Green, #97 - Chad Little, #09 - R. K. Smith This was Martin's first Cup Series victory since October 1995, breaking a 42-race winless streak. Melling Racing technically did not make the trip to Sears Point due to a lack of funding. However, they allowed Jeff Davis' Winston West Series team to use the #9 on their Ford so that the Melling team could get the owners' points. Davis ended up crashing out of the race, finishing 37th. This was the last race for the Winston Cup Series on the 2.52 mi km on configuration at Sears Point Raceway until 2019. After this event, a purpose-built section was added for the NASCAR weekend. After David Green failed to qualify, Caterpillar put their logos on the #35 Ford was driven by Larry Gunselman, one of the Winston West teams. Gunselman started the race, but Green did get in the car and drive at one point. The #19 Ford for Tri-Star Motorsports that was driven by Gary Bradberry in the race was actually qualified by Ken Pedersen, a driver in Winston West at the time. The #78 Ford for Triad Motorsports tapped Tom Hubert, a crew member for Bahari Racing, to qualify the #78 in 2nd round qualifying. When Hubert (who had some road racing experience in other classes) qualified fast enough to earn the 27th starting spot in the race, Hubert was put in the car for the race to temporarily replace the team's regular driver, Billy Standridge. This was the final Sears Point race to be held in May, as race would be moved to the last Sunday in June, where it would remain through 2019. Geoff Bodine Racing's sponsor; QVC, ran a promotion in which a lucky fan would get their name and face on Geoff Bodine's #7 QVC Ford, with the winner being Mississippi native Dawn Gillis. Bodine would finish in last place. Winston 500 1997 Winston 500 The Winston 500 at Talladega Superspeedway was originally scheduled for Sunday, April 27, but rain forced the race to be postponed. Teams returned on Saturday, May 10 (Mother's Day weekend). John Andretti started from the pole position. The race was broadcast on ESPN. Top ten results #6 - Mark Martin* #3 - Dale Earnhardt #18 - Bobby Labonte #98 - John Andretti #24 - Jeff Gordon #5 - Terry Labonte #23 - Jimmy Spencer #99 - Jeff Burton #30 - Johnny Benson #28 - Ernie Irvan Failed to qualify: #19 - Gary Bradberry, #42 - Joe Nemechek*, #73 - Phil Barkdoll, #78 - Billy Standridge, #91 - Mike Wallace, #95 - Ed Berrier The race was run caution-free, the first time in Talladega history. It also stands as the fastest 500 mi km on race in NASCAR history, with an average speed of 188.354 mi/h km/h on. Joe Nemechek drove the #40 Chevrolet in place of Robby Gordon during this race since Gordon was in Indianapolis for Indianapolis 500 Pole Day, attempting to do the Indy-Charlotte double in 1997. Nemechek finished 19th, 1 lap down in Gordon's car. This was the last race for the #20 Ford for Ranier-Walsh Racing. The acquisition of their sponsor Hardee's by CKE Restaurants resulted in the company pulling sponsorship of the team. Without sponsorship, the team shut its doors. Final time in his career that Mark Martin would win back-to-back races. Winston Open The Winston Open was held before The Winston All-Star Race on May 17 at Charlotte Motor Speedway as a last chance qualifier race for the cars that had not won a race yet in 1997 or late 1996 and was not a past champion. Chad Little won the pole. The winner of this race would qualify to be in The Winston All-Star Race. Top ten results #25 - Ricky Craven #41 - Steve Grissom #9 - Lake Speed #97 - Chad Little #8 - Hut Stricklin #46 - Wally Dallenbach Jr. #30 - Johnny Benson #33 - Ken Schrader #98 - John Andretti #31 - Mike Skinner The Winston 1997 The Winston The Winston is the All-Star Race for the NASCAR Winston Cup Series held at the Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 17 after the Winston Open Race. Drivers have to qualify; Win a race since last year The Winston race, Win the Winston Open qualifier race, or Win one of The Winston All-Star Races from the past 5 years. This race was run in 3 segments with 2 30 lap segments and a 10 lap shootout segment for a total of 70 laps. Bill Elliott won the pole. Dale Jarrett won the first segment and Bobby Labonte won the second segment. The race was broadcast on TNN. Top ten final segment results #24 - Jeff Gordon #18 - Bobby Labonte #5 - Terry Labonte #3 - Dale Earnhardt #23 - Jimmy Spencer #6 - Mark Martin #88 - Dale Jarrett #25 - Ricky Craven #10 - Ricky Rudd #94 - Bill Elliott The only caution came on the 3rd lap of the first segment when Bobby Labonte spun coming off turn 4. Gordon started 19th because of a problem during his qualifying run. After the first segment was completed, the finishing order would be inverted for the start of the 2nd segment. The finishing order of the 2nd segment determined how the field would line up for the final segment. Caution laps counted in the first two 30-lap stages; however, only green flag laps were recorded in the final 10-lap stage. Speedvision carried a special live in-car simulcast of this race. During the prerace activities for The Winston, Indy Racing League driver Tony Stewart, who had qualified 2nd for the Indianapolis 500, drove several laps around the track in his IndyCar to promote the IRL race to be held at Charlotte two months later. Coca-Cola 600 1997 Coca-Cola 600 The Coca-Cola 600 was held May 25 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole. The race was shortened to 333 laps due to time issues after a long rain delay; it was after 1:00 am EDT when the race was completed. The race was broadcast on TBS. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon #2 - Rusty Wallace #6 - Mark Martin #94 - Bill Elliott #99 - Jeff Burton #18 - Bobby Labonte #3 - Dale Earnhardt #5 - Terry Labonte #1 - Morgan Shepherd #10 - Ricky Rudd Failed to qualify: #71 - Dave Marcis, #77 - Bobby Hillin Jr., #91 - Mike Wallace, #95 - Ed Berrier, #97 - Chad Little Geoff Bodine suffered a concussion in a practice crash on the Wednesday. As a result, Geoff tapped his younger brother Todd to drive his #7 Ford in the race. However, the engine blew after Todd had made a run up through the field, leaving him with a 42nd-place finish. This was the final race for flagman Doyle Ford, who had spent 38 years as a NASCAR official. Miller 500 The Miller 500 was held June 1 at Dover Downs International Speedway. Bobby Labonte won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN. Top ten results #10 - Ricky Rudd #6 - Mark Martin #99 - Jeff Burton #37 - Jeremy Mayfield #44 - Kyle Petty #33 - Ken Schrader #21 - Michael Waltrip #94 - Bill Elliott #31 - Mike Skinner #4 - Sterling Marlin Failed to qualify: #78 - Billy Standridge, #95 - Ed Berrier This was the last 500 mi km on race held at Dover. Wally Dallenbach Jr. drove Robby Gordon's #40 Chevy for this race, as Gordon suffered severe burns to he legs in a bizarre incident in the Indianapolis 500, forcing him to sit out for a couple of weeks. Dallenbach finishing 36th. Three different leaders had problems in the last 50 miles of the race. Second-place Jeff Gordon hit the back of leader Dale Jarrett while trying to avoid a spinning Kenny Wallace on lap 452, causing radiator damage that forced Gordon behind the wall for repairs, eventually finishing 26th. Jarrett retook the lead after the caution, but blew an engine 5 laps after the restart, finishing 32nd. Jarrett's teammate Ernie Irvan inherited the lead and led the following 9 laps, but crashed on lap 472 after hitting rear end grease from Chad Little's car. Irvan finished 30th. That gave the lead to Rudd, who held it the final 27 laps to win. Pocono 500 The Pocono 500 was held June 8 at Pocono Raceway. Bobby Hamilton won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon #99 - Jeff Burton #88 - Dale Jarrett #6 - Mark Martin #37 - Jeremy Mayfield #16 - Ted Musgrave #17 - Darrell Waltrip #7 - Geoff Bodine #5 - Terry Labonte #3 - Dale Earnhardt Failed to qualify: #97 - Chad Little, #78 - Billy Standridge, #71 - Dave Marcis Greg Sacks was tapped to sub for Robby Gordon in the #40 starting here at Pocono. He qualified 4th but spun into the wall coming out of Turn 1 on Lap 9 immediately in front of Jeff Gordon. Miller 400 The Miller 400 was held June 15 at Michigan Speedway. Dale Jarrett won the pole. The race was broadcast on CBS. Top ten results #28 - Ernie Irvan* #94 - Bill Elliott #6 - Mark Martin #16 - Ted Musgrave #24 - Jeff Gordon #88 - Dale Jarrett #3 - Dale Earnhardt #36 - Derrike Cope #18 - Bobby Labonte #30 - Johnny Benson Failed to qualify: #1 - Morgan Shepherd, #19 - Gary Bradberry, #20 - Greg Sacks, #91 - Mike Wallace, #95 - Ed Berrier This was Ernie Irvan's 15th and final Winston Cup victory, coming at the same track where he had almost lost his life three years earlier. He had tears in his eyes as he drove into Victory Lane. This victory also came in his last year with Robert Yates Racing. This was the 1st career Winston Cup start for Jerry Nadeau in the #1 Pontiac for Precision Products Racing. He replaced Morgan Shepherd in the car. This would be the final CBS race to have Ken Squier as lap-by-lap announcer. Starting with the DieHard 500 in October, all future CBS races would have Mike Joy as the lap-by-lap announcer while Squier was transferred to serving as the studio host. California 500 presented by NAPA 1997 California 500 The inaugural California 500 presented by NAPA was held on June 22 at California Speedway. Joe Nemechek won the pole. The race was broadcast on ABC. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon #5 - Terry Labonte #10 - Ricky Rudd #16 - Ted Musgrave #23 - Jimmy Spencer #18 - Bobby Labonte #29 - Jeff Green #88 - Dale Jarrett #25 - Ricky Craven #6 - Mark Martin Failed to qualify: #78 - Billy Standridge, #81 - Kenny Wallace, #91 - Mike Wallace* After Mike Wallace failed to qualify for the race, his team hastily entered the 200 mi km on Winston West race which was run the day before the Winston Cup race. He finished 3rd to Ken Schrader in that race. Mark Martin ran out of gas with 10 laps to go and was forced to the pits for additional fuel. However, they did not get enough fuel in the car. This resulted in Martin running out of gas again on the last lap and having to coast to the line. This was the only Cup race at California Speedway to be held in June. The following year, the race moved to the first week of May, swapping dates with Sears Point Raceway. Pepsi 400 The Pepsi 400 was held on July 5 at Daytona International Speedway. Mike Skinner won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN for the last time. Top ten results #98 - John Andretti* #5 - Terry Labonte #4 - Sterling Marlin #3 - Dale Earnhardt #88 - Dale Jarrett #2 - Rusty Wallace #44 - Kyle Petty #99 - Jeff Burton #28 - Ernie Irvan #18 - Bobby Labonte Failed to qualify: #7 - Geoff Bodine, #29 - Jeff Green, #91 - Loy Allen Jr. This was John Andretti's first career Cup Series victory, and the only Cup Series victory for Cale Yarborough as a car owner. This was the last non-delayed Daytona summer race scheduled to run during the day. The race ended with a 1 lap shootout, likely the last such shootout in the Winston Cup Series. Jiffy Lube 300 The Jiffy Lube 300 was held July 13 at New Hampshire International Speedway. Ken Schrader won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN. Top ten results #99 - Jeff Burton #3 - Dale Earnhardt #2 - Rusty Wallace #41 - Steve Grissom #6 - Mark Martin #94 - Bill Elliott #5 - Terry Labonte #28 - Ernie Irvan #10 - Ricky Rudd #7 - Geoff Bodine Failed to qualify: #78 - Billy Standridge Jeff Gordon finished 2 laps down in 23rd, losing the points lead to Terry Labonte, who finished 7th. Pennsylvania 500 The Pennsylvania 500 was held July 20 at Pocono Raceway. Joe Nemechek won the pole. The race was broadcast on TBS. Top ten results #88 - Dale Jarrett #24 - Jeff Gordon* #99 - Jeff Burton #16 - Ted Musgrave #6 - Mark Martin #31 - Mike Skinner #23 - Jimmy Spencer #44 - Kyle Petty #37 - Jeremy Mayfield #94 - Bill Elliott Failed to Qualify: #78 - Bobby Hillin Jr., #14 - Steve Park, #20 - Greg Sacks Gordon's 2nd-place finish allowed him to retake the points lead from Terry Labonte, who finished 35th. Brickyard 400 1997 Brickyard 400 The Brickyard 400 was held August 3 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Ernie Irvan won the pole. The race was broadcast on ABC. Top ten results #10 - Ricky Rudd* #18 - Bobby Labonte #88 - Dale Jarrett #24 - Jeff Gordon #37 - Jeremy Mayfield #6 - Mark Martin #30 - Johnny Benson #94 - Bill Elliott #31 - Mike Skinner #28 - Ernie Irvan Failed to qualify: #1 - Mike Wallace, #7 - Geoff Bodine, #8 - Hut Stricklin, #61 - Tim Steele, #71 - Dave Marcis, #77 - Morgan Shepherd, #78 - Bobby Hillin Jr., #90 - Dick Trickle First time since 1987 that Ricky Rudd won multiple races in a season. The Bud at The Glen The Bud at The Glen was held August 10 at Watkins Glen International. Todd Bodine won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon* #7 - Geoff Bodine #2 - Rusty Wallace #40 - Robby Gordon #6 - Mark Martin #16 - Ted Musgrave #94 - Bill Elliott #5 - Terry Labonte #41 - Steve Grissom #46 - Wally Dallenbach Jr. Failed to qualify: #78 - Bobby Hillin Jr., #77 - Morgan Shepherd, #71 - Dave Marcis This was Jeff Gordon's 1st career victory on a road course, beginning a streak of 6 consecutive road course wins that lasted until 2000. Steve Park made his Cup Series debut in this race, driving the #14 Chevrolet for Dale Earnhardt Inc.. Park qualified 12th and finished 2 laps down in 33rd. DeVilbiss 400 The DeVilbiss 400 was held August 17 at Michigan Speedway. Johnny Benson won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN. Top ten results #6 - Mark Martin #24 - Jeff Gordon #16 - Ted Musgrave #28 - Ernie Irvan #88 - Dale Jarrett #18 - Bobby Labonte #94 - Bill Elliott #99 - Jeff Burton #3 - Dale Earnhardt #5 - Terry Labonte Failed to qualify: #71 - Dave Marcis Mark Martin won after suffering blown left rear tire that put him 2 laps down. Roush Racing drivers dominated the day leading 177 of 200 laps. Goody's Headache Powder 500 The Goody's Headache Powder 500 was held August 23 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Kenny Wallace won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN. Top ten results #88 - Dale Jarrett #6 - Mark Martin #90 - Dick Trickle #99 - Jeff Burton #41 - Steve Grissom #33 - Ken Schrader #5 - Terry Labonte #18 - Bobby Labonte #7 - Geoff Bodine* #4 - Sterling Marlin Failed to qualify: #40 - Robby Gordon, #71 - Dave Marcis, #77 - Morgan Shepherd Jeff Gordon crashed out of the lead in an incident with Jeremy Mayfield on lap 246. Gordon would not recover, eventually retiring from the race and finishing 35th. Shortly after the halfway point, Geoff Bodine's crew chief Pat Tryson quit the team, apparently unhappy with the way the team was being managed. Mountain Dew Southern 500 1997 Mountain Dew Southern 500 The Mountain Dew Southern 500 was held August 31 at Darlington Raceway. Bobby Labonte won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN. Top ten results 24 - Jeff Gordon* 99 - Jeff Burton 88 - Dale Jarrett 94 - Bill Elliott 10 - Ricky Rudd 5 - Terry Labonte 18 - Bobby Labonte 6 - Mark Martin 21 - Michael Waltrip 33 - Ken Schrader Failed to qualify: #71 - Dave Marcis, #77 - Morgan Shepherd, #91 - Greg Sacks Jeff Gordon's victory made him the 2nd and final driver, joining Bill Elliott, to win the Winston Million. Ironically, the 2 drivers that won the Winston Million won it in the very first running in 1985, and in the very last running in 1997. The program was replaced the following season in 1998 with the No Bull 5 program, which offered five drivers (that finished in the Top 5 of the last No Bull 5 race) the chance to win 1 million dollars. After crashing out at Bristol, Gordon retook the points lead after winning this race, and would hold it for the rest of the season. Dale Earnhardt mysteriously blacked out during the pace laps for the race and hit the wall, resulting in Earnhardt stepping out of the car for the day. After repairs, Busch Series driver Mike Dillon was tapped to sub in the #3. Dillon drove the car to a 30th-place finish, 85 laps down. The cause of Earnhardt's blackouts was never determined. Exide NASCAR Select Batteries 400 The Exide NASCAR Select Batteries 400 was held September 6 at Richmond International Raceway. Bill Elliott won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN. Top ten results #88 - Dale Jarrett #99 - Jeff Burton #24 - Jeff Gordon #7 - Geoff Bodine #2 - Rusty Wallace #42 - Joe Nemechek #22 - Ward Burton #27 - Kenny Irwin Jr.* #16 - Ted Musgrave #37 - Jeremy Mayfield Failed to qualify: #71 - Dave Marcis, #02 - Mike Bliss, #91 - Ron Hornaday Jr., #78 - Gary Bradberry, #77 - Morgan Shepherd This was Kenny Irwin Jr.'s first career Winston Cup start, qualifying 2nd and finishing 8th. CMT 300 The CMT 300 was held September 14 at New Hampshire International Speedway. Ken Schrader won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon* #28 - Ernie Irvan #43 - Bobby Hamilton #41 - Steve Grissom #25 - Ricky Craven #88 - Dale Jarrett #23 - Jimmy Spencer #3 - Dale Earnhardt #6 - Mark Martin #8 - Hut Stricklin Failed to qualify: #1 - Lance Hooper, #14 - Steve Park, #91 - Kevin Lepage This was the first September race held at New Hampshire International Speedway. The race date was acquired as part of the purchase of North Wilkesboro Speedway in 1996 that resulted in its dates being split. Jeff Burton had an inner ear problem and required relief from Todd Bodine. 10th and final win of 1997 for Jeff Gordon. Jeff Gordon became the 1st driver since Darrell Waltrip in 1981 & 1982 to score at least 10 victories in back-to-back seasons. MBNA 400 The MBNA 400 was held September 21 at Dover Downs International Speedway. Mark Martin won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN. Top ten results #6 - Mark Martin* #3 - Dale Earnhardt #44 - Kyle Petty* #18 - Bobby Labonte #88 - Dale Jarrett #10 - Ricky Rudd #24 - Jeff Gordon #94 - Bill Elliott #28 - Ernie Irvan #75 - Rick Mast Failed to qualify: #14 - Steve Park This was the first 400 mi km on race at Dover. Mark Martin and Kyle Petty dominated this race, with Martin leading 194 laps and Petty leading 191. This would also be Petty's last top 5 finish until the 2007 Coca-Cola 600. Hanes 500 The Hanes 500 was held September 29 at Martinsville Speedway. Ward Burton won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN. Top ten results #99 - Jeff Burton* #3 - Dale Earnhardt #43 - Bobby Hamilton #24 - Jeff Gordon #94 - Bill Elliott #81 - Kenny Wallace #22 - Ward Burton #25 - Ricky Craven #33 - Ken Schrader #28 - Ernie Irvan Failed to qualify: #78 - Gary Bradberry, #1 - Morgan Shepherd, #71 - Dave Marcis Jeff Burton inherited the lead after leader Rusty Wallace jumped a restart and was black-flagged as a result. Steve Park drove the #40 Chevrolet in place of Robby Gordon, who was subbing for Dario Franchitti in the CART race at California Speedway. Park blew an engine early and finished 41st. UAW-GM Quality 500 The UAW-GM Quality 500 was held October 5 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Geoff Bodine won the pole. The race was broadcast on TBS. Top ten results #88 - Dale Jarrett #18 - Bobby Labonte #3 - Dale Earnhardt #6 - Mark Martin #24 - Jeff Gordon #99 - Jeff Burton #94 - Bill Elliott #22 - Ward Burton #44 - Kyle Petty #30 - Johnny Benson Failed to qualify: #14 - Steve Park, #15 - Greg Sacks, #17 - Darrell Waltrip*, #31 - Mike Skinner, #40 - Elliott Sadler, #71 - Dave Marcis, #75 - Rick Mast Darrell Waltrip failed to qualify because Terry Labonte, who was higher in points, used the past champion's provisional. This was Waltrip's first DNQ since 1974.https://books.google.com/books?id=eVi3hg7Y6ZkC&q=NASCAR+past+champions+provisional&pg=PA119 NASCAR for Dummies Martin, Mark 29 April 2005 9780471750987 April 12, 2018 This was Rick Wilson's final Cup start. He would finish 3 laps down in 19th. This was the first career start for Kevin Lepage in the #91 Chevrolet. He would crash out and finish 40th. Early in the race, there was an unusual water seepage problem on the backstretch. This resulted in the track near the outside wall in the middle of the backstretch being wet to the point where cars were kicking up spray. This did not cause any problems, however. This was the first race for ISM Racing's #35 Pontiac with Todd Bodine as the driver. Bodine finished 4 laps down in 26th. DieHard 500 The DieHard 500 was held October 12 at Talladega Superspeedway. Ernie Irvan won the pole. The race was broadcast on CBS. Top ten results #5 - Terry Labonte* #18 - Bobby Labonte #98 - John Andretti #33 - Ken Schrader #28 - Ernie Irvan #25 - Ricky Craven #44 - Kyle Petty #7 - Geoff Bodine #75 - Rick Mast #2 - Rusty Wallace Failed to qualify: #8 - Hut Stricklin, #22 - Ward Burton, #29 - Jeff Green, #78 - Gary Bradberry, #95 - Ed Berrier The top-5 finishers of this (T. Labonte, B. Labonte, Andretti, Schrader, Irvan) became the first drivers eligible for the Winston No Bull 5 million dollar bonus for next season, meaning that if any of them were to win the 1998 Daytona 500, they would receive an extra $1 million. By winning this race, Terry Labonte became only the second Chevrolet driver to win a race in 1997. Jeff Gordon had all of the other wins for Chevrolet in 1997. This was the last Talladega race to be broadcast by CBS. This would be the first CBS race for Mike Joy as the lap-by-lap broadcaster. AC Delco 400 The AC Delco 400 was originally scheduled to be run on Sunday, October 26 but heavy rain postponed the race to Monday, October 27 at North Carolina Speedway. Bobby Labonte won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN. Top ten results #43 - Bobby Hamilton #88 - Dale Jarrett #25 - Ricky Craven #24 - Jeff Gordon #90 - Dick Trickle #6 - Mark Martin #5 - Terry Labonte #3 - Dale Earnhardt #4 - Sterling Marlin #42 - Joe Nemechek Failed to qualify: #11 - Brett Bodine, #71 - Dave Marcis Dura Lube 500 presented by Kmart The Dura Lube 500 presented by Kmart was held November 2 at Phoenix International Raceway. Bobby Hamilton won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN. Top ten results #88 - Dale Jarrett* #2 - Rusty Wallace #43 - Bobby Hamilton #33 - Ken Schrader #3 - Dale Earnhardt #6 - Mark Martin #30 - Johnny Benson #41 - Steve Grissom #44 - Kyle Petty #7 - Geoff Bodine Failed to qualify: #1 - Morgan Shepherd This was the final Cup Series victory for the Ford Thunderbird, as Ford would switch to the Taurus in 1998. NAPA 500 The 1997 championship season finale was the NAPA 500 held November 16 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Geoff Bodine won the pole at a speed of 197.478 mi/h km/h on, which at the time was the fastest qualifying lap ever run outside of Daytona and Talladega. The race was broadcast on ESPN. Top ten results #18 - Bobby Labonte* #88 - Dale Jarrett* #6 - Mark Martin* #29 - Jeff Green #36 - Derrike Cope #44 - Kyle Petty #43 - Bobby Hamilton #42 - Joe Nemechek #22 - Ward Burton #30 - Johnny Benson Failed to qualify: #8 - Hut Stricklin, #35 - Todd Bodine, #40 - Greg Sacks, #71 - Dave Marcis, #77 - Robert Pressley, #95 - Ed Berrier, #96 - David Green Jeff Gordon entered the race 77-points ahead of Dale Jarrett and 88-points ahead of Mark Martin. Gordon had to finish 18th or better to clinch the championship. During a practice session on Saturday, Gordon was driving down the pit lane, scrubbing his tires to heat them up on what was a cold morning. Gordon lost control and crashed into Bobby Hamilton's parked car. Gordon had to go to a backup car, and qualified all the way back in 37th. Despite Jarrett and Martin finishing 2nd and 3rd while Gordon finished 17th, Gordon ultimately hung on and won the championship by only 14 points over Jarrett and 29 points over Martin, the closest three-way points finish under the Bob Latford 1975 points system. This was Joe Gibbs Racing's only victory of 1997, and their first since switching from Chevrolet to Pontiac. During the summer, the track had been reconfigured from a traditional oval to a quad-shaped oval. Bobby Labonte won the first race on the new 1.54 mile configuration on Atlanta and became the first driver to win on both configurations of the track. NASCAR Thunder Special Suzuka The NASCAR Thunder Special Suzuka was a non points exhibition race held November 23 on the Suzuka Circuit - East Circuit in Japan. Mark Martin won the pole. The race was broadcast on TBS. Top ten results #31 - Mike Skinner #6 - Mark Martin #74 - Randy LaJoie #96 - David Green #21 - Michael Waltrip #09 - Jim Richards #72 - Kenny Wallace #38 - Butch Gilliland #5 - Jack Sprague #7 - Geoff Bodine Bill France Jr. suffered a mild heart attack during the trip to Japan. He recovered to live nearly another ten years. Rain tires were used on Winston Cup cars for the first time ever during qualifying and practice sessions. Final points' standings List of NASCAR points scoring systems Drivers' championship (key) Bold - Pole position awarded by time. Italics - Pole position set by owner's points standings. * – Most laps led. Pos Driver DAY CAR RCH ATL DAR TEX BRI MAR SON TAL CLT DOV POC MCH CAL DAY NHA POC IND GLN MCH BRI DAR RCH NHA DOV MAR CLT TAL CAR PHO ATL Points 1 Jeff Gordon 1 1 4 42 3 30 1 1* 2 5 1 26 1 5 1* 21 23 2 4 1* 2 35 1 3 1* 7 4 5 35 4 17 17 4710 2 Dale Jarrett 23 2* 3* 1* 1* 2 4 16 4 35 27 32* 3 6 8 5 38 1* 3 32 5 1* 3 1 6 5 12 1 21 2 1 2 4696 3 Mark Martin 7* 13 13 6 24 38 5 3 1* 1 3 2 4 3 10 27 5 5 6 5 1* 2 8 25 9 1* 11 4 30 6 6 3 4681 4 Jeff Burton 11 3 42 5 4 1 42 15 9 8 5 3 2 14 30 8 1* 3 15 29 8 4 2 2* 14 11 1 6 14 38 13 34 4285 5 Dale Earnhardt 31 11 25 8 15 6 6 12 12 2* 7 16 10 7 16 4 2 12 29 16 9 14 30 15 8 2 2 3 29 8 5 16 4216 6 Terry Labonte 2 7 7 9 13 4* 3 4 3 6 8 14 9 39 2 2 7 35 40 8 10 7 6 17 41 37 22 11 1* 7 11 21 4177 7 Bobby Labonte 21 14 8 4 5 3 34 8 20 3 6 40 31 9 6 10 27 11 2 37 6 8 7 34 15 4 27 2* 2 11 23 1* 4101 8 Bill Elliott 4 22 15 38 16 11 7 37 32 18 4 8 32 2 32 33 6 10 8 7 7 16 4* 30 11 8 5 7 13 12 15 36 3836 9 Rusty Wallace 41 6 1 31 6 37 2* 5 40 37 2 39 22 29 14 6 3 37 38 3 13 12 43 5 21 16 15* 12 10 18 2* 32 3598 10 Ken Schrader 33 18 35 25 8 18 12 10 31 12 38 6 23 27 34 15 11 14 11 14 14 6 10 14 37 12 9 15 4 30 4 20 3576 11 Johnny Benson 28 27 9 11 10 28 31 17 21 9 15 21 27 10 13 16 18 13 7 11 24 18 19 13 19 28 19 10 19 36 7 10 3575 12 Ted Musgrave 13 12 20 34 2 35 38 24 11 24 23 11 6 4* 4 12 26 4 33 6 3 15 29 9 30 24 21 17 11 32 22 31 3556 13 Jeremy Mayfield 6 16 17 37 17 32 9 7 27 23 28 4 5 12 12 13 17 9 5 15 33 30 16 10 25 23 18 27 26 15 19 19 3547 14 Ernie Irvan 20 9 36 2 21 36 39 31 8 10 13* 30 29 1 37 9 8 40 10* 21 4 41 33 23 2 9 10 18 5 28 18 12 3534 15 Kyle Petty 14 29 10 13 33 27 29 40 13 40 14 5 14 26 31 7 13 8 13 26 23 36 32 20 12 3 26 9 7 22 9 6 3455 16 Bobby Hamilton 15 28 5 10 37 20 13 2 19 31 29 17 39 32 23 20 31 32 20 28 26 22 20 38 3 13 3 21 20 1 3 7 3450 17 Ricky Rudd 9 4 6 30 23 5 27 13 34 11 10 1 21 13 3 34 9 36 1 40 29 19 5 28 42 6 13 41 34 40 36 37 3330 18 Michael Waltrip 32 26 27 7 7 9 21 26 7 14 17 7 13 16 11 35 29 22 39 25 22 25 9 35 32 42 36 24 28 14 26 13 3173 19 Ricky Craven 3 5 14 35 40 22 39 27 37 13 16 18 9 37 16 18 16 17 12 13 31 18 5 41 8 25 6 3* 43 39 3108 20 Jimmy Spencer 35 40 22 32 22 39 15 11 14 7 18 22 19 15 5 31 12 7 24 34 19 27 28 11 7 36 33 42 24 43 14 24 3079 21 Steve Grissom 40 24 11 33 DNQ 10 32 20 17 41 11 24 18 38 17 38 4 30 26 9 25 5 21 12 4 21 40 13 32 24 8 28 3061 22 Geoff Bodine 34 8 2 20 9 14 33 29 44 43 42 8 40 35 DNQ 10 17 DNQ 2 11 9 12 4 16 14 28 43 8 19 10 33 3046 23 John Andretti 25 34 31 15 25 12 24 28 30 4 30 29 40 37 21 1* 14 24 17 20 35 11 37 22 17 15 29 32 3 31 39 22 3019 24 Ward Burton 8 23 24 12 18 7 18 18 10 42 36 34 38* 35 28 26 36 15 19 41 28 17 27 7 23 22 7 8 DNQ 26 42 9 2987 25 Sterling Marlin 5 20 19 23 32 8 20 21 26 39 40 10 15 17 36 3 22 20 43 13 43 10 40 39 39 27 39 20 38 9 27 11 2954 26 Darrell Waltrip 10 32 16 16 11 43 25 9 5 32 21 28 7 24 15 14 33 26 14 18 15 42 26 32 32 32 24 DNQ 37 29 12 40 2942 27 Derrike Cope 36 31 30 DNQ 20 41 16 34 18 13 12 20 11 8 29 28 20 16 41 38 16 32 14 16 26 30 36 33 18 20 16 5 2901 28 Joe Nemechek 27 35 39 39 29 19 19 DNQ 19 19 15 36 41 18 24 40 21 32 12 27 38 23 6 13 20 25 16 31 10 24 8 2754 29 Brett Bodine 18 17 23 18 35 19 10 27 6 33 26 33 25 19 26 23 42 29 18 39 31 31 15 21 33 26 17 30 22 DNQ 33 41 2716 30 Mike Skinner (R) 12 25 26 21 30 22 35 32 16 16 34 9 41 42 33 41 21 6 9 19 30 34 36 29 35 19 31 DNQ 33 23 28 23 2669 31 Dick Trickle 30 19 29 28 DNQ 23 11 30 DNQ 15 33 41 26 23 22 25 25 19 DNQ 39 3 13 19 22 18 42 14 23 5 40 14 2629 32 Rick Mast DNQ 21 18 17 19 31 17 36 DNQ 22 20 12 20 30 41 18 28 25 23 23 38 33 34 26 20 10 23 DNQ 9 42 31 35 2569 33 Kenny Wallace 22 41 40 29 14 13 41 6 36 24 39 27 34 43 DNQ 11 19 34 30 27 32 39 24 24 27 38 6 28 15 37 35 30 2462 34 Hut Stricklin 19 36 32 41 26 33 26 14 29 36 25 19 24 22 42 36 15 23 DNQ 36 36 23 17 27 10 17 16 35 DNQ 25 30 DNQ 2423 35 Lake Speed 24 15 12 22 36 16 36 25 21 24 11 20 29 12 21 29 18 36 18 14 38 36 17 37 26 2301 36 Chad Little DNQ DNQ 34 19 27 26 8 42 DNQ 34 DNQ 31 DNQ 25 19 42 30 28 42 42 42 20 11 40 28 29 35 23 40 16 25 18 2081 37 David Green (R) DNQ 38 33 24 41 DNQ 22 DNQ DNQ 38 16 18 28 28 25 19 24 39 35 22 20 40 37 40 25 20 31 16 27 29 DNQ 2038 38 Morgan Shepherd 29 10 43 3 12 24 28 35 23 28 9 38 12 DNQ 24 32 37 27 DNQ DNQ 40 DNQ DNQ DNQ 31 DNQ 22 12 34 DNQ 27 2033 39 Jeff Green (R) 22 37 35 31 7 DNQ 32 31 25 30 18 21 39 31 38 40 30 29 DNQ 21 32 4 1624 40 Robby Gordon (R) 16 33 28 14 34 34 43 41 41 QL 41 QL 22 34 42 28 4 17 DNQ 22 42 24 33 1495 41 Wally Dallenbach Jr. 42 DNQ DNQ 15 17 35 36 17 20 39 39 38 36 10 41 26 41 41 31 34 37 41 35 DNQ 38 1475 42 Dave Marcis 17 30 37 DNQ 28 15 30 38 25 30 DNQ 25 DNQ 34 40 17 35 41 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 29 34 DNQ DNQ 25 DNQ 34 DNQ 1405 43 Robert Pressley 39 37 21 DNQ 39 DNQ 14 23 DNQ 29 43 39 38 36 27 13 38 DNQ 984 44 Gary Bradberry DNQ DNQ 38 40 38 DNQ 37 DNQ 43 DNQ 31 35 33 DNQ 27 37 25 DNQ 34 35 DNQ 34 DNQ 40 DNQ 42 868 45 Greg Sacks 37 39 DNQ 27 29 40 DNQ 25 42 DNQ 27 DNQ 31 DNQ DNQ 39 39 21 DNQ 778 46 Mike Wallace DNQ DNQ DNQ 26 43 17 DNQ 39 22 DNQ DNQ 23 30 DNQ DNQ DNQ 541 47 Bobby Hillin Jr. 38 42 41 DNQ 42 42 DNQ 33 35 20 DNQ 43 37 DNQ DNQ DNQ 511 48 Lance Hooper DNQ 42 24 34 24 35 33 DNQ 402 49 Kenny Irwin Jr. 8 37 DNQ 20 25 390 50 Billy Standridge DNQ DNQ DNQ 36 DNQ 21 DNQ DNQ DNQ 32 DNQ DNQ 33 DNQ 40 DNQ 42 366 51 Steve Park DNQ 33 DNQ DNQ 41 DNQ 33 41 15 326 52 Todd Bodine 25 42 35 42 QL QL 26 DNQ 310 53 Rick Wilson DNQ 21 21 19 306 54 Jerry Nadeau 36 38 30 39 33 287 55 Ed Berrier DNQ DNQ 23 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 27 28 DNQ 255 56 Kevin Lepage DNQ 40 17 29 231 57 Jeff Purvis 37 38 39 152 58 Loy Allen Jr. 26 43 DNQ 119 59 Ron Barfield Jr. 22 97 60 Butch Gilliland 24 Wth 91 61 Tom Hubert 28 79 62 Phil Parsons 31 70 63 Dorsey Schroeder 31 70 64 Sean Woodside 33 64 65 Rich Bickle 34 61 66 Jeff Davis 37 52 67 Larry Gunselman 38 49 68 Jack Sprague 40 DNQ 43 69 Randy MacDonald DNQ 41 Wth 40 70 Buckshot Jones 43 34 71 Delma Cowart DNQ 72 Norm Benning DNQ 73 Larry Pearson DNQ Wth 74 Mike Miller DNQ 75 Randy LaJoie DNQ 76 H. B. Bailey DNQ 77 Mike Bliss DNQ DNQ 78 R. K. Smith DNQ 79 Gary Smith DNQ 80 Chuck Pruett DNQ 81 Bill McAnally DNQ 82 Scott Gaylord DNQ 83 Wayne Jacks DNQ 84 Rick Scribner DNQ 85 Phil Barkdoll QL DNQ 86 Tim Steele DNQ Wth 87 Ron Hornaday Jr. DNQ 88 A. J. Foyt Wth Pos Driver DAY CAR RCH ATL DAR TEX BRI MAR SON TAL CLT DOV POC MCH CAL DAY NHA POC IND GLN MCH BRI DAR RCH NHA DOV MAR CLT TAL CAR PHO ATL Points NASCAR Rookie of the Year After running the Cup series part-time for a decade, Mike Skinner finally ran a full-time schedule, and walked away with three top-tens and the Rookie of the Year title. His closest runner-up was David Green, despite the fact Green did not finish any higher than sixteenth. Third place was Green's brother Jeff, who came into the season midway with Diamond Ridge Motorsports. The last place finisher was Robby Gordon, who suffered through a tumultuous season with Team SABCO, dealing with injuries and personal disputes. See also 1997 NASCAR Busch Series 1997 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series 1997 NASCAR Winston West Series 1997 NASCAR Goody's Dash Series References External links Winston Cup Standings and Statistics for 1997 Category:NASCAR Cup Series seasons