1996 NASCAR Winston Cup Series

American motorsport season November 2025 March 2016 1996 NASCAR Winston Cup Series 1995 1997 The 1996 NASCAR Winston Cup Series was the 48th season of professional stock car racing in the United States and the 25th modern-era NASCAR Cup series. The season had been started on February 18 at Daytona International Speedway, and ended on November 10 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The season would be remembered for Terry Labonte pulling off a massive upset and winning his second Winston Cup Championship over teammate Jeff Gordon. thumb|alt=Terry Labonte.|The 1996 Winston Cup Champion Terry Labonte thumb|Labonte's teammate Jeff Gordon finished second by 37 points. thumb|Dale Jarrett finished third in the Winston Cup standings. thumb|Johnny Benson, the 1996 NASCAR Rookie of the Year. Pontiac's struggles in 1995 carried over to 1996, scoring just one win in the Dura Lube 500 with Bobby Hamilton. Hamilton was also the only Pontiac driver to finish in the top ten in points standings, placing ninth. Overview The major story heading into 1996 was the 24-year old phenom Jeff Gordon, who won the 1995 NASCAR Winston Cup Championship. The youngest to win the Winston Cup Championship in the modern era (post 1971), Gordon looked to maintain his momentum. Dale Earnhardt, who finished second to Gordon in the point standings, was looking to make history by winning his eighth Winston Cup Championship, breaking a tie with Richard Petty. Other contenders for the Winston Cup Championship include the reigning back-to-back Daytona 500 winner and third-place points finisher Sterling Marlin, two-time runner-up points finisher Mark Martin, former Winston Cup Champions Terry Labonte and Rusty Wallace, and veteran Dale Jarrett. The 1996 season would feature a unique series championship battle between teammates; Jeff Gordon and Terry Labonte of Hendrick Motorsports. While Gordon won ten races to Labonte's two, Labonte was more consistent than Gordon; Labonte averaged a 8.2 race finish while Gordon averaged a 9.5 race finish. This advantage for Labonte would win him a second Winston Cup Championship, edging Gordon by only 37 points. Teams and drivers Complete schedule ManufacturerTeamNo. Car numberRace driverCrew chiefChevroletDarrell Waltrip Motorsports17 Darrell Waltrip Pete PetersonDiamond Ridge Motorsports29 Steve Grissom 14 1-14 Bill Ingle Greg Sacks 6 15-19, 21 Butch Leitzinger 1 20 Chad Little 5 22-26 Jeff Green 2 27-28 Robert Pressley 3 29-31Hendrick Motorsports5 Terry Labonte Gary DeHart24 Jeff Gordon Ray Evernham25 Ken Schrader Phil HammerJoe Gibbs Racing18 Bobby Labonte Jimmy MakarLarry Hedrick Motorsports41 Ricky Craven Charley PressleyLeo Jackson Motorsports33 Robert Pressley 27 1-11, 13-28 Andy Petree Greg Sacks 1 12 Todd Bodine 3 29-31Marcis Auto Racing71 Dave Marcis Terry ShirleyMorgan-McClure Motorsports4 Sterling Marlin Tony GloverNEMCO Motorsports87 Joe Nemechek Jeff BuiceRichard Childress Racing3 Dale Earnhardt David Smith FordElliott-Hardy RacingBill Elliott Racing94 Bill Elliott 24 1-9, 15-19, 21, 23-31 Mike Beam Tommy Kendall 1 10 Todd Bodine 4 11-14 Dorsey Schroeder 1 20 Bobby Hillin Jr. 1 22Bobby Allison Motorsports12 Derrike Cope Jimmy FennigBrett Bodine Racing11 Brett Bodine Donnie RichesonBud Moore Engineering15 Wally Dallenbach Jr. Jimmy MeansButch Mock Motorsports75 Morgan Shepherd Troy SelbergCale Yarborough Motorsports98 Jeremy Mayfield 23 1-23 Tony Furr John Andretti 8 24-31Donlavey Racing90 Mike Wallace 12 1-12 Bob Johnson Dick Trickle 19 13-31FILMAR Racing81 Kenny Wallace Gil MartinGeoff Bodine Racing7 Geoff Bodine Paul Andrews Dave Rezendes 1 10 (Qualified, but was replaced by Bodine for the race)Jasper Motorsports77 Bobby Hillin Jr. Michael McSwainKranefuss-Haas Racing37 John Andretti 23 1-23 Tim Brewer Jeremy Mayfield 8 24-31Melling Racing9 Lake Speed Jim LongPenske Racing South2 Rusty Wallace Robin PembertonRobert Yates Racing28 Ernie Irvan Larry McReynolds88 Dale Jarrett Todd ParrottRoush Racing6 Mark Martin Steve HmielJimmy Fennig16 Ted Musgrave Howard Comstock99 Jeff Burton Buddy ParrottRudd Performance Motorsports10 Ricky Rudd Richard BroomeTravis Carter Enterprises23 Jimmy Spencer Donnie WingoStavola Brothers Racing8 Hut Stricklin Phillipe LopezWood Brothers Racing21 Michael Waltrip Leonard WoodPontiacBahari Racing30 Johnny Benson (R) Doug HewittBill Davis Racing22 Ward Burton Chris HusseyPetty Enterprises43 Bobby Hamilton Robbie LoomisPrecision Products Racing1 Rick Mast Kevin HamlinTeam SABCO42 Kyle Petty 29 1-20, 23-31 William Woodruff Jim Sauter 2 21-22 Limited schedule ManufacturerTeamNo. Car numberRace driverCrew chiefRound(s) ChevroletActive Motorsports 32 Jimmy Hensley 1 5Balough Racing 57 Jim Bown 1 1Barkdoll Racing 73 Tracy Leslie 1 1 Phil Barkdoll 1 9Bradberry Racing 93 Gary Bradberry 1 2Byers Racing 82 Terry Byers 1 29Cicci-Welliver Racing 34 Mike McLaughlin 1 20Dale Earnhardt, Inc. 14 Jeff Green 2 13, 17 Ron Hornaday Jr. 1 21 Robby Gordon Dave Charpentier 1 28JTC Racing 45 Chad Little 1 10Marcis Auto Racing 72 Jim Sauter 1 1Miles Motorsports 02 Robbie Faggart 6 3, 5, 11, 19, 23, 28 Randy Baker 1 31Monroe Motorsports 46 Stacy Compton (R) 4 8, 19, 24, 26Phoenix Racing 44 Jeff Purvis Marc Reno 5 1, 9, 15, 18-19Richard Childress Racing 31 Mike Skinner 5 2, 6, 9, 25, 30Sadler Racing 26 Hermie Sadler 2 11-12Team SABCO 40 Greg Sacks Tony Glover 1 28 Robby Gordon 2 29-30FordA. J. Foyt Enterprises 50 A. J. Foyt 1 19Berrier Racing 60 Ed Berrier 2 23, 29Bill Elliott Racing 91 Ron Barfield Jr. 1 19Campbell Racing 49 Mark Gibson 1 11 Eric Smith 2 19, 25David Blair Motorsports 27 Elton Sawyer Mike Hill 11 1-9, 11, 21 Jason Keller 1 19 Todd Bodine 3 23-24, 28 Ron Barfield Jr. 1 31Geoff Bodine Racing 07 Geoff Bodine 1 10H. L. Waters Racing 0 Delma Cowart 4 1, 9, 11, 28Hover Motorsports 80 Joe Ruttman 1 1O'Neil Racing 65 Steve Seligman 3 1, 4, 9Ranier-Walsh Racing 20 Elton Sawyer 1 31Sadler Brothers Racing 95 Chuck Bown 6 1, 4-6, 9, 11 Gary Bradberry 13 12, 15, 18-19, 22-29, 31Schnell Motorsports 63 Dick Trickle 2 1-2 Ed Berrier 1 11 Mike Wallace 1 19Seligman Racing 57 Steve Seligman 3 11, 15, 19Triad Motorsports 78 Randy MacDonald (R) 12 2-5, 7-8, 11, 13, 16-17, 19, 23 Billy Standridge 4 26, 28-29, 31TriStar Motorsports 19 Loy Allen Jr. Peter Sospenzo 11 1-2, 13-16, 18-19, 23, 28, 31 Dick Trickle 10 3-12 Mike Wallace 1 21 PontiacKen Schrader Racing 52 Jack Sprague 2 30-31Mark Rypien Motorsports 97 Chad Little Harold Holly 7 1, 9, 11, 18, 21, 28, 31Team SABCO 40 Jay Sauter Brad Noffsinger 2 23-24 Greg Sacks Tony Glover 1 31T.R.I.X. Racing 79 Norm Benning 1 29 Schedule No. Race title Track DateBusch ClashDaytona International Speedway, Daytona BeachFebruary 11Gatorade Twin 125sFebruary 151Daytona 500February 182Goodwrench Service 400North Carolina Motor Speedway, RockinghamFebruary 253Pontiac Excitement 400Richmond International Raceway, RichmondMarch 34Purolator 500Atlanta Motor Speedway, HamptonMarch 105TranSouth Financial 400Darlington Raceway, DarlingtonMarch 246Food City 500Bristol Motor Speedway, BristolMarch 317First Union 400North Wilkesboro Speedway, North WilkesboroApril 148Goody's Headache Powder 500Martinsville Speedway, RidgewayApril 219Winston Select 500Talladega Superspeedway, TalladegaApril 2810Save Mart Supermarkets 300Sears Point Raceway, SonomaMay 5Winston OpenCharlotte Motor Speedway, ConcordMay 20The Winston Select11Coca-Cola 600May 2612Miller 500Dover Downs International Speedway, DoverJune 213UAW-GM Teamwork 500Pocono Raceway, Long PondJune 1614Miller 400Michigan Speedway, BrooklynJune 2315Pepsi 400Daytona International Speedway, Daytona BeachJuly 616Jiffy Lube 300New Hampshire International Speedway, LoudonJuly 1417Miller 500Pocono Raceway, Long PondJuly 2118DieHard 500Talladega Superspeedway, TalladegaJuly 2819Brickyard 400Indianapolis Motor Speedway, SpeedwayAugust 320The Bud at The GlenWatkins Glen International, Watkins GlenAugust 1121GM Goodwrench Dealer 400Michigan Speedway, BrooklynAugust 1822Goody's Headache Powder 500Bristol Motor Speedway, BristolAugust 2423Mountain Dew Southern 500Darlington Raceway, DarlingtonSeptember 124Miller 400Richmond International Raceway, RichmondSeptember 725MBNA 500Dover Downs International Speedway, DoverSeptember 1526Hanes 500Martinsville Speedway, RidgewaySeptember 2227Tyson Holly Farms 400North Wilkesboro Speedway, North WilkesboroSeptember 2928UAW-GM Quality 500Charlotte Motor Speedway, ConcordOctober 629AC Delco 400North Carolina Motor Speedway, RockinghamOctober 2030Dura Lube 500Phoenix International Raceway, PhoenixOctober 2731NAPA 500Atlanta Motor Speedway, HamptonNovember 10NASCAR Suzuka Thunder SpecialSuzuka Circuit, SuzukaNovember 24 Races No.RacePole positionMost laps ledWinning driverManufacturer Winning manufacturerBusch ClashRick MastSterling MarlinDale JarrettFordGatorade Twin 125 #1Dale EarnhardtSterling MarlinDale EarnhardtChevroletGatorade Twin 125 #2Ernie IrvanErnie IrvanErnie IrvanFord1Daytona 500Dale EarnhardtTerry LabonteDale JarrettFord2Goodwrench Service 400Terry LabonteTerry LabonteDale EarnhardtChevrolet3Pontiac Excitement 400Terry LabonteBobby HamiltonJeff GordonChevrolet4Purolator 500Johnny Benson Jr.Dale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtChevrolet5TranSouth Financial 400Ward BurtonJeff GordonJeff GordonChevrolet6Food City 500Mark MartinJeff GordonJeff GordonChevrolet7First Union 400Terry LabonteTerry LabonteTerry LabonteChevrolet8Goody's Headache Powder 500Ricky CravenJeff GordonRusty WallaceFord9Winston Select 500Ernie IrvanSterling MarlinSterling MarlinChevrolet10Save Mart Supermarkets 300Terry LabonteRusty WallaceRusty WallaceFordWinston OpenLake SpeedLake SpeedJimmy SpencerFordThe Winston SelectJeff GordonTerry LabonteMichael WaltripFord11Coca-Cola 600Jeff GordonDale JarrettDale JarrettFord12Miller 500Jeff GordonJeff GordonJeff GordonChevrolet13UAW-GM Teamwork 500Jeff GordonJeff GordonJeff GordonChevrolet14Miller 400Bobby HamiltonSterling MarlinRusty WallaceFord15Pepsi 400Jeff GordonSterling MarlinSterling MarlinChevrolet16Jiffy Lube 300Ricky CravenJeff GordonErnie IrvanFord17Miller 500Mark MartinMark MartinRusty WallaceFord18DieHard 500Jeremy MayfieldDale EarnhardtJeff GordonChevrolet19Brickyard 400Jeff GordonJohnny Benson Jr.Dale JarrettFord20The Bud at The GlenDale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtGeoff BodineFord21GM Goodwrench Dealer 400Jeff BurtonMark MartinDale JarrettFord22Goody's Headache Powder 500Mark MartinRusty WallaceRusty WallaceFord23Mountain Dew Southern 500Dale JarrettHut StricklinJeff GordonChevrolet24Miller 400Mark MartinJeff GordonErnie IrvanFord25MBNA 500Bobby LabonteJeff GordonJeff GordonChevrolet26Hanes 500Bobby HamiltonBobby HamiltonJeff GordonChevrolet27Tyson Holly Farms 400Ted MusgraveJeff GordonJeff GordonChevrolet28UAW-GM Quality 500Bobby LabonteTerry LabonteTerry LabonteChevrolet29AC Delco 400Dale JarrettDale JarrettRicky RuddFord30Dura Lube 500Bobby LabonteMark MartinBobby HamiltonPontiac31NAPA 500Bobby LabonteBobby LabonteBobby LabonteChevrolet Busch Clash The Busch Clash is the exhibition race that honors the drivers who won a pole in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series the previous year. Dale Jarrett won his first Busch Clash. Rick Mast won the random draw for the pole. Top ten results #88 - Dale Jarrett #4 - Sterling Marlin #3 - Dale Earnhardt #5 - Terry Labonte #25 - Ken Schrader #10 - Ricky Rudd #6 - Mark Martin #94 - Bill Elliott #24 - Jeff Gordon #16 - Ted Musgrave For the second and final time, the winner of the most poles in the NASCAR Busch Series the previous year was invited to compete, with David Green being the winner both times. Gatorade Twin 125s The Gatorade Twin 125s, qualifying races for the Daytona 500, were held on February 15. Race one top ten results #3 - Dale Earnhardt #4 - Sterling Marlin* #5 - Terry Labonte #88 - Dale Jarrett #15 - Wally Dallenbach Jr. #21 - Michael Waltrip #22 - Ward Burton #6 - Mark Martin #90 - Mike Wallace #23 - Jimmy Spencer Marlin passed Earnhardt on the opening lap but Earnhardt repassed and led the last 22 laps. Bobby Labonte flipped over on the backstretch after being tagged by Brett Bodine. Race two top ten results #28 - Ernie Irvan* #25 - Ken Schrader #37 - John Andretti #24 - Jeff Gordon #10 - Ricky Rudd #75 - Morgan Shepherd #98 - Jeremy Mayfield #99 - Jeff Burton #27 - Elton Sawyer #16 - Ted Musgrave Irvan led wire-to-wire with Schrader alongside in the final lap. Daytona 500 1996 Daytona 500 Top ten results: #88 - Dale Jarrett* #3 - Dale Earnhardt #25 - Ken Schrader #6 - Mark Martin #99 - Jeff Burton #15 - Wally Dallenbach Jr. #16 - Ted Musgrave #94 - Bill Elliott #10 - Ricky Rudd #21 - Michael Waltrip This was Dale Jarrett's second career Daytona 500 victory. Both of those victories saw Dale Earnhardt finish second to Jarrett. When the white flag was displayed, play-by-play analyst Ken Squier gave the privileges to color analyst Ned Jarrett so he can call the final lap solo and lead his son on to the victory, as he did in 1993. Goodwrench Service 400 The Goodwrench Service 400 was held on February 25 at North Carolina Speedway. Terry Labonte won the pole. Top ten results #3 - Dale Earnhardt* #88 - Dale Jarrett #41 - Ricky Craven #10 - Ricky Rudd #29 - Steve Grissom #4 - Sterling Marlin #81 - Kenny Wallace #12 - Derrike Cope, 1 lap down #87 - Joe Nemechek, 1 lap down #1 - Rick Mast, 2 laps down Failed to qualify: #27 - Elton Sawyer, #78 - Randy MacDonald, #93 - Gary Bradberry, #63 - Dick Trickle Loy Allen crashed with a flat tire on lap 172, suffering neck injuries that forced him to sit out until June. Dale Earnhardt and Bobby Hamilton traded the lead three times in three laps when Earnhardt punted Hamilton in Turn 4 on lap 343. Hamilton scraped the wall and later crashed because of damage from the earlier scrape. Jeff Gordon finished 40th after suffering a blown engine, resulting in Gordon finishing 40th or worse in the first two races of the season. Pontiac Excitement 400 The Pontiac Excitement 400 was run on March 3 at Richmond International Raceway. Terry Labonte won the pole. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon #88 - Dale Jarrett #16 - Ted Musgrave #99 - Jeff Burton #6 - Mark Martin #43 - Bobby Hamilton #2 - Rusty Wallace #5 - Terry Labonte #10 - Ricky Rudd #94 - Bill Elliott Failed to qualify: #78 - Randy MacDonald, #02 - Robbie Faggart, #19 - Dick Trickle Entering this race, Terry Labonte was 30th in the points standings, despite leading the most laps at Daytona and Rockingham, while Jeff Gordon was 43rd. After this race they were 17th and 27th, respectively. Purolator 500 The Purolator 500 was run on March 10 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Johnny Benson won the pole, but started in the back after crashing in Happy Hour. Top ten results #3 - Dale Earnhardt* #5 - Terry Labonte #24 - Jeff Gordon #28 - Ernie Irvan #98 - Jeremy Mayfield #25 - Ken Schrader #23 - Jimmy Spencer, 1 lap down #10 - Ricky Rudd, 1 lap down #21 - Michael Waltrip, 1 lap down #94 - Bill Elliott, 1 lap down Failed to qualify: #65 - Steve Seligman, #78 - Randy MacDonald, #99 - Jeff Burton* Jeff Burton failing to qualify sparked a lot of controversy, as he was 2nd in the points standings going into this race. Provisionals for the first 4 races defaulted from 1995 driver and owner points, and he missed the field due to the Roush Racing #99 car being a new team for 1996. As a result, Burton fell from 2nd to 14th in the standings, and never reentered the top-10 in points for the rest of the season. This would be Dale Earnhardt's last Cup Series victory until the 1998 Daytona 500. TranSouth Financial 400 The TranSouth Financial 400 was run on March 24 at Darlington Raceway. Ward Burton won the pole. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon #18 - Bobby Labonte #41 - Ricky Craven #2 - Rusty Wallace #5 - Terry Labonte #6 - Mark Martin #16 - Ted Musgrave #75 - Morgan Shepherd, 1 lap down #10 - Ricky Rudd, 1 lap down #99 - Jeff Burton, 1 lap down Failed to qualify: #95 - Chuck Bown, #78 - Randy MacDonald, #02 - Robbie Faggart, #32 - Jimmy Hensley Food City 500 The Food City 500 was run on March 31 at Bristol International Raceway. Mark Martin won the pole. The race was shortened to 342 laps due to rain. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon #5 - Terry Labonte #6 - Mark Martin #3 - Dale Earnhardt #2 - Rusty Wallace #88 - Dale Jarrett #18 - Bobby Labonte, 1 lap down #19 - Dick Trickle, 1 lap down #41 - Ricky Craven, 1 lap down #21 - Michael Waltrip, 2 laps down Failed to qualify: #90 - Mike Wallace, #37 - John Andretti, #30 - Johnny Benson, #71 - Dave Marcis, #77 - Bobby Hillin Jr., #95 - Chuck Bown There were 3 red flags during the race. Prior to the first red flag, Bill Elliott crashed on lap 321 prior to the caution for rain. After the race resumed following a 1-hour rain delay, Darrell Waltrip crashed and spilled fuel, which caused another stoppage on lap 335. Moments after the race resumed, more rain came down. With dusk settling in, the rain continued and the race was stopped. Final race at this track under the name Bristol International Raceway. First Union 400 The First Union 400 was run on April 14 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Terry Labonte won the pole. Top ten results #5 - Terry Labonte* #24 - Jeff Gordon #3 - Dale Earnhardt #33 - Robert Pressley #4 - Sterling Marlin #28 - Ernie Irvan, 1 lap down #41 - Ricky Craven, 1 lap down #43 - Bobby Hamilton, 2 laps down #25 - Ken Schrader, 2 laps down #18 - Bobby Labonte, 2 laps down Failed to qualify: #71 - Dave Marcis, #78 - Randy MacDonald, #90 - Mike Wallace, #22 - Ward Burton, #77 - Bobby Hillin Jr. Terry Labonte tied Richard Petty's record streak of 513 consecutive Winston Cup Series starts. Labonte's car carried a special silver "Ironman" paint scheme for this race and the following weekend at Martinsville. Goody's Headache Powder 500 The Goody's Headache Powder 500 was run on April 21 at Martinsville Speedway. Ricky Craven won the pole. Top ten results #2 - Rusty Wallace* #28 - Ernie Irvan #24 - Jeff Gordon #98 - Jeremy Mayfield #3 - Dale Earnhardt #43 - Bobby Hamilton, 1 lap down #25 - Ken Schrader, 2 laps down #18 - Bobby Labonte, 2 laps down #16 - Ted Musgrave, 2 laps down #4 - Sterling Marlin, 2 laps down Failed to qualify: #78 - Randy MacDonald, #27 - Elton Sawyer, #29 - Steve Grissom, #19 - Dick Trickle, #77 - Bobby Hillin Jr., #15 - Wally Dallenbach Jr., #22 - Ward Burton This was Rusty Wallace's fourth consecutive victory in the Martinsville spring race, the only driver in history to accomplish this feat. By starting this race, Terry Labonte achieved 514 consecutive Cup Series starts, breaking the record held by Richard Petty. Winston Select 500 The Winston Select 500 was run on April 28 at Talladega Superspeedway. Ernie Irvan won the pole. Top 10 results #4 - Sterling Marlin* #88 - Dale Jarrett #3 - Dale Earnhardt #5 - Terry Labonte #21 - Michael Waltrip #29 - Steve Grissom #33 - Robert Pressley #16 - Ted Musgrave #37 - John Andretti #30 - Johnny Benson Failed to qualify: #73 - Phil Barkdoll, #65 - Steve Seligman, #77 - Bobby Hillin Jr., #0 - Delma Cowart, #97 - Chad Little Controversy developed before the race; after winning the pole, Ernie Irvan's Ford was taken to a flatbed-mounted chassis dynamometer and "driven" by Gary Nelson to check horsepower; the engine was over-revved and subsequently damaged beyond repair. Sterling Marlin's Chevrolet was supposed to be tested as well but the chassis dyno failed to produce a horsepower figure and the test was scrapped. Several reporters in the garage area questioned Nelson on the test and crew chief Larry McReynolds got into a heated dispute with Nelson over the test. Irvan struggled in the race and later crashed out. In an interview afterwards, Irvan stated "It's all a result of what happened on Friday when (NASCAR) blew our motor up." Two major accidents marred the race: Bill Elliott suffered a broken femur after going airborne and landing driver side-first in a single-car crash on lap 77. Then Ricky Craven sustained compression fractures in his back, a concussion, and multiple bruises when his car flipped into the catch fence in a 14-car pileup on lap 131. The race was red-flagged for clean-up and fence repairs. Bob Jenkins, ESPN's lap-by-lap announcer, was so shocked by the crash that he said "Oh shit!" over the raw satellite feed when Craven's car was flipping. Elliott's broken leg forced him to miss the next five races, while Craven's injuries derailed what had been a successful 1996 campaign, as he entered this race 4th in points, and would fall to 20th by season's end. Sterling Marlin won by passing the entire field on three separate occasions after pit stops. Save Mart Supermarkets 300 The Save Mart Supermarkets 300 was run on May 5 at Sears Point Raceway. Terry Labonte won the pole. Top ten results #2 - Rusty Wallace #6 - Mark Martin #15 - Wally Dallenbach Jr. #3 - Dale Earnhardt #5 - Terry Labonte #24 - Jeff Gordon #10 - Ricky Rudd #25 - Ken Schrader #18 - Bobby Labonte #22 - Ward Burton Failed to qualify: #07 - Geoff Bodine*, #45 - Chad Little, #20 - Mark Krogh, #03 - Joe Bean, #58 - Wayne Jacks, #02 - Bill McAnally, #07W - Lance Hooper Geoff Bodine replaced Dave Rezendes in the #7 in the race. Tommy Kendall and Ron Hornaday Jr. served as relief drivers for Bill Elliott and Ricky Craven respectively, as they were both still recovering from injuries suffered at Talladega. The Winston Select 1996 The Winston Select The Winston Select was the 2nd exhibition race of the season, run on May 18 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Lake Speed won the pole for the Open, while Jeff Gordon won the pole for the main race. The top-5 finishers from the open would transfer to the main event. Top ten results (Open) #23 - Jimmy Spencer #9 - Lake Speed #8 - Hut Stricklin #99 - Jeff Burton #21 - Michael Waltrip #30 - Johnny Benson Jr. #11 - Brett Bodine #75 - Morgan Shepherd #43 - Bobby Hamilton #29 - Steve Grissom Top ten results #21 - Michael Waltrip* #2 - Rusty Wallace #3 - Dale Earnhardt #6 - Mark Martin #5 - Terry Labonte #10 - Ricky Rudd #28 - Ernie Irvan #24 - Jeff Gordon #88 - Dale Jarrett #4 - Sterling Marlin Harry Gant came out of retirement for this race to sub for Bill Elliott who was recovering from the injuries he suffered at Talladega in April. Michael Waltrip's victory made him the first driver to win the Winston Select after transferring from the Open, and the first driver to win it before winning his first Cup Series points race. Coca-Cola 600 1996 Coca-Cola 600 The Coca-Cola 600 was run on May 26 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole. Top ten results #88 - Dale Jarrett #3 - Dale Earnhardt #5 - Terry Labonte #24 - Jeff Gordon #25 - Ken Schrader, 1 lap down #4 - Sterling Marlin, 1 lap down #6 - Mark Martin, 1 lap down #21 - Michael Waltrip, 1 lap down #28 - Ernie Irvan, 2 laps down #7 - Geoff Bodine, 2 laps down Failed to qualify: #78 - Randy MacDonald, #63 - Ed Berrier, #26 - Hermie Sadler, #49 - Mark Gibson, #02 - Robbie Faggart, #0 - Delma Cowart, #57 - Steve Seligman Johnny Benson was knocked unconscious briefly when his Pontiac hit the turn two wall then slid into the path of Ricky Craven, who blasted through the rear deck of his car at full speed. Miller 500 (Dover) The Miller 500 was run on June 2 at Dover Downs International Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon #5 - Terry Labonte #3 - Dale Earnhardt #28 - Ernie Irvan #18 - Bobby Labonte, 1 lap down #23 - Jimmy Spencer, 1 lap down #2 - Rusty Wallace, 1 lap down #10 - Ricky Rudd, 1 lap down #99 - Jeff Burton, 1 lap down #25 - Ken Schrader, 1 lap down Failed to qualify: none Team SABCO arrived at Dover with Kyle Petty's #42 Pontiac painted in the same black and silver paint scheme as Dale Earnhardt's #3 Chevrolet, with the motto "Todo es justo en amor y carreras" ("All's fair in love and careers") written on the door behind the number. The scheme was an act of protest against a rough driving penalty served against Petty for an incident in the previous race at Charlotte, with the team claiming that Earnhardt did a similar move on Bobby Hamilton at Rockingham in February and didn't get penalized, accusing NASCAR of giving Earnhardt special treatment. Petty started 15th and finished 18th, with the car returning to its normal Coors Light scheme the next week. UAW-GM Teamwork 500 The UAW-GM Teamwork 500 was run on June 16 at Pocono Raceway. Jeff Gordon won the pole. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon #10 - Ricky Rudd #7 - Geoff Bodine #6 - Mark Martin #43 - Bobby Hamilton #75 - Morgan Shepherd #5 - Terry Labonte #23 - Jimmy Spencer #99 - Jeff Burton #94 - Todd Bodine* Failed to qualify: #71 - Dave Marcis Todd Bodine was subbing for Bill Elliott, who was still recovering from his broken femur at Talladega. Dale Earnhardt Inc. made its Cup Series debut in this race, fielding the #14 Chevrolet driven by Jeff Green. Green started 33rd and finished 36th. Miller 400 (Michigan) The Miller 400 was run on June 23 at Michigan Speedway. Bobby Hamilton won the pole. Top ten results #2 - Rusty Wallace #5 - Terry Labonte #4 - Sterling Marlin #23 - Jimmy Spencer #28 - Ernie Irvan #24 - Jeff Gordon #6 - Mark Martin #16 - Ted Musgrave #3 - Dale Earnhardt #88 - Dale Jarrett Failed to qualify: none Pepsi 400 The Pepsi 400 was run on July 6 at Daytona International Speedway. Jeff Gordon started on the pole. The race was shortened to 117 laps due to rain. Top ten results #4 - Sterling Marlin #5 - Terry Labonte #24 - Jeff Gordon #3 - Dale Earnhardt #28 - Ernie Irvan #88 - Dale Jarrett #21 - Michael Waltrip #25 - Ken Schrader #11 - Brett Bodine #23 - Jimmy Spencer Failed to qualify: #57 - Steve Seligman Bill Elliott returned in this race from his broken femur suffered back at Talladega. Morning rain delayed the start for 3 hours. Jiffy Lube 300 The Jiffy Lube 300 was run on July 14 at New Hampshire International Speedway. Ricky Craven won the pole. Top ten results #28 - Ernie Irvan* #88 - Dale Jarrett #10 - Ricky Rudd #99 - Jeff Burton #33 - Robert Pressley #5 - Terry Labonte #2 - Rusty Wallace #25 - Ken Schrader #30 - Johnny Benson #21 - Michael Waltrip Failed to qualify: #19 - Loy Allen Jr. This was Ernie Irvan's first Cup Series victory since his comeback from near-fatal injuries at Michigan in 1994. Miller 500 (Pocono) The Miller 500 was run on July 21 at Pocono Raceway. Mark Martin won the pole. Top ten results #2 - Rusty Wallace #10 - Ricky Rudd #88 - Dale Jarrett #28 - Ernie Irvan #30 - Johnny Benson #4 - Sterling Marlin #24 - Jeff Gordon #9 - Lake Speed #6 - Mark Martin #12 - Derrike Cope Failed to qualify: none DieHard 500 1996 DieHard 500 The DieHard 500 was run on July 28 at Talladega Superspeedway. Jeremy Mayfield won the pole. The race started late due to rain delays, and was shortened to 129 laps due to darkness. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon #88 - Dale Jarrett #6 - Mark Martin #28 - Ernie Irvan #23 - Jimmy Spencer #7 - Geoff Bodine #99 - Jeff Burton #18 - Bobby Labonte #17 - Darrell Waltrip #2 - Rusty Wallace Failed to qualify: #97 - Chad Little On lap 117, contact from Ernie Irvan sent Dale Earnhardt and Sterling Marlin head-on into the tri-oval wall, causing an 11-car pileup. Earnhardt's car flipped over, and took two hits to the roof from Derrike Cope and Robert Pressley. Earnhardt suffered a broken collarbone and sternum in the crash while Marlin suffered several contusions. This was the last NASCAR Cup Series points race televised on tape delay. CBS moved away from its live coverage during the rain delay in order to show the final round of the Senior PGA Tour Ameritech Senior Open. The race aired flag to flag on tape delay the following week. This was the last Talladega race to be run in July. Starting in 1997, the race would be held in October, where temperatures would be cooler and the weather more suitable. Brickyard 400 The Brickyard 400 was run on August 3 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole. Top ten results #88 - Dale Jarrett #28 - Ernie Irvan #5 - Terry Labonte #6 - Mark Martin #75 - Morgan Shepherd #10 - Ricky Rudd #2 - Rusty Wallace #30 - Johnny Benson #1 - Rick Mast #94 - Bill Elliott Failed to qualify: #91 - Ron Barfield Jr., #27 - Jason Keller, #78 - Randy MacDonald, #46 - Stacy Compton, #02 - Robbie Faggart, #50 - A. J. Foyt, #57 - Steve Seligman, #44 - Jeff Purvis, #19 - Loy Allen Jr., #49 - Erik Smith, #63 - Mike Wallace Mike Skinner served as a relief driver for Dale Earnhardt, who was recovering from injuries suffered at Talladega. Skinner took over the car during the first caution and finished 15th. A violent crash occurred on lap 38 when Kyle Petty blew his right front tire and hit the turn 4 wall. Petty drifted into the path of Sterling Marlin, who hit Petty on the driver's side. Petty's car bounced into the wall again, just in front of Mark Martin who barely managed to get by, then sped across the track and hard into the inside barrier. Petty escaped with minor injuries. During the weekend, a fight erupted in the garage area between Ernie Irvan and Sterling Marlin and some crewmen from Morgan-McClure Motorsports over the crash at Talladega the previous weekend. Some of Marlin's crew had posted signs in the garage area deriding Irvan and mocking his eyesight. The Bud at The Glen The Bud at The Glen was run on August 11 at Watkins Glen International. Dale Earnhardt won the pole with a new track record of 120.733 mph while driving with the injuries suffered 2 weeks earlier. When asked what he thought of the lap, he was quoted as saying "It hurt so good." Top ten results #7 - Geoff Bodine #5 - Terry Labonte #6 - Mark Martin #24 - Jeff Gordon #18 - Bobby Labonte #3 - Dale Earnhardt* #21 - Michael Waltrip #87 - Joe Nemechek #75 - Morgan Shepherd #15 - Wally Dallenbach Jr. Failed to qualify: #34 - Mike McLaughlin This was Geoff Bodine's final Cup Series victory, and his first since October 1994, breaking a 55-race winless streak. This was the last pole position for Dale Earnhardt. David Green was on standby by to relieve Dale Earnhardt during the race, but Earnhardt decided to complete the full race, eventually finishing 6th. Dorsey Schroeder replaced an injured Bill Elliott in Elliott's #94 car for this race. Elliott would serve as a guest commentator on ESPN's coverage until lap 54. Todd Bodine ended up relieving Kyle Petty, as Petty was recovering from injuries suffered at Indianapolis. GM Goodwrench Dealer 400 The GM Goodwrench Dealer 400 was run on August 18 at Michigan Speedway. Jeff Burton won the pole. Top ten results #88 - Dale Jarrett #6 - Mark Martin #5 - Terry Labonte #28 - Ernie Irvan #24 - Jeff Gordon #18 - Bobby Labonte #30 - Johnny Benson #10 - Ricky Rudd #99 - Jeff Burton #23 - Jimmy Spencer Failed to qualify: #14 - Ron Hornaday Jr., #27 - Elton Sawyer Goody's Headache Powder 500 (Bristol) The Goody's Headache Powder 500 was run on August 24 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mark Martin won the pole. Top ten results #2 - Rusty Wallace #24 - Jeff Gordon #6 - Mark Martin #88 - Dale Jarrett #5 - Terry Labonte #21 - Michael Waltrip #23 - Jimmy Spencer #22 - Ward Burton #10 - Ricky Rudd #43 - Bobby Hamilton Failed to qualify: #77 - Bobby Hillin Jr. Mountain Dew Southern 500 The Mountain Dew Southern 500 was run on September 1 at Darlington Raceway. Dale Jarrett won the pole. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon #8 - Hut Stricklin* #6 - Mark Martin #25 - Ken Schrader, 1 lap down #37 - John Andretti, 1 lap down #18 - Bobby Labonte, 1 lap down #28 - Ernie Irvan, 1 lap down #4 - Sterling Marlin, 1 lap down #94 - Bill Elliott, 1 lap down #9 - Lake Speed, 1 lap down Failed to qualify: #78 - Randy MacDonald, #87 - Joe Nemechek, #40 - Jay Sauter, #02 - Robbie Faggart Dale Jarrett had the chance to win the Winston Million if he won this race. Jarrett's run ended on lap 47 after hitting the wall due to oil on the track. Jarrett finished 2 laps down in 14th. Hut Stricklin led the most laps in the race and was in position for his first career Winston Cup victory in his 217th start, but Jeff Gordon passed Stricklin for the lead on the backstretch on lap 353 and proceeded to win by over 5 seconds. John Andretti and Jeremy Mayfield switched teams after this race, with Mayfield moving to the Kranefuss-Haas Racing #37, and Andretti moving to the Cale Yarborough Motorsports #98. Miller 400 (Richmond) The Miller 400 was run on September 7 at Richmond International Raceway. Mark Martin won the pole. Top ten results #28 - Ernie Irvan #24 - Jeff Gordon #99 - Jeff Burton #88 - Dale Jarrett #5 - Terry Labonte #2 - Rusty Wallace #43 - Bobby Hamilton #12 - Derrike Cope #6 - Mark Martin #30 - Johnny Benson Failed to qualify: #46 - Stacy Compton, #40 - Jay Sauter, #95 - Gary Bradberry MBNA 500 The MBNA 500 was run on September 15 at Dover Downs International Speedway. Bobby Labonte won the pole. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon #2 - Rusty Wallace #88 - Dale Jarrett #18 - Bobby Labonte #6 - Mark Martin #1 - Rick Mast #22 - Ward Burton #42 - Kyle Petty #21 - Michael Waltrip #43 - Bobby Hamilton Failed to qualify: #49 - Eric Smith A fight broke out between Jimmy Spencer and Wally Dallenbach Jr. after a multi-car crash on lap 456. Spencer got out of his car, ran over to Dallenbach's, and tried to punch Dallenbach through the window net. Spencer had to be restrained by a Winston Cup official. Another fight occurred in the garage area when Derrike Cope crashed and was assaulted by crew chief Larry McReynolds over an earlier wreck that eliminated Ernie Irvan. As the cars stopped on pit road after the race a third fight occurred as Kyle Petty and Michael Waltrip got into an argument. Hanes 500 The Hanes 500 was run on September 22 at Martinsville Speedway. Bobby Hamilton won the pole. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon #5 - Terry Labonte #43 - Bobby Hamilton #1 - Rick Mast #98 - John Andretti #75 - Morgan Shepherd #7 - Geoff Bodine #42 - Kyle Petty #6 - Mark Martin, 1 lap down #81 - Kenny Wallace, 1 lap down Failed to qualify: #12 - Derrike Cope, #11 - Brett Bodine, #29 - Chad Little, #22 - Ward Burton, #78 - Billy Standridge, #95 - Gary Bradberry This is the fastest Martinsville race in NASCAR history, with an average speed of 82.223 mph. Tyson Holly Farms 400 1996 Tyson Holly Farms 400 The Tyson Holly Farms 400 was run on September 29 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Ted Musgrave won the pole. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon #3 - Dale Earnhardt #88 - Dale Jarrett #99 - Jeff Burton #5 - Terry Labonte #1 - Rick Mast #10 - Ricky Rudd #43 - Bobby Hamilton #6 - Mark Martin #2 - Rusty Wallace Failed to qualify: #22 - Ward Burton, #90 - Dick Trickle, #95 - Gary Bradberry This was the final NASCAR race at North Wilkesboro Speedway until 2023, which closed down after the race, and the last Cup Series points race at the track until 2026. It was the only track other than Martinsville that NASCAR had been running at since NASCAR's first full season in 1949. 10th and final win of 1996 for Jeff Gordon. Jeff Gordon became the 1st driver since Rusty Wallace in 1993 to score 10 victories in a single season. As of today, Jeff Gordon is the most recent driver in NASCAR to score a top 5 finish on all short track races in a single season. This was the final race until New Hampshire in September 2007 that had every car running at the finish. Only 37 cars started this race. It was the last Cup Series race in which fewer than 40 cars started until Atlanta in February 2016.https://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/cup/story/_/id/14857631/nascar-atlanta-field-39-cars-coming-short Field of 39 cars at Atlanta smallest in nearly 20 years Bob Pockrass ESPN.com February 27, 2016 February 27, 2016 UAW-GM Quality 500 The UAW-GM Quality 500 was run on October 6 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Bobby Labonte won the pole. Top ten results #5 - Terry Labonte* #6 - Mark Martin #88 - Dale Jarrett #4 - Sterling Marlin #41 - Ricky Craven #3 - Dale Earnhardt #22 - Ward Burton #2 - Rusty Wallace #21 - Michael Waltrip #94 - Bill Elliott Failed to qualify: #87 - Joe Nemechek, #95 - Gary Bradberry, #71 - Dave Marcis, #02 - Robbie Faggart, #0 - Delma Cowart Ernie Irvan escaped serious injury on lap 210 when he spun in turn two, clipped Robby Gordon, then got slammed into by John Andretti while Gordon hit the inside concrete wall with enough force to dislodge it. With Terry Labonte winning and Jeff Gordon finishing 31st, Gordon's championship lead over Labonte went from 111 points to just 1 point. AC Delco 400 The AC Delco 400 was run on October 20 at North Carolina Motor Speedway. Dale Jarrett won the pole. Top ten results #10 - Ricky Rudd #88 - Dale Jarrett #5 - Terry Labonte* #28 - Ernie Irvan #99 - Jeff Burton #18 - Bobby Labonte #6 - Mark Martin #2 - Rusty Wallace #3 - Dale Earnhardt #23 - Jimmy Spencer Failed to qualify: #60 - Ed Berrier, #79 - Norm Benning, #82 - Terry Byers Terry Labonte finished 3rd while Jeff Gordon finished 12th, allowing Labonte to take the points lead from Gordon, and he would hold it for the rest of the season. Dura Lube 500 The Dura Lube 500 was run on October 27 at Phoenix International Raceway. Bobby Labonte won the pole. Top ten results #43 - Bobby Hamilton* #6 - Mark Martin #5 - Terry Labonte* #16 - Ted Musgrave #24 - Jeff Gordon #7 - Geoff Bodine #28 - Ernie Irvan #88 - Dale Jarrett #18 - Bobby Labonte #17 - Darrell Waltrip Failed to qualify: #20 - Mark Krogh, #00 - Scott Gaylord, #35 - Larry Gunselman, #38 - Rich Woodland, #03 - Joe Bean, #02 - Bill McAnally This was Bobby Hamilton's first career Cup Series victory, and the first for Petty Enterprises since 1983. 44 cars started the race, the last Cup race to date to have more than 43 starters. Terry Labonte finished ahead of Jeff Gordon, extending his points lead to 47 points over Gordon going into the finale at Atlanta. NAPA 500 1996 NAPA 500 The NAPA 500 was run on November 10 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Bobby Labonte won the pole. Top ten results #18 - Bobby Labonte #88 - Dale Jarrett #24 - Jeff Gordon #3 - Dale Earnhardt #5 - Terry Labonte* #43 - Bobby Hamilton #6 - Mark Martin #10 - Ricky Rudd #99 - Jeff Burton #2 - Rusty Wallace Failed to qualify: #12 - Derrike Cope, #37 - Jeremy Mayfield, #90 - Dick Trickle, #81 - Kenny Wallace, #27 - Ron Barfield Jr., #42 - Kyle Petty Terry Labonte finished just two positions behind Jeff Gordon, enough to clinch the 1996 Winston Cup championship by 37 points. This was Labonte's second championship, and his first since 1984, twelve years earlier, making this was the longest time span between 1st and 2nd championships for any driver in NASCAR history. Ross Perot Jr. was the grand marshal for this race. NASCAR Suzuka Thunder Special NASCAR Thunder Special Suzuka The NASCAR Suzuka Thunder Special was a non-points exhibition race ran on November 23 at Suzuka Circuit - East Circuit. Rusty Wallace won the pole. This was the first ever NASCAR race in Japan. Top ten results #2 - Rusty Wallace #3 - Dale Earnhardt #24 - Jeff Gordon #5 - Terry Labonte #15 - Wally Dallenbach Jr. #30 - Johnny Benson #77 - Bobby Hillin Jr. #31 - Mike Skinner #61 - Rick Carelli #38 - Butch Gilliland NASCAR legend Elmo Langley was intended to drive the pace car for this race, but suffered a massive heart attack 2 days prior in the pace car when trying to get familiar with the course. Langley was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died at the age of 68. Results and 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. Position Driver DAY CAR RCH ATL DAR BRI NWS MAR TAL SON CLT DOV POC MCH DAY NHA POC TAL IND GLN MCH BRI DAR RCH DOV MAR NWS CLT CAR PHO ATL Pts 1 Terry Labonte 24* 34* 8 2 5 2 1* 24 4 5 3 2 7 2 2 6 16 24 3 2 3 5 26 5 21 2 5 1* 3 3 5 4657 2 Jeff Gordon 42 40 1 3 1* 1* 2 3* 33 6 4 1* 1* 6 3 34* 7 1 37 4 5 2 1 2* 1* 1 1* 31 12 5 3 4620 3 Dale Jarrett 1 2 2 11 15 6 11 29 2 12 1* 36 38 10 6 2 3 2 1 24 1 4 14 4 3 16 3 3 2* 8 2 4568 4 Dale Earnhardt 2 1 31 1* 14 4 3 5 3 4 2 3 32 9 4 12 14 28* 15 6* 17 24 12 20 16 15 2 6 9 12 4 4327 5 Mark Martin 4 32 5 26 6 3 37 21 34 2 7 40 4 7 11 33 9* 3 4 3 2* 3 3 9 5 9 9 2 7 2* 7 4278 6 Ricky Rudd 9 4 9 8 9 14 15 23 28 7 15 8 2 31 33 3 2 37 6 34 8 9 16 12 34 35 7 13 1 14 8 3845 7 Rusty Wallace 16 22 7 36 4 5 33 1 30 1* 34 7 31 1 31 7 1 10 7 33 39 1* 38 6 2 36 10 8 8 40 10 3717 8 Sterling Marlin 40 6 11 13 11 18 5 10 1* 15 6 41 11 3* 1* 29 6 29 39 11 33 18 8 21 17 31 11 4 13 27 15 3682 9 Bobby Hamilton 20 24 6* 16 16 32 8 6 11 17 31 21 5 15 16 20 39 17 31 38 13 10 19 7 10 3* 8 19 28 1 6 3639 10 Ernie Irvan 35 14 38 4 33 16 6 2 31 42 9 4 39 5 5 1 4 4 2 35 4 36 7 1 36 12 36 37 4 7 36 3632 11 Bobby Labonte 17 33 23 31 2 7 10 8 24 9 22 5 41 12 40 31 37 8 24 5 6 32 6 11 4 21 13 40 6 9 1* 3590 12 Ken Schrader 3 29 14 6 28 29 9 7 20 8 5 10 18 16 8 8 15 26 16 25 15 13 4 13 22 30 18 29 23 35 30 3540 13 Jeff Burton 5 13 4 DNQ 10 23 29 22 16 26 18 9 9 17 14 4 35 7 11 21 9 37 31 3 40 11 4 11 5 31 9 3538 14 Michael Waltrip 10 35 36 9 29 10 17 17 5 22 8 11 14 32 7 10 13 42 28 7 25 6 33 14 9 14 12 9 14 16 11 3535 15 Jimmy Spencer 11 27 29 7 32 13 31 19 40 21 17 6 8 4 10 17 24 5 12 19 10 7 23 30 30 19 20 16 10 18 14 3476 16 Ted Musgrave 7 31 3 18 7 25 12 9 8 23 30 13 19 8 13 11 19 36 21 12 23 12 29 15 33 20 19 17 18 4 31 3466 17 Geoff Bodine 34 39 33 23 22 19 19 27 26 40 10 30 3 21 34 15 11 6 20 1 12 39 21 17 11 7 30 20 15 6 26 3218 18 Rick Mast 28 10 19 34 19 12 14 15 15 19 12 35 28 18 20 13 30 41 9 27 16 35 22 19 6 4 6 15 38 38 13 3190 19 Morgan Shepherd 31 37 32 30 8 30 27 20 43 24 29 32 6 11 15 22 17 14 5 9 11 19 24 23 18 6 14 23 29 17 28 3133 20 Ricky Craven 13 3 17 12 3 9 7 12 36 31 37 14 17 29 22 26 20 19 34 36 18 21 42 28 35 26 22 5 22 34 35 3078 21 Johnny Benson (R) 23 20 37 38 24 DNQ 24 25 10 18 38 17 25 37 25 9 5 18 8* 15 7 28 11 10 24 17 17 14 40 32 27 3004 22 Hut Stricklin 22 30 39 25 20 11 16 31 22 13 28 34 29 27 19 23 32 34 18 37 26 20 2* 24 38 25 16 25 11 30 17 2854 23 Lake Speed 14 25 18 41 25 35 35 11 42 16 35 26 34 19 29 24 8 30 13 17 32 16 10 31 13 28 25 12 35 28 19 2834 24 Brett Bodine 32 28 25 24 27 20 23 18 23 20 24 24 40 22 9 16 27 22 22 14 28 14 28 25 27 DNQ 23 28 16 26 21 2814 25 Wally Dallenbach Jr. 6 23 40 20 37 24 28 DNQ 12 3 19 22 12 13 12 18 33 32 17 10 34 25 25 33 29 22 34 33 36 15 40 2786 26 Jeremy Mayfield 19 19 28 5 18 21 20 4 32 32 41 12 15 30 27 36 12 16 25 22 20 17 37 29 15 34 28 43 34 44 DNQ 2721 27 Kyle Petty 18 11 20 22 12 15 30 30 18 30 23 18 20 38 24 28 26 12 38 23 17 18 8 8 31 41 25 29 DNQ 2696 28 Kenny Wallace 21 7 15 37 17 34 18 14 14 27 32 20 37 33 38 19 36 20 33 31 37 15 13 38 20 10 15 30 19 37 DNQ 2694 29 Darrell Waltrip 29 16 27 32 34 26 25 16 21 14 13 39 30 25 26 37 40 9 40 18 22 11 32 22 39 23 27 42 21 10 37 2657 30 Bill Elliott 8 15 10 10 13 28 21 13 41 37 14 21 13 10 14 INQ4 9 16 28 18 21 10 32 21 20 2627 31 John Andretti 38 38 12 21 40 DNQ 34 36 9 11 27 33 16 24 23 40 23 39 19 26 31 38 5 36 14 5 24 39 26 19 24 2621 32 Robert Pressley 30 26 16 27 36 17 4 34 7 34 33 33 23 17 5 25 31 30 30 41 33 27 26 32 32 33 32 37 36 33 2485 33 Ward Burton 26 41 13 15 38 33 DNQ DNQ 27 10 11 16 35 35 41 25 22 33 36 32 35 8 40 37 7 DNQ DNQ 7 17 22 12 2411 34 Joe Nemechek 39 9 34 17 31 31 36 26 13 41 25 25 21 36 18 35 34 15 27 8 27 34 DNQ 39 25 27 26 DNQ 24 25 34 2391 35 Derrike Cope 41 8 22 35 39 22 13 28 29 39 14 23 27 40 42 38 10 27 14 16 24 29 34 8 31 DNQ 37 18 39 43 DNQ 2374 36 Dick Trickle 43 DNQ DNQ 14 35 8 22 DNQ 19 29 20 28 26 39 28 27 18 38 23 39 38 26 36 27 23 13 DNQ 35 31 20 DNQ 2131 37 Bobby Hillin Jr. DNQ 18 26 28 41 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 43 26 29 13 14 32 21 38 35 26 29 19 22 18 32 12 24 35 36 33 39 16 2128 38 Dave Marcis 15 21 35 29 23 DNQ DNQ 35 39 33 40 31 DNQ 26 36 39 28 11 35 28 40 27 30 34 26 29 29 DNQ 30 24 25 2047 39 Steve Grissom 27 5 21 39 26 27 26 DNQ 6 25 16 42 22 34 1188 40 Todd Bodine QL1 36 15 10 20 15 35 21 20 11 32 991 41 Mike Wallace 37 17 24 33 21 DNQ DNQ 32 38 44 39 19 29 799 42 Greg Sacks 27 39 30 29 25 32 30 24 18 710 43 Elton Sawyer 25 DNQ 30 19 30 37 32 DNQ 37 21 DNQ 23 705 44 Chad Little 33 DNQ DNQ 43 DNQ 36 23 20 40 41 DNQ 22 22 627 45 Loy Allen Jr. 36 36 23 28 30 DNQ 21 41 34 39 603 46 Gary Bradberry DNQ 38 35 23 29 30 35 DNQ 37 DNQ DNQ DNQ 27 38 591 47 Mike Skinner 12 36 17 19 13 529 48 Jeff Purvis 12 35 21 40 DNQ 328 49 Jeff Green 36 41 32 26 247 50 Randy MacDonald (R) DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 24 32 31 DNQ DNQ 228 51 Billy Standridge DNQ 27 41 29 198 52 Jim Sauter DNQ 21 31 170 53 Chuck Bown DNQ 40 DNQ DNQ 25 42 168 54 Jack Sprague 23 42 136 55 Dorsey Schroeder 13 129 56 Stacy Compton (R) 33 DNQ DNQ 33 128 57 Robby Gordon 38 42 42 123 58 Butch Leitzinger 20 103 59 Jeff Krogh 35 41 98 60 Tommy Kendall 28 84 61 Lance Hooper DNQ 33 64 62 Larry Gunselman 36 DNQ 55 63 Rich Woodland Jr. 37 DNQ 52 64 Hermie Sadler DNQ 37 52 65 Scott Gaylord 38 DNQ 49 66 Ed Berrier DNQ 39 DNQ 46 67 Randy Baker 41 40 Pos Driver DAY CAR RCH ATL DAR BRI NWS MAR TAL SON CLT DOV POC MCH DAY NHA POC TAL IND GLN MCH BRI DAR RCH DOV MAR NWS CLT CAR PHO ATL Pts Steve Seligman DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ Tracy Leslie DNQ Delma Cowart DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ Jim Bown DNQ Joe Ruttman DNQ Robbie Faggart DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ Jimmy Hensley DNQ Phil Barkdoll DNQ Mark Krogh DNQ DNQ Joe Bean DNQ DNQ Wayne Jacks DNQ Bill McAnally DNQ DNQ Mark Gibson DNQ Ron Barfield Jr. QL3 DNQ DNQ Jason Keller DNQ A. J. Foyt DNQ Eric Smith DNQ Mike McLaughlin DNQ Ron Hornaday Jr. DNQ Jay Sauter DNQ DNQ Norm Benning DNQ Terry Byers DNQ Dave Rezendes QL2 Pos Driver DAY CAR RCH ATL DAR BRI NWS MAR TAL SON CLT DOV POC MCH DAY NHA POC TAL IND GLN MCH BRI DAR RCH DOV MAR NWS CLT CAR PHO ATL Pts1At Rockingham, Geoff Bodine had his younger brother Todd qualify his No. 7 car, as Geoff Bodine had suffered broken ribs from a crash in the previous race, which was the 1996 Daytona 500.2Geoff Bodine failed to qualify car No. 07 at Sonoma, but his Craftsman Truck driver Dave Rezendes timed in 23rd in the No. 7. Team owner Geoff Bodine drove the qualified entry, his regular car, in the race.3Ron Barfield Jr. qualified the No. 94 of the injured Bill Elliott at Michigan for Todd Bodine who was competing in the Busch Series' race at Myrtle Beach.4Bobby Hillin Jr. failed to qualify his regular ride at Bristol, but filled in for Bill Elliott who was still feeling effects from a crash earlier in the year at Talladega. Owners' championship (key) Bold - Pole position awarded by time. Italics - Pole position set by owner's points standings. * – Most laps led. Pos1997 NASCAR Preview & Press Guide, p.52. Car Owner Drivers DAY CAR RCH ATL DAR BRI NWS MAR TAL SON CLT DOV POC MCH DAY NHA POC TAL IND GLN MCH BRI DAR RCH DOV MAR NWS CLT CAR PHO ATL Points 1 5 Hendrick Motorsports T. Labonte 24* 34* 8 2 5 2 1* 24 4 5 3 2 7 2 2 6 16 24 3 2 3 5 26 5 21 2 5 1* 3 3 5 4657 2 24 Hendrick Motorsports J. Gordon 42 40 1 3 1* 1* 2 3* 33 6 4 1* 1* 6 3 34* 7 1 37 4 5 2 1 2* 1* 1 1* 31 12 5 3 4620 3 88 Robert Yates Racing Jarrett 1 2 2 11 15 6 11 29 2 12 1* 36 38 10 6 2 3 2 1 24 1 4 14 4 3 16 3 3 2* 8 2 4568 4 3 Richard Childress Racing Earnhardt 2 1 31 1* 14 4 3 5 3 4 2 3 32 9 4 12 14 28* 15 6* 17 24 12 20 16 15 2 6 9 12 4 4327 5 6 Roush Racing Martin 4 32 5 26 6 3 37 21 34 2 7 40 4 7 11 33 9* 3 4 3 2* 3 3 9 5 9 9 2 7 2* 7 4278 6 10 Rudd Performance Motorsports Rudd 9 4 9 8 9 14 15 23 28 7 15 8 2 31 33 3 2 37 6 34 8 9 16 12 34 35 7 13 1 14 8 3845 7 2 Penske Racing South R. Wallace 16 22 7 36 4 5 33 1 30 1* 34 7 31 1 31 7 1 10 7 33 39 1* 38 6 2 36 10 8 8 40 10 3717 8 4 Morgan-McClure Motorsports Marlin 40 6 11 13 11 18 5 10 1* 15 6 41 11 3* 1* 29 6 29 39 11 33 18 8 21 17 31 11 4 13 27 15 3682 9 43 Petty Enterprises Hamiliton 20 24 6* 16 16 32 8 6 11 17 31 21 5 15 16 20 39 17 31 38 13 10 19 7 10 3* 8 19 28 1 6 3639 10 28 Robert Yates Racing Irvan 35 14 38 4 33 16 6 2 31 42 9 4 39 5 5 1 4 4 2 35 4 36 7 1 36 12 36 37 4 7 36 3632 11 18 Joe Gibbs Racing B. Labonte 17 33 23 31 2 7 10 8 24 9 22 5 41 12 40 31 37 8 24 5 6 32 6 11 4 21 13 40 6 9 1* 3590 12 99 Roush Racing J. Burton 5 13 4 DNQ 10 23 29 22 16 26 18 9 9 17 14 4 35 7 11 21 9 37 31 3 40 11 4 11 5 31 9 3575 13 25 Hendrick Motorsports Schrader 3 29 14 6 28 29 9 7 20 8 5 10 18 16 8 8 15 26 16 25 15 13 4 13 22 30 18 29 23 35 30 3540 14 21 Wood Brothers Racing M. Waltrip 10 35 36 9 29 10 17 17 5 22 8 11 14 32 7 10 13 42 28 7 25 6 33 14 9 14 12 9 14 16 11 3535 15 23 Travis Carter Enterprises Jimmy Spencer 11 27 29 7 32 13 31 19 40 21 17 6 8 4 10 17 24 5 12 19 10 7 23 30 30 19 20 16 10 18 14 3476 16 16 Roush Racing Musgrave 7 31 3 18 7 25 12 9 8 23 30 13 19 8 13 11 19 36 21 12 23 12 29 15 33 20 19 17 18 4 31 3466 17 94 Elliott-Hardy Racing Kendall 28 3347 T. Bodine 36 15 10 20 Elliott 8 15 10 10 13 28 21 13 41 37 14 Bill Elliott Racing 21 13 10 14 9 16 28 18 21 10 32 21 20 Schroeder 13 Hillin Jr. 22 18 7 Geoff Bodine Racing G. Bodine 34 39 33 23 22 19 19 27 26 40 10 30 3 21 34 15 11 6 20 1 12 39 21 17 11 7 30 20 15 6 26 3218 19 1 Precision Products Racing Mast 28 10 19 34 19 12 14 15 15 19 12 35 28 18 20 13 30 41 9 27 16 35 22 19 6 4 6 15 38 38 13 3190 20 75 Butch Mock Motorsports Shepherd 31 37 32 30 8 30 27 20 43 24 29 32 6 11 15 22 17 14 5 9 11 19 24 23 18 6 14 23 29 17 28 3133 21 41 Larry Hedrick Motorsports Craven 13 3 17 12 3 9 7 12 36 31 37 14 17 29 22 26 20 19 34 36 18 21 42 28 35 26 22 5 22 34 35 3078 22 30 Bahari Racing Benson 23 20 37 38 24 DNQ 24 25 10 18 38 17 25 37 25 9 5 18 8* 15 7 28 11 10 24 17 17 14 40 32 27 3047 23 98 Cale Yarborough Motorsports Mayfield 19 19 28 5 18 21 20 4 32 32 41 12 15 30 27 36 12 16 25 22 20 17 37 3016 Andretti 36 14 5 24 39 26 19 24 24 42 Team SABCO Petty 18 11 20 22 12 15 30 30 18 30 23 18 20 38 24 28 26 12 38 23 17 18 8 8 31 41 25 29 DNQ 2885 Jim Sauter 21 31 25 11 Brett Bodine Racing B. Bodine 32 28 25 24 27 20 23 18 23 20 24 24 40 22 9 16 27 22 22 14 28 14 28 25 27 DNQ 23 28 16 26 21 2863 26 8 Stavola Brothers Racing Stricklin 22 30 39 25 20 11 16 31 22 13 28 34 29 27 19 23 32 34 18 37 26 20 2* 24 38 25 16 25 11 30 17 2854 27 9 Melling Racing Speed 14 25 18 41 25 35 35 11 42 16 35 26 34 19 29 24 8 30 13 17 32 16 10 31 13 28 25 12 35 28 19 2834 28 15 Bud Moore Engineering Dallenbach Jr. 6 23 40 20 37 24 28 DNQ 12 3 19 22 12 13 12 18 33 32 17 10 34 25 25 33 29 22 34 33 36 15 40 2823 29 81 FILMAR Racing K. Wallace 21 7 15 37 17 34 18 14 14 27 32 20 37 33 38 19 36 20 33 31 37 15 13 38 20 10 15 30 19 37 DNQ 2719 30 33 Leo Jackson Motorsports Sacks 27 2696 Pressley 30 26 16 27 36 17 4 34 7 34 33 33 23 17 5 25 31 30 30 41 33 27 26 32 32 33 Andy Petree Racing 32 T. Bodine 20 11 32 31 17 Darrell Waltrip Motorsports D. Waltrip 29 16 27 32 34 26 25 16 21 14 13 39 30 25 26 37 40 9 40 18 22 11 32 22 39 23 27 42 21 10 37 2657 32 22 Bill Davis Racing W. Burton 26 41 13 15 38 33 DNQ DNQ 27 10 11 16 35 35 41 25 22 33 36 32 35 8 40 37 7 DNQ DNQ 7 17 22 12 2577 33 12 Bobby Allison Motorsports Cope 41 8 22 35 39 22 13 28 29 39 14 23 27 40 42 38 10 27 14 16 24 29 34 8 31 DNQ 37 18 39 43 DNQ 2460 34 87 NEMCO Motorsports Nemechek 39 9 34 17 31 31 36 26 13 41 25 25 21 36 18 35 34 15 27 8 27 34 DNQ 39 25 27 26 DNQ 24 25 34 2453 35 29 Diamond Ridge Motorsports Grissom 27 5 21 39 26 27 26 DNQ 6 25 16 42 22 34 2414 Sacks 39 30 29 25 32 30 Leitzinger 20 Little 23 20 40 41 DNQ Green 32 26 Pressley 37 36 33 36 37 Kranefuss-Haas Racing Andretti 38 38 12 21 40 DNQ 34 36 9 11 27 33 16 24 23 40 23 39 19 26 31 38 5 2403 Mayfield 29 15 34 28 43 34 44 DNQ 37 77 Jasper Motorsports Hillin Jr. DNQ 18 26 28 41 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 43 26 29 13 14 32 21 38 35 26 29 19 DNQ 18 32 12 24 35 36 33 39 16 2238 38 90 Donlavey Racing M. Wallace 37 17 24 33 21 DNQ DNQ 32 38 44 39 19 2204 Trickle 26 39 28 27 18 38 23 39 38 26 36 27 23 13 DNQ 35 31 20 DNQ 39 71 Marcis Auto Racing Marcis 15 21 35 29 23 DNQ DNQ 35 39 33 40 31 DNQ 26 36 39 28 11 35 28 40 27 30 34 26 29 29 DNQ 30 24 25 2198 40 19 TriStar Motorsports Allen Jr. 36 36 23 28 30 DNQ 21 Wth 41 34 39 1578 Trickle DNQ 14 35 8 22 DNQ 19 29 20 28 M. Wallace 29 41 27 David Blair Motorsports Sawyer 25 DNQ 30 19 30 37 32 DNQ 37 21 DNQ 1074 Keller DNQ T. Bodine 15 35 21 Barfield Jr. DNQ 42 95 Sadler Brothers Racing C. Bown DNQ 40 DNQ DNQ 25 42 1000 Bradberry 38 35 23 29 30 35 DNQ 37 DNQ DNQ DNQ 27 38 43 78 Triad Motorsports MacDonald DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 24 32 31 DNQ DNQ 802 Standridge DNQ 27 41 29 44 31 Richard Childress Racing Skinner 12 36 17 19 13 529 45 97 Mark Rypien Racing Little 33 DNQ 43 DNQ 36 22 22 400 46 44 Phoenix Racing Purvis 12 35 21 40 DNQ 359 47 40 Team Sabco Sacks 24 18 339 R. Gordon 42 42 Jay Sauter DNQ DNQ 48 02 Miles Motorsports Faggart DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 199 Baker 41 49 46 Monroe Motorsports Compton 33 DNQ DNQ 33 196 50 14 Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Green 36 41 178 Hornaday Jr. DNQ R. Gordon 38 51 52 Hendrick Motorsports Sprague 23 42 136 52 101 Excel Motorsports J. Krogh 35 41 98 53 20 Ranier-Walsh Racing Sawyer 23 94 54 63 Schnell Motorsports Trickle 43 DNQ 90 Berrier DNQ M. Wallace Wth 55 26 Sadler Racing Sadler DNQ 37 77 56 137 Olson Technology Racing Gunselman 36 DNQ 77 57 60 Berrier Racing Berrier 39 DNQ 74 58 107 Golden West Motorsports Hooper DNQ 33 74 59 100 Oliver Racing Gaylord 38 DNQ 74 60 138 Woodland Racing Woodland Jr. 37 DNQ 71 Pos Car Owner Drivers DAY CAR RCH ATL DAR BRI NWS MAR TAL SON CLT DOV POC MCH DAY NHA POC TAL IND GLN MCH BRI DAR RCH DOV MAR NWS CLT CAR PHO ATL Points Rookie of the Year Johnny Benson was the only rookie to make a full-time run in the 1996 season, making him the 1996 Rookie of the Year. Benson ended the year with one top 5, six top 10s, and one pole. Randy MacDonald and Stacy Compton made attempts at the award as well, but did not run enough times to catch Benson. See also 1996 NASCAR Busch Series 1996 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series 1996 NASCAR Winston West Series References External links Winston Cup Standings and Statistics for 1996 https://web.archive.org/web/20090404153341/http://www.racing-reference.info/raceyear?yr=1996&series=W April 4, 2009 Category:NASCAR Cup Series seasons