1995 NASCAR Winston Cup Series

American motorsport season February 2025 November 2025 1995 NASCAR Winston Cup Series 1994 1996 The 1995 NASCAR Winston Cup Series was the 47th season of professional stock car racing in the United States and the 24th modern-era Cup series season. The season began on February 12 in Daytona Beach and concluded on November 12 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. Jeff Gordon of Hendrick Motorsports won his first career championship. thumb|The 1995 Winston Cup Champion Jeff Gordon thumb|Dale Earnhardt finished second behind Gordon by 34 points. thumb|Sterling Marlin finished third in the championship. thumb|Ricky Craven, the Winston Cup Rookie of the Year. Overview The major story heading into the 1995 season was Dale Earnhardt's attempt to make history. After winning his seventh Winston Cup Championship in 1994, Earnhardt tied Richard Petty's record for Cup Championships. Going into the 1995 season, Earnhardt had won four of the last five Winston Cup points titles, and was considered the favorite to win his eighth in 1995. Mark Martin, who finished second in the points to Earnhardt, was still considered a strong contender for the title. Former Winston Cup Champions Terry Labonte, Bill Elliott and Rusty Wallace were in the mix as well. As the season progressed, the race for the series championship became a battle between the seven-time Winston Cup Champ Earnhardt, veteran journeyman and back-to-back Daytona 500 winner Sterling Marlin and the ascending Jeff Gordon. The majority of the spotlight soon shifted on the 24-year-old Gordon. Gordon, who had won two of 1994’s biggest races (Coca-Cola 600 and the Inaugural Brickyard 400), visited victory lane in three of the first six races of 1995. Gordon would become the most consistent driver of the season. During one stretch of the season, he rattled off 14 straight top ten finishes, winning four times during that stretch. Despite a late season challenge by Earnhardt, Gordon would win the season's championship by 34 points. In doing so, he became the youngest Winston Cup Champion of the modern era (post 1971). Gordon made light of this at the season ending banquet, toasting Earnhardt with a glass of milk instead of champagne. However, there were several other major stories in 1995. 1995 saw the Lumina, which had been Chevrolet's official car in NASCAR since the 1989 Winston 500, being replaced by the new Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The Monte Carlo would prove to be the dominant car in 1995, winning 21 of the season's 31 races. After winning each of the season's first seven races, NASCAR gave advantages to the two other makes: Ford and Pontiac. In contrast to its GM counterpart, Pontiac continued to struggle. The manufacturer won only twice in 1995, and did not have a single driver in the top ten in points (12th place Michael Waltrip was the highest). Goodyear was the sole tire supplier in 1995, after winning the "tire war" against Hoosier. Despite three wins in 1994 with driver/owner Geoff Bodine, Hoosier decided to leave NASCAR after the 1994 season. Its reasoning, according to Hoosier president Bob Newton, was "to concentrate our efforts in short track racing, which remains our bread and butter." 1995 changes Robert Yates Racing: After a practice crash at Michigan International Speedway in August 1994, Ernie Irvan spent the rest of the 1994 season recuperating from his injuries. While Irvan continued to make great progress in his recovery, it was becoming clear that he would have to sit out the 1995 season. Thus, RYR began to search for a new driver to take over the #28 Ford. After securing a buyout from his contract at Joe Gibbs Racing, it was announced that Dale Jarrett would be the driver for 1995. Joe Gibbs Racing: After the departure of Dale Jarrett, Joe Gibbs Racing was forced to find a new driver for the #18 Chevy. With encouragement from General Motors, JGR signed Bobby Labonte, who left Bill Davis Racing, Elliott-Hardy Racing: After struggling the last two years driving for Junior Johnson, Bill Elliott formed his own team for 1995, sharing ownership with Georgia businessman Charles Hardy. Elliott would reunite with brothers Ernie and Dan, with whom he had great success during his time at Melling Racing. Elliott selected 94 as the number for his Ford and McDonald's as his sponsor. The number had been used by Bill's nephew Casey Elliott, before Casey was diagnosed with cancer (Casey would ultimately lose his battle with the disease in 1996). Junior Johnson: For 1995, Johnson was forced to look for new drivers and sponsors for both of his cars. Budweiser, the long time sponsor of the #11, left to sponsor the #25 at Hendrick Motorsports and Bill Elliott took the sponsor of the #27, McDonald's, to his new team. For the #11 team, Johnson replaced driver Elliott with Brett Bodine and got sponsorship from Lowe's. For the #27 car, sophomore Loy Allen Jr. took over for Jimmy Spencer with sponsorship from Hooters. Before the April Bristol race, Allen left the team. Various drivers drove the #27 for the rest of 1995; the majority of starts went to veteran Busch Series driver Elton Sawyer. King Racing: Bodine would be replaced by sprint car legend Steve Kinser. Kinser, who had won 14 World of Outlaws championships, had limited exposure to stock car racing; his only experience had been in the IROC series. After failing to qualify for the spring races at Bristol and North Wilkesboro, Kinser and the team mutually split. Kinser returned to the WoO series, while Hut Stricklin was hired to replace him in the 26 car. Larry Hedrick Motorsports: LHM was left without a driver and sponsor for 1995. Former Busch Grand National Series Champion Joe Nemechek left to start his own team, Rookie Ricky Craven would drive the #41 Chevy. Craven won the Rookie of the Year award in 1995. Diamond Ridge Motorsports: Former Busch Grand National champ Steve Grissom would return for a second Cup season. NEMCO Motorsports: As he had done en route to the 1992 Busch Grand National Series Championship, Joe Nemechek formed his own team in 1995. Leo Jackson Motorsports: Harry Gant called it a career after the 1994 season. BGN series regular Robert Pressley would replace Gant in the Skoal Bandit Chevy, and would also compete for Rookie of the Year for 1995. Bill Davis Racing: BDR found itself in a similar position to many teams, needing to replace both a driver (Bobby Labonte) and a sponsor. BDR hoped to find success with manufacturer Pontiac with driver Randy LaJoie. However, the combo experienced lackluster results, and LaJoie was fired in July. After going through several drivers, Davis settled on Ward Burton, who had been let go from the Alan Dillard Jr. owned team earlier in the year. Burton shocked the stock car world by winning his first career Cup Series race at the North Carolina Motor Speedway in October. LaJoie would also find success, winning the Busch Grand National Title in 1996 and 1997. Melling Racing: After running part-time for the last three seasons, Melling returned to full-time competition in 1995. Mississippian Lake Speed was hired to be driver and general manager of the team. Bud Moore: After Lake Speed left the team at the end of 1994, Bud Moore hired short track legend (and Sportscenter favorite) Dick Trickle to drive the #15 Ford. Travis Carter Motorsports: After struggling during the 1994 season, the team parted ways with driver Hut Stricklin. He would be replaced by Jimmy Spencer, who had won two races driving for Junior Johnson in 1994. Petty Enterprises: John Andretti, who had replaced Wally Dallenbach Jr. midway through 1994, did not return in 1995. Replacing Andretti would be Tennessee driver Bobby Hamilton. SABCO Racing: After Hamilton left for Petty Enterprises, owner Felix Sabates hired Greg Sacks to drive the #40 Pontiac. After a dismal 14-race stint, Sacks was let go. Several drivers took the reins of the #40, with most of the duties going to Rich Bickle. Sabates' other car, the #42 driven by Kyle Petty, had new colors for 1995. Jasper Motorsports: Owner D. K. Ulrich hired veteran open wheel and sports car driver Davy Jones to pilot the #77 Ford. Bobby Hillin Jr. replaced Jones beginning at the June Dover race. Kranefuss-Haas Racing: After racing part-time in 1994, the team co-owned by Michael Kranefuss and Carl Haas went full-time in 1995. Former CART driver John Andretti was selected to drive the #37 Ford. Teams and drivers Complete schedule ManufacturerTeamNo. Car numberRace DriverCrew ChiefChevroletDarWal Inc. 17 Darrell Waltrip Pete PetersonDiamond Ridge Motorsports 29 Steve Grissom Bryant FrazierHendrick Motorsports 5 Terry Labonte Gary DeHart 24 Jeff Gordon Ray Evernham 25 Ken Schrader Ken HowesJoe Gibbs Racing 18 Bobby Labonte Jimmy MakarLarry Hedrick Motorsports 41 Ricky Craven (R) Rick RenLeo Jackson Motorsports 33 Robert Pressley (R) Charley PressleyMarcis Auto Racing 71 Dave Marcis Bob MarcisMorgan-McClure Motorsports 4 Sterling Marlin Tony GloverNEMCO Motorsports 87 Joe Nemechek Mike BoerschingerRichard Childress Racing 3 Dale Earnhardt Andy PetreeFordBobby Allison Motorsports 12 Derrike Cope Jimmy FennigBud Moore Engineering 15 Dick Trickle Donnie WingoButch Mock Motorsports 75 Todd Bodine Troy SelbergCale Yarborough Motorsports 98 Jeremy Mayfield Tony FurrDonlavey Racing 90 Mike Wallace Junie DonlaveyElliott-Hardy Racing 94 Bill Elliott Tony Gibson 20 1–20 Mike Beam 11 21–31Geoff Bodine Racing 7 Geoff Bodine Paul AndrewsJasper Motorsports 77 Davy Jones (R) 11 1-11 Paul Wise Bobby Hillin Jr. 20 12-31Junior Johnson & Associates 11 Brett Bodine Dean Combs 27 Loy Allen Jr. 6 1-6 Mike Hill Jeff Purvis 1 7 Elton Sawyer 22 8-12, 14, 16-31 Jimmy Horton 1 13 Greg Sacks 1 15King Racing 26 Steve Kinser (R) 7 1-7 Richard Broome Hut Stricklin 24 8-31Kranefuss-Haas Racing 37 John Andretti Tim BrewerMelling Racing 9 Lake Speed Peter SospenzoPenske Racing South 2 Rusty Wallace Robin PembertonPrecision Products Racing 1 Rick Mast Kevin HamlinRobert Yates Racing 28 Dale Jarrett Larry McReynoldsRoush Racing 6 Mark Martin Steve Hmiel 16 Ted Musgrave Howard ComstockRudd Performance Motorsports 10 Ricky Rudd Bill IngleTravis Carter Enterprises 23 Jimmy Spencer Cecil GordonStavola Brothers Racing 8 Jeff Burton Donnie RichesonWood Brothers Racing 21 Morgan Shepherd Eddie WoodPontiacBahari Racing 30 Michael Waltrip Doug HewittBill Davis Racing 22 Randy LaJoie (R) 14 1-14 Chris Hussey Jimmy Hensley 6 15-19, 21 Wally Dallenbach Jr. 1 20 Ward Burton 10 22-31Dick Brooks Racing 40 Greg Sacks 14 1-14 Jeff Hammond Andy Hillenburg 1 15 Rich Bickle 10 16-17, 19, 21-23, 25-28 Randy LaJoie (R) 1 18 Butch Leitzinger 1 20 Shane Hall 4 24, 29-31Petty Enterprises 43 Bobby Hamilton Robbie LoomisTeam SABCO 42 Kyle Petty Keith Simmons Limited schedule ManufacturerTeamNo. Car numberRace driverCrew chiefRound(s)ChevroletActive Motorsports 32 Mike Chase Doug Williams 1 1 Jimmy Hensley 4 2-4, 22 Chuck Bown 11 5-8, 11-16, 18 Greg Sacks 8 19, 21, 26-31 Ed Berrier 2 23-24 Michael Ritch 1 25A. G. Dillard Motorsports 31 Ward Burton Philippe Lopez 21 1-21 Greg Sacks4 22-25 Jimmy Hensley 3 26-28 Gary Bradberry (R) 2 29, 31Canaska Racing 68 Ron Fellows 1 20Hendrick Motorsports 58 Jeff Purvis Phil Hammer 1 31 59 Jack Sprague 1 31JTC Racing 45 Ron Hornaday Jr. 1 30O'Neil Racing 65 Steve Seligman 5 1, 9, 15, 18-19Parker Racing 72 Tracy Leslie 1 21Phoenix Racing 44 Jeff Purvis Marc Reno 11 1, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14-15, 18-19, 28, 31 51 Kerry Teague 1 1Marcis Auto Racing 72 Jim Sauter 1 1Russell Racing 70 Alan Russell 1 29Skillen Racing 14 Richard Brickhouse 1 29Waters Racing 79 Doug French 2 12-13Bradberry Racing 93 Gary Bradberry (R) 3 14, 21, 23 88 1 28FordRobert Yates Racing Ernie Irvan Todd Parrott 4 27, 29-31A. J. Foyt Enterprises 50 A. J. Foyt 2 19, 30Barkdoll Racing 73 Phil Barkdoll 1 1Bill Strait Motorsports 68 Bob Strait 1 1Byers Racing 82 Terry Byers (R) 2 1, 17CPR Motorsports 99 Shawna Robinson 1 1Cunningham Racing 67 Ken Bouchard 2 1, 4FILMAR Racing 81 Kenny Wallace Gil Martin 20 1-5, 7-9, 11-12, 14-15, 17, 19, 21-22, 24, 26, 28, 30H. L. Waters Racing 0 Delma Cowart 6 1, 9, 15, 18, 28, 31Hover Motorsports 80 Joe Ruttman 2 1, 19H. S. Die Racing Team 02 Tim Steele 1 21Mark Rypien Motorsports 97 Chad Little Gary Cogswell 5 1, 11, 18, 28, 30Petty Brothers Racing 53 Ritchie Petty 2 1, 9Means Racing 52 Gary Bradberry (R) 4 1-4 Brad Teague 3 5-6, 23 Randy MacDonald 1 7 62 Ronnie Sanders 1 1Moroso Racing 20 Bobby Hillin Jr. 2 1, 11Norm Benning Racing 84 Norm Benning 1 29Phoenix Air Racing 61 David Murry 1 20RaDiUs Motorsports 66 Ben Hess Sandy Jones 4 1-4 Butch Miller 1 6 67 Terry Fisher 1 25 Johnny Chapman 1 11 76 1 4Sadler Brothers Racing 95 Doug Heveron 1 1 Jimmy Hensley 1 11 Loy Allen Jr. 2 19, 21Smith Racing 49 Eric Smith 5 3, 16, 20, 24, 31Johnson Standridge Racing 47 Billy Standridge 8 1-7, 9 66 5 19, 23, 25, 28, 31Triad Motorsports 78 Jay Hedgecock Tex Powell 6 3, 7-8, 24, 27, 29 Pancho Carter 3 4, 13, 19 Hut Stricklin 1 6TriStar Motorsports 19 Phil Parsons 4 1-2, 4-5 Loy Allen Jr. 11 9, 11-12, 15, 18-19, 21, 23, 28-29, 31Ultra Motorsports 08 Mike Bliss 1 30PontiacHagan Racing 14 Randy MacDonald 2 1, 17Hylton Motorsports 48 James Hylton 2 1-2Virtue Racing 99 Danny Sullivan 1 19 Schedule No. Race title Track Date NetworkBusch ClashDaytona International Speedway, Daytona BeachFebruary 12CBSGatorade Twin 125sFebruary 16CBS1Daytona 500February 19CBS2Goodwrench 500North Carolina Motor Speedway, RockinghamFebruary 26TNN3Pontiac Excitement 400Richmond International Raceway, RichmondMarch 5TBS4Purolator 500Atlanta Motor Speedway, HamptonMarch 12ABC5TranSouth Financial 400Darlington Raceway, DarlingtonMarch 26ESPN6Food City 500Bristol International Raceway, BristolApril 2ESPN7First Union 400North Wilkesboro Speedway, North WilkesboroApril 9ESPN8Hanes 500Martinsville Speedway, RidgewayApril 23ESPN9Winston Select 500Talladega Superspeedway, TalladegaApril 30ESPN10Save Mart Supermarkets 300Sears Point Raceway, SonomaMay 7ESPNWinston OpenCharlotte Motor Speedway, ConcordMay 20TNNThe Winston Select11Coca-Cola 600May 28TBS12Miller Genuine Draft 500Dover Downs International Speedway, DoverJune 4TNN13UAW-GM Teamwork 500Pocono International Raceway, Long PondJune 11TNN14Miller Genuine Draft 400Michigan International Speedway, BrooklynJune 18CBS15Pepsi 400Daytona International Speedway, Daytona BeachJuly 1ESPN16Slick 50 300New Hampshire International Speedway, LoudonJuly 9TNN17Miller Genuine Draft 500Pocono International Raceway, Long PondJuly 16TBS18DieHard 500Talladega Superspeedway, TalladegaJuly 23CBS19Brickyard 400Indianapolis Motor Speedway, SpeedwayAugust 5ESPN20The Bud at The GlenWatkins Glen International, Watkins GlenAugust 13ESPN21GM Goodwrench 400Michigan International Speedway, BrooklynAugust 20ESPN22Goody's 500Bristol International Raceway, BristolAugust 26ESPN23Mountain Dew Southern 500Darlington Raceway, DarlingtonSeptember 3ESPN24Miller Genuine Draft 400Richmond International Raceway, RichmondSeptember 9TBS25MBNA 500Dover Downs International Speedway, DoverSeptember 17TNN26Goody's 500Martinsville Speedway, RidgewaySeptember 24ESPN27Tyson Holly Farms 400North Wilkesboro Speedway, North WilkesboroOctober 1ESPN28UAW-GM Quality 500Charlotte Motor Speedway, ConcordOctober 8TBS29AC Delco 400North Carolina Motor Speedway, RockinghamOctober 22TNN30Dura Lube 500Phoenix International Raceway, PhoenixOctober 29TNN31NAPA 500Atlanta Motor Speedway, HamptonNovember 12ESPN Races No.RacePole positionMost laps ledWinning driverManufacturer Winning manufacturerBusch ClashGeoff BodineDale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtChevroletGatorade Twin 125 #1Dale JarrettSterling MarlinSterling MarlinChevroletGatorade Twin 125 #2Dale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtChevrolet1Daytona 500Dale JarrettSterling MarlinSterling MarlinChevrolet2Goodwrench 500Jeff GordonJeff GordonJeff GordonChevrolet3Pontiac Excitement 400Jeff GordonRusty WallaceTerry LabonteChevrolet4Purolator 500Dale EarnhardtJeff GordonJeff GordonChevrolet5TranSouth Financial 400Jeff GordonJeff GordonSterling MarlinChevrolet6Food City 500Mark MartinJeff GordonJeff GordonChevrolet7First Union 400Jeff GordonDale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtChevrolet8Hanes 500Bobby LabonteRusty WallaceRusty WallaceFord9Winston Select 500Terry LabonteMark MartinMark MartinFord10Save Mart Supermarkets 300Ricky RuddMark MartinDale EarnhardtChevroletWinston OpenMichael WaltripTodd BodineTodd BodineFordThe Winston SelectBobby LabonteJeff GordonJeff GordonChevrolet11Coca-Cola 600Jeff GordonKen SchraderBobby LabonteChevrolet12Miller Genuine Draft 500Jeff GordonKyle PettyKyle PettyPontiac13UAW-GM Teamwork 500Ken SchraderJeff GordonTerry LabonteChevrolet14Miller Genuine Draft 400Jeff GordonJeff GordonBobby LabonteChevrolet15Pepsi 400Dale EarnhardtJeff Gordon Sterling MarlinJeff GordonChevrolet16Slick 50 300Mark MartinJeff GordonJeff GordonChevrolet17Miller Genuine Draft 500Bill ElliottRusty WallaceDale JarrettFord18DieHard 500Sterling MarlinJeff GordonSterling MarlinChevrolet19Brickyard 400Jeff GordonBill ElliottDale EarnhardtChevrolet20The Bud at The GlenMark MartinMark MartinMark MartinFord21GM Goodwrench Dealer 400Bobby LabonteJeff GordonBobby LabonteChevrolet22Goody's 500Mark MartinDale JarrettTerry LabonteChevrolet23Mountain Dew Southern 500John AndrettiDale EarnhardtJeff GordonChevrolet24Miller Genuine Draft 400Dale EarnhardtRusty WallaceRusty WallaceFord25MBNA 500Rick MastJeff GordonJeff GordonChevrolet26Goody's 500Jeff GordonDale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtChevrolet27Tyson Holly Farms 400Ted MusgraveMark MartinMark MartinFord28UAW-GM Quality 500Ricky RuddRicky RuddMark MartinFord29AC Delco 400Hut StricklinRick MastWard BurtonPontiac30Dura Lube 500Bill ElliottErnie IrvanRicky RuddFord31NAPA 500Darrell WaltripDale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtChevrolet Busch Clash The 1995 Busch Clash, kicked off the season on February 12, at Daytona International Speedway. Geoff Bodine drew the pole. Dale Earnhardt would dominate, leading 18 of 20 laps to collect his 6th Clash win. Top ten results #3 - Dale Earnhardt #4 - Sterling Marlin #94 - Bill Elliott #24 - Jeff Gordon #75 - Todd Bodine #10 - Ricky Rudd #16 - Ted Musgrave #2 - Rusty Wallace #23 - Jimmy Spencer #1 - Rick Mast As an exhibition race, no points are awarded. The race was between 1994 Winston Cup pole winners. In addition, the driver who collected the most poles in the 1994 Busch Season would also win an invitation to compete. David Green would win the Busch Series invitation, driving the #95 Busch Beer Chevrolet owned by Ken Schrader. Gatorade 125s The Gatorade 125s, the qualifying races for the Daytona 500, were held on Thursday, February 16, at Daytona International Speedway. The lineups for the 125s were determined by qualifying the previous Sunday. The first race would consist of drivers who qualified in odd-numbered positions (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.), while the second race would be formed from even-numbered qualifiers. As the fastest driver, Dale Jarrett would start from the pole in the first race, and second-fastest driver Dale Earnhardt would lead the field in the second race. Top ten results (Race 1) #4 - Sterling Marlin #17 - Darrell Waltrip #28 - Dale Jarrett #2 - Rusty Wallace #25 - Ken Schrader #5 - Terry Labonte #42 - Kyle Petty #30 - Michael Waltrip #15 - Dick Trickle #71 - Dave Marcis Top ten results (Race 2) #3 - Dale Earnhardt #24 - Jeff Gordon #6 - Mark Martin #75 - Todd Bodine #94 - Bill Elliott #16 - Ted Musgrave #41 - Ricky Craven #9 - Lake Speed #10 - Ricky Rudd #18 - Bobby Labonte Daytona 500 1995 Daytona 500 The 1995 Daytona 500 was held February 19 at Daytona International Speedway. Dale Jarrett won his first career Winston Cup pole. Top ten results #4 - Sterling Marlin* #3 - Dale Earnhardt #6 - Mark Martin #16 - Ted Musgrave #28 - Dale Jarrett #30 - Michael Waltrip #29 - Steve Grissom #5 - Terry Labonte #25 - Ken Schrader #21 - Morgan Shepherd Failed to qualify: #20 - Bobby Hillin Jr., #40 - Greg Sacks, #14 - Randy MacDonald, #95 - Doug Heveron, #82 - Terry Byers, #52 - Gary Bradberry, #62 - Ronnie Sanders, #81 - Kenny Wallace, #73 - Phil Barkdoll, #99 - Shawna Robinson, #72 - Jim Sauter, #51 - Kerry Teague, #97 - Chad Little, #68 - Bob Strait, #23 - Jimmy Spencer, #0 - Delma Cowart, #47 - Billy Standridge, #67 - Ken Bouchard, #48 - James Hylton, #53 - Ritchie Petty, #32 - Mike Chase, #65 - Steve Seligman As of 2026, Sterling Marlin is the only driver in NASCAR history to score his first two career Cup Series victories in the Daytona 500. Marlin became the third driver to win back-to-back Daytona 500s, joining Richard Petty and Cale Yarborough, and the last driver to accomplish it until Denny Hamlin in 2020. Goodwrench 500 The Goodwrench 500 was held February 26 at North Carolina Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon #18 - Bobby Labonte #3 - Dale Earnhardt #10 - Ricky Rudd #28 - Dale Jarrett, -1 lap #29 - Steve Grissom, -1 lap #6 - Mark Martin, -2 laps #12 - Derrike Cope, -3 laps #31 - Ward Burton, -3 laps #42 - Kyle Petty, -3 laps Failed to qualify (in order of speeds): #66 - Ben Hess, #52 - Gary Bradberry, #48 - James Hylton, #47 - Billy Standridge, #19 - Phil Parsons This was the last 500-mile race at Rockingham. Ernie Irvan returned to a NASCAR event for the first time since his near-fatal accident at Michigan in August 1994, serving as a color analyst for TNN's live flag to flag coverage. Pontiac Excitement 400 The Pontiac Excitement 400 was held March 5 at Richmond International Raceway. Jeff Gordon won the pole. Top ten results #5 - Terry Labonte #3 - Dale Earnhardt #2 - Rusty Wallace #25 - Ken Schrader #4 - Sterling Marlin #12 - Derrike Cope #17 - Darrell Waltrip #6 - Mark Martin, -1 lap #43 - Bobby Hamilton, -1 lap #37 - John Andretti, -1 lap Failed to qualify: #32 - Jimmy Hensley, #81 - Kenny Wallace, #47 - Billy Standridge, #78 - Jay Hedgecock, #29 - Steve Grissom*, #52 - Gary Bradberry, #66 - Ben Hess, #49 - Eric Smith, #77 - Davy Jones Steve Grissom entered this race 5th in points after back-to-back top 10s, but failed to qualify based on points from 1994. Purolator 500 The Purolator 500 was held March 12 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Dale Earnhardt won the pole. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon #18 - Bobby Labonte #5 - Terry Labonte #3 - Dale Earnhardt #28 - Dale Jarrett, -1 lap #21 - Morgan Shepherd, -1 lap #4 - Sterling Marlin, -1 lap #10 - Ricky Rudd, -1 lap #6 - Mark Martin, -2 laps #2 - Rusty Wallace, -2 laps Failed to qualify: #31 - Ward Burton, #52 - Gary Bradberry, #27 - Loy Allen Jr., #67 - Ken Bouchard, #76 - Johnny Chapman, #66 - Ben Hess, #81 - Kenny Wallace, #78 - Pancho Carter Before the field took the green flag, Mike Wallace got turned into the inside wall on the frontstretch, damaging his car before the race began. Wallace completed only 33 laps, finishing 40th due to engine failure from the crash. TranSouth Financial 400 The TranSouth Financial 400 was held March 26 at Darlington Raceway. Jeff Gordon won the pole. Top ten results #4 - Sterling Marlin #3 - Dale Earnhardt #16 - Ted Musgrave #75 - Todd Bodine #12 - Derrike Cope #29 - Steve Grissom #30 - Michael Waltrip #21 - Morgan Shepherd #43 - Bobby Hamilton #37 - John Andretti, -1 lap Failed to qualify: #81 - Kenny Wallace, #52 - Brad Teague, #19 - Phil Parsons Jeff Gordon, who led most laps, crashed out on lap 201 and finished 32nd. This was Sterling Marlin's first victory on a non-restrictor plate track. Food City 500 The Food City 500 was held April 2 at Bristol International Raceway. Mark Martin won the pole. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon #2 - Rusty Wallace #17 - Darrell Waltrip* #43 - Bobby Hamilton #10 - Ricky Rudd #28 - Dale Jarrett #5 - Terry Labonte, -1 lap #6 - Mark Martin, -1 lap #4 - Sterling Marlin, -1 lap #33 - Robert Pressley, -2 laps Failed to qualify: #98 - Jeremy Mayfield, #87 - Joe Nemechek, #26 - Steve Kinser, #47 - Billy Standridge, #78 - Hut Stricklin, #66 - Butch Miller, #52 - Brad Teague, #27 - Loy Allen Jr., #90 - Mike Wallace This was the last ever Top 3 finish for Darrell Waltrip. First Union 400 The First Union 400 was held April 9 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole. Top ten results #3 - Dale Earnhardt #24 - Jeff Gordon #6 - Mark Martin #2 - Rusty Wallace* #29 - Steve Grissom* #16 - Ted Musgrave, -1 lap #4 - Sterling Marlin, -1 lap #1 - Rick Mast, -1 lap #11 - Brett Bodine, -1 lap #17 - Darrell Waltrip, -2 laps Failed to qualify: #98 - Jeremy Mayfield, #81 - Kenny Wallace, #32 - Chuck Bown, #78 - Jay Hedgecock, #77 - Davy Jones, #47 - Billy Standridge, #27 - Jeff Purvis, #26 - Steve Kinser, #52 - Randy MacDonald Steve Grissom re-entered the top 10 in points after his DNQ at Richmond. Sprint car legend Steve Kinser made his final career NASCAR start in this race, as he would be fired from King Racing after five finishes of 27th or worse. This was Rusty Wallace's 23nd consecutive Top-10 finish on a short track, breaking the Modern Era record held by Cale Yarborough. Hanes 500 The Hanes 500 was held April 23 at Martinsville Speedway. Bobby Labonte won the pole. Top ten results #2 - Rusty Wallace* #16 - Ted Musgrave #24 - Jeff Gordon #17 - Darrell Waltrip #6 - Mark Martin #25 - Ken Schrader #28 - Dale Jarrett #43 - Bobby Hamilton #42 - Kyle Petty, -1 lap #18 - Bobby Labonte, -1 lap Failed to qualify: #75 - Todd Bodine, #23 - Jimmy Spencer, #32 - Chuck Bown, #78 - Jay Hedgecock, #8 - Jeff Burton, #22 - Randy LaJoie, #77 - Davy Jones This race was shortened to 356 laps due to a combination of a long red flag for rain, and darkness. Along with the victory, this would be the 24th and final consecutive short track top-10 finish for Rusty Wallace, a Modern Era record that still stands today. Winston Select 500 The Winston Select 500 was held April 30 at Talladega Superspeedway. Terry Labonte won the pole. Top ten results #6 - Mark Martin #24 - Jeff Gordon #21 - Morgan Shepherd #17 - Darrell Waltrip #18 - Bobby Labonte #94 - Bill Elliott #7 - Geoff Bodine #75 - Todd Bodine #23 - Jimmy Spencer #19 - Loy Allen Jr.* Failed to qualify: #53 - Ritchie Petty, #47 - Billy Standridge, #87 - Joe Nemechek, #65 - Steve Seligman, #0 - Delma Cowart This was Loy Allen Jr.'s only top 10 finish in NASCAR Winston Cup Series racing. Dale Earnhardt was leading the race with two laps to go, but was passed by Mark Martin in the tri-oval coming to the white flag and spun around by Morgan Shepherd exiting turn 2 on the last lap. The car lifted over a foot but roof flaps prevented the car getting airborne. Earnhardt managed to save the car and drove it to a 21st-place finish. Save Mart Supermarkets 300 The Save Mart Supermarkets 300 was held May 7 at Sears Point Raceway. Ricky Rudd won the pole. Top ten results #3 - Dale Earnhardt* #6 - Mark Martin #24 - Jeff Gordon #10 - Ricky Rudd #5 - Terry Labonte #16 - Ted Musgrave #4 - Sterling Marlin #75 - Todd Bodine #25 - Ken Schrader #30 - Michael Waltrip Failed to qualify: #40 - Greg Sacks, #98 - Jeremy Mayfield, #27 - Elton Sawyer, #00w - Scott Gaylord, #64 - Garrett Evans, #22w - St. James Davis, #19 - Ernie Cope This was Dale Earnhardt's only career road course victory in Winston Cup competition. Coming to the white flag, Mark Martin hit oil and Earnhardt drove by him, took the lead and held off Martin for the victory. Dale Jarrett's car got up on its side in a crash on lap 62 trying to avoid a wreck between Rusty Wallace and Davy Jones. The marshals pushed him back on all four wheels, and he finished the race on the lead lap in 23rd. Winston Select The Winston Select was a non-points exhibition race held May 20th at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Michael Waltrip won the pole for the Winston Select Open, while Bobby Labonte won the pole for the main race. Top ten results (Open) #75 - Todd Bodine #25 - Ken Schrader #33 - Robert Pressley #90 - Mike Wallace #9 - Lake Speed #41 - Ricky Craven #8 - Jeff Burton #43 - Bobby Hamilton #15 - Dick Trickle #30 - Michael Waltrip The top-5 finishers of the Open transferred to the main Winston Select race. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon #4 - Sterling Marlin #10 - Ricky Rudd #2 - Rusty Wallace #7 - Geoff Bodine #94 - Bill Elliott #90 - Mike Wallace #23 - Jimmy Spencer #11 - Brett Bodine Darrell Waltrip suffered three broken ribs in a crash on lap 60 after contact with Dale Earnhardt. Waltrip would need help from relief drivers for the next several races. Instead of his standard black paint scheme, Dale Earnhardt ran a unique silver #3 Chevy in this race to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Winston's title sponsorship of the Cup Series. It is considered to be one of the first "special" paint schemes in NASCAR, and is believed to have started the tradition of NASCAR teams running unique schemes in special events. Coca-Cola 600 The Coca-Cola 600 was held May 28 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole. Top ten results #18 - Bobby Labonte* #5 - Terry Labonte #30 - Michael Waltrip #4 - Sterling Marlin, -1 lap #10 - Ricky Rudd, -1 lap #3 - Dale Earnhardt, -1 lap #26 - Hut Stricklin, -1 lap #9 - Lake Speed, -2 laps #43 - Bobby Hamilton, -2 laps #41 - Ricky Craven, -3 laps Failed to qualify: #40 - Greg Sacks, #20 - Bobby Hillin Jr., #95 - Jimmy Hensley, #77 - Davy Jones, #44 - Jeff Purvis, #67 - Johnny Chapman This was Bobby Labonte's first NASCAR Winston Cup victory. Jimmy Hensley relieved Darrell Waltrip during this race because of the injuries that Waltrip suffered the previous Saturday night during The Winston. Miller Genuine Draft 500 1995 Miller Genuine Draft 500 (June) The Miller Genuine Draft 500 was held June 4 at Dover Downs International Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole. Top ten results #42 - Kyle Petty* #18 - Bobby Labonte #16 - Ted Musgrave #26 - Hut Stricklin #3 - Dale Earnhardt #24 - Jeff Gordon, -1 lap #4 - Sterling Marlin, -1 lap #30 - Michael Waltrip, -1 lap #2 - Rusty Wallace, -1 lap #87 - Joe Nemechek, -1 lap Failed to qualify: #79 - Doug French, #19 - Loy Allen Jr. This would be Kyle Petty's eighth and final career Cup Series victory. It would also be the last victory for Team SABCO until September 1999. This was the first race at Dover after the track's surface had been changed from asphalt to concrete. UAW-GM Teamwork 500 The UAW-GM Teamwork 500 was held June 11 at Pocono Raceway. Ken Schrader won the pole. Top ten results #5 - Terry Labonte #16 - Ted Musgrave #25 - Ken Schrader #4 - Sterling Marlin #26 - Hut Stricklin #94 - Bill Elliott #21 - Morgan Shepherd #3 - Dale Earnhardt #30 - Michael Waltrip #11 - Brett Bodine Failed to qualify: #79 - Doug French Jimmy Horton, driving the #27 Ford in place of Elton Sawyer, climbed out of the car in the first half after being overcome by fumes. Jimmy Spencer, who had parked his #23 Ford earlier because of engine problems, took over in relief. Spencer took the #27 to a 34th-place finish, 8 laps down. Miller Genuine Draft 400 The Miller Genuine Draft 400 was held June 18 at Michigan International Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole. Top ten results #18 - Bobby Labonte #24 - Jeff Gordon #2 - Rusty Wallace #37 - John Andretti #21 - Morgan Shepherd #28 - Dale Jarrett #4 - Sterling Marlin #6 - Mark Martin #5 - Terry Labonte #16 - Ted Musgrave Failed to qualify: #88 - Gary Bradberry, #40 - Greg Sacks Late in the race, Lake Speed pinched Michael Waltrip into the wall, leading to a confrontation on pit road after the race. Waltrip ended up throwing a couple of punches through the driver's side window of Speed's Ford. Waltrip would be fined $10,000 by NASCAR for the incident. Pepsi 400 The Pepsi 400 was held July 1 at Daytona International Speedway. Dale Earnhardt won the pole. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon #4 - Sterling Marlin #3 - Dale Earnhardt #6 - Mark Martin #16 - Ted Musgrave #25 - Ken Schrader #42 - Kyle Petty #10 - Ricky Rudd #23 - Jimmy Spencer #94 - Bill Elliott Failed to qualify: #81 - Kenny Wallace, #0 - Delma Cowart, #65 - Steve Seligman The race ended on an unusual 1 lap shootout. Slick 50 300 The Slick 50 300 was held July 9 at New Hampshire International Speedway. Mark Martin won the pole. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon* #21 - Morgan Shepherd #6 - Mark Martin #5 - Terry Labonte #10 - Ricky Rudd #2 - Rusty Wallace #12 - Derrike Cope #16 - Ted Musgrave #4 - Sterling Marlin #25 - Ken Schrader Failed to qualify: #49 - Eric Smith Jeff Gordon took the championship lead from Sterling Marlin after this race, and would hold it for the rest of the season. Miller Genuine Draft 500 1995 Miller Genuine Draft 500 (July) The Miller Genuine Draft 500 was held July 16 at Pocono Raceway. Bill Elliott won the pole. Top ten results #28 - Dale Jarrett* #24 - Jeff Gordon #10 - Ricky Rudd #16 - Ted Musgrave #94 - Bill Elliott #7 - Geoff Bodine #6 - Mark Martin #98 - Jeremy Mayfield #87 - Joe Nemechek #15 - Dick Trickle Failed to qualify: #14 - Randy MacDonald, #82 - Terry Byers This was Dale Jarrett's first victory with Robert Yates Racing. DieHard 500 The DieHard 500 was held July 23 at Talladega Superspeedway. Sterling Marlin won the pole. Top ten results #4 - Sterling Marlin #28 - Dale Jarrett #3 - Dale Earnhardt #21 - Morgan Shepherd #94 - Bill Elliott #42 - Kyle Petty #6 - Mark Martin #24 - Jeff Gordon #30 - Michael Waltrip #23 - Jimmy Spencer, -1 lap Failed to qualify: #22 - Jimmy Hensley, #0 - Delma Cowart, #65 - Steve Seligman Air temperatures during this event reached as high as 103 °F, making it one of the hottest races in Cup Series history. There were only two caution flags during the race. The first was for debris on the track on lap 111, the second for "The Big One", a 13-car accident on lap 139 that featured Ken Schrader's car flipping end-over-end in the infield grass on the backstretch after contact from Jeff Gordon. Schrader was not injured. Gordon was very distraught, even in tears, over Schrader's crash because of the contact that started it. The team brought Schrader over and had him get on Gordon's radio after leaving the infield care center to tell him that he was okay. Brickyard 400 1995 Brickyard 400 The second Brickyard 400 was held August 5 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole. Top ten results #3 - Dale Earnhardt #2 - Rusty Wallace #28 - Dale Jarrett #94 - Bill Elliott #6 - Mark Martin #24 - Jeff Gordon #4 - Sterling Marlin #1 - Rick Mast #18 - Bobby Labonte #21 - Morgan Shepherd Failed to qualify: #44 - Jeff Purvis, #95 - Loy Allen Jr., #66 - Billy Standridge, #78 - Pancho Carter, #71 - Dave Marcis, #65 - Steve Seligman, #50 - A. J. Foyt, #80 - Joe Ruttman, #99 - Danny Sullivan* - Withdrew Danny Sullivan's entry was withdrawn after his career-ending crash in the Marlboro 500 at Michigan. The Bud at The Glen The Bud at The Glen was held August 13 at Watkins Glen International. Mark Martin won the pole. Top ten results #6 - Mark Martin* #22 - Wally Dallenbach Jr.* #24 - Jeff Gordon #10 - Ricky Rudd #5 - Terry Labonte #18 - Bobby Labonte #37 - John Andretti #17 - Darrell Waltrip #7 - Geoff Bodine #41 - Ricky Craven Failed to qualify: #61 - David Murry, #90 - Mike Wallace, #49 - Eric Smith During pre-race ceremonies, all drivers participated in unity for a parade lap to show support for series sponsor R. J. Reynolds. Each driver rode in the back of a pickup truck holding an American flag visible to all spectators. This was done in protest to President Bill Clinton's executive order earlier in the week targeting tobacco advertising at sporting events. This was Mark Martin's third consecutive victory from the pole at Watkins Glen. Wally Dallenbach Jr. finished 2nd in a one-race deal with Bill Davis Racing. Dallenbach was leading by almost 10 seconds late in the race, but was chased down and passed by Mark Martin. Canadian road racing specialist Ron Fellows made his first Cup start in this race, driving the #68 for Canaska Motorsports. During a rain delay; Mark Martin and Dale Earnhardt were granted the opportunity to run NASCAR's first test of rain tires, running a total of 16 laps during the test period.Zizzo Mike NASCAR Drivers Put Rain Tires to Test https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1995-08-17-9508160686-story.html Orlando Sentinel 22 August 2022 August 17, 1995 NASCAR would not use rain tires for a race until the 2020 Bank of America Roval 400. GM Goodwrench 400 The GM Goodwrench 400 was held August 20 at Michigan International Speedway. Bobby Labonte won the pole. Top ten results #18 - Bobby Labonte #5 - Terry Labonte #24 - Jeff Gordon #4 - Sterling Marlin #2 - Rusty Wallace #31 - Ward Burton* #41 - Ricky Craven #43 - Bobby Hamilton #94 - Bill Elliott, -1 lap #26 - Hut Stricklin, -1 lap Failed to qualify: #40 - Rich Bickle, #72 - Tracy Leslie, #02 - Tim Steele, #95 - Loy Allen Jr. This was Ward Burton's last race in the #31 Chevrolet for A. G. Dillard Motorsports. Starting at Bristol next week, Burton would drive the #22 Pontiac for Bill Davis Racing. Goody's 500 The Goody's 500 was held August 26 at Bristol International Raceway. Mark Martin won the pole. Top ten results #5 - Terry Labonte* #3 - Dale Earnhardt* #28 - Dale Jarrett #17 - Darrell Waltrip #6 - Mark Martin #24 - Jeff Gordon #4 - Sterling Marlin #90 - Mike Wallace #8 - Jeff Burton #12 - Derrike Cope, -1 lap Failed to qualify: #42 - Kyle Petty, #95 - Joe Ruttman, #81 - Kenny Wallace, #32 - Jimmy Hensley, #77 - Bobby Hillin Jr., #75 - Todd Bodine, #27 - Elton Sawyer This race started roughly an hour and a half to two hours behind schedule due to persistent rains from Tropical Storm Jerry, which had made landfall to the south earlier in the week. This race is known for its chaotic finish between Dale Earnhardt and Terry Labonte. After Earnhardt managed to run down Labonte in the closing laps, both cars made contact in turn 4 on the last lap. Labonte crashed into the outside wall, but slid across the finish line first to claim the victory. Rusty Wallace finished 21st in this race due to crashing on lap 32 after contact from Dale Earnhardt, ending Wallace's streak of 24 consecutive top-10s on short tracks. Earnhardt was sent to the rear of the field after the incident. This resulted in a fight breaking out between Wallace and Earnhardt after the race where Wallace threw a water bottle at Earnhardt. Bobby Hamilton was given a 5 lap penalty for rough driving for wrecking Brett Bodine twice within 20 laps. Mountain Dew Southern 500 The Mountain Dew Southern 500 was held September 3 at Darlington Raceway. John Andretti won the pole. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon #3 - Dale Earnhardt #2 - Rusty Wallace #22 - Ward Burton #30 - Michael Waltrip #10 - Ricky Rudd #26 - Hut Stricklin #18 - Bobby Labonte #9 - Lake Speed #4 - Sterling Marlin Failed to qualify: #66 - Billy Standridge, #52 - Brad Teague, #88 - Gary Bradberry Miller Genuine Draft 400 The Miller Genuine Draft 400 was held September 9 at Richmond International Raceway. Dale Earnhardt won the pole. Top ten results #2 - Rusty Wallace #5 - Terry Labonte #3 - Dale Earnhardt #28 - Dale Jarrett #43 - Bobby Hamilton #24 - Jeff Gordon #37 - John Andretti, -1 lap #10 - Ricky Rudd, -1 lap #25 - Ken Schrader, -1 lap #16 - Ted Musgrave, -1 lap Failed to qualify: #32 - Ed Berrier, #78 - Jay Hedgecock, #40 - Shane Hall, #29 - Steve Grissom, #90 - Mike Wallace, #49 - Eric Smith MBNA 500 The MBNA 500 was held September 17 at Dover Downs International Speedway. Rick Mast won the pole. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon #43 - Bobby Hamilton #2 - Rusty Wallace #87 - Joe Nemechek #3 - Dale Earnhardt #4 - Sterling Marlin #12 - Derrike Cope, -1 lap #6 - Mark Martin, -1 lap #18 - Bobby Labonte, -2 laps #10 - Ricky Rudd, -2 laps Failed to qualify: #66 - Billy Standridge, #67 - Terry Fisher, #31 - Greg Sacks Goody's 500 The Goody's 500 was held September 24 at Martinsville Speedway. Due to qualifying getting rained-out, the starting lineup was decided by points positions. Championship leader Jeff Gordon started on the pole. Top ten results #3 - Dale Earnhardt #5 - Terry Labonte #2 - Rusty Wallace #43 - Bobby Hamilton #7 - Geoff Bodine #94 - Bill Elliott #24 - Jeff Gordon #17 - Darrell Waltrip #12 - Derrike Cope #28 - Dale Jarrett Failed to qualify: #31 - Jimmy Hensley, #32 - Greg Sacks, #40 - Rich Bickle, #71 - Dave Marcis, #77 - Bobby Hillin Jr., #81 - Kenny Wallace Tyson Holly Farms 400 The Tyson Holly Farms 400 was held October 1 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Ted Musgrave won the pole. Top ten results #6 - Mark Martin #2 - Rusty Wallace #24 - Jeff Gordon #5 - Terry Labonte #10 - Ricky Rudd #88 - Ernie Irvan* #28 - Dale Jarrett #25 - Ken Schrader, -1 lap #3 - Dale Earnhardt, -1 lap #94 - Bill Elliott, -1 lap Failed to qualify: #75 - Todd Bodine, #32 - Greg Sacks, #98 - Jeremy Mayfield, #22 - Ward Burton, #8 - Jeff Burton, #90 - Mike Wallace, #78 - Jay Hedgecock Ernie Irvan made his long-awaited return to Cup Series racing in this event, driving a second Robert Yates Racing entry. This would be the first of four Cup races Irvan would enter in 1995 to re-acclimate himself to racing before returning to full-time competition in 1996. All 36 cars starting the race finished the event within ten laps of the winner. It was the first race since 1959 that an entire starting field finished the race, with no drivers scoring a DNF. UAW-GM Quality 500 The UAW-GM Quality 500 was held October 8 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Ricky Rudd won the pole. Top ten results #6 - Mark Martin #3 - Dale Earnhardt* #5 - Terry Labonte #10 - Ricky Rudd #28 - Dale Jarrett #4 - Sterling Marlin #22 - Ward Burton #18 - Bobby Labonte #2 - Rusty Wallace #43 - Bobby Hamilton Failed to qualify: #97 - Chad Little, #81 - Kenny Wallace, #44 - Jeff Purvis, #0 - Delma Cowart, #66 - Billy Standridge Dale Earnhardt took the Past Champion's Provisional to get into this race. Within 70 laps, he was 2nd.February 2012 AC Delco 400 The AC Delco 400 was held October 22 at North Carolina Speedway. Hut Stricklin won the pole. Top ten results #22 - Ward Burton* #2 - Rusty Wallace #6 - Mark Martin #5 - Terry Labonte #8 - Jeff Burton #4 - Sterling Marlin #3 - Dale Earnhardt #41 - Ricky Craven #87 - Joe Nemechek #94 - Bill Elliott Failed to qualify: #71 - Dave Marcis, #88 - Ernie Irvan, #19 - Loy Allen Jr., #78 - Jay Hedgecock, #84 - Norm Benning, #70 - Alan Russell, #14 - Richard Brickhouse This was the first Cup Series victory for Ward Burton, and for Bill Davis Racing. It would also be their last victory until March 2000. This race featured an unusual 10+ lap long caution due to an error by NASCAR officials pertaining to Dale Earnhardt's car. On a green flag pit stop, Earnhardt's crew changed 4 tires like any other stop. However, one of the lugnuts on the left front tire was not painted red like the rest, making it appear that it was missing. As a result, an official called Earnhardt's car back to the pits to fix the problem that didn't actually exist. NASCAR then threw the caution in order to essentially put Earnhardt back where he was before the officials' error occurred, which was more or less unprecedented. Dura Lube 500 The Dura Lube 500 was held October 29 at Phoenix International Raceway. Bill Elliott won the pole. Top ten results #10 - Ricky Rudd* #12 - Derrike Cope #3 - Dale Earnhardt #2 - Rusty Wallace #24 - Jeff Gordon* #16 - Ted Musgrave #21 - Morgan Shepherd #6 - Mark Martin #1 - Rick Mast #25 - Ken Schrader Failed to qualify: #50 - A. J. Foyt, #97 - Chad Little, #08 - Mike Bliss, #40 - Shane Hall, #00w - Scott Gaylord, #58w - Wayne Jacks, #7w - L. J. Pryor, #36w - Rich Woodland Jr. This victory extended Ricky Rudd's streak of consecutive race-winning seasons to 13, dating back to 1983. Championship leader Jeff Gordon left Phoenix with a 147-point lead over Dale Earnhardt. NAPA 500 1995 NAPA 500 The NAPA 500 was held November 12 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The #17 of Darrell Waltrip won the pole, the final one of his career, and his first since 1992. Top ten results #3 - Dale Earnhardt* #4 - Sterling Marlin #2 - Rusty Wallace #94 - Bill Elliott #22 - Ward Burton #23 - Jimmy Spencer #88 - Ernie Irvan, -1 lap #18 - Bobby Labonte, -1 lap #77 - Bobby Hillin Jr., -1 lap #10 - Ricky Rudd, -1 lap Failed to qualify: #66 - Billy Standridge, #44 - Jeff Purvis*, #59 - Jack Sprague*, #90 - Mike Wallace, #40 - Shane Hall, #0 - Delma Cowart, #49 - Eric Smith Despite finishing 14 laps down in 32nd place, Jeff Gordon won the 1995 Winston Cup championship by 34 points over Dale Earnhardt. Gordon entered the race needing to finish 41st or better to win the championship. As a result, he took it easy during the race. At one point, the team did a pit stop with Ray Evernham, Gordon's crew chief, serving as a tire changer. Dale Earnhardt, who was 2nd in points, dominated the race, leading 268 of the 328 laps, while Gordon only led one lap during green flag pit stops. Earnhardt gained a total of 113 points on Gordon in this event, but Gordon still won by 34 points, denying Earnhardt of a record-tying 3rd consecutive Cup championship, and a record-breaking 8th Cup championship overall. For this race, Hendrick Motorsports entered two extra cars in the event, the #58 of Jimmy Horton, and the #59 of Jack Sprague, for insurance purposes. If problems were to befall Jeff Gordon's car, one car would immediately pull off the track and retire from the race. Horton qualified 34th while Sprague failed to qualify. The day before the Cup race, Horton suffered serious injuries after a violent crash in the ARCA Bondo Mar-Hyde Series support race. Jeff Purvis, who failed to qualify for Phoenix Racing, was then hired to sub for Horton in the #58 and drove the car to a 26th-place finish, 8 laps down. Final race for King Racing, owned by drag racing legend Kenny Bernstein. Last career pole for Darrell Waltrip. Final race for Junior Johnson & Associates; as Johnson would sell the #11 team to its driver, Brett Bodine, while the #27 team would go to attorney David Blair. Final points standings List of NASCAR points scoring systems (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 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 Jeff Gordon 22 1* 36 1* 32* 1* 2 3 2 3 33 6 16* 2* 1* 1* 2 8* 6 3 3* 6 1 6 1* 7 3 30 20 5 32 4614 2 Dale Earnhardt 2 3 2 4 2 25 1* 29 21 1 6 5 8 35 3 22 20 3 1 23 35 2 2* 3 5 1* 9 2 7 3 1* 4580 3 Sterling Marlin 1* 12 5 7 1 9 7 13 39 7 4 7 4 7 2* 9 18 1 7 21 4 7 10 33 6 23 15 6 6 12 2 4361 4 Mark Martin 3 7 8 9 37 8* 3 5 1* 2* 28 35 11 8 4 3* 7 7 5 1* 38 5 33 15 8 12 1* 1 3 8 17 4320 5 Rusty Wallace 34 24 3* 10 23 2 4 1* 20 20 34 9 17 3 27 6 16* 30 2 26 5 21 3 1* 3 3 2 9 2 4 3 4240 6 Terry Labonte 8 26 1 3 34 7 16 36 26 5 2 37 1 9 19 4 14 33 13 5 2 1 19 2 15 2 4 3 4 13 13 4146 7 Ted Musgrave 4 33 13 19 3 18 6 2 11 6 15 3 2 10 5 8 4 11 16 13 28 13 22 10 11 29 20 19 22 6 27 3949 8 Bill Elliott 23 11 16 26 17 14 28 12 6 19 39 15 6 14 10 18 5 5 4* 11 9 23 41 14 18 6 10 20 10 14 4 3746 9 Ricky Rudd 13 4 21 8 41 5 29 30 22 4 5 31 13 38 8 5 3 41 20 4 30 36 6 8 10 27 5 4* 13 1 10 3734 10 Bobby Labonte 30 2 30 2 27 32 15 10 5 13 1 2 27 1 41 15 35 31 9 6 1 11 8 17 9 14 18 8 40 37 8 3718 11 Morgan Shepherd 10 34 15 6 8 20 19 31 3 15 11 26 7 5 24 2 24 4 10 30 16 17 11 27 33 19 23 14 18 7 22 3618 12 Michael Waltrip 6 17 23 35 7 22 22 15 12 10 3 8 9 12 15 14 21 9 14 14 11 15 5 28 29 25 12 17 38 34 12 3601 13 Dale Jarrett 5 5 25 5 38 6 11 7 19 23 32 40 38 6 42 30 1 2 3 17 33 3* 28 4 30 10 7 5 23 11 31 3584 14 Bobby Hamilton 18 36 9 17 9 4 13 8 15 14 9 24 15 25 40 16 19 21 11 33 8 20 14 5 2 4 16 10 30 31 25 3576 15 Derrike Cope 31 8 6 13 5 13 30 28 42 12 19 12 20 19 13 7 39 15 40 15 34 10 15 34 7 9 13 11 19 2 35 3384 16 Geoff Bodine 20 21 11 30 13 23 14 35 7 22 26 27 14 21 14 35 6 24 15 9 27 12 35 19 24 5 11 16 15 16 11 3357 17 Ken Schrader 9 39 4 27 11 26 12 6 40 9 30* 11 3 27 6 10 40 32 19 36 26 14 23 9 12 32 8 35 33 10 42 3221 18 John Andretti 27 13 10 20 10 19 17 32 41 11 17 39 30 4 33 33 38 34 12 7 37 19 12 7 39 13 17 13 25 15 15 3140 19 Darrell Waltrip 32 38 7 34 21 3 10 4 4 35 18 20 42 26 34 17 36 43 17 8 15 4 40 22 36 8 14 34 12 38 16 3078 20 Brett Bodine 25 14 18 23 12 27 9 11 30 29 35 21 10 40 20 21 15 28 24 16 36 28 31 16 17 22 22 27 27 17 20 2988 21 Rick Mast 21 35 34 11 26 15 8 34 28 16 14 13 21 34 26 11 13 17 8 37 31 26 26 12 28 28 26 36 34* 9 21 2984 22 Ward Burton 15 9 22 DNQ 25 21 24 25 32 21 41 38 19 18 35 39 11 20 35 19 6 34 4 11 21 21 DNQ 7 1 42 5 2926 23 Lake Speed 14 32 14 15 29 17 25 26 16 40 8 34 28 11 21 24 22 35 34 20 17 29 9 21 32 20 35 21 24 22 19 2921 24 Ricky Craven (R) 16 16 38 12 42 29 33 18 17 25 10 22 26 33 22 31 25 26 31 10 7 32 18 29 22 35 21 25 8 24 30 2883 25 Dick Trickle 11 22 12 22 28 30 32 24 38 24 16 32 22 16 12 34 10 38 18 28 13 35 36 18 23 15 19 32 16 29 23 2875 26 Jimmy Spencer DNQ 30 24 32 36 16 27 DNQ 9 17 27 29 41 30 9 12 17 10 23 18 14 18 29 31 16 18 36 12 26 33 6 2809 27 Steve Grissom 7 6 DNQ 18 6 11 5 20 37 26 13 16 18 20 43 28 31 25 30 22 29 22 27 DNQ 25 26 31 41 14 32 39 2757 28 Joe Nemechek 42 29 32 16 33 DNQ 20 14 DNQ 37 20 10 12 28 38 19 9 23 27 31 32 16 25 26 4 30 32 22 9 18 14 2742 29 Robert Pressley (R) 26 42 35 31 30 10 18 17 18 30 24 19 37 17 11 13 34 27 28 34 18 24 17 30 14 34 33 42 29 19 41 2663 30 Kyle Petty 12 10 33 14 35 35 31 9 31 28 29 1* 39 42 7 37 28 6 25 39 42 DNQ 24 25 26 11 30 15 32 39 33 2638 31 Jeremy Mayfield 35 18 17 36 31 DNQ DNQ 16 14 DNQ 22 17 25 22 32 26 8 13 29 25 12 30 30 23 19 16 DNQ 29 11 20 18 2637 32 Jeff Burton 24 19 31 33 19 28 26 DNQ 25 18 40 25 36 31 18 25 27 22 38 38 23 9 16 13 20 31 DNQ 31 5 23 36 2556 33 Todd Bodine 37 31 37 21 4 33 21 DNQ 8 8 38 30 24 29 23 36 23 29 21 32 19 DNQ 42 24 37 24 DNQ 26 17 25 40 2372 34 Mike Wallace 39 15 26 40 15 DNQ 36 27 23 34 12 14 32 32 37 32 26 12 26 DNQ 20 8 39 DNQ 31 17 DNQ 23 39 36 DNQ 2178 35 Dave Marcis 36 23 20 28 24 34 34 23 34 27 37 36 31 15 25 29 33 19 DNQ 24 25 27 37 35 27 DNQ 28 40 DNQ 28 37 2126 36 Hut Stricklin DNQ 33 24 33 7 4 5 37 16 27 41 36 22 40 10 33 7 32 38 36 25 18 28 35 38 2082 37 Bobby Hillin Jr. DNQ DNQ 42 23 13 28 20 12 16 39 27 39 DNQ 13 36 13 DNQ 24 24 21 21 9 1686 38 Elton Sawyer 20 27 DNQ 25 41 23 23 29 14 41 29 21 DNQ 32 38 40 33 34 28 31 30 28 1499 39 Greg Sacks DNQ 41 19 29 22 36 35 22 35 DNQ DNQ 28 33 DNQ 17 33 40 25 38 37 DNQ DNQ DNQ 33 37 43 34 1349 40 Randy LaJoie (R) 29 25 27 39 16 12 23 DNQ 13 32 23 23 40 41 40 1133 41 Loy Allen Jr. 17 28 29 DNQ 18 10 36 DNQ 31 39 DNQ DNQ 34 37 DNQ 24 890 42 Kenny Wallace DNQ 20 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 21 36 31 18 36 DNQ 37 36 24 DNQ 20 DNQ DNQ 26 878 43 Chuck Bown 39 31 DNQ DNQ 21 33 29 24 29 40 37 618 44 Jimmy Hensley 40 DNQ 38 DNQ 30 41 32 DNQ 32 22 DNQ DNQ 29 39 558 45 Rich Bickle 38 30 37 DNQ 31 21 35 DNQ 27 38 538 46 Davy Jones (R) 33 37 DNQ 24 20 24 DNQ DNQ 33 36 DNQ 520 47 Jeff Purvis 38 37 DNQ 29 DNQ 39 42 DNQ DNQ 26 391 48 Ernie Irvan 6 DNQ 40* 7 354 49 Steve Kinser (R) 40 27 28 41 40 DNQ DNQ 287 50 Wally Dallenbach Jr. 39 2 221 51 Billy Standridge DNQ DNQ DNQ 25 14 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 209 52 Gary Bradberry (R) DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 41 DNQ 43 35 29 208 53 Chad Little DNQ 42 18 DNQ DNQ 146 54 Butch Leitzinger 12 127 55 Doug George 31 41 110 56 Joe Ruttman 19 DNQ DNQ 106 57 Ed Berrier 20 DNQ 103 58 Ron Hornaday Jr. 27 82 59 Ben Hess 28 DNQ DNQ DNQ 79 60 Phil Parsons 41 DNQ 42 DNQ 77 61 Jimmy Horton 34 QL 61 62 Michael Ritch 34 61 63 Pancho Carter DNQ 35 DNQ 58 64 Ron Fellows 35 58 65 Shane Hall DNQ 36 DNQ DNQ 55 66 Andy Hillenburg 36 55 67 Terry Fisher 38 DNQ 49 68 Ken Pederson 41 40 69 Butch Gilliland 42 37 70 Dan Obrist 43 34 71 Ernie Cope DNQ 44 31 72 Mike Chase (R) DNQ 73 Doug Heveron DNQ 74 Ronnie Sanders DNQ 75 Phil Barkdoll DNQ 76 Shawna Robinson DNQ 77 Jim Sauter DNQ 78 Kerry Teague DNQ 79 Bob Strait DNQ 80 James Hylton DNQ DNQ 81 Ken Bouchard DNQ DNQ 82 Randy MacDonald DNQ DNQ DNQ 83 Ritchie Petty DNQ DNQ 84 Steve Seligman DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 85 Delma Cowart DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 86 Terry Byers (R) DNQ DNQ 87 Jay Hedgecock DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 88 Eric Smith DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 89 Johnny Chapman DNQ DNQ 90 Brad Teague DNQ DNQ DNQ 91 Butch Miller DNQ 92 Garrett Evans DNQ 93 St. James Davis DNQ 94 Joe Heath DNQ 95 Scott Gaylord DNQ DNQ 96 Doug French DNQ DNQ 97 A. J. Foyt DNQ DNQ 98 David Murry DNQ 99 Tracy Leslie DNQ 100 Tim Steele DNQ 101 Richard Brickhouse DNQ 102 Norm Benning DNQ 103 Alan Russell DNQ 104 Mike Bliss DNQ 105 Wayne Jacks DNQ 106 Rich Woodland Jr. DNQ 107 L. J. Pryor DNQ 108 Jack Sprague DNQ 109 Danny Sullivan Wth 110 Scott Brayton Wth 111 David Green RL 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 Points Rookie of the Year 29-year-old Ricky Craven from Newburgh, Maine received the 1995 Rookie of the Year award. Craven took the #41 Chevy owned by Sue and Larry Hedrick to four top-tens and finished 24th in the points. Runner-up was Craven's former Busch Series opponent Robert Pressley, posting one top-ten in the Leo Jackson Motorsports Chevy. The next runner-up, Randy LaJoie, began the year in the 22 car, but struggled and was released midway through the year. Steve Kinser and Davy Jones, a pair of open-wheel veterans who struggled in their transition to stock cars, were both released from their rides before the season reached the one-third point, while Mike Chase was released by his team after failing to qualify for the Daytona 500. Gary Bradberry and Terry Byers filed for Rookie of the Year contention but only ran limited schedules. See also 1994–95 NASCAR SuperTruck Series exhibition races 1995 NASCAR Busch Series 1995 NASCAR SuperTruck Series 1995 NASCAR Winston West Series References External links Winston Cup Standings and Statistics 1995 https://web.archive.org/web/20060821101628/http://www.racing-reference.info/raceyear?yr=1995&series=W 2006-08-21 Category:NASCAR Cup Series seasons