1988 NASCAR Winston Cup Series

American motorsport season February 2025 November 2025 1988 NASCAR Winston Cup Series 1987 1989 thumb|Bill Elliott, won the championship. thumb|Rusty Wallace finished runner up in 1988. thumb|Dale Earnhardt finished third in the championship. The 1988 NASCAR Winston Cup Series was the 40th season of professional stock car racing in the United States and the 17th modern-era Cup series. The season began on February 7 at Daytona International Speedway and ended on November 20 at the Atlanta International Speedway. Bill Elliott of Melling Racing won the championship. The 1988 season was notable for hosting the first of two NASCAR tire wars between Goodyear and Hoosier. Notably, unless a team was under an exclusive tire contract, teams were allowed to switch tire manufacturers from race to race so no team ran a full season on the same tire like in other motorsports where teams tend exclusively run one tire manufacturer during a tire war.https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2016/09/29/how-the-tire-war-was-won-at-north-wilkesboro/ How the tire war was won at North Wilkesboro Kenny Bruce NASCAR.com NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. September 29, 2016 January 28, 2019 Teams and drivers Complete schedule ManufacturerTeamNo. Car numberDriverCrew ChiefBuick King Racing 26 Ricky Rudd Larry McReynolds Stavola Brothers Racing 8 Bobby Hillin Jr.Bill Woodruff 12 Bobby Allison 13 1-13 Jimmy FennigMike Alexander 16 14-29 Chevrolet Hendrick Motorsports 5 Geoff Bodine Waddell Wilson 17 Darrell Waltrip Jeff Hammond 25 Ken Schrader Harry Hyde Junior Johnson & Associates 11 Terry Labonte Tim Brewer Mach 1 Racing 33 Harry Gant 24 1-10, 16-29 Travis Carter Morgan Shepherd 5 11-15 Marcis Auto Racing 71 Dave Marcis Ivan Baldwin Richard Childress Racing 3 Dale Earnhardt Kirk ShelmerdineFord AK Racing 7 Alan Kulwicki Paul Andrews Bud Moore Engineering 15 Brett Bodine Bud Moore Donlavey Racing 90 Benny Parsons 27 1-19, 21-25, 27-29 Doug RichertTommy Ellis 1 20Jimmy Means 1 26 Melling Racing 9 Bill Elliott Ernie Elliott Ranier-Lundy Racing 28 Davey Allison Tony Price Roush Racing 6 Mark Martin Robin Pemberton Whitcomb Racing 10 Ken Bouchard (R) Bob Johnson 14 1-14Jim Garde 15 15-29 Wood Brothers Racing 21 Kyle Petty Leonard WoodOldsmobileCale Yarborough Motorsports 29 Cale Yarborough 10 1, 4, 9-10, 14-15, 17, 19, 25, 29 Elmo Langley 28 1-6, 8-29Cale Yarborough 1 7 Dale Jarrett 19 2-3, 5-8, 11-13, 16, 18, 20-24, 26-28 Bob Clark Motorsports 31 Brad Teague 9 1-9 Bob Sutton 14 1-14Bob Clark 15 15-29 Joe Ruttman 9 10-18 Donnie Allison 1 19 Butch Miller 2 20, 22 Jim Sauter 4 21, 23, 27, 29 Lee Faulk 3 24-26 Johnny Rutherford 1 28 Hagan Racing 44 Sterling MarlinJake Elder Jackson Brothers Motorsports 55 Phil Parsons Andy PetreeMorgan-McClure Motorsports 4 Rick Wilson Tony GloverSpeed Racing 83 Lake Speed Darrell Bryant Pontiac Bahari Racing 30 Michael Waltrip Mike Beam Baker-Schiff Racing 88 Buddy Baker 17 1-17 Herb Nab 7 1-7Joey Knuckles 22 8-29 Morgan Shepherd 3 18-19, 23 Rick Mast 2 20-21 Greg Sacks 7 22, 24-29Blue Max Racing 27 Rusty Wallace Barry DodsonMeans Racing 52 Jimmy Means Keith WilsonPetty Enterprises 43 Richard Petty Dale InmanRahMoc Enterprises 75 Neil Bonnett 27 1-15, 18-29 Butch Mock Morgan Shepherd 2 16–17U.S. Racing 2 Ernie Irvan (R) Marc Reno 15 1-15D.K. Ulrich 3 16-18Bob Johnson 11 19-29 Limited schedule ManufacturerTeamNo. Car numberDriverCrew ChiefRound(s)BuickAAG Racing34Donnie Allison1 1Connie Saylor2 25, 27Rodney Combs1 29Curb Racing98Ed PimmCarlisle Johnson Cliff Champion Darrell Bryant3 1-3 Brad Noffsinger (R)25 4-11, 13-29Ellington Racing1Dale JarrettShelton Pittmann9 1, 4, 9, 14-15, 17, 19, 25, 29Jim Bown2 12, 28Hope Motorsports37Patty MoiseDavid Ifft2 15, 18Philip Duffie32Philip Duffie4 15, 17, 21, 25James Hylton48Tony Spanos5 1, 3, 4, 12, 16Shepherd Racing47Morgan Shepherd3 4-5, 1057Bobby Wawak1 1Morgan Shepherd8 20-22, 24-29Reet Racing66Bob Schacht1 22Winkle Motorsports 97 Morgan Shepherd3 1-3Rodney Combs21 4-24Tommy Ellis2 25, 29Joe Ruttman1 27ChevroletHamby Motorsports22Steve Moore4 1, 3-5Lennie Pond1 2Hendrick Motorsports18Sarel van der MerweGary Nelson1 1Rick Hendrick1 1247Rob Moroso1 25Henley Gray54Ronnie Sanders2 1, 17Lennie Pond1 22Linro Motorsports63Jocko Maggiacomo7 1, 4, 12-13, 18, 25, 27John McFadden24John McFadden1 25Pearson Racing16Larry PearsonRicky Pearson3 10, 25, 29Potter Racing64Mike Potter7 1, 6, 13, 16, 20, 21, 25Brad Teague1 29Richard Childress Racing22Rodney Combs2 25, 27Ronnie Thomas41Ronnie Thomas1 20Terry Petris62Terry Petris1 12Ford Arrington Racing 67 Buddy Arrington Joey Arrington7 1, 4-5, 11, 13-15 Ken Schrader1 2 Rick Jeffrey3 3, 7, 9 Jimmy Hensley1 8 Dale Jarrett1 10 Ron Esau6 12, 16-19, 22 Brad Teague5 23-27Autosports Enterprises19Chad LittleChuck Little2 19, 23Jefferson Racing1 28Joe Booher41Joe Booher1 11Stoke Racing19Chad LittleChuck Little2 12, 2532Ruben Garcia1 12 Testa Racing 68 Derrike Cope Dave Fuge27 1-23, 25, 27-29Wangerin Racing39Blackie Wangerin3 1, 15, 17OldsmobileA. J. Foyt Enterprises14A. J. FoytTex Powell7 1, 4, 9, 15, 17, 25, 29 B&B Racing 23 Eddie Bierschwale Buddy Parrott20 1, 3-5, 9-11, 13-17, 19, 21-23, 25, 27-29Bob Clark Motorsports32Lee Faulk2 20, 22Collins Racing24Gary Collins1 28Gordon Chilson16Bob Schacht2 13, 16Tom Rotsell1 18Hess Racing40Ben Hess6 16, 19, 22, 23, 25, 27KC Racing66John Krebs2 12, 28Moroso Racing22Rob MorosoGary Nelson1 26Pro-Star Motorsports38Mike Laws3 19, 26, 29PontiacBahre Racing20Dave Mader IIIGary Nelson3 20, 24, 29David Simko51David Simko2 14, 19Dingman Brothers Racing50Greg SacksBilly Dingman9 1, 4-5, 9-10, 15-17, 19Charlie Glotzbach1 25Bobby Coyle1 29H. B. Bailey36H. B. Bailey8 4-5, 10, 14, 19, 21, 25, 29Mark Gibson59Mark Gibson4 1, 15, 17, 25 Schedule No. Race title Track DateBusch ClashDaytona International Speedway, Daytona BeachFebruary 7Twin 125 QualifiersFebruary 111Daytona 500February 142Pontiac Excitement 400Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway, RichmondFebruary 21Goodyear NASCAR 500Calder Park Thunderdome, MelbourneFebruary 283Goodwrench 500North Carolina Motor Speedway, RockinghamMarch 64Motorcraft Quality Parts 500Atlanta International Raceway, HamptonMarch 205TranSouth 500Darlington Raceway, DarlingtonMarch 276Valleydale Meats 500Bristol International Raceway, BristolApril 107First Union 400North Wilkesboro Speedway, North WilkesboroApril 178Pannill Sweatshirts 500Martinsville Speedway, RidgewayApril 249Winston 500Alabama International Motor Speedway, TalladegaMay 1Winston OpenCharlotte Motor Speedway, ConcordMay 22The Winston10Coca-Cola 600May 2911Budweiser 500Dover Downs International Speedway, DoverJune 512Budweiser 400Riverside International Raceway, RiversideJune 1213Miller High Life 500Pocono International Raceway, Long PondJune 1914Miller High Life 400Michigan International Speedway, BrooklynJune 2615Pepsi Firecracker 400Daytona International Speedway, Daytona BeachJuly 216AC Spark Plug 500Pocono International Raceway, Long PondJuly 2417Talladega DieHard 500Alabama International Motor Speedway, TalladegaJuly 3118Budweiser at The GlenWatkins Glen International, Watkins GlenAugust 1419Champion Spark Plug 400Michigan International Speedway, BrooklynAugust 2120Busch 500Bristol International Raceway, BristolAugust 2721Southern 500Darlington Raceway, DarlingtonSeptember 422Miller High Life 400Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway, RichmondSeptember 1123Delaware 500Dover Downs International Speedway, DoverSeptember 1824Goody's 500Martinsville Speedway, RidgewaySeptember 2525Oakwood Homes 500Charlotte Motor Speedway, ConcordOctober 926Holly Farms 400North Wilkesboro Speedway, North WilkesboroOctober 1627AC Delco 500North Carolina Motor Speedway, RockinghamOctober 2328Checker 500Phoenix International Raceway, PhoenixNovember 629Atlanta Journal 500Atlanta International Raceway, HamptonNovember 20 Races No.RacePole positionMost laps ledWinning driverManufacturer Winning manufacturerBusch ClashGeoff BodineDale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtChevroletTwin 125 #1Ken SchraderBobby AllisonBobby AllisonBuickTwin 125 #2Davey AllisonDarrell WaltripDarrell WaltripChevrolet1Daytona 500Ken SchraderBobby AllisonBobby AllisonBuick2Pontiac Excitement 400Morgan ShepherdDale EarnhardtNeil BonnettPontiac3Goodwrench 500Bill ElliottNeil BonnettNeil BonnettPontiac4Motorcraft Quality Parts 500Geoff BodineDale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtChevrolet5TranSouth 500Ken SchraderLake SpeedLake SpeedOldsmobile6Valleydale Meats 500Rick WilsonHarry GantBill ElliottFord7First Union 400Terry LabonteDale EarnhardtTerry LabonteChevrolet8Pannill Sweatshirts 500Ricky RuddDale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtChevrolet9Winston 500Davey AllisonGeoff BodinePhil ParsonsOldsmobileWinston OpenKen SchraderBrett BodineSterling MarlinOldsmobileThe WinstonDarrell WaltripDarrell WaltripTerry LabonteChevrolet10Coca-Cola 600Davey AllisonRick WilsonDarrell WaltripChevrolet11Budweiser 500Alan KulwickiBill ElliottBill ElliottFord12Budweiser 400Ricky RuddRusty WallaceRusty WallacePontiac13Miller High Life 500Alan KulwickiGeoff BodineGeoff BodineChevrolet14Miller High Life 400Bill ElliottRusty WallaceRusty WallacePontiac15Pepsi Firecracker 400Darrell WaltripDale EarnhardtBill ElliottFord16AC Spark Plug 500Morgan ShepherdBill ElliottBill ElliottFord17Talladega DieHard 500Darrell WaltripDarrell WaltripKen SchraderChevrolet18Budweiser at The GlenGeoff BodineBill ElliottRicky RuddBuick19Champion Spark Plug 400Bill ElliottRusty WallaceDavey AllisonFord20Busch 500Alan KulwickiDale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtChevrolet21Southern 500Bill ElliottBill ElliottBill ElliottFord22Miller High Life 400Davey AllisonDavey AllisonDavey AllisonFord23Delaware 500Mark MartinBill ElliottBill ElliottFord24Goody's 500Rusty WallaceRicky RuddDarrell WaltripChevrolet25Oakwood Homes 500Alan KulwickiDale EarnhardtRusty WallacePontiac26Holly Farms 400Bill ElliottRicky RuddRusty WallacePontiac27AC Delco 500Bill ElliottBill ElliottRusty WallacePontiac28Checker 500Geoff BodineRicky RuddAlan KulwickiFord29Atlanta Journal 500Rusty WallaceRusty WallaceRusty WallacePontiac Busch Clash The Busch Clash, an invitational event for all Busch Pole winners the previous season, was held February 7 at Daytona International Speedway. Geoff Bodine drew the pole. Top ten results #3 - Dale Earnhardt #28 - Davey Allison #12 - Bobby Allison #5 - Geoff Bodine #9 - Bill Elliott #27 - Rusty Wallace #25 - Ken Schrader #97 - Morgan Shepherd #11 - Terry Labonte #33 - Harry Gant Tim Richmond was eligible to race in this event, but was without a ride. Gatorade 125s The Gatorade 125s, a pair of qualifying races for the Daytona 500, were held February 11 at Daytona International Speedway. Ken Schrader and Davey Allison won the poles for the races. Race one: top ten results #12 - Bobby Allison #27 - Rusty Wallace #25 - Ken Schrader #50 - Greg Sacks #8 - Bobby Hillin Jr. #97 - Morgan Shepherd #4 - Rick Wilson #5 - Geoff Bodine #14 - A. J. Foyt #55 - Phil Parsons Race two: top ten results #17 - Darrell Waltrip #3 - Dale Earnhardt #28 - Davey Allison #11 - Terry Labonte #83 - Lake Speed #44 - Sterling Marlin #75 - Neil Bonnett #7 - Alan Kulwicki #88 - Buddy Baker #33 - Harry Gant Daytona 500 The Daytona 500, was held February 14, 1988, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. Ken Schrader won the pole. 1988 Daytona 500 Top ten results #12 - Bobby Allison #28 - Davey Allison #55 - Phil Parsons #75 - Neil Bonnett #11 - Terry Labonte #25 - Ken Schrader #27 - Rusty Wallace #44 - Sterling Marlin #88 - Buddy Baker #3 - Dale Earnhardt Failed to qualify: #34 - Donnie Allison, #07 - Larry Moyer, #82 - Mark Stahl, #18 - Sarel van der Merwe, #85 - Bobby Gerhart, #2 - Ernie Irvan, #30 - Michael Waltrip*, #67 - Buddy Arrington, #10 - Ken Bouchard, #24 - Bobby Coyle, #01 - Mickey Gibbs, #77 - Ken Ragan, #63 - Jocko Maggiacomo, #03 - David Pletcher, #54 - Ronnie Sanders, #80 - Jimmy Horton, #0 - Delma Cowart, #59 - Mark Gibson, #70 - J.D. McDuffie, #48 - Tony Spanos, #74 - John Linville, #02 - Joe Booher, #64 - Mike Potter, #39 - Blackie Wangerin, #56 - Joey Sonntag, #57 - Bobby Wawak, #49 - Mike Porter This was Bobby Allison's final career victory. Michael Waltrip drove Jim Sauter's #89 Pontiac in the race after failing to qualify. Pontiac Excitement 400 The Pontiac Excitement 400 was held February 21 at Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway. Morgan Shepherd won the pole. Top ten results #75 - Neil Bonnett #26 - Ricky Rudd #43 - Richard Petty* #17 - Darrell Waltrip #44 - Sterling Marlin #83 - Lake Speed #27 - Rusty Wallace #8 - Bobby Hillin Jr. #11 - Terry Labonte #3 - Dale Earnhardt Failed to qualify: #2 - Ernie Irvan, #4 - Rick Wilson, #25* - Ken Schrader Ken Schrader's team bought the #67 entry (normally driven by Buddy Arrington) in order to get Schrader into the race. This was the last race on the half-mile Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway. After the race, workers immediately began to convert the track into a more modern-looking, 3/4-mile oval. A scoring error failed to show that Neil Bonnett was one lap down after making a green flag pit stop. A post-race protest filed by Ricky Rudd's car owner Kenny Bernstein did not resolve the NASCAR scoring error and Bonnett's win stood even though a review of the race tape showed that Rudd should have won. Last career top 5 finish for Richard Petty. This race marked the first victory for RahMoc Enterprises since the Atlanta Journal 500 in 1983; the penultimate race of Neil Bonnett's first stint with RahMoc. Goodyear NASCAR 500 1988 Goodyear NASCAR 500 The Goodyear NASCAR 500 was a non-points exhibition race held on February 28 at the Calder Park Thunderdome in Melbourne, Australia - the first NASCAR-style high-banked paved oval built outside of North America. It was also the first NASCAR sanctioned race outside of North America. Neil Bonnett won the pole. Top ten results #75 - Neil Bonnett #12 - Bobby Allison #71 - Dave Marcis #18 - Glen Steurer #83 - Sumner McKnight #98 - Hershel McGriff #15 - Terry Petris #19 - Chad Little #82 - Jim Danielson #21 - Kyle Petty Out of 32 starters, seven were Australian, and one (Jim Richards) was from New Zealand. And out of all local drivers, only Allan Grice had previously competed in a Winston Cup points event, having raced in the 1987 Coca-Cola 600. The 'visiting' American drivers were a mix of those from the Winston Cup and Winston West Series. The Thunderdome, a 1.119 mi (1.801 km) track with 24° banking in the turns, was actually modelled on a scaled down version of the Charlotte Motor Speedway and was opened in 1987. As the race was run in Australia where the metric system is used, the '500' was actually 500 kilometers (310 miles), or around the same distance as a Busch Series race. Bonnett's pole speed was 139.734 mp/h. The race's average speed over the 280 laps was 101.67 mp/h. 52 laps were run under caution. Goodwrench 500 The Goodwrench 500 was held March 6 at North Carolina Motor Speedway. Bill Elliott won the pole. Top ten results #75 - Neil Bonnett* #83 - Lake Speed #44 - Sterling Marlin #7 - Alan Kulwicki #3 - Dale Earnhardt #9 - Bill Elliott #97 - Morgan Shepherd #10 - Ken Bouchard #28 - Davey Allison #25 - Ken Schrader Failed to qualify: Billy Fulcher, Howard Mark, Dave Pletcher, D. Wayne Strout, #48 - Tony Spanos This was Bonnett's final Cup Series victory as well as his final top-5 finish. It is also the last victory for RahMoc Enterprises. Motorcraft Quality Parts 500 1988 Motorcraft Quality Parts 500 The Motorcraft Quality Parts 500 was held March 20 at Atlanta International Raceway. Geoff Bodine won the pole. Top ten results #3 - Dale Earnhardt #27 - Rusty Wallace #17 - Darrell Waltrip #11 - Terry Labonte #21 - Kyle Petty #8 - Bobby Hillin Jr. #88 - Buddy Baker #25 - Ken Schrader #15 - Brett Bodine #4 - Rick Wilson Failed to qualify: Donnie Allison, #01 - Mickey Gibbs, #1 - Dale Jarrett, #03 - Dave Pletcher, #22 - Steve Moore, #50 - Greg Sacks, #63 - Jocko Maggiacomo, #67 - Buddy Arrington, #80 - Jimmy Horton, #86 - Rick Jeffrey, #93 - Charlie Baker This race marked Dale Earnhardt's first points-paying victory with GM Goodwrench as the primary sponsor. TranSouth 500 1988 TranSouth 500 The TranSouth 500 was held March 27 at Darlington Raceway. Ken Schrader won the pole. Top ten results #83 - Lake Speed* #7 - Alan Kulwicki #28 - Davey Allison #9 - Bill Elliott #44 - Sterling Marlin #6 - Mark Martin #5 - Geoff Bodine #55 - Phil Parsons #12 - Bobby Allison #88 - Buddy Baker Failed to qualify: none This was Lake Speed's only victory in the Winston Cup Series. Valleydale Meats 500 1988 Valleydale Meats 500 The Valleydale Meats 500 was held April 10 at Bristol International Raceway. Rick Wilson won the pole. Top ten results #9 - Bill Elliott #6 - Mark Martin #5 - Geoff Bodine #27 - Rusty Wallace #12 - Bobby Allison #43 - Richard Petty #21 - Kyle Petty #44 - Sterling Marlin #71 - Dave Marcis #25 - Ken Schrader Failed to qualify: #64 - Mike Potter, #97 - Rodney Combs, #98 - Brad Noffsinger First Union 400 1988 First Union 400 The First Union 400 was held April 17 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Terry Labonte won the pole. Top ten results #11 - Terry Labonte* #26 - Ricky Rudd #3 - Dale Earnhardt #27 - Rusty Wallace #21 - Kyle Petty #43 - Richard Petty #55 - Phil Parsons #28 - Davey Allison #5 - Geoff Bodine #9 - Bill Elliott Failed to qualify: #00 - Gary Brooks, #04 - Bill Meacham, #09 - Doug French, #20 - Alan Russell, #31 - Brad Teague, #46 - Glenn Moffat, #67 - Rick Jeffrey, #70 - Jeff McDuffie, #78 - Jay Sommers, #98 - Brad Noffsinger Labonte passed Dale Earnhardt with 10 laps to go when Earnhardt's right-rear tire began to lose air. Pannill Sweatshirts 500 1988 Pannill Sweatshirts 500 The Pannill Sweatshirts 500 was held April 24 at Martinsville Speedway. Ricky Rudd won the pole. Top ten results #3 - Dale Earnhardt #44 - Sterling Marlin #8 - Bobby Hillin Jr. #11 - Terry Labonte #17 - Darrell Waltrip #28 - Davey Allison #88 - Buddy Baker #12 - Bobby Allison #55 - Phil Parsons #25 - Ken Schrader Failed to qualify: #2 - Ernie Irvan, #52 - Jimmy Means Winston 500 1988 Winston 500 The Winston 500 was held May 1 at Alabama International Motor Speedway. Davey Allison won the pole. Top ten results #55 - Phil Parsons* #12 - Bobby Allison* #5 - Geoff Bodine #11 - Terry Labonte #25 - Ken Schrader #44 - Sterling Marlin #9 - Bill Elliott #21 - Kyle Petty #3 - Dale Earnhardt #27 - Rusty Wallace Failed to qualify: #10 - Ken Bouchard, #80 - Jimmy Horton, #95 - Trevor Boys, #99 - Connie Saylor During the race, A. J. Foyt had a series of incidents and penalties. He intentionally wrecked Alan Kulwicki, spun out on pit road out of anger, and drove through several pit stalls doing pass-through penalties, nearly hurting many pit crew members. For his actions, Foyt was issued a six-month ban from NASCAR (later reduced to two months following an appeal). This was Phil Parsons' first and only victory in the Winston Cup Series. Last Top-5 finish for Bobby Allison in a points-paying race. The Winston 1988 The Winston The Winston, an annual invitational race for previous winners in Winston Cup along with the winner of the same day Winston Open, was held May 22 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Ken Schrader won the pole for the Winston Open, and Darrell Waltrip won the pole for The Winston. The winner of the Open would transfer to the main event. Top ten results (Open) #44 - Sterling Marlin #7 - Alan Kulwicki #88 - Buddy Baker #90 - Benny Parsons #68 - Derrike Cope #15 - Brett Bodine #25 - Ken Schrader #71 - Dave Marcis #4 - Rick Wilson #1 - Dale Jarrett Top ten results #11 - Terry Labonte #44 - Sterling Marlin #28 - Davey Allison #9 - Bill Elliott #12 - Bobby Allison #21 - Kyle Petty #3 - Dale Earnhardt #47 - Morgan Shepherd #17 - Darrell Waltrip #75 - Neil Bonnett Tim Richmond was eligible to run The Winston, but he chose not to participate due to an ongoing legal dispute with NASCAR after he was suspended for testing positive for banned substances earlier during the season. Richard Petty was eligible to run the race as a past winner, but was eliminated when Phil Parsons won the Winston 500. Last overall Top-5 finish for Bobby Allison. Coca-Cola 600 1988 Coca-Cola 600 The Coca-Cola 600 was held May 29 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Davey Allison won the pole. Top ten results #17 - Darrell Waltrip #27 - Rusty Wallace #7 - Alan Kulwicki #15 - Brett Bodine #28 - Davey Allison #25 - Ken Schrader #26 - Ricky Rudd* #55 - Phil Parsons #11 - Terry Labonte #50 - Greg Sacks Failed to qualify: Donnie Allison, #16 - Larry Pearson, #67 - Buddy Arrington, #70 - J.D. McDuffie, #82 - Mark Stahl, #93 - Charlie Baker Prior to the race, Goodyear withdrew their tires after practice when it was discovered that their compound was too soft for the track; as a result, all drivers except Dave Marcis switched to Hoosiers over safety concerns. Goodyear offered Daytona-spec tires for those who wanted them,https://www.racing-reference.info/showblog?id=2651 Historical Motorsports Stories: Tire Wars! Goodyear vs Hoosier Racing-Reference.com July 14, 2016 January 28, 2019https://www.racing-reference.info/showblog?id=3251 Historical Motorsports Stories: Tire Wars! NASCAR's Asphalt Battlefield Racing-Reference.com May 15, 2018 January 28, 2019 while NASCAR would issue a mandatory caution on Lap 25 to check the condition of the tires. Ricky Rudd was relieved during the race by Mike Alexander, as Rudd had injured his knee in a crash during The Winston the previous week. This race was marred by several hard accidents that resulted in driver injuries. Harry Gant suffered a compound fracture in his leg during a crash, forcing him to miss the next five races. Buddy Baker suffered a hard crash on lap 243 that resulted in a blood clot in his brain. Neil Bonnett crashed and cracked several ribs. Rick Wilson, who led 107 laps, crashed after a tire failure, suffering a broken shoulder blade. The injuries weren't limited to drivers, as Bud Moore Engineering owner Bud Moore suffered a broken leg when his driver, Brett Bodine, ran over him during a pit stop. Dale Earnhardt was issued a five lap penalty after spinning out Geoff Bodine early in the race. He would finish 13th, 6 laps down.https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1988_Coca-Cola_600/W Race Results This race made sure no driver would win 3 out of 4 Crown Jewel races meaning no driver would win the Winston Million in 1988. However the $100,000 bonus to a driver winning 2 out of 4 Crown Jewel races was still alive for the Southern 500 later in the season. Budweiser 500 1988 Budweiser 500 The Budweiser 500 was held June 5 at Dover Downs International Speedway. Alan Kulwicki won the pole. Top ten results #9 - Bill Elliott #33 - Morgan Shepherd* #27 - Rusty Wallace #83 - Lake Speed #28 - Davey Allison #7 - Alan Kulwicki #4 - Rick Wilson #5 - Geoff Bodine #6 - Mark Martin #12 - Bobby Allison* Failed to qualify: #67 - Buddy Arrington Morgan Shepherd was subbing for Harry Gant, who had been injured (broken leg) during the Coca-Cola 600 race the previous weekend. Last Top 10 finish for Bobby Allison. Budweiser 400 1988 Budweiser 400 The final Budweiser 400 was held June 12 at Riverside International Raceway. Ricky Rudd won the pole. It was the last NASCAR race held at Riverside before the track's closure. Top ten results #27 - Rusty Wallace #11 - Terry Labonte #26 - Ricky Rudd #3 - Dale Earnhardt #55 - Phil Parsons #43 - Richard Petty* #6 - Mark Martin #29 - Dale Jarrett #44 - Sterling Marlin #75 - Neil Bonnett Failed to qualify: #03 - Howard Mark, #10 - Ken Bouchard, #14W - Butch Gilliland, #16W - Reno Fontana, #20W - Scott Gaylord, #22W - St. James Davis, #41W - Jack Sellers, #45 - Billy Fulcher, #46W - Marta Leonard, #48 - Tony Spanos, #50W - George Follmer, #67 - Ron Esau, #74W - Ray Kelly, #81W - Glen Steurer, #82W - Jim Danielson, #85W - Sumner McKnight, #89W - Bob Howard, #97 - Rodney Combs For this race, Richard Petty was forced to go to a backup car, which was a 1987 Pontiac Grand Prix 2+2. Bobby Allison would finish in 22nd place, 2 laps down. This would be the final race he completed before suffering career-ending injuries at Pocono the following week. Miller High Life 500 1988 Miller High Life 500 The Miller High Life 500 was held June 19 at Pocono International Raceway. Alan Kulwicki won the pole. Top ten results #5 - Geoff Bodine #30 - Michael Waltrip #27 - Rusty Wallace #6 - Mark Martin #28 - Davey Allison #17 - Darrell Waltrip #88 - Buddy Baker #55 - Phil Parsons #25 - Ken Schrader #9 - Bill Elliott Failed to qualify: Steve Moore, #64 - Mike Potter, #70 - J.D. McDuffie On the opening lap of this race, Bobby Allison suffered career-ending injuries when he spun and was T-boned by Jocko Maggiacomo. Miller High Life 400 (Michigan) 1988 Miller High Life 400 (June) The Miller High Life 400 was held June 26 at Michigan International Speedway. Bill Elliott won the pole. Top ten results #27 - Rusty Wallace #9 - Bill Elliott #11 - Terry Labonte #3 - Dale Earnhardt #5 - Geoff Bodine #25 - Ken Schrader #55 - Phil Parsons #17 - Darrell Waltrip #29 - Cale Yarborough #12 - Mike Alexander* Failed to qualify: Connie Saylor, Jay Sommers, #70 - J.D. McDuffie, #80 - Jimmy Horton Mike Alexander would take over Bobby Allison's #12 Buick for the remainder of the season. Pepsi Firecracker 400 1988 Pepsi Firecracker 400 The Pepsi Firecracker 400 was held July 2 at Daytona International Speedway. Darrell Waltrip won the pole. Top ten results #9 - Bill Elliott* #4 - Rick Wilson* #55 - Phil Parsons #3 - Dale Earnhardt #17 - Darrell Waltrip #88 - Buddy Baker #33 - Morgan Shepherd #25 - Ken Schrader #83 - Lake Speed #50 - Greg Sacks Failed to qualify: Ronnie Sanders, Ricky Woodward, #0 - Delma Cowart, #32 - Philip Duffie, #39 - Blackie Wangerin, #59 - Mark Gibson, #73 - Phil Barkdoll, #76 - Hut Stricklin, #80 - Jimmy Horton, #98 - Brad Noffsinger This was the first Pepsi Firecracker 400 run with restrictor plates since 1973. Bill Elliott charged from 38th starting position, and nearly fell a lap down at one point. On the final lap, Elliott battled with Rick Wilson out of the final turn, with Elliott taking the win by 18 inches. This would be Wilson's best career Cup Series finish. This race marked the final start at Daytona for Cale Yarborough. He would crash out on lap 2 and finish 41st. This was the first Pepsi Firecracker 400 to not take place on July 4. Before this year, the race was always held on the Fourth of July, regardless of the day of the week. Starting in 1988, the race was moved to the first Saturday of July, where it would remain until 2019. The race would be run on July 4 only two more times, in 1992 and 2009. AC Spark Plug 500 The AC Spark Plug 500 was held July 24 at Pocono International Raceway. Morgan Shepherd won the pole. Top ten results #9 - Bill Elliott #25 - Ken Schrader #28 - Davey Allison #5 - Geoff Bodine #17 - Darrell Waltrip #75 - Morgan Shepherd* #6 - Mark Martin #7 - Alan Kulwicki #11 - Terry Labonte #33 - Harry Gant* Failed to qualify: Ben Hess, #48 - Tony Spanos, #67 - Ron Esau, #70 - J.D. McDuffie, #93 - Charlie Baker Morgan Shepherd drove the #75 in place of Neil Bonnett for this race and Talladega. This race marked Harry Gant's return to racing since breaking his leg at Charlotte. Goodyear was disallowed from using their tires in this race after a pre-race inspection found that the tires had too wide of a tread. This marked the first time since the 1956 Southern 500 that Goodyear did not supply tires for a NASCAR race. Talladega DieHard 500 The Talladega DieHard 500 was held July 31 at Talladega Superspeedway. Darrell Waltrip won the pole. Top ten results #25 - Ken Schrader* #5 - Geoff Bodine #3 - Dale Earnhardt #4 - Rick Wilson #27 - Rusty Wallace #44 - Sterling Marlin #6 - Mark Martin #9 - Bill Elliott #29 - Cale Yarborough #88 - Buddy Baker* Failed to qualify: #0 - Delma Cowart, #07 - Larry Moyer, #32 - Philip Duffie, #59 - Mark Gibson, #70 - J.D. McDuffie, #76 - Hut Stricklin, #86 - Rick Jeffrey, #95 - Slick Johnson This was Ken Schrader's first career Winston Cup Series victory, and the final victory for Harry Hyde. This was Buddy Baker's final top ten finish in the Cup Series and his final start of 1988 as the blood clot he suffered at Charlotte ended his season. This was also Cale Yarborough's final top ten finish in the Cup Series. Budweiser at The Glen The Budweiser at The Glen was held August 14 at Watkins Glen International. Geoff Bodine won the pole. Top ten results #26 - Ricky Rudd #27 - Rusty Wallace #9 - Bill Elliott #55 - Phil Parsons #12 - Mike Alexander #3 - Dale Earnhardt #88 - Morgan Shepherd* #44 - Sterling Marlin #31 - Joe Ruttman* #25 - Ken Schrader Failed to qualify: Phil Good This was the best finish in the Winston Cup Series for Bob Clark's #31 Slender You Figure Salons team. Despite this, Joe Ruttman would abruptly resign from the Slender You team shortly before the following race at Michigan. Much like Goodyear at Pocono, Hoosier was disallowed after the tread on their tires was discovered to be too wide. Final race for Jocko Maggiacomo; who finished 35th in this race, the first race he attempted after the crash in Pocono that ended the career of Bobby Allison. Maggiacomo would attempt to qualify for the fall Charlotte and Rockingham races; failing to make the field in either track. Champion Spark Plug 400 The Champion Spark Plug 400 was held August 21 at Michigan International Speedway. Bill Elliott won the pole. Top ten results #28 - Davey Allison #27 - Rusty Wallace #9 - Bill Elliott #88 - Morgan Shepherd #83 - Lake Speed #15 - Brett Bodine #30 - Michael Waltrip #21 - Kyle Petty #4 - Rick Wilson #5 - Geoff Bodine Failed to qualify: #06 - Lee Raymond, #07 - Larry Moyer, #38 - Mike Laws, #40 - Ben Hess, #51 - David Simko, #67 - Ron Esau, #70 - J.D. McDuffie, #80 - Jimmy Horton, #95 - Slick Johnson Donnie Allison made his final career Cup Series start in this race. Allison suffered an engine failure on lap 114 and finished 35th.https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1988_Champion_Spark_Plug_400/W Race Results Busch 500 The Busch 500 was held August 27 at Bristol International Raceway. Alan Kulwicki won the pole. Top ten results #3 - Dale Earnhardt #9 - Bill Elliott* #5 - Geoff Bodine #28 - Davey Allison #7 - Alan Kulwicki #33 - Harry Gant #17 - Darrell Waltrip #43 - Richard Petty #27 - Rusty Wallace* #8 - Bobby Hillin Jr. Failed to qualify: #10 - Ken Bouchard, #32 - Lee Falk, #41 - Ronnie Thomas, #52 - Jimmy Means, #57 - Morgan Shepherd, #64 - Mike Potter, #70 - J.D. McDuffie, #90 - Benny Parsons During practice on Friday, Rusty Wallace wrecked and barrel-rolled down the frontstretch, knocking him unconscious. ESPN pit reporter Dr. Jerry Punch was the first person on the scene and actually revived Wallace. Wallace would recover, and started the race Saturday night, but eventually turned the car over to relief driver Larry Pearson. Bill Elliott finished seven positions ahead of Rusty Wallace, allowing Elliott to take the championship lead, which he would hold for the rest of the season. Rick Mast made his Cup Series debut in this race. Mast crashed out on lap 207 and finished 28th. Southern 500 1988 Southern 500 The Southern 500 was held September 4 at Darlington Raceway. Bill Elliott won the pole. Top ten results #9 - Bill Elliott #27 - Rusty Wallace #3 - Dale Earnhardt #17 - Darrell Waltrip #44 - Sterling Marlin #55 - Phil Parsons #5 - Geoff Bodine #11 - Terry Labonte #28 - Davey Allison #26 - Ricky Rudd Failed to qualify: Slick Johnson, Ricky Woodward, #04 - Hershel McGriff, #64 - Mike Potter, #98 - Brad Noffsinger Miller High Life 400 (Richmond) The Miller High Life 400 was held September 11 at Richmond International Raceway (formerly known as Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway). Davey Allison won the pole. This was the first Cup Series race on the new 3/4-mile Richmond International Raceway. Top ten results #28 - Davey Allison* #3 - Dale Earnhardt #11 - Terry Labonte #6 - Mark Martin #7 - Alan Kulwicki #21 - Kyle Petty #9 - Bill Elliott #17 - Darrell Waltrip #75 - Neil Bonnett #71 - Dave Marcis Failed to qualify: #68 - Derrike Cope, #20 - Rayvon Clark, #37 - Randy Morrison, #40 - Ben Hess, #54 - Lennie Pond, #67 - Ron Esau, #70 - J. D. McDuffie, #78 - Jay Sommers, #98 - Brad Noffsinger This was Allison's first short track victory in the Cup Series, and his first Cup victory from the pole. An unusual sidebar regarding the Goodyear vs. Hoosier tire war led to controversy on the starting lineup. At the time, the rules stated that if a driver switched tire brands between qualifying and the race, they would give up their starting position and start at the rear. However, when race day arrived at Richmond, roughly half the field - including 4 of the top 5 in points coming in (Earnhardt, Elliott, Rusty Wallace and Labonte) - elected to switch tire brands, an unprecedented action that led to confusion with NASCAR officials that continued through the day of the race itself. Delaware 500 The Delaware 500 was held September 18 at Dover International Speedway. Mark Martin won the pole. Top ten results #9 - Bill Elliott #3 - Dale Earnhardt #27 - Rusty Wallace #28 - Davey Allison #5 - Geoff Bodine #21 - Kyle Petty #12 - Mike Alexander #75 - Neil Bonnett #83 - Lake Speed #26 - Ricky Rudd Failed to qualify: Bobby Gerhart, Ben Hess, James Hylton, Rick Jeffrey, Graham Taylor, #20 - Rayvon Clark, #70 - J. D. McDuffie Mark Martin's pole was the first for Roush Racing in the Cup Series. Ken Bouchard (who would go on the win this season's rookie of the year) led the only 4 laps in his Cup career eventually finishing 25th completing 409 of 500 laps due to crashing the car. Goody's 500 The Goody's 500 was held September 25 at Martinsville Speedway. Rusty Wallace won the pole. Top ten results #17 - Darrell Waltrip #7 - Alan Kulwicki #27 - Rusty Wallace #25 - Ken Schrader #5 - Geoff Bodine #9 - Bill Elliott #11 - Terry Labonte #3 - Dale Earnhardt #6 - Mark Martin #15 - Brett Bodine Failed to qualify: #20 - Dave Mader III, #31 - Lee Faulk, #70 - J. D. McDuffie, #97 - Rodney Combs, #98 - Brad Noffsinger Oakwood Homes 500 The Oakwood Homes 500 was held October 9 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Alan Kulwicki won the pole. Top ten results #27 - Rusty Wallace #17 - Darrell Waltrip #15 - Brett Bodine #9 - Bill Elliott #44 - Sterling Marlin #8 - Bobby Hillin Jr. #25 - Ken Schrader #26 - Ricky Rudd #6 - Mark Martin #11 - Terry Labonte Failed to qualify: Gary Brooks, Slick Johnson, Johnny Rutherford, Ronnie Silver, #2 - Ernie Irvan, #19 - Chad Little, #22 - Rodney Combs, #24 - John McFadden, #32 - Philip Duffie, #34 - Connie Saylor, #36 - H. B. Bailey, #40 - Ben Hess, #50 - Charlie Glotzbach, #59 - Mark Gibson, #63 - Jocko Maggiacomo, #64 - Mike Potter, #70 - J. D. McDuffie, #74 - Randy LaJoie, #87 - Randy Baker, #93 - Troy Beebe, #98 - Brad Noffsinger Benny Parsons finished 12th after leading 13 laps, the last laps he would lead in his career. Holly Farms 400 The Holly Farms 400 at North Wilkesboro Speedway was originally scheduled for October 2, but two consecutive days of rain caused it to be postponed to October 16. Bill Elliott won the pole. Top ten results #27 - Rusty Wallace #55 - Phil Parsons #5 - Geoff Bodine #11 - Terry Labonte #9 - Bill Elliott #3 - Dale Earnhardt #26 - Ricky Rudd #25 - Ken Schrader #12 - Mike Alexander #88 - Greg Sacks Failed to qualify: Kevin Evans, Doug French, Alan Russell, Brad Teague, #38 - Mike Laws, #52 - Jimmy Means*, #70 - J. D. McDuffie, #98 - Brad Noffsinger Jimmy Means drove the #90 Ford in place of Benny Parsons in the race after failing to qualify. AC Delco 500 The AC Delco 500 was held October 23 at North Carolina Motor Speedway. Bill Elliott won the pole. Top ten results #27 - Rusty Wallace* #26 - Ricky Rudd #11 - Terry Labonte #9 - Bill Elliott #3 - Dale Earnhardt #12 - Mike Alexander #33 - Harry Gant #55 - Phil Parsons #21 - Kyle Petty #75 - Neil Bonnett Failed to qualify: Philip Duffie, Lee Raymond, D. Wayne Strout, #63 - Jocko Maggiacomo, #70 - J. D. McDuffie, #80 - Jimmy Horton, #93 - Charlie Baker Rusty Wallace's three consecutive victories reduced Bill Elliott's points lead to 79 points with two races left. Checker 500 The inaugural Checker 500 was held November 6 at Phoenix International Raceway. Geoff Bodine won the pole. Top ten results #7 - Alan Kulwicki* #11 - Terry Labonte #28 - Davey Allison #9 - Bill Elliott* #27 - Rusty Wallace #5 - Geoff Bodine #8 - Bobby Hillin Jr. #90 - Benny Parsons* #55 - Phil Parsons #44 - Sterling Marlin Failed to qualify: #14W - Butch Gilliland, #20W - Scott Gaylord, #22W - St. James Davis, #41W - Jack Sellers, #66W - John Krebs, #82W - Jim Danielson, #89W - Bob Howard, #95W - Harry Jefferson This was Alan Kulwicki's first career Winston Cup Series win. After taking the checkered flag, Kulwicki turned the car clockwise around and completed what he eventually referred to as a "Polish victory lap." Kulwicki, himself a Polish American, wanted to be able to wave to the fans directly from his driver's side window. This was Benny Parsons' final career top-10, finishing one spot ahead of younger brother Phil. 3rd-place points contender Dale Earnhardt was involved in an early crash with Joe Ruttman and lost a lap. Earnhardt would salvage an 11th-place finish, but the incident, and both Elliott and Wallace gettng top-5s, effectively ended Earnhardt's chances of a third consecutive Cup title. Championship leader Bill Elliott finished one position ahead of Rusty Wallace, allowing him to maintain his 79-point lead going into the season finale in Atlanta. Ricky Rudd had a dominating run until overheating late in the race led to an engine failure. Rudd would finish 26th. Atlanta Journal 500 The Atlanta Journal 500 was held November 20 at Atlanta International Raceway. Rusty Wallace won the pole. Top ten results #27 - Rusty Wallace* #28 - Davey Allison #12 - Mike Alexander #26 - Ricky Rudd #17 - Darrell Waltrip #25 - Ken Schrader #30 - Michael Waltrip -1 Lap #11 - Terry Labonte -1 Lap #8 - Bobby Hillin Jr. -1 Lap #29 - Cale Yarborough -1 Lap* Failed to qualify: Don Hume, Bill Meacham, Alan Russell, Joe Ruttman, David Sosebee, #10 - Ken Bouchard, #20 - Dave Mader III, #38 - Mike Laws, #50 - Bobby Coyle, #78 - Jay Sommers, #93 - Charlie Baker By finishing 11th, Bill Elliott secured the 1988 NASCAR Winston Cup Series championship by 24 points over Rusty Wallace. Despite winning from the pole, and leading the most laps, Wallace was unable to overtake Elliott for the championship, as Elliott only needed to finish 18th or better to become champion. Benny Parsons, in his 525th and final career NASCAR start, crashed out on lap 140, finishing 34th. Cale Yarborough, in his 560th and final career NASCAR start, finished a lap down in 10th after starting 26th. Out of 42 starters, only 20 finished. Out of the 22 cars that fell out of the race, 16 of them were engine related. Full Drivers' Championship List of NASCAR points scoring systems (key) Bold – Pole position awarded by time. Italics – Pole position set by owner's points. * – Most laps led. Pos Position Driver DAY RCH CAR ATL DAR BRI NWS MAR TAL CLT DOV RIV POC MCH DAY POC TAL GLN MCH BRI DAR RCH DOV MAR CLT NWS CAR PHO ATL Pts Points Scored 1 Bill Elliott 12 12 6 19 4 1 10 11 7 19 1* 16 10 2 1 1* 8 3 3 2 1* 7 1* 6 4 5 4* 4 11 4488 2 Rusty Wallace 7 7 14 2 25 4 4 16 10 2 3 1* 3 1* 12 24 5 2 2* 9 2 35 3 3 1 1 1* 5 1* 4464 3 Dale Earnhardt 10 10* 5 1* 11 14 3* 1* 9 13 16 4 33 4 4 11 3 6 29 1* 3 2 2 8 17* 6 5 11 14 4256 4 Terry Labonte 5 9 31 4 23 16 1 4 4 9 12 2 32 3 19 9 14 18 13 22 8 3 18 7 10 4 3 2 8 4007 5 Ken Schrader 6 20 10 8 29 10 11 10 5 6 21 20 9 6 8 2 1 10 12 21 11 18 35 4 7 8 11 14 6 3858 6 Geoff Bodine 14 13 18 33 7 3 9 15 3* 24 8 34 1* 5 16 4 2 32 10 3 7 22 5 5 34 3 30 6 15 3799 7 Darrell Waltrip 11 4 24 3 24 23 14 5 37 1 23 28 6 8 5 5 33* 20 17 7 4 8 17 1 2 12 31 13 5 3764 8 Davey Allison 2 29 9 40 3 29 8 6 34 5 5 32 5 35 38 3 39 16 1 4 9 1* 4 18 19 11 27 3 2 3631 9 Phil Parsons 3 30 15 37 8 22 7 9 1 8 39 5 8 7 3 31 11 4 20 19 6 24 14 21 27 2 8 9 16 3630 10 Sterling Marlin 8 5 3 20 5 8 16 2 6 27 11 9 28 37 34 14 6 8 11 12 5 16 23 26 5 14 34 10 12 3621 11 Ricky Rudd 17 2 17 24 30 20 2 18 29 7 9 3 30 11 22 12 41 1 16 16 10 26 10 24* 8 7* 2 26* 4 3547 12 Bobby Hillin Jr. 13 8 21 6 17 15 18 3 13 14 17 24 15 12 13 21 17 13 37 10 30 14 21 14 6 13 23 7 9 3446 13 Kyle Petty 18 18 19 5 40 7 5 17 8 16 33 14 12 33 24 18 15 34 8 13 28 6 6 22 11 16 9 17 22 3296 14 Alan Kulwicki 32 21 4 39 2 19 15 20 22 3 6 38 27 21 40 8 19 19 36 5 15 5 31 2 28 29 28 1 25 3176 15 Mark Martin 41 25 12 31 6 2 29 23 12 37 9 7 4 14 17 7 7 28 32 27 19 4 39 9 9 19 28 36 20 3142 16 Neil Bonnett 4 1 1* 22 19 11 19 30 14 36 35 10 11 19 18 38 40 14 16 9 8 19 18 28 10 21 13 3040 17 Lake Speed 37 6 2 38 1* 30 26 28 15 21 4 26 23 29 9 32 13 37 5 20 12 36 9 28 34 15 24 15 37 2984 18 Michael Waltrip 22 31 13 12 21 12 32 22 33 23 36 11 2 28 21 17 20 33 7 31 25 12 12 25 23 25 19 28 7 2949 19 Dave Marcis 20 17 23 15 37 9 25 12 27 34 32 21 38 18 23 30 18 26 22 29 22 10 16 13 26 21 16 18 19 2854 20 Brett Bodine 35 27 27 9 15 17 13 27 19 4 31 40 35 27 42 20 28 23 6 25 17 11 22 10 3 17 29 43 27 2828 21 Rick Wilson 15 DNQ 36 10 27 25 28 25 35 18* 7 33 25 41 2 13 4 12 9 23 38 33 24 16 25 20 22 29 17 2762 22 Richard Petty 34 3 41 23 41 6 6 32 20 15 15 6 26 24 20 28 21 17 39 8 33 34 38 27 38 18 25 35 36 2644 23 Dale Jarrett 16 26 16 29 12 28 21 13 11 41 20 8 13 25 14 25 37 11 41 26 34 15 28 32 37 23 32 31 41 2622 24 Benny Parsons 31 14 33 13 34 13 17 14 24 25 22 13 31 38 35 35 27 39 15 13 20 27 20 12 QL 13 8 34 2559 25 Ken Bouchard (R) DNQ 23 8 16 13 21 27 31 DNQ 11 14 DNQ 14 17 36 16 35 27 25 DNQ 18 19 25 17 33 27 18 23 DNQ 2378 26 Ernie Irvan (R) DNQ DNQ 25 18 22 26 24 DNQ 32 22 26 31 37 15 25 22 32 29 33 15 20 28 13 11 DNQ 26 15 22 18 2319 27 Harry Gant 29 28 28 21 38 18* 12 26 36 30 10 16 31 21 6 40 32 11 30 24 30 7 12 30 2266 28 Morgan Shepherd 42 16 7 30 39 26 2 42 16 34 7 6 40 7 4 DNQ 39 31 29 31 16 22 14 40 2193 29 Buddy Baker 9 15 11 7 10 31 31 7 16 29 13 19 7 13 6 23 10 QL 2056 30 Jimmy Means 25 24 40 42 35 32 30 DNQ 23 12 27 43 20 36 27 39 23 14 38 DNQ 24 29 19 23 42 24 39 24 38 2045 31 Derrike Cope 27 32 20 26 26 24 22 29 26 40 18 17 24 32 39 33 24 40 34 30 35 DNQ 36 32 36 16 33 1985 32 Mike Alexander 10 15 15 25 5 23 18 14 17 7 29 21 9 6 27 3 1931 33 Bobby Allison 1* 11 22 11 9 5 20 8 2 17 10 22 39 1654 34 Eddie Bierschwale 28 32 17 14 39 28 40 29 26 31 38 31 24 26 27 26 40 33 40 24 1481 35 Rodney Combs Wth 27 32 DNQ 23 DNQ 38 32 29 DNQ 34 30 33 36 29 24 14 11 21 21 40 DNQ DNQ 40 29 1468 36 Brad Noffsinger (R) 14 36 DNQ DNQ 21 25 33 24 19 20 DNQ 19 22 15 26 32 DNQ DNQ 34 DNQ DNQ DNQ 37 25 26 1316 37 Greg Sacks 40 DNQ 31 17 10 10 34 38 42 13 12 29 10 12 38 28 1237 38 Cale Yarborough 38 32 18 38 9 41 9 18 22 10 940 39 Joe Ruttman 20 30 29 17 16 11 27 42 9 35 38 41 DNQ 803 40 Brad Teague 21 19 39 36 20 27 DNQ 19 21 30 15 15 DNQ 35 39 802 41 Jimmy Horton (R) DNQ DNQ 18 DNQ 31 34 18 DNQ DNQ 29 DNQ 37 20 DNQ 32 647 42 A. J. Foyt 33 34 28 37 12 36 31 523 43 H. B. Bailey 41 16 35 39 28 27 DNQ 35 478 44 Jim Sauter QL 25 39 19 23 32 13 17 32 23 463 45 Chad Little 23 27 15 DNQ 19 405 46 Buddy Arrington DNQ DNQ 28 DNQ DNQ 21 23 28 352 47 Ken Ragan DNQ 35 41 30 30 31 Wth 314 48 Dana Patten 28 22 30 33 313 49 Rick Jeffrey 30 26 DNQ DNQ 30 29 DNQ DNQ 307 50 Mickey Gibbs DNQ 35 DNQ 40 34 31 39 283 51 Steve Moore 23 30 DNQ 33 DNQ 231 52 Phil Barkdoll 36 31 DNQ 26 210 53 Hershel McGriff 36 25 DNQ 34 204 54 Rob Moroso 14 31 191 55 Bobby Gerhart DNQ 22 26 DNQ 182 56 Bill Schmitt 12 37 179 57 Jocko Maggiacomo DNQ DNQ 30 40 35 DNQ DNQ 174 58 Roy Smith 27 30 160 59 Patty Moise 26 30 158 60 Ed Pimm 24 DNQ 34 152 61 J. D. McDuffie DNQ DNQ 25 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 36 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 148 62 Larry Pearson DNQ 41 21 140 63 Rick Hendrick 15 118 64 Tommy Kendall 18 114 65 Trevor Boys 19 DNQ 20 66 Lee Faulk DNQ 23 DNQ 20 32 103 67 Ben Hess DNQ Wth DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 20 103 68 Connie Saylor 39 DNQ DNQ Wth DNQ 21 100 69 Ron Esau DNQ DNQ 36 21 DNQ DNQ 100 70 Bob Schacht 36 40 30 98 71 Tom Rotsell 22 97 72 Dave Mader III 24 DNQ DNQ 91 73 John Krebs 25 DNQ 88 74 Ralph Jones 26 85 75 David Sosebee 28 Wth 31 DNQ 79 76 Jim Bown 41 42 77 77 Philip Duffie DNQ DNQ 29 DNQ DNQ 76 78 Dave Pletcher DNQ DNQ 29 DNQ 76 79 Larry Moyer DNQ DNQ 32 DNQ DNQ 67 80 Gary Collins 33 64 81 Donnie Allison DNQ DNQ Wth DNQ 35 58 82 Randy Baker 36 DNQ 55 83 Rick McCray 37 52 84 Mike Potter DNQ DNQ Wth DNQ 37 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 52 85 Jay Sommers DNQ 37 DNQ DNQ DNQ 52 86 Mark Stahl DNQ 37 DNQ 52 87 Charlie Baker 38 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 49 88 Joe Booher DNQ 38 49 89 Ruben Garcia 39 46 90 Johnny Rutherford DNQ 39 46 91 Tommy Ellis DNQ 30 42 37 92 Butch Miller 17 25 93 Rick Mast 28 32 94 Lennie Pond 22 DNQ 95 Jimmy Hensley 24 96 Terry Petris 35 97 Randy LaJoie 37 DNQ 98 David Simko Wth 40 DNQ 99 Sarel van der Merwe DNQ 100 Mike Porter DNQ 101 Joey Sonntag DNQ 102 Bobby Wawak DNQ 103 John Linville DNQ 104 Tony Spanos DNQ DNQ Wth DNQ DNQ 105 Ronnie Sanders DNQ DNQ Wth 106 Delma Cowart DNQ Wth DNQ DNQ 107 Mark Gibson DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 108 Blackie Wangerin DNQ Wth DNQ 109 Bobby Coyle DNQ DNQ 110 Glenn Moffat DNQ DNQ 111 Graham Taylor DNQ DNQ 112 D. Wayne Strout DNQ 113 Billy Fulcher DNQ DNQ 114 Howard Mark DNQ DNQ 115 Jeff McDuffie DNQ 116 Gary Brooks DNQ DNQ DNQ 117 Doug French DNQ DNQ 118 Alan Russell DNQ DNQ DNQ 119 Bill Meacham DNQ DNQ 120 Reno Fontana DNQ 121 Marta Leonard DNQ 122 George Follmer DNQ 123 Ray Kelly DNQ 124 Glen Steurer DNQ 125 Summer McKnight DNQ 126 Bob Howard DNQ DNQ 127 Butch Gilliland DNQ DNQ 128 Jack Sellers DNQ DNQ 129 St. James Davis DNQ DNQ 130 Scott Gaylord DNQ DNQ 131 J. C. Danielson DNQ DNQ 132 Hut Stricklin DNQ DNQ 134 Ricky Woodward DNQ DNQ 135 Slick Johnson DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 136 Phil Good DNQ 137 Mike Laws DNQ DNQ DNQ 138 Lee Raymond DNQ DNQ 139 Randy Morrison DNQ 140 Rayvon Clark DNQ DNQ 141 James Hylton DNQ 142 Charlie Glotzbach DNQ 143 Ronnie Silver DNQ 144 John McFadden DNQ 145 Troy Beebe DNQ 146 Kevin Evans DNQ 147 Harry Jefferson DNQ 148 Don Hume DNQ 149 Charlie Rudolph Wth 150 Darin Brassfield Wth 151 Earle Canavan Wth Pos Position Driver DAY RCH CAR ATL DAR BRI NWS MAR TAL CLT DOV RIV POC MCH DAY POC TAL GLN MCH BRI DAR RCH DOV MAR CLT NWS CAR PHO ATL Pts Points Scored Rookie of the Year Ken Bouchard defeated Ernie Irvan by 59 points to win the Rookie of the Year title in 1988, driving for Bob Whitcomb. Bouchard raced only eight more times in the Cup series over his career, while Irvan won fifteen races over the next twelve years (his first victory was in 1990). The only other contenders were USAC driver Brad Noffsinger and Jimmy Horton, both of whom ran part-time schedules that season. See also 1988 NASCAR Busch Series 1988 NASCAR Busch Grand National North Series 1988 NASCAR Winston West Series References External links Winston Cup Standings and Statistics for 1988 https://web.archive.org/web/20060829020125/http://www.racing-reference.info/raceyear?yr=1988&series=W 2006-08-29 Category:NASCAR Cup Series seasons