1992 NASCAR Winston Cup Series

American motorsport season November 2025 January 2024 January 2024 1992 NASCAR Winston Cup Series 1991 1993 thumb|Alan Kulwicki won the Winston Cup championship as an owner/driver. thumb|Bill Elliott finished second in the championship. thumb|Jimmy Hensley, the Winston Cup Rookie of the Year. The 1992 NASCAR Winston Cup Series was the 44th season of professional stock car racing in the United States and the 21st modern-era Cup season. The season began on February 9, 1992, and ended on November 15, 1992. Independent owner/driver Alan Kulwicki of AK Racing won the Winston Cup championship. The Generation 4 car was introduced this season, when body panels were removed, teams spent hours in a wind tunnel to gain aerodynamics, the led shot was replaced by the led ingot, the fuel mileage was cut for the drivers to lead more laps, and the bumpers, nose, and tail were composed to mullet fiber glass. The 1992 season was considered one of the most dramatic and emotional years in NASCAR. The seven-time champion, and "King of stock car racing," Richard Petty retired from the sport at the season's end, concluding a year-long "Fan Appreciation Tour." Petty appeared across the country for autographs and diecast cars were made of his No. 43 car for all 29 of the races he appeared in. The season also saw the quiet debut of a future champion Jeff Gordon, who was planning to move up after two seasons in the Busch Series. Gordon debuted his now-iconic No. 24 DuPont "Rainbow Warrior" Chevrolet at the final race of the year. The season-long championship battle narrowed down to six drivers, the most ever going into the final race of the season. Davey Allison won the season-opening Daytona 500, and despite a roller-coaster season, remained first, or near the top of the standings all season. Bill Elliott and Kulwicki experienced more consistent results, placing them comfortably near the top. Harry Gant, Mark Martin and Kyle Petty were also factors during the season. Two-time defending champion Dale Earnhardt, however, suffered a dismal season, winning only one race, dropping out several times, and finished outside the top ten at season's end, for just the second time in his Cup career. The season's climax occurred at the final race of the season, the Hooters 500 at Atlanta. Six drivers entered the race with a mathematical chance at winning the Winston Cup championship. Davey Allison led the charge, but ultimately fell short when he was involved in an accident. The race and the championship came down to a two-man battle between Bill Elliott and Alan Kulwicki. Elliott won the race, while Kulwicki finished second. Kulwicki led 103 laps during the race (compared to 102 by Elliott), clinched the 5 bonus points for leading the most laps, and won the Winston Cup title. Tragically, only months later, both Kulwicki and Allison would be killed in separate aviation crashes. The 1992 season was also the final year of Oldsmobile as a manufacturer in the series. The 1992 season was also the first Manufacturers' championship for Ford since 1969. Ford swept the top three in points snapping GM's streak of 16 straight manufacturers' championships (between Chevrolet and Buick). Teams and drivers Complete schedule ManufacturerTeamNo. Car numberDriverCrew chief Chevrolet Darrell Waltrip Motorsports17 Darrell Waltrip Jeff Hammond 17 1–17 Jake Elder 13 18–29 Hendrick Motorsports 5 Ricky Rudd Gary DeHart 25 Ken SchraderRichard Broome 7 1–7 Ken Howes 23 8–29 Joe Gibbs Racing 18 Dale Jarrett Jimmy MakarLarry Hedrick Motorsports41 Greg Sacks 20 1-19, 27Dennis Conner Dave Marcis 7 20-26 Hut Stricklin 2 28-29Marcis Auto Racing71 Dave Marcis 22 1-19, 27-29Bob Marcis Jim Sauter 7 20-26 Morgan-McClure Motorsports 4 Ernie Irvan Tony Glover Richard Childress Racing 3 Dale Earnhardt Kirk Shelmerdine Whitcomb Racing 10 Derrike Cope Doug Williams 1 1 Barry Dodson 28 2–29 Ford AK Racing 7 Alan Kulwicki Paul Andrews Bud Moore Engineering 15 Geoff Bodine Donnie WingoCale Yarborough Motorsports66 Chad Little 6 1-6 Bobby Hillin Jr. 1 7 Jimmy Hensley 22 8-29 (R) Junior Johnson & Associates 11 Bill Elliott Tim Brewer 22 Sterling Marlin Mike Beam King Racing 26 Brett Bodine Donnie Richeson RaDiUs Motorsports 55 Ted Musgrave James Ince Robert Yates Racing 28 Davey Allison Larry McReynolds Roush Racing 6 Mark Martin Steve Hmiel 16 Wally Dallenbach Jr. Steve Lloyd Stavola Brothers Racing 8 Rick Wilson 1 1 Ken Wilson Dick Trickle 28 2–29 Wood Brothers Racing 21 Morgan Shepherd Leonard Wood Oldsmobile Hagan Racing 94 Terry Labonte Dewey Livengood Leo Jackson Motorsports 33 Harry Gant Andy Petree Precision Products Racing 1 Rick Mast Richard JacksonTri-Star Motorsports 68 Bobby Hamilton Pontiac Bahari Racing 30 Michael Waltrip Bill Ingle 21 1–21 Doug Hewitt 8 22–29 Penske Racing 2 Rusty Wallace Eddie Dickerson 17 1–17 Buddy Parrott 12 18–29 Petty Enterprises 43 Richard Petty Robbie Loomis SABCO Racing 42 Kyle Petty Robin PembertonPontiac 28 1-28Ford 1 29Means Racing52 Jimmy Means 25 1–5, 7–11, 13–17, 19–27, 29 Brad Teague 1 6 Tommy Kendall 1 12 Scott Sharp 1 18 Scott Gaylord 1 28Chevrolet 24 1–20, 22–25Ford 5 21, 26–29Bobby Allison Motorsports12Hut Stricklin 21 1–21Jimmy FennigJeff Purvis 4 22–25Jimmy Spencer 4 26–29 Limited schedule ManufacturerTeamNo. Car numberRace driverCrew chiefRound(s)Buick Adele Emerson 44 Jack Sellers1 12 Balogh Racing 77 Mike Potter 8 11, 13, 18, 20-23, 26 Chevrolet 9 1, 4-5, 9-10, 14, 16, 19, 29 Active Motorsports 32 Jimmy Horton David Ifft 11 4, 7, 11, 13–14, 16, 19, 22, 24, 27, 29 Ball Motorsports 99 Brad Teague 2 1, 17 B&B Racing 14 A. J. Foyt 1 1 BS&S Motorsports 49 Stanley Smith Philippe Lopez 15 1–5, 9–10, 14–15, 17, 19, 22, 26, 28–29 Chesrown Racing 37 Rick Carelli David Ifft 2 12, 28 Close Racing 47 Buddy Baker 1 9 Diamond Ridge Racing 29 Ran as No. 99 at Sears Point John Krebs Bob Rahilly 2 12, 28 Ed Ferree 45 Ed Ferree2 18, 26 Folsom Racing 13 Dave Mader III 1 1 Bob Schacht 1 4 Stan Fox 2 17, 19 Hendrick Motorsports 24 Jeff Gordon Ray Evernham 1 29 Mansion Motorsports 13 Mike Skinner 3 1–2, 5 Mueller Brothers Racing 89 Jim Sauter 3 1, 10, 14Phoenix Racing51 Scribner's entry would run as the No. 61 at PhoenixJeff Purvis2 19, 28 Scribner Racing Rick Scribner Cliff Duvall 2 12, 28 Team Ireland 31 Bobby Hillin Jr. Tony Price 5 1, 4–5, 9–10 Doug Hewitt 7 14–16, 18–19, 21, 26 12 1, 4–5, 9–10, 14–16, 18–19, 21, 26 Travis Carter Enterprises 98 Jimmy Spencer 11 1-10, 14Venturini Motorsports35Bill Venturini2 14, 19Speed Racing83Lake Speed 3 1, 4-5Ford 8 10, 16, 19, 21, 26-29 Barkdoll Racing 73 Bill Schmitt 1 28 Cicci Racing 34 Todd Bodine1 18 Jeff Davis Racing 44 Jeff Davis Rod Pool 1 28Donlavey Racing90 Dorsey SchroederJunie Donlavey 1 1 Charlie Glotzbach 7 3-4, 9-10, 14-15, 17 Kerry Teague 1 5 Hut Stricklin 4 22-25 Pancho Carter 1 26 Bobby Hillin Jr. 1 29 91 Kerry Teague 1 29 Gray Racing 62 Ben Hess 1 1 H. L. Waters Motorsports 0 Delma Cowart 8 1-2, 9-10, 15-17, 19 Junior Johnson & Associates 97 Hut Stricklin 1 26Melling Racing9 Phil ParsonsGene Roberts 2 1-2 Dorsey Schroeder 1 4 Dave Mader III 6 5–10 Chad Little 13 11, 13–17, 19, 21–23, 26–27, 29 Bill Schmitt 1 12 Pat Rissi Racing 59 Andy Belmont (R) 11 1-3, 11, 13-17, 19, 21TTC Motorsports Inc. 45 Rich Bickle 4 24–26, 29 50 Hershel McGriff 1 12Moroso Racing20 Jimmy Spencer 1 20Oldsmobile Mike Wallace 2 1, 4 Joe Ruttman 1 10B&B Racing 14 A. J. Foyt Tex Powell 1 1 23 Eddie Bierschwale Don Bierschwale 9 1, 4–5, 8–10, 15, 19, 29 Barkdoll Racing 73 Phil Barkdoll 4 1, 9-10, 15 Close Racing 47 Buddy Baker David Ifft 5 1, 4–5, 9, 14 Collins Racing 97 Mark Gibson 1 1 KT Motorsports 03 Kerry Teague 1 1 Pontiac 88 Racing 88 Joe Booher 1 1Bailey Racing36H. B. Bailey2 14, 19Clay Young50 Clay Young4 1, 4, 9, 29 Gilliland Racing 24 Butch Gilliland 2 12, 28 Rusty Wallace Racing Kenny Wallace 1 5 Means Racing53 John McFadden 5 2, 5, 9, 21, 27 Graham Taylor 2 11, 23 77 Mike Potter 1 27Porter Racing32 Ran as No. 37 at Daytona II, Pocono II, and Talladega II,Randy Porter5 3, 10, 15–17 Pontiac 15 5, 7, 9–11, 13–14, 16–18, 21, 23, 26–27, 29Chevrolet 4 1, 15, 19, 22 Hylton Motorsports 48 James Hylton 19 1, 5, 7, 9–11, 13–19, 21–23, 26–27, 29Chevrolet 3 10, 16, 19Oldsmobile 1 18Linro Motorsports27Gary Balough1 10Bob Schacht2 16, 18Jeff McClure1 19 Schedule No. Race title Track DateBusch ClashDaytona International Speedway, Daytona BeachFebruary 9Gatorade Twin 125 QualifiersFebruary 131Daytona 500February 162GM Goodwrench 500Rockingham Speedway, RockinghamMarch 13Pontiac Excitement 400Richmond International Raceway, RichmondMarch 84Motorcraft Quality Parts 500Atlanta Motor Speedway, HamptonMarch 155TranSouth 500Darlington Raceway, DarlingtonMarch 296Food City 500Bristol International Raceway, BristolApril 57First Union 400North Wilkesboro Speedway, North WilkesboroApril 128Hanes 500Martinsville Speedway, RidgewayApril 269Winston 500Talladega Superspeedway, LincolnMay 3Winston OpenCharlotte Motor Speedway, ConcordMay 16The Winston10Coca-Cola 600May 2411Budweiser 500Dover Downs International Speedway, DoverMay 3112Save Mart 300KSears Point Raceway, SonomaJune 713Champion Spark Plug 500Pocono International Raceway, Long PondJune 1414Miller Genuine Draft 400Michigan International Speedway, BrooklynJune 2115Pepsi 400Daytona International Speedway, Daytona BeachJuly 416Miller Genuine Draft 500Pocono International Raceway, Long PondJuly 1917DieHard 500Talladega Superspeedway, LincolnJuly 2618Budweiser at The GlenWatkins Glen International, Watkins GlenAugust 919Champion Spark Plug 400Michigan International Speedway, BrooklynAugust 1620Bud 500Bristol International Raceway, BristolAugust 2921Mountain Dew Southern 500Darlington Raceway, DarlingtonSeptember 622Miller Genuine Draft 400Richmond International Raceway, RichmondSeptember 1223Peak Antifreeze 500Dover Downs International Speedway, DoverSeptember 2024Goody's 500Martinsville Speedway, RidgewaySeptember 2825Tyson/Holly Farms 400North Wilkesboro Speedway, North WilkesboroOctober 526Mello Yello 500Charlotte Motor Speedway, ConcordOctober 1127AC Delco 500Rockingham Speedway, RockinghamOctober 2528Pyroil 500KPhoenix International Raceway, PhoenixNovember 129Hooters 500Atlanta Motor Speedway, HamptonNovember 15 Races No.RacePole positionMost laps ledWinning driverManufacturer Winning manufacturerBusch ClashBrett BodineGeoff BodineGeoff BodineFordGatorade Twin 125 #1Sterling MarlinDale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtChevroletGatorade Twin 125 #2Bill ElliottBill ElliottBill ElliottFord1Daytona 500Sterling MarlinDavey AllisonDavey AllisonFord2GM Goodwrench 500Kyle PettyBill ElliottBill ElliottFord3Pontiac Excitement 400Bill ElliottBill ElliottBill ElliottFord4Motorcraft Quality Parts 500Mark MartinDavey AllisonBill ElliottFord5TranSouth 500Sterling MarlinDavey AllisonBill ElliottFord6Food City 500Alan KulwickiAlan KulwickiAlan KulwickiFord7First Union 400Alan KulwickiAlan KulwickiDavey AllisonFord8Hanes 500Darrell WaltripAlan KulwickiMark MartinFord9Winston 500Ernie IrvanDavey AllisonDavey AllisonFordWinston OpenBrett BodineSterling MarlinMichael WaltripPontiacThe WinstonDavey AllisonDavey AllisonDavey AllisonFord10Coca-Cola 600Bill ElliottKyle PettyDale EarnhardtChevrolet11Budweiser 500Brett BodineDarrell WaltripHarry GantOldsmobile12Save Mart 300KRicky RuddBill ElliottErnie IrvanChevrolet13Champion Spark Plug 500Ken SchraderAlan KulwickiAlan KulwickiFord14Miller Genuine Draft 400Davey AllisonDavey AllisonDavey AllisonFord15Pepsi 400Sterling MarlinErnie IrvanErnie IrvanChevrolet16Miller Genuine Draft 500Davey AllisonDavey AllisonDarrell WaltripChevrolet17DieHard 500Sterling MarlinRicky RuddErnie IrvanChevrolet18Budweiser at The GlenDale EarnhardtErnie Irvan Kyle PettyKyle PettyPontiac19Champion Spark Plug 400Alan KulwickiBill ElliottHarry GantOldsmobile20Bud 500Ernie IrvanDarrell WaltripDarrell WaltripChevrolet21Mountain Dew Southern 500Sterling MarlinHarry GantDarrell WaltripChevrolet22Miller Genuine Draft 400Ernie IrvanRusty WallaceRusty WallacePontiac23Peak AntiFreeze 500Alan KulwickiBill ElliottRicky RuddChevrolet24Goody's 500Kyle PettyRusty WallaceGeoff BodineFord25Tyson Holly Farms 400Alan KulwickiGeoff BodineGeoff BodineFord26Mello Yello 500Alan KulwickiKyle PettyMark MartinFord27AC Delco 500Kyle PettyKyle PettyKyle PettyPontiac28Pyroil 500KRusty WallaceRusty WallaceDavey AllisonFord29Hooters 500Rick MastAlan KulwickiBill ElliottFord Busch Clash The Busch Clash, an exhibition event for all 1991 Busch Pole winners, and one "wild card" (from the fastest second round qualifiers from 1991), was held on Saturday, February 9 at Daytona International Speedway. Brett Bodine drew the pole. Top-ten results: #15 - Geoff Bodine #4 - Ernie Irvan #6 - Mark Martin #28 - Davey Allison #7 - Alan Kulwicki #22 - Sterling Marlin #11 - Bill Elliott #30 - Michael Waltrip #5 - Ricky Rudd #66 - Chad Little The race consisted of two 10-lap "sprint" segments, separated by a competition yellow, during which the field would be inverted. Sterling Marlin won the first 10-lap segment, and Geoff Bodine won the second 10-lap segment, to claim the overall victory. Except for the 2-lap competition yellow, the race otherwise was completed caution-free. This was the first Busch Clash to be held on a Saturday. The move was made at the request of CBS, who wanted the additional time on Sunday for their coverage of the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France. Gatorade 125s The Gatorade 125-mile qualifying races for the Daytona 500 were held Thursday, February 13 at Daytona International Speedway. Sterling Marlin and Bill Elliott started first in each of the races, respectively. Top-five results: (Race 1) #3 - Dale Earnhardt #6 - Mark Martin #4 - Ernie Irvan #41 - Greg Sacks #33 - Harry Gant Top-five results: (Race 2) #11 - Bill Elliott #21 - Morgan Shepherd #28 - Davey Allison #5 - Ricky Rudd #30 - Michael Waltrip During the second race, a crash on lap 4 took out several cars, including Alan Kulwicki, Terry Labonte and A. J. Foyt. Richard Petty also wrecked out on lap 8. All four would qualify for the Daytona 500 based on speed or by provisional. 34th Daytona 500 by STP 1992 Daytona 500 The Daytona 500 was held on February 16 at Daytona International Speedway. Sterling Marlin won the pole. Top-ten results: #28 - Davey Allison #21 - Morgan Shepherd #15 - Geoff Bodine #7 - Alan Kulwicki* #75 - Dick Trickle* #42 - Kyle Petty #94 - Terry Labonte #55 - Ted Musgrave #3 - Dale Earnhardt #9 - Phil Parsons Failed to qualify: #99 - Brad Teague, #59 - Andy Belmont, #89 - Jim Sauter, #23 - Eddie Bierschwale, #83 - Lake Speed, #13 - Dave Mader III, #98 - Jimmy Spencer, #20 - Mike Wallace, #62 - Ben Hess, #13 - Mike Skinner, #88 - Joe Booher, #50 - Clay Young, #48 - James Hylton, #52 - Jimmy Means, #97 - Mark Gibson The "Big One" took place on lap 92 after contact between Bill Elliott, Ernie Irvan, and Sterling Marlin, collecting 14 cars in total. Richard Petty, in his final Daytona 500, was among those involved. Petty was able to continue the race, and finish 16th. This would be the final Daytona 500 start for both Richard Petty and A. J. Foyt. Three weeks removed from leading Washington to victory in Super Bowl XXVI; Joe Gibbs made his debut as a car owner, fielding the #18 Chevy with Dale Jarrett driving. Jarrett would finish 36th after being collected in the aforementioned "Big One". Alan Kulwicki rallied to finished 4th after starting the race in 41st, and getting collected in the 14-car pileup. Dick Trickle finished 5th in what would be the final start for RahMoc Enterprises, as co-owners Bob Rahilly and Butch Mock would part ways after the race. Mock later reformed the team as Butch Mock Motorsports. GM Goodwrench 500 The GM Goodwrench 500 was held March 1 at Rockingham. Kyle Petty won the pole. Top-ten results #11 - Bill Elliott* #28 - Davey Allison #33 - Harry Gant #30 - Michael Waltrip -1 lap #25 - Ken Schrader -1 lap #6 - Mark Martin -2 laps #94 - Terry Labonte -2 laps #26 - Brett Bodine -2 laps #12 - Hut Stricklin -2 laps #17 - Darrell Waltrip -2 laps Failed to qualify: none Bill Elliott lead the final 213 laps, and won in only his second start with Junior Johnson Motorsports. Elliott and Davey Allison led a combined 450 of 492 laps. Polesitter Kyle Petty, the two-time defending race and pole position winner, was unable to make it three in a row. The Unocal 76 Challenge bonus money had now rolled over 25 races, and would be $197,600 for the next race. Pontiac Excitement 400 The Pontiac Excitement 400 was held March 8 at Richmond International Raceway. Bill Elliott won the pole. Top-ten results #11 - Bill Elliott* #7 - Alan Kulwicki #33 - Harry Gant #28 - Davey Allison #17 - Darrell Waltrip #5 - Ricky Rudd #22 - Sterling Marlin -1 lap #94 - Terry Labonte -1 lap #12 - Hut Stricklin -1 lap #21 - Morgan Shepherd -1 lap Failed to qualify: #59 - Andy Belmont, #32 - Randy Porter This was Bill Elliott's final win at a short track. He dominated by leading 348 of the 400 laps. Bill Elliott broke a streak of 25 rollovers, and claimed the Unocal 76 Challenge of $197,600 — the second-highest total awarded in the history of the program. Motorcraft Quality Parts 500 The Motorcraft Quality Parts 500 was held March 15 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Mark Martin won the pole. Top-ten results #11 - Bill Elliott #33 - Harry Gant #3 - Dale Earnhardt #28 - Davey Allison #8 - Dick Trickle #15 - Geoff Bodine #7 - Alan Kulwicki #42 - Kyle Petty #94 - Terry Labonte #21 - Morgan Shepherd Failed to qualify: #95 - Bob Schacht, #85 - Mike Skinner, #50 - Clay Young, #77 - Mike Potter Bobby Labonte served as a relief driver for Ernie Irvan, after Irvan suffered injuries in the Busch Series race the previous day. Labonte took over the car on the first pit stop, and finished 25th. TranSouth 500 The TranSouth 500 was held March 29 at Darlington Raceway. Sterling Marlin won the pole. Top-ten results #11 - Bill Elliott* #33 - Harry Gant #6 - Mark Martin #28 - Davey Allison* -1 lap #5 - Ricky Rudd -1 lap #26 - Brett Bodine -1 lap #8 - Dick Trickle -2 laps #15 - Geoff Bodine -2 laps #94 - Terry Labonte -2 laps #3 - Dale Earnhardt -2 laps Failed to qualify: #49 - Stanley Smith, #62 - Mark Thompson, #23 - Eddie Bierschwale, #47 - Buddy Baker, #87 - Randy Baker, #24 - Kenny Wallace, #31 - Bobby Hillin Jr., #83 - Lake Speed, #13 - Mike Skinner This was Bill Elliott's record-tying fourth consecutive Cup Series victory, finishing ahead of Harry Gant, the last driver to accomplish this feat in September 1991. Despite the victories, Elliott still trailed behind Davey Allison in the points standings, as Allison's consistency allowed him to retain a 48-point lead over Elliott. Food City 500 The Food City 500 was held April 5 at Bristol International Raceway. Alan Kulwicki won the pole. Top-ten results #7 - Alan Kulwicki #18 - Dale Jarrett* #25 - Ken Schrader #94 - Terry Labonte -1 lap #8 - Dick Trickle -1 lap #5 - Ricky Rudd -3 laps #21 - Morgan Shepherd -4 laps #12 - Hut Stricklin -5 laps #2 - Rusty Wallace -6 laps #10 - Derrike Cope -6 laps Failed to qualify: #98 - Jimmy Spencer This was Joe Gibbs Racing's first top-5 finish. In what would be his first of multiple injuries throughout the season, points leader Davey Allison suffered a hard crash on lap 283, separating the cartilage around his rib cage and knocking two vertebrae out of place and finished 28th. Fortunately for Allison, Bill Elliott experienced trouble during the race, finishing 30 laps down in 20th, while Harry Gant blew an engine and finished 29th. This was the last asphalt race at Bristol International Raceway. After the race ended, the blacktop was torn up and a new concrete surface was laid down. First Union 400 The First Union 400 was held April 12 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Alan Kulwicki won the pole. Top-ten results #28 - Davey Allison* #2 - Rusty Wallace #5 - Ricky Rudd #15 - Geoff Bodine #33 - Harry Gant #3 - Dale Earnhardt #7 - Alan Kulwicki #22 - Sterling Marlin #94 - Terry Labonte #26 - Brett Bodine Failed to qualify: #32 - Jimmy Horton, #9 - Dave Mader III, #48 - James Hylton. Allison's victory came while still recovering from injuries suffered at Bristol. Wearing a flak jacket and using an electrode-shock apparatus to help ease the pain, Allison held off Rusty Wallace to win, expanding his championship lead to 86 points. Prior to the race, a special tribute was held for Junior Johnson, a native of nearby Wilkesboro, North Carolina. The day before the race saw ESPN broadcaster Benny Parsons marry his second wife Terri just shy of one year after the death of Parsons' wife Connie. Jimmy Hensley qualified Allison's #28 Ford in 7th place. Hanes 500 The Hanes 500 was held April 26 at Martinsville Speedway. Darrell Waltrip won the pole. Top-ten results #6 - Mark Martin #22 - Sterling Marlin #17 - Darrell Waltrip -1 lap #94 - Terry Labonte -1 lap #33 - Harry Gant -2 laps #21 - Morgan Shepherd -2 laps #25 - Ken Schrader -2 laps #26 - Brett Bodine -2 laps #3 - Dale Earnhardt -3 laps #11 - Bill Elliott -3 laps Failed to qualify: #23 - Eddie Bierschwale, #98 - Jimmy Spencer, #65 - Jerry O'Neil Scheduling conflicts with ESPN's coverage of the 1992 NFL draft meant they were unable to carry the race live, forcing ESPN to air the race on tape the next day. Davey Allison suffered another hard crash on lap 387, bruising his lung, and aggravating the rib and spine injuries from Bristol. Allison finished 26th. Winston 500 The Winston 500 was held May 3 at Talladega Superspeedway. Ernie Irvan won the pole. Top-ten results #28 - Davey Allison* #11 - Bill Elliott #3 - Dale Earnhardt #22 - Sterling Marlin #4 - Ernie Irvan #7 - Alan Kulwicki #18 - Dale Jarrett #6 - Mark Martin #21 - Morgan Shepherd #42 - Kyle Petty Failed to qualify: #0 - Delma Cowart, #23 - Eddie Bierschwale, #48 - James Hylton, #73 - Phil Barkdoll, #77 - Mike Potter Buddy Baker made his 700th and final Winston Cup start in this race, starting 31st and finishing 36th. He would later attempt but fail to qualify for the 1993 DieHard 500, and at Daytona and Atlanta in 1994. For the second time of the season Davey Allison won just one week after getting injured in a crash. By winning this race, Allison became the only remaining contender for the Winston Million, having already won the Daytona 500. He would have to win either the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte or the Southern 500 at Darlington to claim the bonus. The Winston Open The Winston Open, a last chance race to qualify for The Winston, was held on May 16, 1992, at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Brett Bodine won the pole. Top-five results: #30 - Michael Waltrip #12 - Hut Stricklin #41 - Greg Sacks #8 - Dick Trickle #66 - Jimmy Hensley The Winston 1992 The Winston The 1992 edition of The Winston, took place on May 16, 1992. Davey Allison won the pole. Criteria to qualify All active 1991 and 1992 race winning drivers. All active 1991 and 1992 race winning car owners. All active former Winston Cup Champions. Top 2 finishers from The Winston Open Top-ten results: #28 - Davey Allison* #42 - Kyle Petty #25 - Ken Schrader #5 - Ricky Rudd #11 - Bill Elliott #2 - Rusty Wallace #7 - Alan Kulwicki #4 - Ernie Irvan #43 - Richard Petty #94 - Terry Labonte This was the first night race at Charlotte Motor Speedway following the installation of lights, and it became the first non-short track to host night racing. This race, nicknamed "One Hot Night," became famous for its intense finish. During the final 10-lap sprint, Dale Earnhardt led Kyle Petty and Davey Allison. On the final lap, Petty nudged Earnhardt in turn three, spinning him out. Petty took the lead into turn four, but as he entered the quad-oval, Davey Allison pulled alongside. The two cars touched as they crossed the finish line, with Allison edging out Petty by less than half a car length. The two cars clipped, and Allison crashed hard into the outside wall, showering bright sparks over the track. Allison suffered a concussion, and spent the night in the hospital instead of victory lane. Coca-Cola 600 1992 Coca-Cola 600 The Coca-Cola 600 was held Sunday, May 24 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Bill Elliott won the pole. Top-ten results: #3 - Dale Earnhardt* #4 - Ernie Irvan #42 - Kyle Petty #28 - Davey Allison* #33 - Harry Gant #94 - Terry Labonte #7 - Alan Kulwicki #55 - Ted Musgrave #5 - Ricky Rudd #8 - Dick Trickle #66 - Jimmy Hensley Failed to qualify: #23 - Eddie Bierschwale, #48 - James Hylton, #0 - Delma Cowart, #77 - Mike Potter, #85 - Mike Skinner Despite spending two days in the hospital, nursing a broken collarbone, re-injured ribs, and bruises covering 60% of his body. Davey Allison ran the full 600-mile race and finished 4th. Allison's 4th-place finish denied him a chance to win the Winston Million. Allison would have one more chance to win the bonus at the Darlington in September. This was the first victory of the season for General Motors, as all races up to this point have been won by Ford. This would be Dale Earnhardt's lone victory of 1992 (with the exception of the Gatorade 125 qualifier at Daytona). Approaching his final green-flag pit stop, Earnhardt trailed by 3 seconds, but emerged with a 1.5-second lead, prompting several of his competitors to believe that Earnhardt broke the 55 mph pit road speed limit while exiting. No penalty was assessed. This would be the final Coca-Cola 600 scheduled to run during the daytime. Starting in 1993, the race was moved to a late afternoon/night race. Budweiser 500 The Budweiser 500 was held May 31 at Dover Downs International Speedway. Brett Bodine won the pole. Top-ten results: #33 - Harry Gant* #3 - Dale Earnhardt #2 - Rusty Wallace -1 lap #4 - Ernie Irvan -1 lap #17 - Darrell Waltrip -1 lap #5 - Ricky Rudd -2 laps down #12 - Hut Stricklin -2 laps #66 - Jimmy Hensley -2 laps #8 - Dick Trickle -2 laps #21 - Morgan Shepherd -2 laps Failed to qualify: none In a race decided on fuel milage, Gant's final pit stop was on lap 403, and Darrell Waltrip's last stop was on lap 406. Waltrip would run out of fuel with a lap and one half remaining, while Gant ran out on the backstretch on lap 500 with a one lap lead. Dale Earnhardt passed Gant to un-lap himself, and finished 26 seconds behind Gant. This race would be the first time radial tires were used at Dover. Save Mart Supermarkets 300K The Save Mart Supermarkets 300K was held June 7 at Sears Point Raceway. For the third consecutive year in this event Ricky Rudd won the pole. Top-ten results: #4 - Ernie Irvan* #94 - Terry Labonte #6 - Mark Martin #5 - Ricky Rudd #11 - Bill Elliott #3 - Dale Earnhardt #2 - Rusty Wallace #17 - Darrell Waltrip #25 - Ken Schrader #15 - Geoff Bodine Failed to qualify: #58 - Wayne Jacks, #04 - Bobby Woods This race was marred by the death of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., who passed away on the day of the event. Race winner Irvan dedicated the race to France. Ernie Irvan overcame a stop-and-go penalty for jumping the initial start to win in the fastest Winston Cup race held on the 2.52 mi km on configuration of Sears Point. Points leader Davey Allison suffered multiple issues throughout the race and finished 28th, reducing his points lead to just 28 points over Dale Earnhardt. Richard Petty's 21st-place finish would be the final lead-lap finish of his career. Champion Spark Plug 500 The Champion Spark Plug 500 was held June 14 at Pocono Raceway. Ken Schrader won the pole. Top-ten results: #7 - Alan Kulwicki* #6 - Mark Martin #11 - Bill Elliott #25 - Ken Schrader #28 - Davey Allison #42 - Kyle Petty #22 - Sterling Marlin #26 - Brett Bodine #66 - Jimmy Hensley #94 - Terry Labonte Failed to qualify: none In what would be the beginning of a brutal mid-season collapse for Dale Earnhardt, the #3 Chevy suffered a blown engine and finished 28th dropping Earnhardt to 5th in points. This would be Alan Kulwicki's last career victory. 1992 was also the only year in which Kulwicki won twice. This would be the last points race victory for Hooters as a primary sponsor until April 2024, 32 years later. Miller Genuine Draft 400 The Miller Genuine Draft 400 was held June 21 at Michigan International Speedway. Davey Allison won the pole. Top-ten results: #28 - Davey Allison* #17 - Darrell Waltrip #7 - Alan Kulwicki #42 - Kyle Petty #5 - Ricky Rudd #6 - Mark Martin #33 - Harry Gant #55 - Ted Musgrave -1 lap #3 - Dale Earnhardt -1 lap #11 - Bill Elliott -1 lap Failed to qualify: #98 - Jimmy Spencer, #35 - Bill Venturini, #47 - Buddy Baker, Ben Hess* After four wrecks and a plethora of misfortune, Allison's victory extended his championship lead to 67 points over Bill Elliott. Ben Hess, after failing to qualify, served as a relief driver for Michael Waltrip, who was injured in a crash in first round qualifying. Indianapolis Motor Speedway test On the way home from Michigan, on June 22–23, nine top NASCAR Winston Cup series teams were invited to Indianapolis to participate in a Goodyear tire test. Although no official announcements were made, it was in fact an unofficial feasibility test to see if stock cars would be competitive at the circuit. An estimated 10,000 spectators watched a rather exciting two days of history in the making. A. J. Foyt took a few laps around the track in Dale Earnhardt's car on the second day. ESPN covered the test. Top speeds Pos Speed rank Car # Car number Driver Car Make Entrant Speed111Bill ElliottFordJunior Johnson & Associates168.76724Ernie IrvanChevroletMorgan-McClure Motorsports167.81732Rusty WallacePontiacPenske Racing166.704442Kyle PettyPontiacSABCO Racing166.19955Ricky RuddChevroletHendrick Motorsports165.001617Darrell WaltripChevroletDarrell Waltrip Motorsports164.56773Dale EarnhardtChevroletRichard Childress Racing163.19486Mark MartinFordRoush Racing162.34693A. J. FoytChevroletRichard Childress Racing161.4521028Davey AllisonFordRobert Yates Racing161.261 Pepsi 400 The Pepsi 400 was held Saturday, July 4 at Daytona International Speedway. Sterling Marlin won the pole position, and Richard Petty qualified second, in his final race at Daytona. Top-ten results: #4 - Ernie Irvan #22 - Sterling Marlin #18 - Dale Jarrett #15 - Geoff Bodine #11 - Bill Elliott #25 - Ken Schrader #5 - Ricky Rudd #6 - Mark Martin #2 - Rusty Wallace #28 - Davey Allison Failed to qualify: #0 - Delma Cowart, #48 - James Hylton, #37 - Randy Porter This race was attended by President George H. W. Bush and he served as the grand marshal. A special ceremony was held during the pre-race festivities, honoring Richard Petty's final race at Daytona. Petty had spent time before the race testing at Daytona, in hopes that he might win the pole position and possibly be a factor in the race. Petty started 2nd, and led the first five laps (the final laps led of his long career). He dropped out in 36th due to heat-related fatigue. Eddie Bierschwale attempted to finish the race in Petty's car, but only ran a few laps. Harry Gant made his 400th career start in this race, finishing 2 laps down in 23rd. Dave Marcis made his 700th career start in this race, finishing 32nd with a blown engine.https://www.racing-reference.info/race/1992_Pepsi_400/W Race Results Winston Cup points standings at halfway point (after 15 of 29 races) Pos. Driver Points Difference1Davey Allison 2257 Leader2Bill Elliott 2211 -463Alan Kulwicki 2123 -1344Harry Gant 2085 -1725Dale Earnhardt 2005 -2526Mark Martin 1955 -3027Terry Labonte 1941 -3168Geoff Bodine 1905 -3529Ricky Rudd 1872 -38510Morgan Shepherd 1869 -388 Miller Genuine Draft 500 The Miller Genuine Draft 500 was held July 19 at Pocono Raceway. Davey Allison won the pole. Top-ten results: #17 - Darrell Waltrip #33 - Harry Gant #7 - Alan Kulwicki #5 - Ricky Rudd #55 - Ted Musgrave #6 - Mark Martin #42 - Kyle Petty #26 - Brett Bodine #8 - Dick Trickle #18 - Dale Jarrett Failed to qualify: #0 - Delma Cowart, #37 - Randy Porter In a race that would change the outcome of the 1992 NASCAR Winston Cup season, Davey Allison and Darrell Waltrip made contact on lap 148 in turn 2. Allison's car went airborne and into a frightening barrel roll over the inside guardrail. Allison suffered a broken right forearm, a dislocated wrist, a skull fracture and a severe concussion. Allison was hospitalized in Pennsylvania for four days. Mark Martin was famously quoted as saying "They may as well get a body bag for Davey." Bill Elliott finished 13th, but took over the points lead for the first time all season, leading Allison by 9 points. Last career pole for Davey Allison. Richard Petty, in his final race at Pocono, qualified 7th and advanced as high as 5th place early in the race before finishing 20th, 1 lap down. Dale Earnhardt's engine problems continued as Richard Childress Racing had to change engines shortly before the race started. The two-time defending champion qualified 29th and finished 23rd. DieHard 500 The DieHard 500 was held July 26 at Talladega Superspeedway in Lincoln, Alabama. Sterling Marlin won the pole. Top-ten results: #4 - Ernie Irvan #22 - Sterling Marlin #28 - Davey Allison* #5 - Ricky Rudd -1 lap #11 - Bill Elliott -1 lap #42 - Kyle Petty -1 lap #30 - Michael Waltrip -1 lap #9 - Chad Little -1 lap #25 - Ken Schrader -1 lap #26 - Brett Bodine -1 lap Failed to qualify: #48 - James Hylton With a tailor-made cast, a wrist brace and velcro on the shifter, Davey Allison started the race and gained the all-important Winston Cup points. After 6 laps during the 1st caution, Bobby Hillin Jr. took over the car and nearly drove the Texaco Ford to victory. Dale Earnhardt suffered another engine failure and finished in last-place for the second time in three races. Earnhardt dropped to eighth in points, effectively taking him out of contention for a third consecutive Winston Cup title. Ernie Irvan suffered a flat tire on lap 5. When the yellow came out, he sped out of the pits to stay on the lead lap, but failed to beat leader Ricky Rudd to the line and was penalized to the rear of the field for speeding. He went on to pass everyone and get his lap back, and when the second (and only other) caution came out, he made up his lost lap. Thanks to Hillin's third-place finish, Allison retook the championship lead from Bill Elliott by one point. After falling out of the race, Earnhardt was briefly waiting in position as a possible substitute driver for Richard Petty. Ultimately, Petty would run the full race and finish 15th. Budweiser at The Glen The Budweiser at The Glen was held August 9 at Watkins Glen International. Dale Earnhardt won the pole. Top-ten results: #42 - Kyle Petty #21 - Morgan Shepherd #4 - Ernie Irvan #6 - Mark Martin #16 - Wally Dallenbach Jr. #2 - Rusty Wallace #7 - Alan Kulwicki #94 - Terry Labonte #3 - Dale Earnhardt #26 - Brett Bodine Failed to qualify: #61 - Tim Rotsell The race was shortened to 51 laps due to rain as NASCAR did not have rain tires to use at the time. The start of the race was also delayed by three hours due to rain. This was the first Winston Cup race with the new bus stop chicane, which was added following of J. D. McDuffie's fatal accident in 1991. Still suffering from his Pocono injuries, Davey Allison fell 17 points behind 14th-place finisher Bill Elliott, after Dorsey Schroeder relieved Allison mid-race and finished 20th. Alan Kulwicki's 7th-place finish reduced his interval to 94 points. Todd Bodine made his Winston Cup debut in this race. Bodine crashed out early and finished 37th. Champion Spark Plug 400 1992 Champion Spark Plug 400 The Champion Spark Plug 400 was held August 16 at Michigan International Speedway. Alan Kulwicki won the pole. Top-ten results: #33 - Harry Gant* #17 - Darrell Waltrip #11 - Bill Elliott #4 - Ernie Irvan #28 - Davey Allison* #42 - Kyle Petty #22 - Sterling Marlin #18 - Dale Jarrett #6 - Mark Martin #21 - Morgan Shepherd Failed to qualify: #36 - H.B. Bailey, #48 - James Hylton, #65 - Jerry O'Neil, #59 - Andy Belmont, #90 - Chuck Bown, #0 - Delma Cowart, #35 - Bill Venturini This race was marred by the death of Clifford Allison, younger brother of Davey Allison, who was killed in a practice crash for the NASCAR Busch Series race. Despite the tragedy, Davey decided to race. He qualified third and finished fifth in a courageous effort. This was Harry Gant's last Winston Cup victory, and the last NASCAR victory for Oldsmobile. At the age of 52 years and 219 days, Gant became the oldest race winner in NASCAR Cup Series history. A record that still stands as of 2026. Bill Elliott's championship lead grew from 17 points to 37 after he led a race-high 72 of 200 laps. What had been a frustrating second half of 1992 continued for Dale Earnhardt, who was forced to start from the back of the field after failing inspection during the second round of qualifying.1992 Champion Spark Plug 400 http://www.racing-reference.info/race/1992_Champion_Spark_Plug_400/W Racing Reference 7 August 2020 Earnhardt would recover to finish 16th. Bud 500 The Bud 500 was held Saturday night, August 29 at Bristol International Raceway. Ernie Irvan won the pole. Top-ten results: #17 - Darrell Waltrip* #3 - Dale Earnhardt #25 - Ken Schrader #42 - Kyle Petty #7 - Alan Kulwicki -1 lap #11 - Bill Elliott* -1 lap #66 - Jimmy Hensley -1 lap #5 - Ricky Rudd -1 lap #26 - Brett Bodine -1 lap #2 - Rusty Wallace* -2 laps Failed to qualify: #77 - Mike Potter This was the first race at Bristol with the new concrete surface. This was Darrell Waltrip's 12th and final victory at Bristol. Waltrip won this race four days after the birth of his second daughter, Sarah. Bill Elliott finished 6th while Davey Allison crashed out and finished 30th, extending Elliott's championship lead to 109 points over Allison. With his 10th-place finish, Rusty Wallace would begin a Modern Era Record of consecutive top-10 finishes on short tracks, a streak that would go all the way into 1995. Mountain Dew Southern 500 The Mountain Dew Southern 500 was held September 6 at Darlington Raceway. Sterling Marlin won the pole position. Top-ten results: #17 - Darrell Waltrip* #6 - Mark Martin #11 - Bill Elliott #26 - Brett Bodine #28 - Davey Allison* #18 - Dale Jarrett #42 - Kyle Petty #7 - Alan Kulwicki #2 - Rusty Wallace #5 - Ricky Rudd -1 lap Failed to qualify: none This race was shortened to 298 laps of 367 due to rain. Davey Allison enter this race with a chance to win the Winston Million should he win this race. With rain coming, Allison pitted from the lead on lap 286, with Mark Martin pitting three laps later. It started raining on lap 295. Darrell Waltrip, Bill Elliott, and Brett Bodine were among a handful of drivers who had not yet pitted. When the red flag was displayed on lap 298, Waltrip was scored as the leader, having taken the lead on lap 293. Shortly thereafter, the race was called and Waltrip was declared the winner. Despite losing the Winston Million, Allison would win the $100,000 bonus from Winston for winning two out of four crown jewel races. Allison also lost ground to Elliott in the season standings. Elliott now led by 119 points over Allison. Alan Kulwicki was still in striking distance at 161 points behind. In his 2002 autobiography, The Big Picture: My Life from Pit Road to the Broadcast Booth, Larry McReynolds wrote about the pit miscue for Allison. He sent a crew member to the NASCAR hauler to look at the weather radar, and the crew member gave McReynolds the call to pit the car on lap 286. According to the book, the crew member said "Green means good," with McReynolds responding, "Green means rain." This incident heavily influenced McReynolds when he began his broadcasting career, even making an appearance on The Weather Channel in 2001.McReynolds, Larry and Zeller, Bob: The Big Picture: My Life from Pit Road to the Broadcast Booth. Phoenix : David Bull Publishing, 2002. In the thick of the 1992 election season, Bill Clinton was the grand marshal for this race. This was Darrell Waltrip's 84th and final Winston Cup victory. This was the first time since 1983 that Waltrip won back-to-back races in a season. Dale Earnhardt would once again be plagued with mechanical issues, this time problems with the clutch early. The clutch would be fixed; but Earnhardt would finish in 29th place, 57 laps down and the lowest finishing car still running in the race. Miller Genuine Draft 400 The Miller Genuine Draft 400 was held Saturday night, September 12 at Richmond International Raceway. Ernie Irvan won the pole. Top-ten results: #2 - Rusty Wallace* #6 - Mark Martin #17 - Darrell Waltrip #3 - Dale Earnhardt #15 - Geoff Bodine #5 - Ricky Rudd #21 - Morgan Shepherd #33 - Harry Gant #25 - Ken Schrader #55 - Ted Musgrave Failed to qualify: #48 - James Hylton, #77 - Mike Potter This was Wallace's first victory with new crew chief Buddy Parrott. Despite finishing one lap down in 14th, points leader Bill Elliott still finished ahead of Alan Kulwicki and Davey Allison, further extending Elliott's points lead to 124 points over Allison, and 164 over Kulwicki. Peak Antifreeze 500 The Peak Antifreeze 500 was held September 20 at Dover Downs International Speedway. Alan Kulwicki won the pole. Top-ten results: #5 - Ricky Rudd* #11 - Bill Elliott* #42 - Kyle Petty #28 - Davey Allison -1 lap #21 - Morgan Shepherd -2 laps #33 - Harry Gant -3 laps #94 - Terry Labonte -4 laps #55 - Ted Musgrave -4 laps #10 - Derrike Cope -5 laps #68 - Bobby Hamilton -8 laps Failed to qualify: none Despite dominating the race, late pit stop strategy cost Bill Elliott the victory. While battling Ricky Rudd for the lead, Elliott pitted first, taking four tires and fuel. Rudd pitted for fuel only, and came out with a 9-second lead over Elliott. Rudd held on to win by 0.5 seconds. Rudd's victory extended his streak of consecutive Cup seasons with a race victory to 10. Bill Elliott led the most laps and extended his point lead over Davey Allison to 154 points, the highest margin of the season. Polesitter Alan Kulwicki crashed out of the race on lap 91, finishing 34th and leaving him 278 points out of the lead with six races left. Goody's 500 The Goody's 500 was scheduled to be held Sunday, September 27 at Martinsville Speedway but rain delayed the race from both starting and finishing until Monday, September 28. Kyle Petty won the pole. Top-ten results: #15 - Geoff Bodine #2 - Rusty Wallace #26 - Brett Bodine #42 - Kyle Petty #7 - Alan Kulwicki #8 - Dick Trickle #22 - Sterling Marlin #6 - Mark Martin -1 lap #1 - Rick Mast -1 lap #5 - Ricky Rudd -1 lap Failed to qualify: #45 - Rich Bickle, #32 - Jimmy Horton, #52 - Jimmy Means Championship leader Bill Elliott finished 30th due to engine failure on lap 158. Davey Allison ran in the top 5 until his brakes failed in the final 50 laps; he finished 4 laps down in 16th, reducing Elliott's lead to 112 points. Kyle Petty, who finished fourth, actually got stuck in the mud and lost two laps at one point. Dale Earnhardt blew an engine on lap 111, scoring his third last-place finish of the season. Tyson Holly Farms 400 The Tyson Holly Farms 400 was scheduled to be held Sunday, October 4 at North Wilkesboro Speedway but as a result of rain, the race was postponed, then started and completed on Monday, October 5 (the second week in a row that this occurred). Alan Kulwicki won the pole. Top-ten results: #15 - Geoff Bodine* #6 - Mark Martin #42 - Kyle Petty -1 lap #2 - Rusty Wallace -1 lap #22 - Sterling Marlin -1 lap #4 - Ernie Irvan -1 lap #26 - Brett Bodine -2 laps #94 - Terry Labonte -2 laps #17 - Darrell Waltrip -3 laps #18 - Dale Jarrett -3 laps Failed to qualify: #52 - Jimmy Means Bodine's victory allowed Ford to clinch their first manufacturer's championship since 1969. It was also the first time a brand other than a General Motors product won the manufacturer's title since Dodge in 1975. Due to the race running caution-free, only two cars finished on the lead lap. However, Bodine won by only 5.3 seconds. As of 2026, this would be the last time ever that a NASCAR short track event race would go flag to flag green. Bill Elliott suffered another poor finish, finishing 8 laps down in 26th. Davey Allison was 3 laps down in 11th, reducing Elliott's championship lead to 67 points with 4 races to go. Mello Yello 500 The Mello Yello 500 was held October 11 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Alan Kulwicki won the pole. Top-ten results: #6 - Mark Martin* #7 - Alan Kulwicki* #42 - Kyle Petty #12 - Jimmy Spencer #5 - Ricky Rudd #4 - Ernie Irvan #25 - Ken Schrader #33 - Harry Gant #8 - Dick Trickle -1 lap #15 - Geoff Bodine -1 lap Failed to qualify: #77 - Mike Potter, #05 - Ed Ferree, #85 - Mike Skinner, #82 - Mark Stahl, #48 - James Hylton Mark Martin called this "the most important victory of his career." Martin led 107 laps en route to victory, which suddenly vaulted him back into contention for the 1992 Winston Cup title. The #31 Team Ireland Chevrolet of Bobby Hillin Jr. was disqualified due to illegal cylinder heads after finishing 15th. As a result, the team withdrew from the series in an attempt to avoid being drawn into disrepute. It would be the last time a Cup driver was disqualified for illegal parts until NASCAR introduced a new disqualification policy for technical inspection failures in 2019. Bill Elliott's anti-roll bar broke after 310 laps, leaving Bill with a 30th-place finish. Junior Johnson entered a third car driven by Hut Stricklin, who retired the car when Elliott had his problem. Stricklin's 31st-place finish saved Elliott 3 points. Davey Allison also struggled, finishing 5 laps down in 19th, but still managed to further reduce Elliott's points lead to just 39 points. Kulwicki would finish second despite breaking a gearbox that forced him to finish the race in fourth gear. Kulwicki's strong finish put him 47 points behind Elliott. AC Delco 500 The AC Delco 500 was held October 25 at Rockingham Speedway. Kyle Petty won the pole. Top-ten results: #42 - Kyle Petty* #4 - Ernie Irvan #5 - Ricky Rudd #11 - Bill Elliott* #22 - Sterling Marlin #33 - Harry Gant #26 - Brett Bodine #3 - Dale Earnhardt #94 - Terry Labonte #28 - Davey Allison Failed to qualify: #48 - James Hylton Kyle Petty won in absolute dominating fashion, leading all but eight of the 492 laps. He only relinquished the lead during green flag pit stops. Only time in his career that Kyle Petty won multiple races in a season. Bill Elliott scored a much-needed 4th after 3 consecutive finishes of 26th or worse, extending his points lead to 70. For this race and the following week's Pyroil 500K, TNN had a promotion as part of their encouraging viewers to vote in the 1992 elections, where viewers could call a 1-800 number and respond which of the drivers contending for the 1992 Winston Cup championship would win. Pyroil 500K The Pyroil 500K was held November 1 at Phoenix International Raceway. Rusty Wallace won the pole. Top-ten results: #28 - Davey Allison* #6 - Mark Martin #17 - Darrell Waltrip #7 - Alan Kulwicki #12 - Jimmy Spencer #25 - Ken Schrader #10 - Derrike Cope #68 - Bobby Hamilton #22 - Sterling Marlin #3 - Dale Earnhardt Failed to qualify: #86 - Rich Woodland Jr., #58 - Wayne Jacks Bill Elliott's car suffered from a cracked cylinder head and overheating problems, which relegated him to a 31st-place finish, his 4th sub-26th-place finish in the last five races, and dropping him from 1st to 3rd in the points standings. Davey Allison patiently made his way to the front and won his second consecutive Pyroil 500. This victory, Allison's first since the Pocono accident, vaulted him back into the points lead. Alan Kulwicki ran strong all day and finished fourth, also moving him past Elliott in the point standings. This would be the last Cup race without Jeff Gordon in the field until the 2016 Daytona 500. To mark Richard Petty's penultimate race, both of the cars sponsored by Skoal tobacco; Harry Gant's #33 Oldsmobile and Rick Mast's #1 Oldsmobile sported "Thanks King Richard" messages on their quarterpanels and decklid. Winston Cup points standings (after 28 of 29 races) Pos. Driver Points Difference1Davey Allison 3928 Leader2Alan Kulwicki 3898 -303Bill Elliott 3888 -404Harry Gant 3831 -975Kyle Petty 3830 -986Mark Martin 3815 -113 Hooters 500 1992 Hooters 500 The Hooters 500 was held November 15 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Rick Mast won the pole. In what is largely considered one of the greatest NASCAR races of all time, six drivers entered the race with a mathematical chance to win the Winston Cup (Bill Elliott, Alan Kulwicki, Davey Allison, Kyle Petty, Harry Gant and Mark Martin). The race was the highly publicized final career start for 7-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty and, quietly, the first career start for future Cup champion Jeff Gordon. Davey Allison had to finish 6th or better to automatically clinch the championship. Top-ten results: #11 - Bill Elliott* #7 - Alan Kulwicki* #15 - Geoff Bodine #12 - Jimmy Spencer #94 - Terry Labonte #2 - Rusty Wallace #22 - Sterling Marlin #66 - Jimmy Hensley #55 - Ted Musgrave #18 - Dale Jarrett Failed to qualify: #77 - Mike Potter, #80 - Dave Blaney, #85 - Mike Skinner, #91 - Kerry Teague, #82 - Mark Stahl, #48 - James Hylton, #50 - Clay Young, #65 - Jerry O'Neil, #91 - T.W. Taylor, #08 - Jeff Fuller Rick Mast won his first career Winston Cup pole, but crashed out on lap 2 with Brett Bodine and Hut Stricklin, and did not lead any laps. On lap 95, a multi-car crash ensued that collected Richard Petty. The crash knocked the oil cooler off the car and dumped oil on the engine, causing it to erupt in flames. Petty rolled to a stop next to a fire truck, which quickly extinguished the flames. Championship contenders Mark Martin and Kyle Petty dropped out with engine trouble while Harry Gant faded and was not a factor in the second half. On lap 254, Davey Allison was running sixth when Ernie Irvan had a tire going down, lost control and crashed, collecting Allison. The crash heavily damaged Allison's car, effectively ending his championship run. Elliott and Kulwicki were left to battle for the title. Allison would finish 27th. Elliott and Kulwicki ran 1st-2nd for most of the second half, swapping the lead on several occasions. It became evident that the driver who led the most laps (receiving the 5 bonus points for leading the most laps) would clinch the championship. After final pit stops, Kulwicki had led 103 laps. Elliott took over the lead, and led the rest of the way, his fifth victory of the season, bringing his laps led total to 102 laps, one short of Kulwicki's total — giving the 5 bonus points to Kulwicki. Kulwicki's second-place finish allowed him to claim the 1992 NASCAR Winston Cup championship by only 10 points, the third-narrowest margin in the Cup Series history. This would be the final time in his career that Bill Elliott would pull off the season sweep at a track. Despite the heavy damage, Richard Petty rejoined the field with two laps to go and was running at the finish in 35th in his final race to receive the checkered flag. In his Winston Cup debut, Jeff Gordon started 21st, and finished 31st after crashing out. This was the last Cup race without Bobby Labonte until the 2013 Quaker State 400. Gordon would compete in every single Cup Series event from this race to the end of 2015. He would go on to win 93 races, four championships, and three Daytona 500s. Gordon made 797 consecutive starts, the most of every other driver. This would be Oldsmobile's final Cup start, with Harry Gant being the brands top finisher, finishing 13th. 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 CLT DOV SON POC MCH DAY POC TAL GLN MCH BRI DAR RCH DOV MAR NWS CLT CAR PHO ATL Points 1 Alan Kulwicki 4 31 2 7 18 1* 7* 16* 6 7 12 14 1* 3 30 3 25 7 14 8 8 15 34 5 12 2 12 4 2* 4078 2 Bill Elliott 27 1* 1* 1 1 20 20 10 2 14 13 5* 3 10 5 13 5 14 3* 6 3 14 2* 30 26 30 4 31 1 4068 3 Davey Allison 1* 2 4 4* 4* 28 1 26 1* 4 11 28 5 1* 10 33* 3 20 5 30 5 19 4 16 11 19 10 1 27 4015 4 Harry Gant 12 3 3 2 2 29 5 5 24 5 1 17 23 7 23 2 17 18 1 26 16* 8 6 19 13 8 6 14 13 3955 5 Kyle Petty 6 29 20 8 27 19 28 18 10 3* 29 12 6 4 14 7 6 1* 6 4 7 12 3 4 3 3* 1* 19 16 3945 6 Mark Martin 29 6 30 13 3 15 16 1 8 33 24 3 2 6 8 6 20 4 9 25 2 2 19 8 2 1 30 2 32 3887 7 Ricky Rudd 40 28 6 12 5 6 3 23 26 9 6 4 36 5 7 4 4* 13 36 8 10 6 1 10 15 5 3 30 25 3735 8 Terry Labonte 7 7 8 9 9 4 9 4 36 6 21 2 10 38 21 16 18 8 23 31 14 13 7 11 8 12 9 16 5 3674 9 Darrell Waltrip 26 10 5 39 24 25 15 3 29 38 5* 8 13 2 13 1 23 12 2 1* 1 3 20 15 9 34 22 3 23 3659 10 Sterling Marlin 35 15 7 17 22 32 8 2 4 22 14 16 7 32 2 11 2 16 7 15 28 21 33 7 5 16 5 9 7 3603 11 Ernie Irvan 28 11 15 25 26 24 13 25 5 2 4 1 19 30 1* 37 1 3* 4 28 25 11 11 27 6 6 2 34 29 3580 12 Dale Earnhardt 9 24 11 3 10 18 6 9 3 1 2 6 28 9 40 23 40 9 16 2 29 4 21 31 19 14 8 10 26 3574 13 Rusty Wallace 31 26 17 15 11 9 2 31 11 18 3 7 24 37 9 18 11 6 21 10 9 1* 16 2* 4 37 21 28* 6 3556 14 Morgan Shepherd 2 13 10 10 13 7 12 6 9 29 10 29 25 12 19 15 13 2 10 13 31 7 5 21 17 13 13 38 11 3549 15 Brett Bodine 41 8 33 20 6 11 10 8 16 20 30 15 8 19 12 8 10 10 12 9 4 18 22 3 7 28 7 12 40 3491 16 Geoff Bodine 3 14 16 6 8 12 4 32 13 32 17 10 14 11 4 30 38 27 40 11 19 5 14 1 1* 10 35 39 3 3437 17 Ken Schrader 37 5 14 41 12 3 22 7 23 26 23 9 4 13 6 12 9 21 11 3 13 9 30 13 23 7 32 6 36 3404 18 Ted Musgrave 8 17 25 19 15 14 19 20 21 8 16 22 33 8 16 5 12 11 25 22 30 10 8 12 14 11 29 24 9 3315 19 Dale Jarrett 36 37 13 11 21 2 17 28 7 12 27 39 22 24 3 10 21 15 8 17 6 25 12 23 10 24 15 20 10 3251 20 Dick Trickle 5 36 22 5 7 5 11 17 19 10 9 26 29 20 35 9 28 24 19 23 27 20 27 6 18 9 16 40 37 3097 21 Derrike Cope 34 19 19 14 16 10 14 22 12 17 33 18 12 22 34 19 22 34 33 12 12 35 9 20 22 17 14 7 15 3033 22 Rick Mast 13 12 18 22 17 30 23 14 17 23 32 11 30 28 17 24 26 32 13 29 23 28 24 9 21 35 17 17 28 2830 23 Michael Waltrip 18 4 34 28 14 17 29 27 38 25 15 20 15 27 27 26 7 35 22 14 35 33 17 29 16 23 20 11 14 2825 24 Wally Dallenbach Jr. 15 21 24 27 30 22 30 19 14 28 34 25 27 18 11 32 14 5 20 19 24 23 31 14 24 20 23 12 38 2799 25 Bobby Hamilton 32 18 31 24 23 26 27 13 20 21 18 34 17 31 33 22 24 22 15 21 21 32 10 28 31 15 19 8 12 2787 26 Richard Petty 16 16 21 16 32 27 31 29 15 41 20 21 16 15 36 20 15 28 18 16 20 16 28 18 27 27 25 22 35 2731 27 Hut Stricklin 24 9 9 29 29 8 18 11 22 34 7 27 31 35 18 21 16 36 24 27 11 30 15 24 30 31 15 41 2689 28 Jimmy Hensley (R) 15 25 11 8 30 9 29 15 14 31 26 29 7 15 17 13 17 25 18 18 21 8 2410 29 Dave Marcis 20 39 28 30 25 31 24 24 27 15 25 23 18 36 32 31 29 17 32 32 18 24 26 25 28 39 38 35 22 2348 30 Greg Sacks 14 34 32 31 28 13 21 12 35 16 19 43 11 14 26 29 19 31 41 33 1759 31 Chad Little 39 22 23 23 33 23 26 37 21 24 17 8 17 34 27 29 33 24 17 1669 32 Jimmy Means DNQ 33 35 38 20 32 30 34 42 31 35 23 39 39 32 39 24 22 29 23 DNQ DNQ 38 26 21 1531 33 Jimmy Spencer DNQ 20 12 37 36 DNQ 26 DNQ 32 27 DNQ 20 4 11 5 4 1284 34 Bobby Hillin Jr. 38 21 DNQ 25 28 13 17 25 25 QL 23 26 17 40 30 1135 35 Stanley Smith 22 32 27 32 DNQ 33 30 40 22 27 35 34 36 32 39 959 36 Mike Potter 30 DNQ 31 DNQ DNQ 28 20 33 27 33 30 DNQ 33 DNQ 25 DNQ 39 DNQ 806 37 Jim Sauter DNQ 37 39 18 36 26 18 22 29 21 729 38 Lake Speed DNQ 34 DNQ 19 36 34 26 26 36 18 18 726 39 Jimmy Horton 26 DNQ 22 34 26 34 38 31 DNQ 34 24 660 40 Bob Schacht (R) 42 42 19 30 31 38 30 22 33 611 41 Charlie Glotzbach 26 18 37 36 16 20 30 592 42 James Hylton DNQ 39 DNQ DNQ DNQ 26 25 DNQ 40 DNQ 39 DNQ 37 DNQ 35 DNQ DNQ DNQ 476 43 Andy Belmont (R) DNQ 38 DNQ 37 40 34 31 28 39 DNQ 32 467 44 Jeff Purvis 27 22 32 26 32 36 453 45 Dave Mader III (R) DNQ QL 34 16 DNQ 21 18 39 436 46 Jerry O'Neil 36 21 35 25 DNQ 29 37 DNQ 429 47 Eddie Bierschwale DNQ 40 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 38 28 19 277 48 Buddy Baker 11 36 DNQ 31 DNQ 255 49 Rich Bickle DNQ 20 25 34 252 50 Mike Wallace DNQ 33 27 20 249 51 Jerry Hill 27 35 38 38 238 52 John McFadden 40 37 40 38 40 230 53 Phil Parsons 10 30 207 54 Delma Cowart 25 35 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 37 DNQ 198 55 Phil Barkdoll 17 DNQ DNQ 28 191 56 Bill Sedgwick 19 27 188 57 Bobby Gerhart 32 37 34 180 58 Brad Teague DNQ 21 29 176 59 Mike Skinner DNQ 23 DNQ DNQ DNQ 41 DNQ 28 DNQ 173 60 John Krebs 31 23 164 61 Dorsey Schroeder 19 35 164 62 Randy Porter DNQ 24 DNQ DNQ 33 155 63 Bill Schmitt 24 33 155 64 Ron Hornaday Jr. 32 25 155 65 Butch Gilliland 38 29 125 66 Tommy Kendall 13 124 67 Kerry Teague 33 38 DNQ 113 68 Stan Fox 36 37 107 69 Scott Sharp 19 106 70 A. J. Foyt 21 100 71 Graham Taylor 40 36 98 72 Rick Scribner 36 41 95 73 Rick Wilson 23 94 74 Rick Carelli 37 42 89 75 Randy Baker 25 DNQ 88 76 Jeff Davis 26 85 77 Ed Ferree 29 DNQ 76 78 Jeff Fuller 29 DNQ 76 79 Dave Blaney 31 DNQ 70 80 Jeff Gordon 31 70 81 Jeff McClure 31 70 82 Pancho Carter 32 67 83 R. K. Smith 33 64 84 T. W. Taylor 35 DNQ 58 85 Joe Ruttman 35 58 86 Mike Chase 35 58 87 Todd Bodine 37 52 88 Scott Gaylord 37 52 89 Denny Wilson 38 49 90 Mark Thompson DNQ 39 46 91 D. K. Ulrich 39 46 92 Clay Young DNQ DNQ 39 DNQ 46 93 Gary Balough 40 43 94 Jack Sellers 40 43 95 H. B. Bailey 41 DNQ 40 96 Irv Hoerr 41 40 97 Hershel McGriff 42 37 98 Joe Booher DNQ 99 Mark Gibson DNQ 100 Ben Hess DNQ Wth 101 Kenny Wallace DNQ 102 Bobby Woods DNQ 103 Wayne Jacks DNQ DNQ 104 Bill Venturini DNQ DNQ 105 Tom Rotsell DNQ 106 Chuck Bown DNQ 107 Mark Stahl DNQ 108 Rich Woodland Jr. DNQ 109 Dave Pletcher Wth Pos Driver DAY CAR RCH ATL DAR BRI NWS MAR TAL CLT DOV SON POC MCH DAY POC TAL GLN MCH BRI DAR RCH DOV MAR NWS CLT CAR PHO ATL Points Other information Dale Earnhardt and Rusty Wallace both failed to finish in the top 10 in points for 1992. Earnhardt, who was the defending Winston Cup champion for the last 2 years (1990 and 1991), tried to join Cale Yarborough by winning 3 championships in a row, but he had a very disappointing season. He only scored one win, and he finished 12th in points. Wallace had a very disappointing season as well. He too scored only one win, and he finished 13th in points. The next season however, both Earnhardt and Wallace rebounded, and they finished 1st and 2nd in the standings. Earnhardt would win his 6th championship that year with 6 wins, and Wallace would finish 2nd with 10 wins. Earnhardt would win the championship by 80 points over Wallace. Two cars numbered 24 were fielded during the season; Butch Gilliland used the number in a car owned by himself at Phoenix and Jeff Gordon drove the number 24 in his first race car with Hendrick Motorsports. The 1993 Winston Cup Series Media Guide shows that Butch Gilliland also fielded the No. 24 Aneheim Elect. Gear Pontiac in the Sonoma race in June 1992 finishing 38th after starting 36th. However, as the Phoenix and Sonoma races were declared combination races with the Winston West Series would run joint races together, Gilliland was registered with the West Series, a developmental series since 2003. This was the final year in NASCAR for the Oldsmobile brand. Rookie of the Year Jimmy Hensley, driving Cale Yarborough's No. 66 Ford, was named Rookie of the Year after posting four top-ten finishes in 22 starts. Veteran Chad Little drove the car in the first six races, but was replaced by Bobby Hillin Jr. at North Wilkesboro and by Hensley in the following race at Martinsville. Hensley had previously never started more than 4 Winston Cup races in a season (doing so in 1984 and in 1991). Bob Schacht, Andy Belmont, and Dave Mader III were also declared for the award, but did not run enough races to compete for the award. Further reading Race with Destiny, David Poole. Albion Press (FL), April 15, 2002 . 978-0-9709170-3-4. See also 1992 NASCAR Busch Series 1992 NASCAR Winston West Series References External links Winston Cup Standings and Statistics for 1992 Category:NASCAR Cup Series seasons