1998 NASCAR Winston Cup Series
| 1998 NASCAR Winston Cup Series | |||
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The 1998 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season was the 50th season of professional stock car racing in the United States and the 27th modern-era cup series. The season included 33 races and three exhibition races, beginning with the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway and ending with the NAPA 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the Driver's Championship, the third of his career.
Teams and drivers
Complete schedule
Limited schedule
Schedule
Bud Shootout Qualifier
The Bud Shootout Qualifier, a race for the fastest second round qualifier, from each race from the previous season, was run on February 8 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Sterling Marlin drew the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.
Top Ten Results
- 23- Jimmy Spencer
- 9- Lake Speed
- 3- Dale Earnhardt
- 40- Sterling Marlin
- 11- Brett Bodine
- 97- Chad Little
- 75- Rick Mast
- 29- Jeff Green
- 98- Greg Sacks
- 17- Darrell Waltrip
Bud Shootout
The Bud Shootout, a race for pole winners from the previous season, was run on February 8 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Mark Martin drew the pole. The race was broadcast on CBS.
Top Ten Results
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 81- Kenny Wallace
- 94- Bill Elliott
- 23- Jimmy Spencer
- 33- Ken Schrader
- 7- Geoff Bodine
- 36- Ernie Irvan
- 6- Mark Martin
- 43- John Andretti
- 35- Todd Bodine
Gatorade 125s
Race One: Top Ten Results
The Gatorade Twin 125s were run on February 12 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Bobby and Terry Labonte were the pole-sitters, for both races, respectively. The races were broadcast tape delayed on CBS prior to the Daytona 500.
- 40-Sterling Marlin
- 88-Dale Jarrett
- 18-Bobby Labonte
- 23-Jimmy Spencer
- 22-Ward Burton
- 30-Derrike Cope
- 12-Jeremy Mayfield
- 6-Mark Martin
- 43-John Andretti
- 94-Bill Elliott
- Ken Schrader was injured in a crash on the last lap of Race 1. The No. 96 Chevrolet of David Green got into the rear of Schrader's No. 33 Chevrolet in Turn 1. It put Schrader head on into the wall. Schrader's car also caught Johnny Benson in the No. 26 Ford and put Benson in the wall, eliminating his chance to make the Daytona 500. In the crash, Schrader suffered a broken sternum. He raced in the 500 using his car from the Bud Shootout (it was painted differently from the car Schrader was intending to use in the 500) while wearing a bull rider's vest.
Race Two: Top Ten Results
- 3-Dale Earnhardt
- 21-Michael Waltrip
- 31-Mike Skinner
- 36-Ernie Irvan
- 2-Rusty Wallace
- 99-Jeff Burton
- 9-Lake Speed
- 95-Andy Hillenburg
- 91-Kevin Lepage
- 4-Bobby Hamilton
40th Daytona 500
The Daytona 500 was run on February 15 in Daytona Beach, Florida. The Labonte brothers shared the front row with Bobby Labonte on the pole, and brother Terry Labonte starting second. But the biggest news of the day was Dale Earnhardt's long-awaited victory in the Daytona 500 after 19 frustrating attempts to win the big race. Moreover, his victory snapped a 59-race winless streak dating back to the spring of 1996. The race was broadcast on CBS.
Top Ten Results
- 3-Dale Earnhardt
- 18-Bobby Labonte
- 12-Jeremy Mayfield
- 33-Ken Schrader
- 2-Rusty Wallace
- 36-Ernie Irvan
- 97-Chad Little
- 31-Mike Skinner
- 21-Michael Waltrip
- 94-Bill Elliott
Failed to qualify: 07-Dan Pardus, 8-Hut Stricklin, 14-Loy Allen Jr., 26-Johnny Benson, 29-Jeff Green, 35-Todd Bodine, 46-Wally Dallenbach, Jr., 59-Mark Gibson, 78-Gary Bradberry, 79-Norm Benning, 80-Michael Ciochetti, 81-Kenny Wallace, 85-Randy Renfrow, 96-David Green
- "20 years of trying, 20 years of frustration; Dale Earnhardt will come to the caution flag to win the Daytona 500! Finally!"-Mike Joy talking as Earnhardt came to the white flag and the caution flag, giving him his first (and only) Daytona 500 victory.
GM Goodwrench Service Plus 400
The GM Goodwrench Service Plus 400 was run on February 22 in Rockingham, North Carolina. The No. 75 of Rick Mast won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN.
Top Ten Results
- 24-Jeff Gordon
- 2-Rusty Wallace
- 6-Mark Martin
- 23-Jimmy Spencer
- 7-Geoffrey Bodine
- 94-Bill Elliott
- 88-Dale Jarrett
- 5-Terry Labonte
- 4-Bobby Hamilton
- 50-Ricky Craven
Failed to qualify: 05-Morgan Shepherd, 35-Todd Bodine, 46-Wally Dallenbach, Jr., 71-Dave Marcis, 78-Gary Bradberry, 91-Kevin Lepage
Las Vegas 400
The inaugural Las Vegas 400 was run on March 1 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, Nevada. The No. 88 of Dale Jarrett won the pole. The race was broadcast on ABC.
Top Ten Results
- 6-Mark Martin
- 99-Jeff Burton
- 2-Rusty Wallace
- 26-Johnny Benson
- 12-Jeremy Mayfield
- 16-Ted Musgrave
- 23-Jimmy Spencer
- 3-Dale Earnhardt
- 94-Bill Elliott
- 97-Chad Little
Failed to qualify: 1-Steve Park, 13-Jerry Nadeau, 19-Tony Raines, 35-Todd Bodine, 37-Larry Gunselman, 38-Butch Gilliland, 71-Dave Marcis, 78-Gary Bradberry
- Mark Martin's win in this inaugural Las Vegas 400 was the first for the Ford Taurus.
Primestar 500
The Primestar 500 was scheduled to run on March 8 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia, but was run on March 9 due to rain. The No. 43 of John Andretti won the pole. Steve Park suffered a broken leg in a crash during a Saturday morning practice session before 2nd Round Qualifying. Park's car hit the wall coming off Turn 4, hit it again in the quad-oval, then shot across the grass, and hit the pit wall, scattering equipment on the wall (air guns, lugnuts, etc.) around. This crash put Park out of the No. 1 until Indianapolis in August. Phil Parsons was tapped to replace Park on a temporary basis, with Darrell Waltrip being chosen to fill in soon after. The race was supposed to be broadcast on ABC, but due to the washout, the broadcast was moved to ESPN.
Top Ten Results
- 18-Bobby Labonte
- 88-Dale Jarrett
- 12-Jeremy Mayfield
- 2-Rusty Wallace
- 28-Kenny Irwin, Jr.
- 90-Dick Trickle
- 81-Kenny Wallace
- 99-Jeff Burton
- 26-Johnny Benson
- 35-Todd Bodine
Failed to qualify: 05-Morgan Shepherd, 1-Steve Park/Phil Parsons, 29-Jeff Green, 40-Sterling Marlin*, 71-Dave Marcis, 95-Andy Hillenburg, 97-Chad Little
- After Sterling Marlin unexpectedly failed to qualify, Coors Light decals were placed on the No. 91 of Kevin Lepage for the race.
TranSouth Financial 400
The TranSouth Financial 400 was run on March 22 in Darlington, South Carolina. Mark Martin won the pole. Before this race, Ricky Craven was diagnosed with Post-Concussion Syndrome. Because of this, he was forced to sit out. 2 time defending Busch Grand National champion Randy LaJoie was tapped to sub for Craven in the No. 50 Chevrolet. LaJoie ended up finishing 38th, 9 laps down as he encountered problems during the race. The race was broadcast on ESPN.
Top Ten Results
- 88-Dale Jarrett
- 24-Jeff Gordon
- 2-Rusty Wallace
- 12-Jeremy Mayfield
- 99-Jeff Burton
- 5-Terry Labonte
- 6-Mark Martin
- 26-Johnny Benson
- 81-Kenny Wallace
- 16-Ted Musgrave
- Darrell Waltrip showed up to the track with a special No. 300 car as a tribute to Tim Flock, who was dying from cancer. The car was named "Tim Flock Special" and was based on Flock's car from 1955. Due to the NASCAR prohibiting three digit numbers from competing, Waltrip used his familiar No. 17.
Failed to qualify: 05-Morgan Shepherd, 1-Ron Hornaday, 8-Hut Stricklin, 46-Wally Dallenbach, Jr., 71-Dave Marcis, 78-Gary Bradberry
Food City 500
The Food City 500 was run on March 29 at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee. The No. 2 of Rusty Wallace won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.
Top Ten Results
- 24-Jeff Gordon
- 5-Terry Labonte
- 88-Dale Jarrett
- 99-Jeff Burton
- 26-Johnny Benson
- 33-Ken Schrader
- 6-Mark Martin
- 16-Ted Musgrave
- 21-Michael Waltrip
- 50-Randy LaJoie
Failed to qualify: 29-Jeff Green, 42-Joe Nemechek, 71-Dave Marcis, 78-Gary Bradberry
Texas 500
The Texas 500 was run on April 5 in Fort Worth, Texas. The No. 12 of Jeremy Mayfield won the pole. During this race, journeyman Greg Sacks suffered near-fatal injuries in a lap 137 crash. Replays showed that the car got loose in the corner. Sacks over-corrected, which resulted in the car hitting the wall at about a 50 degree angle. Sacks suffered head injuries and had to be cut of his No. 98 Ford. He would not race for the rest of the year at all. After this crash, Sacks only raced sparingly in the ARCA Racing Series, the Sprint Cup Series, and the Xfinity Series. The race was broadcast on CBS.
Top Ten Results
- 6-Mark Martin
- 97-Chad Little
- 77-Robert Pressley
- 42-Joe Nemechek
- 26-Johnny Benson
- 5-Terry Labonte
- 23-Jimmy Spencer
- 18-Bobby Labonte
- 21-Michael Waltrip
- 41-Steve Grissom
Failed to qualify: 13-Jerry Nadeau, 30-Derrike Cope, 35-Todd Bodine, 47-Billy Standridge, 95-Andy Hillenburg
- The green flag was waved by Jim Roper, who won the very first NASCAR Strictly Stock race in 1949.
- On lap 2, there was a multi-car pileup in turn 1 that involved at least 9 cars, including Dale Earnhardt, Ted Musgrave, Darrell Waltrip, John Andretti, Rick Mast, Kenny Wallace, Kevin Lepage, Hut Stricklin and Jeff Gordon. Andretti's car caught fire when his fuel pump broke. This was very similar to the start of the previous year's race.
- Mike Skinner was injured in a hard crash into the wall on lap 252 in the quad-oval. He had actually already been injured at Atlanta earlier in the season in another hard crash, but was hurt enough here that he had to sit out 3 races. Morgan Shepherd, who had relief driven for Skinner at Darlington a couple weeks earlier, drove the car the next 2 races (Martinsville and Talladega, where he finished 11th and 35th (after getting caught up in "The Big One"). Mike Dillon, car owner Richard Childress' son-in-law, drove the car at California to a 35th-place finish.
Goody's Headache Powder 500
The Goody's Headache Powder 500 was scheduled to run on April 19 in Martinsville, Virginia, but was run on April 20 due to rain. Bobby Hamilton won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.
Top Ten Results
- 4-Bobby Hamilton
- 16-Ted Musgrave
- 88-Dale Jarrett
- 3-Dale Earnhardt
- 50-Randy LaJoie
- 2-Rusty Wallace
- 12-Jeremy Mayfield
- 24-Jeff Gordon
- 36-Ernie Irvan
- 33-Ken Schrader
Failed to qualify: 46-Wally Dallenbach, Jr., 71-Dave Marcis, 78-Gary Bradberry
- Bobby Hamilton led 378 of the race's 500 laps on his way to a dominant victory.
- Rich Bickle was tapped to drive the No. 98 Ford in place of the injured Greg Sacks for the rest of the season. Here, Bickle qualified 11th, but ran into problems and finished 41st.
- Last win for Morgan McClure Motorsports
DieHard 500
The DieHard 500 was run on April 26 in Talladega, Alabama. Bobby Labonte won the pole and went on to win the race. The race was marred by "the Big One" on lap 141, collecting Dale Earnhardt, Bill Elliott and 18 other cars. The race was broadcast on ABC.
Top Ten Results
- 18-Bobby Labonte
- 23-Jimmy Spencer
- 88-Dale Jarrett
- 5-Terry Labonte
- 24-Jeff Gordon
- 36-Ernie Irvan
- 81-Kenny Wallace
- 22-Ward Burton
- 40-Sterling Marlin
- 50-Randy LaJoie
Failed to qualify: 07-Dan Pardus, 7-Geoff Bodine, 8-Hut Stricklin, 29-Jeff Green, 35-Todd Bodine, 60-Matt Kenseth, 61-Bob Strait, 78-Gary Bradberry, 98-Rich Bickle
- The No. 60 Ford was a 6th Roush Racing Ford that was entered for Matt Kenseth.
California 500 Presented by NAPA
The California 500 was run on May 3 in Fontana, California. Jeff Gordon won the pole. For the second week in a row, a multiple car crash involved Bill Elliott's car erupting in flames. The race was broadcast on ESPN.
Top Ten Results
- 6-Mark Martin
- 12-Jeremy Mayfield
- 5-Terry Labonte
- 24-Jeff Gordon
- 1-Darrell Waltrip
- 97-Chad Little
- 7-Geoff Bodine
- 26-Johnny Benson
- 3-Dale Earnhardt
- 99-Jeff Burton
Failed to qualify: 8-Hut Stricklin, 19-Tony Raines, 71-Dave Marcis, 98-Rich Bickle
The Winston
The Winston, a non-points race with seventy laps in three segments, was run on May 16 in Concord, North Carolina at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. The No. 6 of Mark Martin won after the No. 24 of Jeff Gordon ran out of gas on the last lap after dominating all night. The race was broadcast on TNN.
Top Ten Results
- 6-Mark Martin
- 18-Bobby Labonte
- 88-Dale Jarrett
- 99-Jeff Burton
- 2-Rusty Wallace
- 40-Sterling Marlin
- 94-Bill Elliott
- 7-Geoff Bodine
- 4-Bobby Hamilton
- 98-Rich Bickle
Coca-Cola 600
The Coca-Cola 600 was run on May 24 in Concord, North Carolina. Jeff Gordon won the pole. The race was broadcast on TBS.
Top Ten Results
- 24-Jeff Gordon
- 2-Rusty Wallace
- 18-Bobby Labonte
- 6-Mark Martin
- 88-Dale Jarrett
- 42-Joe Nemechek
- 43-John Andretti
- 99-Jeff Burton
- 26-Johnny Benson
- 33-Ken Schrader
Failed to qualify: 07-Dan Pardus, 8-Hut Stricklin, 28-Kenny Irwin, Jr., 46-Morgan Shepherd, 47-Billy Standridge, 71-Dave Marcis, 85-Randy MacDonald, 95-Andy Hillenburg
- Bill Elliott had Jeff Green relieve him midway through the race after his hard accidents at Talladega, and California.
- After Morgan Shepherd failed to qualify for the race, First Union put their colors on the No. 91 LJ Racing Chevrolet driven by Kevin Lepage, who had qualified 15th. Lepage ran into problems early and finished 36th.
- This was the 1st career Winston Cup start for Elliott Sadler, who drove the No. 92 Chevrolet for Diamond Ridge Motorsports (Sadler's Busch Grand National team at the time). Sadler blew an engine and finished 42nd after starting 31st.
MBNA Platinum 400
The MBNA Platinum 400 was run on May 31 in Dover, Delaware. The No. 2 of Rusty Wallace won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN.
Top Ten Results
- 88-Dale Jarrett
- 99-Jeff Burton
- 24-Jeff Gordon
- 18-Bobby Labonte
- 12-Jeremy Mayfield
- 10-Ricky Rudd
- 6-Mark Martin
- 8-Buckshot Jones*
- 36-Ernie Irvan
- 5-Terry Labonte
Failed to qualify: 13-Dennis Setzer, 35-Todd Bodine, 46-Morgan Shepherd
- This was Buckshot Jones' only career Top 10 finish in the Winston Cup Series, in only his 2nd career start.
Pontiac Excitement 400
The Pontiac Excitement 400 was run on June 6 in Richmond, Virginia. Jeff Gordon won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.
Top Ten Results
- 5-Terry Labonte
- 88-Dale Jarrett
- 2-Rusty Wallace
- 33-Ken Schrader
- 6-Mark Martin
- 12-Jeremy Mayfield
- 99-Jeff Burton
- 18-Bobby Labonte
- 28-Kenny Irwin, Jr.
- 40-Sterling Marlin
Failed to qualify: 8-Buckshot Jones, 91-Kevin Lepage
- On lap 370, Jeff Gordon was battling for the lead with Rusty Wallace. Gordon passed Wallace off turn 4 to take the lead, but was tapped by Wallace and spun into the outside wall in turn 2, suffering major damage on the front. Many fans cheered as Gordon's car was pushed toward the garage area. Gordon finished 37th.
- This race was notable as it was the first time that NASCAR decided to red flag a race with under 10 laps to go in order to ensure a green flag finish. This did allow for a final restart, but the race still ended under caution when the No. 26 of Johnny Benson smacked the wall in Turn 1 with 2 laps to go. Benson scraped along the wall for the rest of the race to finish 18th.
- This was the first time that the first race of the season at Richmond was held at night during the spring. In previous years, it was an afternoon race in February or March.
Miller Lite 400
The Miller Lite 400 was run on June 14 in Brooklyn, Michigan. Ward Burton won the pole. The race was broadcast on CBS.
Top Ten Results
- 6-Mark Martin
- 88-Dale Jarrett
- 24-Jeff Gordon
- 99-Jeff Burton
- 12-Jeremy Mayfield
- 94-Bill Elliott
- 18-Bobby Labonte
- 22-Ward Burton
- 42-Joe Nemechek
- 50-Wally Dallenbach, Jr.*
Failed to qualify: 19-Tony Raines, 30-Derrike Cope, 35-Todd Bodine, 71-Dave Marcis
- Wally Dallenbach, Jr. drove the No. 50 Chevrolet in place of Randy LaJoie, who had Busch Grand National obligations at Pikes Peak International Raceway in his No. 74 Chevrolet.
Pocono 500
The Pocono 500 was run on June 21 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. Jeff Gordon won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN.
Top Ten Results
- 12-Jeremy Mayfield*
- 24-Jeff Gordon
- 88-Dale Jarrett
- 99-Jeff Burton
- 6-Mark Martin
- 1-Darrell Waltrip
- 50-Wally Dallenbach, Jr.
- 3-Dale Earnhardt
- 40-Sterling Marlin
- 23-Jimmy Spencer
Failed to qualify: 00-Buckshot Jones, 71-Dave Marcis
- This was Jeremy Mayfield's 1st career Winston Cup victory. In order to procure the victory, Mayfield had to overtake the No. 1 Chevrolet of Darrell Waltrip, Mayfield's idol.
- The race was interrupted by a 71-minute red flag for rain.
Save Mart/Kragen 350
The Save Mart/Kragen 350 was run on June 28 in Sonoma, California. Jeff Gordon won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.
Top Ten Results
- 24-Jeff Gordon
- 4-Bobby Hamilton
- 43-John Andretti
- 18-Bobby Labonte
- 2-Rusty Wallace
- 6-Mark Martin
- 40-Sterling Marlin
- 75-Rick Mast*
- 28-Kenny Irwin, Jr.
- 41-Steve Grissom
Failed to qualify: 35-Todd Bodine, 46-Tommy Kendall*, 58-Chris Raudman, 70-Rick Ware, 71-Dave Marcis
- During the weekend, Kevin Lepage signed a contract with Roush Racing to replace Ted Musgrave in the No. 16 Ford after the Bud at the Glen. After learning of the deal, Lepage was dropped by LJ Racing after 2nd round qualifying. The car still made the field in 42nd starting spot through a provisional. Tommy Kendall was tapped to drive the car in the race and drove up from the back of the field to finish 16th.
- To try to get Rick Mast some confidence coming into Sears Point, the Butch Mock Racing team gave Rick the nickname "Nigel Mast," after the former Formula One World Champion Nigel Mansell. It was designed to convince Rick that he could run well at road courses, typically the scenes of mediocre finishes, DNF's, and most notably, a spectacular wreck at Watkins Glen in 1993. Previously, his best road course finish was 11th at Sears Point in 1992.
- Jerry Nadeau got anxious on the start, having never been so close to the front previously in his Winston Cup career. Starting on the outside pole, Nadeau tried to beat polesitter Jeff Gordon to Turn 2 (the first right turn on the course). Unfortunately, he went into Turn 1a too fast and drove off course. By the time he had fully recovered the car, he had dropped to 5th. The off course excursion caused problems with Nadeau's brakes and tires to develop, which resulted in Nadeau crashing in the esses on lap 15, which put him out of the race with a 43rd (last) place finish.
- Jeff Burton became the first Winston Cup driver ever to crash on the 400-foot (120 m) long start-finish straight after contact with Dale Jarrett on lap 64. This resulted in a 10 lap full course caution because the impact of Burton's car causing damage to the wall.
- Lake Speed suffered rib and sternum injuries in a practice crash in Turn 10. The injuries were serious enough for Speed to have to sit out the race. Winston West regular Butch Gilliland drove the No. 9 Ford to a 24th-place finish from 40th on the grid in place of Speed.
- Jeff Gordon would take over the Winston Cup point lead after Jeremy Mayfield had troubles in this race. Gordon held on to the lead for the rest of the year.
- This was the first race with the configuration erasing turns 4–6. A short chute was in place where the old hills were, making speeds much faster on the speed charts.
Jiffy Lube 300
The Jiffy Lube 300 was run on July 12 in Loudon, New Hampshire. The No. 50 of Ricky Craven won the pole in his return to the No. 50 after missing the previous 13 races. This race was the last career start for Lake Speed, who's aggravated rib and sternum injuries during the race leading to his retirement. Speed's original injuries came from a practice crash he suffered in the previous race in Sonoma, CA. The race was broadcast on TNN.
Top Ten Results
- 99-Jeff Burton
- 6-Mark Martin
- 24-Jeff Gordon
- 2-Rusty Wallace
- 31-Mike Skinner
- 43-John Andretti
- 88-Dale Jarrett
- 44-Kyle Petty
- 33-Ken Schrader
- 81-Kenny Wallace
Failed to qualify: 71-Dave Marcis
Pennsylvania 500
The Pennsylvania 500 was run on July 26 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. The No. 22 of Ward Burton won the pole. The race was broadcast on TBS.
Top Ten Results
- 24-Jeff Gordon
- 6-Mark Martin
- 99-Jeff Burton
- 18-Bobby Labonte
- 88-Dale Jarrett
- 2-Rusty Wallace
- 3-Dale Earnhardt
- 33-Ken Schrader
- 36-Ernie Irvan
- 21-Michael Waltrip
Failed to qualify: 35-Jimmy Horton, 78-Gary Bradberry, 79-Randy MacDonald
- After the previous Sunday's race at Loudon, Jerry Nadeau was fired out of the No. 13 Ford. He immediately signed with Melling Racing to race their No. 9 Ford after Lake Speed was forced to retire because of his injuries. Nadeau finished 26th, 2 laps down in his first race at Melling after starting 34th.
- Elliott-Marino Racing tapped Wally Dallenbach, Jr. to drive the No. 13 Ford on an interim basis starting at Pocono. Dallenbach finished 25th, 2 laps down. after starting 42nd (with a provisional)
- Morgan Shepherd was tapped to drive the No. 91 LJ Racing Chevrolet starting at Pocono. Shepherd qualified a strong 7th, but collided with the turn 1 wall on lap 71 and finished 40th.
Brickyard 400
The Brickyard 400 was run on August 1 in Speedway, Indiana. Ernie Irvan won the pole. The race was broadcast on ABC.
Top Ten Results
- 24-Jeff Gordon
- 6-Mark Martin
- 18-Bobby Labonte
- 31-Mike Skinner
- 3-Dale Earnhardt
- 36-Ernie Irvan
- 43-John Andretti
- 2-Rusty Wallace
- 5-Terry Labonte
- 33-Ken Schrader
Failed to qualify: 07-Dan Pardus, 14-Lance Hooper*, 15-Loy Allen Jr., 19-Robby Gordon, 30-Derrike Cope, 78-Gary Bradberry, 95-Randy MacDonald, 96-Hut Stricklin
- Jimmy Spencer suffered a concussion in a crash late in the race in Turn 2. This forced Spencer to seek relief from Boris Said the next weekend at Watkins Glen, and to sit out Bristol completely and have Ted Musgrave drive in his place.
- Jeremy Mayfield crashed early in the race coming out of Turn 1. He seemed fine after the wreck, but at Watkins Glen the next weekend, he suffered fainting spells and had Larry Gunselman on standby, but did not take relief during the race.
- Around the midway point of the race, just before a round of green-flag pit stops began, Ward Burton stalled in the warmup lane in turn 3, but the race stayed green for the next several laps. Dale Jarrett was leading the race at the time when he began running out of gas exiting turn 1. Jarrett eventually made it to pit lane, but the car stopped well short of his pit stall. Jarrett's crew quickly ran toward the entrance of pit road and pushed the car into its pit box to begin service. The incident cost Jarrett four laps, but he would eventually finish in 16th place, on the lead lap.
- This was the last race attempted by Precision Products Racing.
- The race also marked the return of Steve Park to Winston Cup action for the first time since his injurious wreck at Atlanta in March.
- Jeff Gordon had become the first driver to win the Brickyard 400 twice, and he won the No Bull 5 Million Dollar Bonus. Mark Martin and Bobby Labonte, finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively, were also No Bull 5 contenders. Dale Jarrett and Rusty Wallace were the other two contenders for the bonus.
- This race ended under the caution flag, as due to a multi car accident with a couple laps to go, there were not enough laps to clean up the track and restart the race.
The Bud at the Glen
The Bud at the Glen was run on August 9 at Watkins Glen International in Watkins Glen, New York. Jeff Gordon won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.
Top Ten Results
- 24-Jeff Gordon
- 6-Mark Martin*
- 31-Mike Skinner*
- 2-Rusty Wallace
- 88-Dale Jarrett
- 44-Kyle Petty
- 40-Sterling Marlin
- 43-John Andretti
- 26-Johnny Benson
- 18-Bobby Labonte
Failed to qualify: 58-Larry Gunselman**, 59-Brian Cunningham, 71-Dave Marcis
- Jeff Gordon did not actually know during the chase down of Mike Skinner that he was not actually leading the race until there were about 9 or 10 laps to go, when Crew Chief Ray Evernham radioed to him, pointed out Skinner in front of him, told him he was the leader and to go get him.
- On the ESPN telecast, it was stated that Rick Wilson attempted the race in the No. 58 instead of Larry Gunselman.
- Gunselman was also tapped to stand by to potentially drive in relief of Jeremy Mayfield, but did not get in the No. 12 during the race.
- Jimmy Spencer was forced to give way to Boris Said at the first full course caution because of the concussion that he had suffered the previous Saturday during the Brickyard 400. Spencer only briefly practiced the car before the race. Said had practiced and qualified the car in the 5th position (Since Spencer started the car that Said had qualified, Spencer had to start at the rear of the field). After Said got in the car at lap 10, he began a drive up through the field. A couple of spins within 10 laps of each other slowed Said's charge on his way to a 20th-place finish.
- Dick Trickle was relieved during the race by Busch North and Featherlite Modified driver Ted Christopher. According to the ESPN telecast, this was because of Trickle's apparent lack of skill and confidence in his road racing abilities. Christopher ran very well in the race before the engine blew late in the race, leaving Trickle (who got the drivers' points because he started the race) with a 41st-place finish.
- Tom Hubert was hired by Elliott-Marino Racing to drive the No. 13 Ford. Hubert qualified 20th and drove up to 11th before having a slight off-course excursion. The big hit came on the restart after the 2nd caution when the No. 33 of Ken Schrader ran up on the left rear of Hubert. This peeled a good chunk of the left side sheetmetal off the car and spun it out. The No. 23 and the No. 12 of Jeremy Mayfield also spun in this incident. Mayfield got stuck in the gravel, prompting the third full course caution of the race.
- Mike Skinner had his best career finish (in this case, 3rd) for the second consecutive week. This finish was achieved through a pit strategy that resulted in him attempting to go all the way on fuel from the last full course caution, a distance of 39 laps (95.55 miles). After all the leaders had pitted, Skinner had a 25-second lead over Jeff Gordon. Skinner had to conserve fuel in order to make the finish, so he drove much slower than he would have. Gordon, along with Mark Martin and Rusty Wallace ran Skinner down with 3 laps to go. Gordon and Martin were able to pass Skinner, but Wallace was not able to.
- This race was the third consecutive race that Mark Martin finished second to Jeff Gordon, losing 30 points to him in the standings over the 3 races.
- This was the last Cup race sponsored by a beer company.
- This race was held the day after Mark Martin's father, stepmother and half-sister were killed in a plane crash in Nevada.
Pepsi 400 Presented by DeVilbiss
The Pepsi 400 Presented by DeVilbiss was run on August 16 in Brooklyn, Michigan. Ernie Irvan won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.
Top Ten Results
- 24-Jeff Gordon*
- 18-Bobby Labonte
- 88-Dale Jarrett
- 6-Mark Martin
- 99-Jeff Burton
- 36-Ernie Irvan
- 12-Jeremy Mayfield
- 50-Wally Dallenbach, Jr.*
- 43-John Andretti
- 97-Chad Little
Failed to qualify: 71-Dave Marcis, 78-Gary Bradberry, 81-Kenny Wallace, 96-Hut Stricklin
- Wally Dallenbach, Jr. was hired to drive the No. 50 Chevrolet for the rest of the season, and all of 1999 at this point.
- This was Jeff Gordon's 4th consecutive victory, tying the Modern-era record for most consecutive victories (it is shared by Gordon, Cale Yarborough, Darrell Waltrip, Dale Earnhardt, Harry Gant, Bill Elliott, Mark Martin and Jimmie Johnson).
Goody's Headache Powder 500
The Goody's Headache Powder 500 was run on August 22 in Bristol, Tennessee. Rusty Wallace won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.
Top Ten Results
- 6-Mark Martin
- 99-Jeff Burton
- 2-Rusty Wallace
- 88-Dale Jarrett
- 24-Jeff Gordon
- 3-Dale Earnhardt
- 31-Mike Skinner
- 12-Jeremy Mayfield
- 10-Ricky Rudd
- 16-Kevin Lepage
Failed to qualify: 41-Steve Grissom, 71-Dave Marcis, 78-Gary Bradberry, 85-Ken Bouchard
- Ted Musgrave subbed for Jimmy Spencer in the No. 23 Ford for Travis Carter Enterprises. Spencer was still recovering from the concussion that he suffered at the Brickyard 400.
Farm Aid on CMT 300
The Farm Aid on CMT 300 was run on August 30 in Loudon, New Hampshire. Jeff Gordon won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN.
Top Ten Results
- 24-Jeff Gordon*
- 6-Mark Martin
- 43-John Andretti
- 88-Dale Jarrett
- 99-Jeff Burton
- 81-Kenny Wallace
- 18-Bobby Labonte
- 2-Rusty Wallace
- 3-Dale Earnhardt
- 10-Ricky Rudd
Failed to qualify: 00-Buckshot Jones, 07-Dan Pardus, 30-Derrike Cope, 79-Ken Bouchard
- This race marked the beginning of "Tiregate." Jeff Gordon won both Michigan on August 16 and New Hampshire on August 30 after making a two-tire final pit stop and pulling away from the pack. Jack Roush, owner of the 6, 16, 26, 97, and 99 cars driven by Mark Martin, Ted Musgrave/Kevin Lepage, Johnny Benson, Chad Little, and Jeff Burton, respectively, accused Gordon and his team of cheating by applying chemical solvents to their tires. NASCAR officials began an investigation by sealing off Gordon's pit stall and confiscating several sets of tires for testing. Gordon and his team were later acquitted of any wrongdoing prior to the start of the Exide NASCAR Select Batteries 400 at Richmond.
Pepsi Southern 500
The Pepsi Southern 500 was run on September 6 in Darlington, South Carolina. Dale Jarrett won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.
Top Ten Results
- 24-Jeff Gordon
- 99-Jeff Burton
- 88-Dale Jarrett
- 3-Dale Earnhardt
- 12-Jeremy Mayfield 1 lap down
- 36-Ernie Irvan 2 laps down
- 2-Rusty Wallace 2 laps down
- 40-Sterling Marlin 2 laps down
- 7-Geoff Bodine 3 laps down
- 81-Kenny Wallace 3 laps down
Failed to qualify: 71-Dave Marcis, 91-Morgan Shepherd, 96-Hut Stricklin
- This Race was part of the Winston No Bull 5 program. Jeff Gordon won the last such race, making him eligible to win a million dollars in this race if he pulled off a win.
- This was the fourth straight year in which Jeff Gordon would win the Southern 500.
Exide NASCAR Select Batteries 400
The Exide NASCAR Select Batteries 400 was run on September 12 in Richmond, Virginia. Rusty Wallace won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN. Jeff Burton would edge Jeff Gordon in an exciting side by side finish to take the win.
Top Ten Results
- 99-Jeff Burton
- 24-Jeff Gordon
- 6-Mark Martin
- 33-Ken Schrader
- 43-John Andretti
- 4-Bobby Hamilton
- 2-Rusty Wallace
- 31-Mike Skinner
- 23-Jimmy Spencer
- 28-Kenny Irwin, Jr.
Failed to qualify: 00-Buckshot Jones, 78-Gary Bradberry, 79-Ken Bouchard, 98-Rich Bickle
MBNA Gold 400
The MBNA Gold 400 was run on September 20 in Dover, Delaware. Mark Martin won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN.
Top Ten Results
- 6-Mark Martin
- 24-Jeff Gordon
- 12-Jeremy Mayfield
- 18-Bobby Labonte
- 2-Rusty Wallace
- 94-Matt Kenseth*
- 88-Dale Jarrett
- 28-Ernie Irvan
- 43-John Andretti
- 4-Bobby Hamilton 1 lap down
Failed to qualify: 41-Steve Grissom, 71-Dave Marcis, 96-Morgan Shepherd
- Matt Kenseth made his Winston Cup debut in relief of Bill Elliott. Elliott decided to skip the race to mourn the death of his father, George.
- Dale Earnhardt and Terry Labonte both made their 600th Winston Cup career starts in this race.
NAPA Autocare 500
The NAPA AutoCare 500 was run on September 27 in Martinsville, Virginia. Ernie Irvan won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.
Top Ten Results
- 10-Ricky Rudd*
- 24-Jeff Gordon
- 6-Mark Martin
- 98-Rich Bickle*
- 99-Jeff Burton
- 5-Terry Labonte
- 94-Bill Elliott
- 36-Ernie Irvan 1 lap down
- 26-Johnny Benson 1 lap down
- 18-Bobby Labonte 1 lap down
Failed to qualify: 41-David Green, 78-Gary Bradberry, 79-Ken Bouchard, 85-Randy MacDonald
- This race was run in oppressive heat and humidity. Multiple drivers required relief during the event. Jerry Nadeau was actually forced to pull off the track at one point because he needed relief, and there was no one available that could relieve him.
- Ricky Rudd's cool box broke literally on lap one of the race. This resulted in Rudd being broiled inside of the car. Hut Stricklin was on standby to relieve Rudd, but Rudd never got out of the car. In Victory Lane, Rudd had to be pulled out of the car and given first aid by paramedics. Dr. Jerry Punch, who conducted the Victory Lane interview, helped out the paramedics.
- This was Rich Bickle's best career finish. Bickle broke down in tears during a post-race interview on ESPN.[1]
UAW-GM Quality 500
The UAW-GM Quality 500 was run on October 4 in Concord, North Carolina. The No. 30 of Derrike Cope won the pole. The race was broadcast on TBS.
Top Ten Results
- 6-Mark Martin
- 22-Ward Burton
- 99-Jeff Burton
- 43-Bobby Hamilton
- 24-Jeff Gordon
- 16-Kevin Lepage
- 42-Joe Nemechek
- 97-Chad Little
- 7-Geoff Bodine
- 23-Jimmy Spencer
Failed to qualify: 19-Tony Raines, 46-Jeff Green, 71-Dave Marcis, 80-Andy Hillenburg, 85-Randy MacDonald
- This race was red flagged for nearly 2 hours due to a sewer main behind the backstretch breaking. As a result, raw sewage streamed across the backstretch from underneath the outside wall.
Winston 500
The Winston 500 was run on October 11 in Talladega, Alabama. Ken Schrader won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.
Top Ten Results
- 88-Dale Jarrett
- 24-Jeff Gordon
- 5-Terry Labonte
- 23-Jimmy Spencer
- 12-Jeremy Mayfield
- 18-Bobby Labonte
- 31-Mike Skinner
- 97-Chad Little
- 21-Michael Waltrip
- 99-Jeff Burton
Failed to qualify: 07-Dan Pardus, 41-Rick Wilson, 54-Bobby Gerhart, 75-Rick Mast, 78-Gary Bradberry, 98-Rich Bickle
- Winston No Bull 5 race: Dale Jarrett won an extra million dollars because he won this race and finished in the top 5 in the Southern 500
- Ernie Irvan was injured in a crash on lap 135 when he spun and hit the wall. The No. 90 of Dick Trickle hit Irvan's No. 36 when it came back across the track. Irvan started the race at Daytona for points, but then sat out the remaining 3 races.
Pepsi 400
The Pepsi 400 was scheduled to run on July 4 in Daytona Beach, Florida, but was run on October 17 due to wildfires in the Daytona Beach area. Bobby Labonte sat on the Bud Pole. The race was broadcast on TNN.
Top Ten Results
- 24-Jeff Gordon
- 18-Bobby Labonte
- 31-Mike Skinner
- 12-Jeremy Mayfield
- 2-Rusty Wallace
- 5-Terry Labonte
- 22-Ward Burton
- 36-Ernie Irvan / Ricky Craven*
- 33-Ken Schrader
- 3-Dale Earnhardt
Failed to qualify: 41-Rick Wilson, 75-Rick Mast, 77-Robert Pressley, 78-Gary Bradberry, 90-Dick Trickle
- This was the first NASCAR race at Daytona to be run under the lights.
- 1998 was the first, and to date, only NASCAR Season to have back to back restrictor plate races, with the Pepsi 400 being run after the Winston 500.
- This race was originally scheduled to be broadcast by CBS, but TNN broadcast the race, due to prior commitments by CBS (due to the race's rescheduling).
- Ernie Irvan started the race in the No. 36, but was replaced at the first caution by Ricky Craven.
- This was Jeff Gordon's 40th Winston Cup Career win.
Dura Lube/Kmart 500
The Dura Lube/Kmart 500* was run on October 25 in Phoenix, Arizona. The No. 33 of Ken Schrader won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN.
Top Ten Results
- 2-Rusty Wallace
- 6-Mark Martin
- 3-Dale Earnhardt
- 99-Jeff Burton
- 13-Ted Musgrave
- 43-John Andretti
- 24-Jeff Gordon
- 81-Kenny Wallace
- 26-Johnny Benson
- 5-Terry Labonte
Failed to qualify: 21-Michael Waltrip, 45-Jeff Ward, 71-Dave Marcis,
- This race was shortened to 257 laps due to rain.
- This race ended a string of 17 straight top 5 finishes for Jeff Gordon
AC Delco 400
The AC Delco 400 was run on November 1 in Rockingham, North Carolina. Mark Martin won the pole. The race was broadcast on TNN.
Top Ten Results
- 24-Jeff Gordon
- 88-Dale Jarrett
- 2-Rusty Wallace
- 6-Mark Martin
- 99-Jeff Burton
- 4-Bobby Hamilton
- 22-Ward Burton
- 5-Terry Labonte
- 3-Dale Earnhardt
- 10-Ricky Rudd
Failed to qualify: 71-Dave Marcis, 80-Andy Hillenburg, 96-Steve Grissom
- Jeff Gordon clinched the 1998 Winston Cup Series championship by finishing 40th or better
NAPA 500
The NAPA 500 was run on November 8 in Hampton, Georgia. Kenny Irwin, Jr. won the pole. Twice during the race, the red flag was displayed, both times for rain. By the time the race was again red-flagged, midnight was approaching, and track officials felt obliged to get the fans home at a decent hour. So the race was called at 221 of the scheduled 325 laps. The race was broadcast on ESPN.
Top Ten Results
- 24-Jeff Gordon
- 88-Dale Jarrett
- 6-Mark Martin
- 99-Jeff Burton
- 91-Todd Bodine*
- 4-Bobby Hamilton
- 33-Ken Schrader
- 5-Terry Labonte
- 31-Mike Skinner
- 7-Geoff Bodine
Failed to qualify: 08-Harris DeVane, 75-Rick Mast, 80-Andy Hillenburg, 96-Steve Grissom, 98-Rich Bickle
- Todd Bodine's 5th-place finish was the best ever finish for LJ Racing in the Cup Series.
- Gordon's win made him the second driver after Bobby Labonte to win on both of the configurations at Atlanta, after winning only 1 race on the 1.522 mile when he won in the spring of 1995.
- Jeff Gordon's win ensured Chevrolet the 1998 Manufacturers' Championship.
- Also, this was Jeff Gordon's 13th win of 1998, tying a modern-era record with Richard Petty.
NASCAR Thunder Special Motegi - Coca-Cola 500
The NASCAR Thunder Special Motegi - Coca-Cola 500 was an exhibition race run on November 22 at the Twin Ring Motegi oval in Motegi, Tochigi, Japan. Jeremy Mayfield won the pole.
This is also the first NASCAR race where Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr. competed with one another in the No. 3 and No. 1 Chevrolets, respectively. The race was broadcast on TBS.
Top Ten Results
- 31-Mike Skinner
- 24-Jeff Gordon
- 12-Jeremy Mayfield
- 99-Jeff Burton
- 2-Rusty Wallace
- 1-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 94-Bill Elliott
- 3-Dale Earnhardt
- 40-Sterling Marlin
- 21-Michael Waltrip 2 laps down
Failed to Qualify: None
- Dale Jarrett was forced to skip the event due to gall bladder surgery that needed to be performed immediately after the NAPA 500 so that he would be ready for Daytona in February. Darrell Waltrip drove the No. 88 in Jarrett's place.
Final points standings
- 24-Jeff Gordon 5328
- 6-Mark Martin 4964
- 88-Dale Jarrett 4619
- 2-Rusty Wallace 4501
- 99-Jeff Burton 4415
- 18-Bobby Labonte 4180
- 12-Jeremy Mayfield 4157
- 3-Dale Earnhardt 3928
- 5-Terry Labonte 3901
- 4-Bobby Hamilton 3786
- 43-John Andretti 3682
- 33-Ken Schrader 3675
- 40-Sterling Marlin 3530
- 23-Jimmy Spencer 3464
- 97-Chad Little 3423
- 22-Ward Burton 3352
- 21-Michael Waltrip 3340
- 94-Bill Elliott 3305
- 36-Ernie Irvan 3262
- 26-Johnny Benson 3160
- 31-Mike Skinner 3153
- 10-Ricky Rudd 3131
- 16-Ted Musgrave 3124
- 17/1-Darrell Waltrip 2957
- 11-Brett Bodine 2907
- 42-Joe Nemechek 2897
- 7-Geoff Bodine 2864
- 28-Kenny Irwin, Jr. (R) 2760
- 90-Dick Trickle 2678
- 44-Kyle Petty 2675
- 81-Kenny Wallace 2615
- 77-Robert Pressley 2388
- 75-Rick Mast 2296
- 41-Steve Grissom 2215
- 91/16-Kevin Lepage (R) 2196
- 13/9-Jerry Nadeau (R) 2121
- 30-Derrike Cope 2065
- 46-Wally Dallenbach, Jr. 1832
- 98-Rich Bickle 1773
- 29/46-Jeff Green 1687
- 1-Steve Park (R) 1322
- 35/91-Todd Bodine 1322
- 9-Lake Speed 1297
- 96/41-David Green 1014
- 71-Dave Marcis 949
- 50/36-Ricky Craven 907
- Morgan Shepherd 843
- 78-Gary Bradberry 787
- 50-Randy LaJoie 768
- 8/96-Hut Stricklin 700
Rookie of the Year
This would be the last time until 2004 in which a rookie candidate did not win a race. The winner of this year's award was Kenny Irwin Jr., who qualified for 32 of the 33 races, had four top-tens, and one pole position in his Robert Yates Racing Ford. Kevin Lepage finished in second-place despite missing six races and starting the year with an underfunded team. Third-place finisher Jerry Nadeau also switched teams, starting the year with Bill Elliott Racing but winding up at Melling Racing at season's end. Finally, the last-place finisher was pre-season favorite Steve Park, who missed most of the year after suffering a broken leg in a practice crash at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
See also
Sources
- TV schedule provided by