1986 NASCAR Winston Cup Series explained

The 1986 NASCAR Winston Cup Series was the 38th season of professional stock car racing in the United States and the 15th modern-era Cup series season. The season began on February 16 and ended November 16. Dale Earnhardt of RCR Enterprises won his second championship this year.

This was the last season without Ernie Irvan until 2000. This would also unexpectedly be the last full season for Tim Richmond, whose health began to decline as a result of AIDS shortly after the season ended, ultimately claiming Richmond's life in 1989.

1986 NASCAR Winston Cup Series drivers

Complete schedule

ManufacturerTeamDriverCrew Chief
BuickKing Racing26Joe RuttmanLarry McReynolds
Stavola Brothers Racing8Bobby Hillin Jr.Ron Puryear
22Bobby AllisonBobby Hudson[1]
ChevroletHamby Motorsports17Doug Heveron
Phil Parsons
Pancho Carter
Jim Hull
Eddie Bierschwale
Hendrick Motorsports5Geoff BodineGary Nelson
25Tim RichmondHarry Hyde
Junior Johnson & Associates11Darrell WaltripJeff Hammond
12Neil Bonnett Tim Brewer
Davey Allison
Mach 1 Racing33Harry GantTravis Carter
Marcis Auto Racing71Dave Marcis
Richard Childress Racing3Dale EarnhardtKirk Shelmerdine
FordBill Terry
AK Racing
33 Alan Kulwicki (R)[2] Mike Beat
Arrington Racing67Buddy ArringtonJoey Arrington[3]
Bud Moore Engineering15Ricky RuddBud Moore
Circle Bar Racing 81Chet Fillip (R)
Donlavey Racing90Ken SchraderJunie Donlavey
Langley Racing64Pancho Carter Elmo Langley
Doug Heveron
Morgan Shepherd
Connie Saylor
Rick Baldwin
Jimmy Hensley
Tommy Gale
Eddie Bierschwale
Bryan Baker
Mike Potter
Rick McCray
Melling Racing9Bill ElliottErnie Elliott
Ranier-Lundy Racing28Cale YarboroughJoey Knuckles
Wood Brothers Racing7Kyle PettyEddie Wood
OldsmobileHagan Racing44Terry LabonteSteve Hmiel
PontiacBahari Racing23Michael Waltrip (R)
Blue Max Racing27Rusty WallaceBarry Dodson
Curb Racing98Ron BouchardMike Beam
McDuffie Racing70J. D. McDuffieJeff McDuffie
Means Racing52Jimmy Means
Petty Enterprises43Richard PettyDale Inman
RahMoc Enterprises[4] 75Morgan Shepherd Robin Pemberton
Lake Speed
Jody Ridley
Jim Sauter

Limited schedule

ManufacturerTeamDriverCrew ChiefRound(s)
ChevroletEllington Racing1Sterling Marlin
Freelander Motorsports18Tommy EllisBuddy Parrott
Jackson Brothers Motorsports55Benny ParsonsCliff Champion
66Phil ParsonsMarv Acton
OldsmobileBaker-Schiff Racing88Buddy BakerDoug Richert
Al Unser
Morgan-McClure Motorsports4Rick WilsonTony Glover

Schedule

No.Race TitleTrackDate
Busch ClashDaytona International Speedway, Daytona BeachFebruary 9
7-Eleven Twin 125'sFebruary 13
1Daytona 500February 16
2Miller High Life 400Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway, RichmondFebruary 23
3Goodwrench 500North Carolina Motor Speedway, RockinghamMarch 2
4Motorcraft 500Atlanta International Raceway, HamptonMarch 16
5Valleydale 500Bristol International Raceway, BristolApril 6
6TranSouth 500Darlington Raceway, DarlingtonApril 13
7First Union 400North Wilkesboro Speedway, North WilkesboroApril 20
8Sovran Bank 500Martinsville Speedway, RidgewayApril 27
9Winston 500Alabama International Motor Speedway, TalladegaMay 4
Atlanta InvitationalAtlanta International Raceway, HamptonMay 11
The Winston
10Budweiser 500Dover Downs International Speedway, DoverMay 18
11Coca-Cola 600Charlotte Motor Speedway, ConcordMay 25
12Budweiser 400Riverside International Raceway, RiversideJune 1
13Miller High Life 500Pocono International Raceway, Long PondJune 8
14Miller American 400Michigan International Speedway, BrooklynJune 15
15Firecracker 400Daytona International Speedway, Daytona BeachJuly 4
16Summer 500Pocono International Raceway, Long PondJuly 20
17Talladega 500Alabama International Motor Speedway, TalladegaJuly 27
18Budweiser at The GlenWatkins Glen International, Watkins GlenAugust 10
19Champion Spark Plug 400Michigan International Speedway, BrooklynAugust 17
20Busch 500Bristol International Raceway, BristolAugust 23
21Southern 500Darlington Raceway, DarlingtonAugust 31
22Wrangler Jeans Indigo 400Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway, RichmondSeptember 7
23Delaware 500Dover Downs International Speedway, DoverSeptember 14
24Goody's 500Martinsville Speedway, RidgewaySeptember 21
25Holly Farms 400North Wilkesboro Speedway, North WilkesboroSeptember 28
26Oakwood Homes 500Charlotte Motor Speedway, ConcordOctober 5
27Nationwise 500North Carolina Motor Speedway, RockinghamOctober 19
28Atlanta Journal 500Atlanta International Raceway, HamptonNovember 2
29Winston Western 500Riverside International Raceway, RiversideNovember 16

Races

No.RacePole positionMost laps ledWinning driver
Busch ClashHarry GantDale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtChevrolet
7-Eleven 125 #1Bill ElliottUnknownBill ElliottFord
7-Eleven 125 #2Geoff BodineDale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtChevrolet
1Daytona 500Bill ElliottGeoff BodineGeoff BodineChevrolet
2Miller High Life 400Geoff BodineDale EarnhardtKyle PettyFord
3Goodwrench 500Terry LabonteTerry LabonteTerry LabonteOldsmobile
4Motorcraft 500Dale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtMorgan ShepherdBuick
5Valleydale 500Geoff BodineRusty WallaceRusty WallacePontiac
6TranSouth 500Geoff BodineDale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtChevrolet
7First Union 400Geoff BodineDale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtChevrolet
8Sovran Bank 500Tim RichmondRicky RuddRicky RuddFord
9Winston 500Bill ElliottBill ElliottBobby AllisonBuick
Atlanta InvitationalKyle PettyTim RichmondBenny ParsonsOldsmobile
The WinstonDarrell WaltripBill ElliottBill ElliottFord
10Budweiser 500Ricky RuddHarry GantGeoff BodineChevrolet
11Coca-Cola 600Geoff BodineCale Yarborough
Bill Elliott
Dale EarnhardtChevrolet
12Budweiser 400Darrell WaltripTim RichmondDarrell WaltripChevrolet
13Miller High Life 500Geoff BodineTim RichmondTim RichmondChevrolet
14Miller American 400Tim RichmondHarry GantBill ElliottFord
15Firecracker 400Cale YarboroughDale EarnhardtTim RichmondChevrolet
16Summer 500Harry GantGeoff BodineTim RichmondChevrolet
17Talladega 500Bill ElliottDale EarnhardtBobby Hillin Jr.Buick
18Budweiser at The GlenTim RichmondGeoff BodineTim RIchmondChevrolet
19Champion Spark Plug 400Benny ParsonsBill ElliottBill ElliottFord
20Busch 500Geoff BodineDarrell WaltripDarrell WaltripChevrolet
21Southern 500Tim RichmondTim RichmondTim RichmondChevrolet
22Wrangler Jeans Indigo 400Harry GantRicky RuddTim RichmondChevrolet
23Delaware 500Geoff BodineRicky RuddRicky RuddFord
24Goody's 500Geoff BodineGeoff BodineRusty WallacePontiac
25Holly Farms 400Tim RichmondGeoff BodineDarrell WaltripChevrolet
26Oakwood Homes 500Tim RichmondTim RichmondDale EarnhardtChevrolet
27Nationwise 500Tim RichmondMorgan ShepherdNeil BonnettChevrolet
28Atlanta Journal 500Bill ElliottDale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtChevrolet
29Winston Western 500Tim RichmondGeoff BodineTim RichmondChevrolet

Busch Clash

The 8th annual Busch Clash was held on February 9 at Daytona International Speedway. Harry Gant drew for the pole. Only eight drivers ran.

Full Results

FinishGridCar
no.
DriverCar MakeLapsStatusLaps
Led
1 4 3 20 0:15:19 15
2 6 9 20 -2 car lengths
3 2 12 20 Flagged 5
4 7 5 20 Flagged
5 8 44 20 Flagged
6 3 27 20 Flagged
7 1 33 20 Flagged
8 5 11 20 Flagged

Average speed: 195.865 mph

Lap Leader Breakdown
From
Lap
To
Lap
Total
Laps
Driver
1 5 5 Neil Bonnett
6 20 15 Dale Earnhardt

7-Eleven Twin 125's

The 7-Eleven Twin 125's, a pair of qualifying races for the Daytona 500, were held February 13 at Daytona International Speedway. Bill Elliott and Geoff Bodine won the poles for both races, respectively.

Race One Top Ten Results

  1. 9-Bill Elliott
  2. 22-Bobby Allison
  3. 44-Terry Labonte
  4. 7-Kyle Petty
  5. 1-Sterling Marlin
  6. 43-Richard Petty
  7. 12-Neil Bonnett
  8. 98-Ron Bouchard
  9. 4-Rick Wilson
  10. 66-Phil Parsons

Race Two Top Ten Results

  1. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  2. 5-Geoff Bodine
  3. 11-Darrell Waltrip
  4. 47-Morgan Shepherd
  5. 27-Rusty Wallace
  6. 71-Dave Marcis
  7. 28-Cale Yarborough
  8. 33-Harry Gant
  9. 88-Buddy Baker
  10. 6-Trevor Boys

Daytona 500

See main article: 1986 Daytona 500. Top Ten Results

  1. 5-Geoff Bodine
  2. 44-Terry Labonte
  3. 11-Darrell Waltrip
  4. 8-Bobby Hillin Jr.
  5. 55-Benny Parsons -1 lap
  6. 98-Ron Bouchard -1 lap
  7. 4-Rick Wilson -1 lap
  8. 27-Rusty Wallace -1 lap
  9. 1-Sterling Marlin -2 laps
  10. 75-Lake Speed -2 laps

Miller High Life 400

See main article: 1986 Miller High Life 400.

The Miller High Life 400 was held February 23 at Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway. Geoff Bodine won the pole. This was Kyle Petty's first career Winston Cup Series victory. The race is widely considered one of the most controversial finishes in NASCAR history.

Top Ten Results

  1. 7-Kyle Petty*
  2. 26-Joe Ruttman
  3. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  4. 22-Bobby Allison -1 lap
  5. 11-Darrell Waltrip -2 laps
  6. 8-Bobby Hillin Jr. -2 laps
  7. 12-Neil Bonnett -2 laps
  8. 5-Geoff Bodine -3 laps
  9. 71-Dave Marcis -3 laps
  10. 27-Rusty Wallace -5 laps

Goodwrench 500

See main article: 1986 Goodwrench 500.

The Goodwrench 500 was held March 2 at North Carolina Motor Speedway. Terry Labonte won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 44-Terry Labonte
  2. 33-Harry Gant
  3. 43-Richard Petty
  4. 47-Morgan Shepherd -1 lap
  5. 11-Darrell Waltrip -1 lap
  6. 28-Cale Yarborough -2 laps
  7. 9-Bill Elliott -2 laps
  8. 3-Dale Earnhardt -2 laps
  9. 12-Neil Bonnett -2 laps
  10. 75-Lake Speed -3 laps

Motorcraft 500

The Motorcraft 500 was held March 16 at Atlanta International Raceway. Dale Earnhardt won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 47-Morgan Shepherd
  2. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  3. 44-Terry Labonte
  4. 11-Darrell Waltrip
  5. 9-Bill Elliott
  6. 55-Benny Parsons
  7. 25-Tim Richmond
  8. 27-Rusty Wallace -1 lap
  9. 22-Bobby Allison -1 lap
  10. 5-Geoff Bodine -1 lap

Valleydale 500

The Valleydale 500 was held April 6 at Bristol International Raceway. The No. 5 of Geoff Bodine won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 27-Rusty Wallace*
  2. 15-Ricky Rudd
  3. 11-Darrell Waltrip
  4. 33-Harry Gant -1 lap
  5. 9-Bill Elliott -1 lap
  6. 22-Bobby Allison -1 lap
  7. 44-Terry Labonte -2 laps
  8. 25-Tim Richmond -2 laps
  9. 7-Kyle Petty -3 laps
  10. 3-Dale Earnhardt -3 laps

TranSouth 500

The TranSouth 500 was held April 13 at Darlington Raceway. The No. 5 of Geoff Bodine won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  2. 11-Darrell Waltrip
  3. 22-Bobby Allison -1 lap
  4. 12-Neil Bonnett -1 lap
  5. 25-Tim Richmond -3 laps
  6. 27-Rusty Wallace -3 laps
  7. 43-Richard Petty -3 laps
  8. 9-Bill Elliott -5 laps
  9. 7-Kyle Petty -6 laps
  10. 90-Ken Schrader -11 laps

First Union 400

The First Union 400 was held April 20 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Geoff Bodine won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  2. 15-Ricky Rudd
  3. 5-Geoff Bodine
  4. 11-Darrell Waltrip
  5. 26-Joe Ruttman
  6. 22-Bobby Allison
  7. 33-Harry Gant
  8. 7-Kyle Petty
  9. 9-Bill Elliott
  10. 27-Rusty Wallace -1 lap

Sovran Bank 500

The Sovran Bank 500 was held April 27 at Martinsville Speedway. No. 25 of Tim Richmond won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 15-Ricky Rudd*
  2. 26-Joe Ruttman -1 lap
  3. 44-Terry Labonte -4 laps
  4. 35-Alan Kulwicki (R) -4 laps
  5. 7-Kyle Petty -4 laps
  6. 8-Bobby Hillin Jr. -5 laps
  7. 90-Ken Schrader -7 laps
  8. 22-Bobby Allison -8 laps
  9. 79-Derrike Cope (R) -11 laps
  10. 75-Jody Ridley -13 laps

Winston 500

See main article: 1986 Winston 500.

The Winston 500 was held May 4 at Alabama International Motor Speedway. The No. 9 of Bill Elliott won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 22-Bobby Allison
  2. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  3. 88-Buddy Baker
  4. 8-Bobby Hillin Jr.
  5. 55-Phil Parsons
  6. 47-Morgan Shepherd
  7. 43-Richard Petty
  8. 4-Rick Wilson
  9. 98-Ron Bouchard
  10. 10-Greg Sacks

Failed to qualify: 35-Alan Kulwicki (R), 60-Dick Skillen, 70-J. D. McDuffie, 77-Ken Ragan, 95-Davey Allison, 02-Mark Martin, Steve Moore

The Winston

See main article: 1986 The Winston. The second edition of The Winston, an all-star event for the previous season's race winners, was held at Atlanta International Raceway on Sunday May 11 (Mother's Day). The pole position was awarded to Darrell Waltrip as the defending Winston Cup champion.

This was the only time the all-star race was held at Atlanta, and featured a 200-kilometer (83 lap) format, with a mandatory green flag pit stop. Because there were only nine race winners in 1985, the highest placed non-winner from the 1985 point standings (Geoff Bodine) was added to the field to make it an even ten cars. Bill Elliott led 82 of the 83 en route to a dominating victory. Elliott collected the $200,000 first place prize, plus $40,000 in additional cash bonuses for leading laps 20, 30, 50, and 60.

Top Ten Results

  1. 9-Bill Elliott
  2. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  3. 33-Harry Gant
  4. 11-Darrell Waltrip
  5. 28-Cale Yarborough
  6. 12-Neil Bonnett
  7. 5-Geoff Bodine
  8. 15-Ricky Rudd
  9. 44-Terry Labonte
  10. 10-Greg Sacks

Budweiser 500

The Budweiser 500 was held May 18 at Dover International Speedway. Ricky Rudd won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 5-Geoff Bodine
  2. 22-Bobby Allison
  3. 3-Dale Earnhardt -1 lap
  4. 15-Ricky Rudd -2 laps
  5. 11-Darrell Waltrip -2 laps
  6. 43-Richard Petty -6 laps
  7. 9-Bill Elliott -7 laps
  8. 8-Bobby Hillin Jr. -7 laps
  9. 18-Tommy Ellis -7 laps
  10. 90-Ken Schrader -7 laps

Coca-Cola 600

The Coca-Cola 600 was held May 25 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The No. 5 of Geoff Bodine won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  2. 25-Tim Richmond
  3. 28-Cale Yarborough
  4. 33-Harry Gant
  5. 11-Darrell Waltrip
  6. 9-Bill Elliott
  7. 1-Sterling Marlin -1 lap
  8. 15-Ricky Rudd -1 lap
  9. 47-Morgan Shepherd -1 lap
  10. 27-Rusty Wallace -2 laps

Budweiser 400

The Budweiser 400 was held on June 1 at Riverside International Raceway. Darrell Waltrip won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 11-Darrell Waltrip
  2. 25-Tim Richmond
  3. 15-Ricky Rudd
  4. 27-Rusty Wallace
  5. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  6. 43-Richard Petty
  7. 22-Bobby Allison
  8. 12-Neil Bonnett
  9. 33-Harry Gant
  10. 18-Glen Steurer -1 lap

Miller High Life 500

The Miller High Life 500 was held June 8 at Pocono International Raceway. Geoff Bodine won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 25-Tim Richmond
  2. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  3. 28-Cale Yarborough
  4. 15-Ricky Rudd
  5. 9-Bill Elliott
  6. 27-Rusty Wallace
  7. 26-Joe Ruttman
  8. 7-Kyle Petty
  9. 5-Geoff Bodine
  10. 8-Bobby Hillin Jr. -1 lap

Miller American 400

The Miller American 400 was held June 15 at Michigan International Speedway. Tim Richmond won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 9-Bill Elliott
  2. 33-Harry Gant
  3. 5-Geoff Bodine
  4. 88-Buddy Baker
  5. 11-Darrell Waltrip
  6. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  7. 8-Bobby Hillin Jr.
  8. 4-Rick Wilson
  9. 26-Joe Ruttman
  10. 15-Ricky Rudd

Firecracker 400

See main article: 1986 Firecracker 400.

The Firecracker 400 was held on July 4 at Daytona International Speedway. Cale Yarborough won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 25-Tim Richmond
  2. 1-Sterling Marlin
  3. 8-Bobby Hillin Jr.
  4. 11-Darrell Waltrip
  5. 7-Kyle Petty
  6. 15-Ricky Rudd
  7. 26-Joe Ruttman
  8. 27-Rusty Wallace
  9. 66-Phil Parsons
  10. 35-Alan Kulwicki (R)

Summer 500

The Summer 500 was held July 20 at Pocono International Raceway. Harry Gant won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 25-Tim Richmond
  2. 15-Ricky Rudd
  3. 5-Geoff Bodine
  4. 11-Darrell Waltrip
  5. 22-Bobby Allison
  6. 44-Terry Labonte
  7. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  8. 7-Kyle Petty -1 lap
  9. 18-Tommy Ellis -2 laps
  10. 4-Rick Wilson -2 laps

Talladega 500

The Talladega 500 was held July 27 at Alabama International Motor Speedway. The No. 9 of Bill Elliott won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 8-Bobby Hillin Jr.*
  2. 25-Tim Richmond
  3. 15-Ricky Rudd*
  4. 1-Sterling Marlin
  5. 55-Benny Parsons
  6. 47-Morgan Shepherd
  7. 12-Davey Allison*
  8. 26-Joe Ruttman
  9. 7-Kyle Petty
  10. 22-Bobby Allison -1 lap

Budweiser at The Glen

The Budweiser at The Glen was held August 10 at Watkins Glen International. Tim Richmond won the pole. It was the first time a NASCAR race had been run at the track since 1965 but this was an entirely new configuration.

Top Ten Results

  1. 25-Tim Richmond
  2. 11-Darrell Waltrip
  3. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  4. 9-Bill Elliott
  5. 12-Neil Bonnett
  6. 27-Rusty Wallace
  7. 15-Ricky Rudd
  8. 55-Benny Parsons
  9. 7-Kyle Petty
  10. 43-Richard Petty

Withdrew: 30-Willy T. Ribbs[5]

Champion Spark Plug 400

See main article: 1986 Champion Spark Plug 400.

The Champion Spark Plug 400 was held August 17 at Michigan International Speedway. The No. 55 of Benny Parsons won the final pole of his hall of fame career.

Top Ten Results

      1. 9-Bill Elliott 25-Tim Richmond 11-Darrell Waltrip
    1. 5-Geoff Bodine 3-Dale Earnhardt -1 lap
  1. 27-Rusty Wallace -1 lap
  2. 28-Cale Yarborough -1 lap
  3. 33-Harry Gant -1 lap
  4. 66-Phil Parsons -1 lap
  5. 21-David Pearson* -1 lap

Busch 500

The Busch 500 was held August 23 at Bristol International Raceway. Geoff Bodine won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 11-Darrell Waltrip
  2. 44-Terry Labonte
  3. 5-Geoff Bodine -1 lap
  4. 3-Dale Earnhardt -1 lap
  5. 33-Harry Gant -1 lap
  6. 25-Tim Richmond -2 laps
  7. 43-Richard Petty -3 laps
  8. 22-Bobby Allison -4 laps
  9. 8-Bobby Hillin Jr. -5 laps
  10. 35-Alan Kulwicki (R) -6 laps

Southern 500

The Southern 500 was held August 31 at Darlington Raceway. Tim Richmond won the pole.

Top Ten Results

                  1. 25-Tim Richmond 22-Bobby Allison 9-Bill Elliott 47-Morgan Shepherd 11-Darrell Waltrip 15-Ricky Rudd 8-Bobby Hillin Jr. 5-Geoff Bodine 3-Dale Earnhardt -1 lap
  1. 28-Cale Yarborough -1 lap

Wrangler Jeans Indigo 400

The Wrangler Jeans Indigo 400 was held September 7 at Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway. Harry Gant won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 25-Tim Richmond
  2. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  3. 75-Morgan Shepherd*
  4. 43-Richard Petty
  5. 12-Neil Bonnett
  6. 26-Joe Ruttman
  7. 33-Harry Gant
  8. 22-Bobby Allison
  9. 9-Bill Elliott -1 lap
  10. 8-Bobby Hillin Jr. -3 laps

Delaware 500

See main article: 1986 Delaware 500.

The Delaware 500 was held September 14 at Dover Downs International Speedway. The No. 5 of Geoff Bodine won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 15-Ricky Rudd
  2. 12-Neil Bonnett
  3. 7-Kyle Petty
  4. 88-Buddy Baker -1 lap
  5. 71-Dave Marcis -2 laps
  6. 26-Joe Ruttman -2 laps
  7. 35-Alan Kulwicki (R) -3 laps
  8. 18-Tommy Ellis -4 laps
  9. 8-Bobby Hillin Jr. -5 laps
  10. 75-Morgan Shepherd -7 laps

Goody's 500

The Goody's 500 was held September 21 at Martinsville Speedway. Geoff Bodine won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 27-Rusty Wallace
  2. 5-Geoff Bodine
  3. 33-Harry Gant
  4. 11-Darrell Waltrip -1 lap
  5. 26-Joe Ruttman -1 lap
  6. 7-Kyle Petty -1 lap
  7. 90-Ken Schrader -2 laps
  8. 12-Neil Bonnett -3 laps
  9. 71-Dave Marcis -3 laps
  10. 25-Tim Richmond -4 laps

Holly Farms 400

The Holly Farms 400 was held September 28 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. The No. 25 of Tim Richmond won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 11-Darrell Waltrip
  2. 5-Geoff Bodine
  3. 43-Richard Petty
  4. 27-Rusty Wallace
  5. 33-Harry Gant
  6. 26-Joe Ruttman -1 lap
  7. 15-Ricky Rudd -1 lap
  8. 71-Dave Marcis -1 lap
  9. 3-Dale Earnhardt -2 laps
  10. 44-Terry Labonte -2 laps

Oakwood Homes 500

The Oakwood Homes 500 was held on October 5 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The No. 25 of Tim Richmond won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  2. 33-Harry Gant
  3. 12-Neil Bonnett -1 lap
  4. 15-Ricky Rudd -1 lap
  5. 88-Buddy Baker -1 lap
  6. 5-Geoff Bodine -1 lap
  7. 9-Bill Elliott -1 lap
  8. 27-Rusty Wallace -2 laps
  9. 11-Darrell Waltrip -2 laps
  10. 66-Phil Parsons -3 laps

Nationwise 500

The Nationwise 500 was held on October 19 at North Carolina Motor Speedway. The No. 25 of Tim Richmond won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 12-Neil Bonnett
  2. 15-Ricky Rudd
  3. 11-Darrell Waltrip
  4. 33-Harry Gant
  5. 88-Buddy Baker
  6. 3-Dale Earnhardt -1 lap
  7. 9-Bill Elliott -1 lap
  8. 43-Richard Petty -1 lap
  9. 26-Joe Ruttman -2 laps
  10. 7-Kyle Petty -3 laps

Atlanta Journal 500

The Atlanta Journal 500 was held November 2 at Atlanta International Raceway. Bill Elliott won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 3-Dale Earnhardt*
  2. 43-Richard Petty -1 lap
  3. 9-Bill Elliott -1 lap
  4. 25-Tim Richmond -1 lap
  5. 88-Buddy Baker -1 lap
  6. 12-Neil Bonnett -1 lap
  7. 7-Kyle Petty -2 laps
  8. 44-Terry Labonte -2 laps
  9. 26-Joe Ruttman -2 laps
  10. 66-Phil Parsons -2 laps

Winston Western 500

The Winston Western 500 was held on November 16 at Riverside International Raceway. Tim Richmond won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 25-Tim Richmond
  2. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  3. 5-Geoff Bodine
  4. 11-Darrell Waltrip
  5. 26-Joe Ruttman
  6. 8-Bobby Hillin Jr.
  7. 22-Bobby Allison
  8. 27-Rusty Wallace
  9. 12-Neil Bonnett -1 lap
  10. 44-Terry Labonte -1 lap

Winston Cup Final Standings

See also: List of NASCAR points scoring systems.

(key) Bold â€“ Pole position awarded by time. Italics â€“ Pole position set by final practice results or 1985 Owner's points. * â€“ Most laps led.

DriverDAYRCHCARATLBRIDARNWSMARTALDOVCLTRSDPOCMCHDAYPOCTALGLNMCHBRIDARRCHDOVMARNWSCLTCARATLRSD
1Dale Earnhardt143*82*101*1*2123152627726*3549221129161*24468
2Darrell Waltrip355432427345514054425231*5291441933944180
3Tim Richmond20221678512201232221*151121261*126101127*20414174
4Bill Elliott1321755893124761151163527411939271116773233844
5Ricky Rudd1130282622621364834106237212362412874225193823
6Rusty Wallace8101281610301326104619827356614231913148191383762
7Bobby Allison424349636812127131115510122482820212241251673698
8Geoff Bodine1*820102440317271313993293*2319*43813282*2*632383*3678
9Bobby Hillin Jr.46391628381364815321073331281397109171526111563546
10Kyle Petty1611128998531192041832589928301420361413107153537
11Harry Gant3028212414725211449262313022348527735352428373498
12Terry Labonte215137322732917111235121963832122211819151015318103473
13Neil Bonnett327934304112640281382325113153411245281231693369
14Richard Petty3620311147292876386191322343710187404121633582213314
15Joe Ruttman282334219215217113242797388333017386656259953295
16Ken Schrader332322211310147261023172720122331161128362522718281417113052
17Dave Marcis3892733272725161121163814372024361335151123598113433122912
18Morgan Shepherd2241312319196927182937326113622431029253224*27382896
19Michael Waltrip (R)DNQ252119321326113512262539221811141732131614161423191320312853
20Buddy Arrington2314172017DNQ21152215DNQ19212517212419162012151919221721182776
21Alan Kulwicki (R)DNQDNQ15141511184DNQ232716102232141012157131714121824109
22Jimmy Means39111941DNQ2520121624DNQ2222DNQ2413152125271526242227182229172495
23Tommy Ellis1924141311292432935151438934391221826133135122393
24Buddy Baker26153031736414362041194555291924
25Eddie Bierschwale313129302934DNQ302932273515393016182511252420241623DNQ1860
26J. D. McDuffieDNQ1631DNQ172818DNQ20DNQ141635DNQ19DNQ25312434283720262021DNQ1825
27Phil Parsons24293018315243133937131492210101742
28Rick Wilson739121582121101123402628322914401698
29Cale Yarborough27627223733301725247103633341642
30Benny Parsons56282034334136295826313011271555
31Ron Bouchard618134025371792719123641173021421553
32Chet Fillip (R)DNQ36222323372026401228221525352321381433
33Jody Ridley1229232015104218211134131213
34Trevor Boys18263524182430143813253429371064
35Doug Heveron151335213516291535332033161052
36Sterling Marlin9323339724373332989
37D. K. UlrichQL33174018202018172728804
38Pancho Carter342338182817284031706
39Ken Ragan21DNQ413418172319627
40Lake Speed1017102214608
41Greg Sacks3519372510393938579
42Ronnie ThomasDNQ262636DNQ14DNQ16DNQDNQ40504
43Bobby WawakDNQ382319DNQ2433DNQ29480
44Rodney Combs3219291637421
45Derrike Cope9303128Wth41400
46James HyltonDNQDNQDNQ38DNQ273922386
47Davey Allison (R)DNQ12252039DNQ7364
48Mark Martin37DNQ22112613364
49Jim Sauter2541182314123713361
50A. J. Foyt2917423037355
51Gary Fedewa222321DNQ34DNQ352
52H. B. Bailey3712DNQ17DNQ41336
53DNQ24DNQDNQDNQ30DNQDNQ29DNQ27322
54Jimmy Hensley231618318
55Dick Trickle17DNQDNQ15230
56Jerry Cranmer (R)1316242623303
57Bobby GerhartDNQ342822DNQ35295
58Kirk Bryant41271831DNQ301
59Connie SaylorDNQ18332830DNQDNQ261730334
60Delma CowartDNQDNQ19DNQ2939DNQ
61Mike Skinner223023264
62Mark StahlDNQDNQ16DNQDNQ32DNQ30DNQ255
63Glen Steurer1016249
64Bill Schmitt1814230
65Willy T. RibbsWthDNQ22DNQ2939Wth219
66Jim Robinson1525206
67Mike PotterDNQDNQ33DNQ4026192
68Brad Teague40DNQ2140186
69Rick Newson402537DNQDNQ183
70Chad Little1335182
71Joe BooherDNQ31DNQ18179
72Ruben Garcia3022170
73Johnny Coy Jr.1736167
74Ted Kennedy2330167
75Butch Miller162133164
76George Follmer1836164
77Hershel McGriff2826164
78Mike LawsDNQ3124161
79Larry Pearson4012160
80Terry Petris2434152
81Phil Good3525146
82David Pearson3610134
83Randy Baker4222134
84Rick McCray3728131
85Jerry BowmanDNQ2936131
86Tommie CrozierDNQDNQ3928125
87John Krebs2642122
88Joe Millikan3038122
89Tommy Riggins15118
90David SosebeeDNQDNQ3436116
91Cliff Hucul40DNQ31DNQ113
92Charlie Baker18109
93Brett Bodine18109
94Jack Ely2520103
95Rick Knoop20103
96Jocko Maggiacomo3936DNQ101
97Clay Young21100
98Buddie Boys383995
99Jim Hull2394
100Brent Elliott2491
101Grant AdcoxDNQ26DNQDNQ85
102Tom Rotsell2685
103Phil BarkdollDNQ28DNQ3384
104Ron Shepahrd27DNQ82
105David Simko2782
106Al Unser292076
107Bryan BakerDNQ2976
108Dale Jarrett2976
109Randy LaJoieDNQ2976
110Howard Rose3073
111Jeff SwindellDNQ3170
112Jim Bown3267
113Ron EsauDNQQL163364
114Earle Canavan32DNQDNQDNQ64
115Donnie Allison3364
116Ray Kelly36DNQ55
117Howard Mark36DNQDNQ55
118Wayne Slark3655
119Roy Lee Hendrick3849
120Jim Fitzgerald3946
121Tom Bigelow4043
122Richard Lach4043
123Rick Baldwin (R)2434DNQDNQ
124Tommy Gale25
125Jerry HoldenDNQ30DNQ
126Bill Osborne35
127Joe Fields37
128Dick SkillenDNQDNQ
129Clark DwyerDNQDNQ
130Donny PaulDNQDNQ
131Bob ParkDNQDNQ
132Blackie WangerinDNQDNQ
133Ferdin WallaceDNQDNQ
134Brad HeathDNQ
135Steve MooreDNQDNQ
136Marta LeonardDNQ
137St. James DavisDNQDNQ
138Jerry WardDNQ
139Don HumeDNQ
140Harold MarksDNQ
141George WiltshireDNQDNQ
142Ed BaugessDNQ
143Harry GoularteDNQ
144Jimmy InsoloDNQ
145Jack SellersDNQ
146Kevin TerrisDNQ
147Bob KennedyDNQ
148Brad TidrickDNQ
149Randy BeckerDNQ
150Ron RainwaterDNQ
151John Soares Jr.DNQ
152Bob PenrodWth
153Slick JohnsonQLQL
DriverDAYRCHCARATLBRIDARNWSMARTALDOVCLTRSDPOCMCHDAYPOCTALGLNMCHBRIDARRCHDOVMARNWSCLTCARATLRSD

Rookie of the Year

Alan Kulwicki, a future hall of famer (see Class of 2019 hall of fame) driving for a team that had only one car (which he would buy out before the Southern 500 and become an owner/driver), won the Rookie of the Year award in 1986 despite skipping 6 races (3 of those he failed to qualify for, rounds 1, 2, and 9), finishing in the top-ten four times. Of the rest of the candidates, only runner-up Michael Waltrip ran a complete schedule.

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Driver Season Stats.
  2. Web site: Driver Season Stats.
  3. Web site: Driver Season Stats.
  4. Web site: Driver Season Stats.
  5. Web site: Race Results.