The 1995 NASCAR Winston Cup Series was the 47th season of professional stock car racing in the United States and the 24th modern-era Cup series season. The season began on February 12 in Daytona Beach and concluded on November 12 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. Jeff Gordon of Hendrick Motorsports won his first career championship.
The major story heading into the 1995 season was Dale Earnhardt's attempt to make history. After winning his seventh Winston Cup Championship in 1994, Earnhardt tied Richard Petty's record for Cup Championships. Going into the 1995 season, Earnhardt had won four of the last five Winston Cup points titles, and was considered the favorite to win his eighth in 1995.
As the season progressed, the race for the series championship became a battle between Earnhardt, Sterling Marlin and Jeff Gordon. The majority of the spotlight soon shifted on the 24-year-old Gordon. Gordon, who had won two of 1994’s biggest races (Coca-Cola 600 and the Inaugural Brickyard 400), visited victory lane in three of the first six races of 1995.Gordon would become the most consistent driver of the season. During one stretch of the season, he rattled off 14 straight top ten finishes, winning four times during that stretch. Despite a late season challenge by Earnhardt, Gordon would win the season's championship by 34 points. In doing so, he became the youngest Winston Cup Champion of the modern era (post 1971). Gordon made light of this at the season ending banquet, toasting Earnhardt with a glass of milk instead of champagne.
However, there were several other major stories in 1995.
After a practice crash at Michigan International Speedway in August 1994, Ernie Irvan spent the rest of the 1994 season recuperating from his injuries. While Irvan continued to make great progress in his recovery, it was becoming clear that he would have to sit out the 1995 season. Thus, RYR began to search for a new driver to take over the #28 Ford. After securing a buyout from his contract at Joe Gibbs Racing, it was announced that Dale Jarrett would be the driver for 1995.
After the departure of Dale Jarrett, Joe Gibbs Racing was forced to find a new driver for the #18 Chevy. With encouragement from General Motors, JGR signed Bobby Labonte, who left Bill Davis Racing,
After struggling the last two years driving for Junior Johnson, Bill Elliott formed his own team for 1995, sharing ownership with Georgia businessman Charles Hardy. Elliott would reunite with brothers Ernie and Dan, with whom he had great success during his time at Melling Racing. Elliott selected 94 as the number for his Ford and McDonald's as his sponsor. The number had been used by Bill's nephew Casey Elliott, before Casey was diagnosed with cancer (Casey would ultimately lose his battle with the disease in 1996).
For 1995, Johnson was forced to look for new drivers and sponsors for both of his cars. Budweiser, the long time sponsor of the #11, left to sponsor the #25 at Hendrick Motorsports and Bill Elliott took the sponsor of the #27, McDonald's, to his new team. For the #11 team, Johnson replaced driver Elliott with Brett Bodine and got sponsorship from Lowe's. For the #27 car, sophomore Loy Allen Jr. took over for Jimmy Spencer with sponsorship from Hooters. Before the April Bristol race, Allen left the team. Various drivers drove the #27 for the rest of 1995; the majority of starts went to veteran Busch Series driver Elton Sawyer.
Bodine would be replaced by sprint car legend Steve Kinser. Kinser, who had won 14 World of Outlaws championships, had limited exposure to stock car racing; his only experience had been in the IROC series. After failing to qualify for the spring races at Bristol and North Wilkesboro, Kinser and the team mutually split. Kinser returned to the WoO series, while Hut Stricklin was hired to replace him in the 26 car.
LHM was left without a driver and sponsor for 1995. Former Busch Grand National Series Champion Joe Nemechek left to start his own team, Rookie Ricky Craven would drive the #41 Chevy. Craven won the Rookie of the Year award in 1995.
Former Busch Grand National champ Steve Grissom would return for a second Cup season.
As he had done en route to the 1992 Busch Grand National Series Championship, Joe Nemechek formed his own team in 1995.
Harry Gant called it a career after the 1994 season. BGN series regular Robert Pressley would replace Gant in the Skoal Bandit Chevy, and would also compete for Rookie of the Year for 1995.
BDR found itself in a similar position to many teams, needing to replace both a driver (Bobby Labonte) and a sponsor. BDR hoped to find success with manufacturer Pontiac with driver Randy LaJoie. However, the combo experienced lackluster results, and LaJoie was fired in July. After going through several drivers, Davis settled on Ward Burton, who had been let go from the Alan Dillard Jr. owned team earlier in the year. Burton shocked the stock car world by winning his first career Cup Series race at the North Carolina Motor Speedway in October. LaJoie would also find success, winning the Busch Grand National Title in 1996 and 1997.
After running part-time for the last three seasons, Melling returned to full-time competition in 1995. Mississippian Lake Speed was hired to be driver and general manager of the team.
After Lake Speed left the team at the end of 1994, Bud Moore hired short track legend (and Sportscenter favorite) Dick Trickle to drive the #15 Ford.
After struggling during the 1994 season, the team parted ways with driver Hut Stricklin. He would be replaced by Jimmy Spencer, who had won two races driving for Junior Johnson in 1994.
John Andretti, who had replaced Wally Dallenbach Jr. midway through 1994, did not return in 1995. Replacing Andretti would be Tennessee driver Bobby Hamilton.
After Hamilton left for Petty Enterprises, owner Felix Sabates hired Greg Sacks to drive the #40 Pontiac. After a dismal 14-race stint, Sacks was let go. Several drivers took the reins of the #40, with most of the duties going to Rich Bickle. Sabates' other car, the #42 driven by Kyle Petty, had new colors for 1995.
Owner D. K. Ulrich hired veteran open wheel and sports car driver Davy Jones to pilot the #77 Ford. Bobby Hillin Jr. replaced Jones beginning at the June Dover race.
After racing part-time in 1994, the team co-owned by Michael Kranefuss and Carl Haas went full-time in 1995. Former CART driver John Andretti was selected to drive the #37 Ford.
| No. | Race | Pole position | Most laps led | Winning driver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Busch Clash | Geoff Bodine | Dale Earnhardt | Dale Earnhardt | Chevrolet | ||
| Gatorade Twin 125 #1 | Dale Jarrett | Sterling Marlin | Sterling Marlin | Chevrolet | ||
| Gatorade Twin 125 #2 | Dale Earnhardt | Dale Earnhardt | Dale Earnhardt | Chevrolet | ||
| 1 | Daytona 500 | Dale Jarrett | Sterling Marlin | Sterling Marlin | Chevrolet | |
| 2 | Goodwrench 500 | Jeff Gordon | Jeff Gordon | Jeff Gordon | Chevrolet | |
| 3 | Pontiac Excitement 400 | Jeff Gordon | Rusty Wallace | Terry Labonte | Chevrolet | |
| 4 | Purolator 500 | Dale Earnhardt | Jeff Gordon | Jeff Gordon | Chevrolet | |
| 5 | TranSouth Financial 400 | Jeff Gordon | Jeff Gordon | Sterling Marlin | Chevrolet | |
| 6 | Food City 500 | Mark Martin | Jeff Gordon | Jeff Gordon | Chevrolet | |
| 7 | First Union 400 | Jeff Gordon | Dale Earnhardt | Dale Earnhardt | Chevrolet | |
| 8 | Hanes 500 | Bobby Labonte | Rusty Wallace | Rusty Wallace | Ford | |
| 9 | Winston Select 500 | Terry Labonte | Mark Martin | Mark Martin | Ford | |
| 10 | Save Mart Supermarkets 300 | Ricky Rudd | Mark Martin | Dale Earnhardt | Chevrolet | |
| Winston Open | Michael Waltrip | Todd Bodine | Todd Bodine | Ford | ||
| The Winston Select | Bobby Labonte | Jeff Gordon | Jeff Gordon | Chevrolet | ||
| 11 | Coca-Cola 600 | Jeff Gordon | Ken Schrader | Bobby Labonte | Chevrolet | |
| 12 | Miller Genuine Draft 500 | Jeff Gordon | Kyle Petty | Kyle Petty | Pontiac | |
| 13 | UAW-GM Teamwork 500 | Ken Schrader | Jeff Gordon | Terry Labonte | Chevrolet | |
| 14 | Miller Genuine Draft 400 | Jeff Gordon | Jeff Gordon | Bobby Labonte | Chevrolet | |
| 15 | Pepsi 400 | Dale Earnhardt | Jeff Gordon Sterling Marlin | Jeff Gordon | Chevrolet | |
| 16 | Slick 50 300 | Mark Martin | Jeff Gordon | Jeff Gordon | Chevrolet | |
| 17 | Miller Genuine Draft 500 | Bill Elliott | Rusty Wallace | Dale Jarrett | Ford | |
| 18 | DieHard 500 | Sterling Marlin | Jeff Gordon | Sterling Marlin | Chevrolet | |
| 19 | Brickyard 400 | Jeff Gordon | Bill Elliott | Dale Earnhardt | Chevrolet | |
| 20 | The Bud at The Glen | Mark Martin | Mark Martin | Mark Martin | Ford | |
| 21 | GM Goodwrench Dealer 400 | Bobby Labonte | Jeff Gordon | Bobby Labonte | Chevrolet | |
| 22 | Goody's 500 | Mark Martin | Dale Jarrett | Terry Labonte | Chevrolet | |
| 23 | Mountain Dew Southern 500 | John Andretti | Dale Earnhardt | Jeff Gordon | Chevrolet | |
| 24 | Miller Genuine Draft 400 | Dale Earnhardt | Rusty Wallace | Rusty Wallace | Ford | |
| 25 | MBNA 500 | Rick Mast | Jeff Gordon | Jeff Gordon | Chevrolet | |
| 26 | Goody's 500 | Jeff Gordon | Dale Earnhardt | Dale Earnhardt | Chevrolet | |
| 27 | Tyson Holly Farms 400 | Ted Musgrave | Mark Martin | Mark Martin | Ford | |
| 28 | UAW-GM Quality 500 | Ricky Rudd | Ricky Rudd | Mark Martin | Ford | |
| 29 | AC Delco 400 | Hut Stricklin | Rick Mast | Ward Burton | Pontiac | |
| 30 | Dura Lube 500 | Bill Elliott | Ernie Irvan | Ricky Rudd | Ford | |
| 31 | NAPA 500 | Darrell Waltrip | Dale Earnhardt | Dale Earnhardt | Chevrolet |
The 1995 Busch Clash, kicked off the season on February 12, at Daytona International Speedway. Geoff Bodine drew the pole. As an exhibition race, no points are awarded. The race was between 1994 Winston Cup pole winners. Also, in a first for the event, the driver who collected the most poles in the 1994 Busch Season was also invited. This honor went to David Green.
Dale Earnhardt got the season off to a dominating start, leading 18 of 20 laps to collect his 6th Clash win. Aside from that, the most noteworthy event happened on the first lap, when Loy Allen Jr. made contact with Greg Sacks in turn 3, sending Sacks into the wall. Sacks also collected Mark Martin, ending Martin's day. Sterling Marlin finished second, Bill Elliott was third. Jeff Gordon and Todd Bodine rounded out the top five.
The Gatorade 125s, the qualifying races for the Daytona 500, were held on Thursday, February 16, at Daytona International Speedway. The lineups for the 125s were determined by qualifying the previous Sunday. The first race would consist of drivers who qualified in odd-numbered positions (1st fastest, 3rd fastest, 5th fastest, etc.), while the second race would be formed from even-numbered qualifiers. As the fastest driver, Dale Jarrett would start from the pole in the first race, and second-fastest driver Dale Earnhardt would lead the field in the second race.
Sterling Marlin would dominate the first race, leading 44 of 50 laps. His victory would ensure the 1994 Daytona 500 winner the 3rd starting spot on Sunday. Good finishes for Dave Marcis (10th), Joe Nemechek (12th), and Joe Ruttman (14th) assured them spots in the 500.
In race 2, Earnhardt made it two-for-two for his Speedweeks, edging out Jeff Gordon for the victory. The race also contained two crashes. The first, on lap 15, collected Jimmy Spencer, Billy Standridge, and Loy Allen Jr. Allen was forced to fall back on his qualifying time, while Spencer and Standridge went home. The second crash occurred on lap 42, and involved Chad Little, Phil Barkdoll, Phil Parsons, and Jim Sauter. Fortunately for Parsons, his qualifying time was good enough to get him into the 500. Little, Barkdoll, and Sauter weren't so lucky, and all three were forced to watch the 500 on TV.
See main article: 1995 Daytona 500.
The 1995 Daytona 500 was held February 19 at Daytona International Speedway. Dale Jarrett won his first career Winston Cup pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: 20-Bobby Hillin Jr., 40-Greg Sacks, 14-Randy MacDonald, 95-Doug Heveron, 82-Terry Byers, 52-Gary Bradberry, 62-Ronnie Sanders, 81-Kenny Wallace, 73-Phil Barkdoll, 99-Shawna Robinson, 72-Jim Sauter, 51-Kerry Teague, 97-Chad Little, 68-Bob Strait, 23-Jimmy Spencer, 0-Delma Cowart, 47-Billy Standridge, 67-Ken Bouchard, 48-James Hylton, 53-Ritchie Petty, 32-Mike Chase, 65-Steve Seligman
The Goodwrench 500 was held February 26 at North Carolina Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify (in order of speeds): 66-Ben Hess, 52-Gary Bradberry, 48-James Hylton, 47-Billy Standridge, 19-Phil Parsons
The Pontiac Excitement 400 was held March 5 at Richmond International Raceway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: 32-Jimmy Hensley, 81-Kenny Wallace, 47-Billy Standridge, 78-Jay Hedgecock, 29-Steve Grissom, 52-Gary Bradberry, 66-Ben Hess, 49-Eric Smith, 77-Davy Jones
The Purolator 500 was held March 12 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Dale Earnhardt won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: 31-Ward Burton, 52-Gary Bradberry, 27-Loy Allen Jr., 67-Ken Bouchard, 76-Johnny Chapman, 66-Ben Hess, 81-Kenny Wallace, 78-Pancho Carter
The TranSouth Financial 400 was held March 26 at Darlington Raceway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: 81-Kenny Wallace, 52-Brad Teague, 19-Phil Parsons
The Food City 500 was held April 2 at Bristol International Raceway. Mark Martin won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: 98-Jeremy Mayfield, 87-Joe Nemechek, 26-Steve Kinser,47-Billy Standridge, 78-Hut Stricklin, 66-Butch Miller, 52-Brad Teague, 27-Loy Allen Jr., 90-Mike Wallace
The First Union 400 was held April 9 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: 98-Jeremy Mayfield,81-Kenny Wallace, 32-Chuck Bown, 78-Jay Hedgecock, 77-Davy Jones, 47-Billy Standridge, 27-Jeff Purvis, 26-Steve Kinser, 52-Randy MacDonald
The Hanes 500 was held April 23 at Martinsville Speedway. Bobby Labonte won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: 75-Todd Bodine, 23-Jimmy Spencer, 32-Chuck Bown,78-Jay Hedgecock, 8-Jeff Burton, 22-Randy LaJoie, 77-Davy Jones
The Winston Select 500 was held April 30 at Talladega Superspeedway. The
of Terry Labonte won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: 53-Ritchie Petty, 47-Billy Standridge, 87-Joe Nemechek, 65-Steve Seligman, 0-Delma Cowart
The Save Mart Supermarkets 300 was held May 7 at Sears Point Raceway. Ricky Rudd won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: 40-Greg Sacks, 98-Jeremy Mayfield, 27-Elton Sawyer, 00w-Scott Gaylord, 64-Garrett Evans, 22w-St. James Davis, 19-Ernie Cope
The Coca-Cola 600 was held May 28 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The
of Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: 40-Greg Sacks, 20-Bobby Hillin Jr., 95-Jimmy Hensley, 77-Davy Jones, 44-Jeff Purvis, 67-Johnny Chapman
See main article: 1995 Miller Genuine Draft 500 (June).
The Miller Genuine Draft 500 was held June 4 at Dover Downs International Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: 79-Doug French, 19-Loy Allen Jr.
The UAW-GM Teamwork 500 was held June 11 at Pocono Raceway. Ken Schrader won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: 79-Doug French
The Miller Genuine Draft 400 was held June 18 at Michigan International Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: 88-Gary Bradberry, 40-Greg Sacks
The Pepsi 400 was held July 1 at Daytona International Speedway. Dale Earnhardt won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: 81-Kenny Wallace, 0-Delma Cowart, 65-Steve Seligman
The Slick 50 300 was held July 9 at New Hampshire International Speedway. Mark Martin won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: 49-Eric Smith
See main article: 1995 Miller Genuine Draft 500 (July).
The Miller Genuine Draft 500 was held July 16 at Pocono Raceway. Bill Elliott won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: 14-Randy MacDonald, 82-Terry Byers
The DieHard 500 was held July 23 at Talladega Superspeedway. Sterling Marlin won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: 22-Jimmy Hensley, 0-Delma Cowart, 65-Steve Seligman
See main article: 1995 Brickyard 400.
The second Brickyard 400 was held Saturday, August 5, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The popular event returned for a second year, after the tremendous success of the first running. The weekend was expanded by the addition of practice on Wednesday afternoon.
Defending champion Jeff Gordon won the pole position on Thursday, August 3, with a track record speed of 172.536 mph. A hot day saw most speeds down, and Gordon was the only driver to break the existing track record. Bobby Hamilton put the fans on their feet when he put the popular Petty #43 STP Pontiac on the outside of the front row with a run of 172.222 mph.
On Friday, August 4, the remnants of Hurricane Erin overtook the midwest, and rain settled in for two days. Friday morning practice was lost, and second round qualifying was also rained out. As a result, all cars reverted to their time trials speed from the first round, and the field was filled accordingly. Without a chance in second round qualifying, A. J. Foyt notably failed to qualify, the first time he failed to qualify in a race he attempted at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway since 1958. The field managed a brief "happy hour" practice late Friday evening, and rain began to fall again.
On Saturday, August 5, steady rain fell all morning, and threatened to wash out the day. The forecast was marginal for Sunday as well, threatening to washout the whole weekend. Many fans left the grounds as local media speculated (and some erroneously reported) that the race would be postponed. In an unexpected turn of events, at approximately 3:30 p.m. EST (4:30 p.m. EDT), the skies suddenly cleared, and track drying efforts began in earnest. The teams scrambled to get their cars prepared, and the field hastily lined up in the garage area. The Chevrolet C/K pace truck led them on to the track and the race began with many fans still scurrying to their seats. Many of the pit crews were also scrambling to get their equipment set up in the pit area. Some fans driving home on the interstate reportedly turned around and drove back to the track when the radio reported the race was starting.
The green flag dropped at 4:25 p.m. EST (5:25 p.m. EDT) with live coverage only on the radio. ABC-TV had already signed off and by then had decided to air the race on ESPN on tape delay on Sunday afternoon. It stands as one of the last NASCAR races not aired live on television.
Dale Earnhardt beat Rusty Wallace to the finish line in a race slowed by only one caution for 4 laps. Jeff Burton spun off turn two right in front of eventual winner Earnhardt with 27 laps to go. The race was completed at 7:03 p.m. EST (8:03 p.m. EDT), shortly before sunset.
| Driver | Car name | Car make | Entrant | Laps | Status | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 13 | 3 | 160 | Running | |||||
| 2 | 24 | 2 | 160 | Running | |||||
| 3 | 26 | 28 | 160 | Running | |||||
| 4 | 4 | 94 | 160 | Running | |||||
| 5 | 14 | 6 | 160 | Running | |||||
| 6 | 1 | 24 | 160 | Running | |||||
| 7 | 3 | 4 | 160 | Running | |||||
| 8 | 9 | 1 | 160 | Running | |||||
| 9 | 5 | 18 | 160 | Running | |||||
| 10 | 33 | 21 | 160 | Running |
Failed to qualify
The Bud at The Glen was held August 13 at Watkins Glen International. Mark Martin won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: 61-David Murry, 90-Mike Wallace, 49-Eric Smith
The GM Goodwrench 400 was held August 20 at Michigan International Speedway. Bobby Labonte won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: 40-Rich Bickle, 72-Tracy Leslie, 02-Tim Steele, 95-Loy Allen Jr.
The Goody's 500 was held August 26 at Bristol International Raceway. Mark Martin won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: 42-Kyle Petty, 95-Joe Ruttman, 81-Kenny Wallace, 32-Jimmy Hensley, 77-Bobby Hillin Jr., 75-Todd Bodine, 27-Elton Sawyer
The Mountain Dew Southern 500 was held September 3 at Darlington Raceway. The
of John Andretti won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: 66-Billy Standridge, 52-Brad Teague, 88-Gary Bradberry
The Miller Genuine Draft 400 was held September 9 at Richmond International Raceway. Dale Earnhardt won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: 32-Ed Berrier, 78-Jay Hedgecock, 40-Shane Hall, 29-Steve Grissom, 90-Mike Wallace, 49-Eric Smith
The MBNA 500 was held September 17 at Dover Downs International Speedway. The
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: ??-Billy Standridge, 66-Terry Fisher, 31-Greg Sacks
The Goody's 500 was held September 24 at Martinsville Speedway. Qualifying was rained out, so point leader Jeff Gordon was awarded with the pole position.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: 31-Jimmy Hensley, 32-Greg Sacks, 40-Rich Bickle, 71-Dave Marcis, 77-Bobby Hillin Jr., 81-Kenny Wallace
The Tyson Holly Farms 400 was held October 1 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. The
of Ted Musgrave won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: 75-Todd Bodine, 32-Greg Sacks, 98-Jeremy Mayfield, 22-Ward Burton, 8-Jeff Burton, 90-Mike Wallace, 78-Jay Hedgecock
The UAW-GM Quality 500 was held October 8 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Ricky Rudd won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: 97-Chad Little, 81-Kenny Wallace, 44-Jeff Purvis, 0-Delma Cowart, 66-Billy Standridge
The AC Delco 400 was held October 22 at North Carolina Speedway. The
of Hut Stricklin won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: 71-Dave Marcis, 88-Ernie Irvan, 19-Loy Allen Jr., 78-Jay Hedgecock, 84-Norm Benning, 70-Alan Russell, 14-Richard Brickhouse
The Dura Lube 500 was held October 29 at Phoenix International Raceway. The
of Bill Elliott won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: 50-A. J. Foyt, 97-Chad Little, 08-Mike Bliss, 40-Shane Hall, 00w-Scott Gaylord, 58w-Wayne Jacks, 7w-L. J. Pryor, 36w-Rich Woodland Jr.
See main article: 1995 NAPA 500.
The NAPA 500 was held November 12 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The
of Darrell Waltrip won the pole.
Top ten results
Failed to qualify: 66-Billy Standridge, 59-Jack Sprague, 90-Mike Wallace, 40-Shane Hall, 0-Delma Cowart, 49-Eric Smith
See also: List of NASCAR points scoring systems. (key)
Bold - Pole position awarded by time. Italics - Pole position set by owner's points standings. *- Most laps led.| Pos | Driver | DAY | CAR | RCH | ATL | DAR | BRI | NWS | MAR | TAL | SON | CLT | DOV | POC | MCH | DAY | NHA | POC | TAL | IND | GLN | MCH | BRI | DAR | RCH | DOV | MAR | NWS | CLT | CAR | PHO | ATL | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeff Gordon | 22 | 1* | 36 | 1* | 32* | 1* | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 33 | 6 | 16* | 2* | 1* | 1* | 2 | 8* | 6 | 3 | 3* | 6 | 1 | 6 | 1* | 7 | 3 | 30 | 20 | 5 | 32 | 4614 | |
| 2 | Dale Earnhardt | 2 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 25 | 1* | 29 | 21 | 1 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 35 | 3 | 22 | 20 | 3 | 1 | 23 | 35 | 2 | 2* | 3 | 5 | 1* | 9 | 2 | 7 | 3 | 1* | 4580 | |
| 3 | Sterling Marlin | 1* | 12 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 9 | 7 | 13 | 39 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 2* | 9 | 18 | 1 | 7 | 21 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 33 | 6 | 23 | 15 | 6 | 6 | 12 | 2 | 4361 | |
| 4 | Mark Martin | 3 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 37 | 8* | 3 | 5 | 1* | 2* | 28 | 35 | 11 | 8 | 4 | 3* | 7 | 7 | 5 | 1* | 38 | 5 | 33 | 15 | 8 | 12 | 1* | 1 | 3 | 8 | 17 | 4320 | |
| 5 | Rusty Wallace | 34 | 24 | 3* | 10 | 23 | 2 | 4 | 1* | 20 | 20 | 34 | 9 | 17 | 3 | 27 | 6 | 16* | 30 | 2 | 26 | 5 | 21 | 3 | 1* | 3 | 3 | 2 | 9 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 4240 | |
| 6 | Terry Labonte | 8 | 26 | 1 | 3 | 34 | 7 | 16 | 36 | 26 | 5 | 2 | 37 | 1 | 9 | 19 | 4 | 14 | 33 | 13 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 19 | 2 | 15 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 13 | 13 | 4146 | |
| 7 | Ted Musgrave | 4 | 33 | 13 | 19 | 3 | 18 | 6 | 2 | 11 | 6 | 15 | 3 | 2 | 10 | 5 | 8 | 4 | 11 | 16 | 13 | 28 | 13 | 22 | 10 | 11 | 29 | 20 | 19 | 22 | 6 | 27 | 3949 | |
| 8 | Bill Elliott | 23 | 11 | 16 | 26 | 17 | 14 | 28 | 12 | 6 | 19 | 39 | 15 | 6 | 14 | 10 | 18 | 5 | 5 | 4* | 11 | 9 | 23 | 41 | 14 | 18 | 6 | 10 | 20 | 10 | 14 | 4 | 3746 | |
| 9 | Ricky Rudd | 13 | 4 | 21 | 8 | 41 | 5 | 29 | 30 | 22 | 4 | 5 | 31 | 13 | 38 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 41 | 20 | 4 | 30 | 36 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 27 | 5 | 4* | 13 | 1 | 10 | 3734 | |
| 10 | Bobby Labonte | 30 | 2 | 30 | 2 | 27 | 32 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 13 | 1 | 2 | 27 | 1 | 41 | 15 | 35 | 31 | 9 | 6 | 1 | 11 | 8 | 17 | 9 | 14 | 18 | 8 | 40 | 37 | 8 | 3718 | |
| 11 | Morgan Shepherd | 10 | 34 | 15 | 6 | 8 | 20 | 19 | 31 | 3 | 15 | 11 | 26 | 7 | 5 | 24 | 2 | 24 | 4 | 10 | 30 | 16 | 17 | 11 | 27 | 33 | 19 | 23 | 14 | 18 | 7 | 22 | 3618 | |
| 12 | Michael Waltrip | 6 | 17 | 23 | 35 | 7 | 22 | 22 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 3 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 15 | 14 | 21 | 9 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 15 | 5 | 28 | 29 | 25 | 12 | 17 | 38 | 34 | 12 | 3601 | |
| 13 | Dale Jarrett | 5 | 5 | 25 | 5 | 38 | 6 | 11 | 7 | 19 | 23 | 32 | 40 | 38 | 6 | 42 | 30 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 17 | 33 | 3* | 28 | 4 | 30 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 23 | 11 | 31 | 3584 | |
| 14 | Bobby Hamilton | 18 | 36 | 9 | 17 | 9 | 4 | 13 | 8 | 15 | 14 | 9 | 24 | 15 | 25 | 40 | 16 | 19 | 21 | 11 | 33 | 8 | 20 | 14 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 16 | 10 | 30 | 31 | 25 | 3576 | |
| 15 | Derrike Cope | 31 | 8 | 6 | 13 | 5 | 13 | 30 | 28 | 42 | 12 | 19 | 12 | 20 | 19 | 13 | 7 | 39 | 15 | 40 | 15 | 34 | 10 | 15 | 34 | 7 | 9 | 13 | 11 | 19 | 2 | 35 | 3384 | |
| 16 | Geoff Bodine | 20 | 21 | 11 | 30 | 13 | 23 | 14 | 35 | 7 | 22 | 26 | 27 | 14 | 21 | 14 | 35 | 6 | 24 | 15 | 9 | 27 | 12 | 35 | 19 | 24 | 5 | 11 | 16 | 15 | 16 | 11 | 3357 | |
| 17 | Ken Schrader | 9 | 39 | 4 | 27 | 11 | 26 | 12 | 6 | 40 | 9 | 30* | 11 | 3 | 27 | 6 | 10 | 40 | 32 | 19 | 36 | 26 | 14 | 23 | 9 | 12 | 32 | 8 | 35 | 33 | 10 | 42 | 3221 | |
| 18 | John Andretti | 27 | 13 | 10 | 20 | 10 | 19 | 17 | 32 | 41 | 11 | 17 | 39 | 30 | 4 | 33 | 33 | 38 | 34 | 12 | 7 | 37 | 19 | 12 | 7 | 39 | 13 | 17 | 13 | 25 | 15 | 15 | 3140 | |
| 19 | Darrell Waltrip | 32 | 38 | 7 | 34 | 21 | 3 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 35 | 18 | 20 | 42 | 26 | 34 | 17 | 36 | 43 | 17 | 8 | 15 | 4 | 40 | 22 | 36 | 8 | 14 | 34 | 12 | 38 | 16 | 3078 | |
| 20 | Brett Bodine | 25 | 14 | 18 | 23 | 12 | 27 | 9 | 11 | 30 | 29 | 35 | 21 | 10 | 40 | 20 | 21 | 15 | 28 | 24 | 16 | 36 | 28 | 31 | 16 | 17 | 22 | 22 | 27 | 27 | 17 | 20 | 2988 | |
| 21 | Rick Mast | 21 | 35 | 34 | 11 | 26 | 15 | 8 | 34 | 28 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 21 | 34 | 26 | 11 | 13 | 17 | 8 | 37 | 31 | 26 | 26 | 12 | 28 | 28 | 26 | 36 | 34* | 9 | 21 | 2984 | |
| 22 | Ward Burton | 15 | 9 | 22 | DNQ | 25 | 21 | 24 | 25 | 32 | 21 | 41 | 38 | 19 | 18 | 35 | 39 | 11 | 20 | 35 | 19 | 6 | 34 | 4 | 11 | 21 | 21 | DNQ | 7 | 1 | 42 | 5 | 2926 | |
| 23 | Lake Speed | 14 | 32 | 14 | 15 | 29 | 17 | 25 | 26 | 16 | 40 | 8 | 34 | 28 | 11 | 21 | 24 | 22 | 35 | 34 | 20 | 17 | 29 | 9 | 21 | 32 | 20 | 35 | 21 | 24 | 22 | 19 | 2921 | |
| 24 | Ricky Craven (R) | 16 | 16 | 38 | 12 | 42 | 29 | 33 | 18 | 17 | 25 | 10 | 22 | 26 | 33 | 22 | 31 | 25 | 26 | 31 | 10 | 7 | 32 | 18 | 29 | 22 | 35 | 21 | 25 | 8 | 24 | 30 | 2883 | |
| 25 | Dick Trickle | 11 | 22 | 12 | 22 | 28 | 30 | 32 | 24 | 38 | 24 | 16 | 32 | 22 | 16 | 12 | 34 | 10 | 38 | 18 | 28 | 13 | 35 | 36 | 18 | 23 | 15 | 19 | 32 | 16 | 29 | 23 | 2875 | |
| 26 | Jimmy Spencer | DNQ | 30 | 24 | 32 | 36 | 16 | 27 | DNQ | 9 | 17 | 27 | 29 | 41 | 30 | 9 | 12 | 17 | 10 | 23 | 18 | 14 | 18 | 29 | 31 | 16 | 18 | 36 | 12 | 26 | 33 | 6 | 2809 | |
| 27 | Steve Grissom | 7 | 6 | DNQ | 18 | 6 | 11 | 5 | 20 | 37 | 26 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 43 | 28 | 31 | 25 | 30 | 22 | 29 | 22 | 27 | DNQ | 25 | 26 | 31 | 41 | 14 | 32 | 39 | 2757 | |
| 28 | Joe Nemechek | 42 | 29 | 32 | 16 | 33 | DNQ | 20 | 14 | DNQ | 37 | 20 | 10 | 12 | 28 | 38 | 19 | 9 | 23 | 27 | 31 | 32 | 16 | 25 | 26 | 4 | 30 | 32 | 22 | 9 | 18 | 14 | 2742 | |
| 29 | 26 | 42 | 35 | 31 | 30 | 10 | 18 | 17 | 18 | 30 | 24 | 19 | 37 | 17 | 11 | 13 | 34 | 27 | 28 | 34 | 18 | 24 | 17 | 30 | 14 | 34 | 33 | 42 | 29 | 19 | 41 | 2663 | ||
| 30 | Kyle Petty | 12 | 10 | 33 | 14 | 35 | 35 | 31 | 9 | 31 | 28 | 29 | 1* | 39 | 42 | 7 | 37 | 28 | 6 | 25 | 39 | 42 | DNQ | 24 | 25 | 26 | 11 | 30 | 15 | 32 | 39 | 33 | 2638 | |
| 31 | Jeremy Mayfield | 35 | 18 | 17 | 36 | 31 | DNQ | DNQ | 16 | 14 | DNQ | 22 | 17 | 25 | 22 | 32 | 26 | 8 | 13 | 29 | 25 | 12 | 30 | 30 | 23 | 19 | 16 | DNQ | 29 | 11 | 20 | 18 | 2637 | |
| 32 | Jeff Burton | 24 | 19 | 31 | 33 | 19 | 28 | 26 | DNQ | 25 | 18 | 40 | 25 | 36 | 31 | 18 | 25 | 27 | 22 | 38 | 38 | 23 | 9 | 16 | 13 | 20 | 31 | DNQ | 31 | 5 | 23 | 36 | 2556 | |
| 33 | Todd Bodine | 37 | 31 | 37 | 21 | 4 | 33 | 21 | DNQ | 8 | 8 | 38 | 30 | 24 | 29 | 23 | 36 | 23 | 29 | 21 | 32 | 19 | DNQ | 42 | 24 | 37 | 24 | DNQ | 26 | 17 | 25 | 40 | 2372 | |
| 34 | Mike Wallace | 39 | 15 | 26 | 40 | 15 | DNQ | 36 | 27 | 23 | 34 | 12 | 14 | 32 | 32 | 37 | 32 | 26 | 12 | 26 | DNQ | 20 | 8 | 39 | DNQ | 31 | 17 | DNQ | 23 | 39 | 36 | DNQ | 2178 | |
| 35 | Dave Marcis | 36 | 23 | 20 | 28 | 24 | 34 | 34 | 23 | 34 | 27 | 37 | 36 | 31 | 15 | 25 | 29 | 33 | 19 | DNQ | 24 | 25 | 27 | 37 | 35 | 27 | DNQ | 28 | 40 | DNQ | 28 | 37 | 2126 | |
| 36 | Hut Stricklin | DNQ | 33 | 24 | 33 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 37 | 16 | 27 | 41 | 36 | 22 | 40 | 10 | 33 | 7 | 32 | 38 | 36 | 25 | 18 | 28 | 35 | 38 | 2082 | |||||||
| 37 | Bobby Hillin Jr. | DNQ | DNQ | 42 | 23 | 13 | 28 | 20 | 12 | 16 | 39 | 27 | 39 | DNQ | 13 | 36 | 13 | DNQ | 24 | 24 | 21 | 21 | 9 | 1686 | ||||||||||
| 38 | Elton Sawyer | 20 | 27 | DNQ | 25 | 41 | 23 | 23 | 29 | 14 | 41 | 29 | 21 | DNQ | 32 | 38 | 40 | 33 | 34 | 28 | 31 | 30 | 28 | 1499 | ||||||||||
| 39 | Greg Sacks | DNQ | 41 | 19 | 29 | 22 | 36 | 35 | 22 | 35 | DNQ | DNQ | 28 | 33 | DNQ | 17 | 33 | 40 | 25 | 38 | 37 | DNQ | DNQ | DNQ | 33 | 37 | 43 | 34 | 1349 | |||||
| 40 | Randy LaJoie (R) | 29 | 25 | 27 | 39 | 16 | 12 | 23 | DNQ | 13 | 32 | 23 | 23 | 40 | 41 | 40 | 1133 | |||||||||||||||||
| 41 | Loy Allen Jr. | 17 | 28 | 29 | DNQ | 18 | 10 | 36 | DNQ | 31 | 39 | DNQ | DNQ | 34 | 37 | DNQ | 24 | 890 | ||||||||||||||||
| 42 | Kenny Wallace | DNQ | 20 | DNQ | DNQ | DNQ | DNQ | 21 | 36 | 31 | 18 | 36 | DNQ | 37 | 36 | 24 | DNQ | 20 | DNQ | DNQ | 26 | 878 | ||||||||||||
| 43 | Chuck Bown | 39 | 31 | DNQ | DNQ | 21 | 33 | 29 | 24 | 29 | 40 | 37 | 618 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 44 | Jimmy Hensley | 40 | DNQ | 38 | DNQ | 30 | 41 | 32 | DNQ | 32 | 22 | DNQ | DNQ | 29 | 39 | 558 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 45 | Rich Bickle | 38 | 30 | 37 | DNQ | 31 | 21 | 35 | DNQ | 27 | 38 | 538 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 46 | Davy Jones (R) | 33 | 37 | DNQ | 24 | 20 | 24 | DNQ | DNQ | 33 | 36 | DNQ | 520 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 47 | Jeff Purvis | 38 | 37 | DNQ | 29 | DNQ | 39 | 42 | DNQ | DNQ | 26 | 391 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 48 | Ernie Irvan | 6 | DNQ | 40* | 7 | 354 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 49 | Steve Kinser (R) | 40 | 27 | 28 | 41 | 40 | DNQ | DNQ | 287 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 50 | 39 | 2 | 221 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 51 | Billy Standridge | DNQ | DNQ | DNQ | 25 | 14 | DNQ | DNQ | DNQ | DNQ | DNQ | DNQ | DNQ | DNQ | 209 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 52 | Gary Bradberry (R) | DNQ | DNQ | DNQ | DNQ | DNQ | 41 | DNQ | 43 | 35 | 29 | 208 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 53 | Chad Little | DNQ | 42 | 18 | DNQ | DNQ | 146 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 54 | Butch Leitzinger | 12 | 127 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 55 | Doug George | 31 | 41 | 110 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 56 | Joe Ruttman | 19 | DNQ | DNQ | 106 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 57 | Ed Berrier | 20 | DNQ | 103 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 58 | Ron Hornaday Jr. | 27 | 82 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 59 | Ben Hess | 28 | DNQ | DNQ | DNQ | 79 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 60 | Phil Parsons | 41 | DNQ | 42 | DNQ | 77 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 61 | Jimmy Horton | 34 | QL | 61 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 62 | Michael Ritch | 34 | 61 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 63 | Pancho Carter | DNQ | 35 | DNQ | 58 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 64 | Ron Fellows | 35 | 58 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 65 | Shane Hall | DNQ | 36 | DNQ | DNQ | 55 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 66 | Andy Hillenburg | 36 | 55 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 67 | Terry Fisher | 38 | DNQ | 49 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 68 | Ken Pederson | 41 | 40 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 69 | Butch Gilliland | 42 | 37 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 70 | Dan Obrist | 43 | 34 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 71 | Ernie Cope | DNQ | 44 | 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 72 | Mike Chase (R) | DNQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 73 | Doug Heveron | DNQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 74 | Ronnie Sanders | DNQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 75 | Phil Barkdoll | DNQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 76 | Shawna Robinson | DNQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 77 | Jim Sauter | DNQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 78 | Kerry Teague | DNQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 79 | Bob Strait | DNQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 80 | James Hylton | DNQ | DNQ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 81 | Ken Bouchard | DNQ | DNQ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 82 | Randy MacDonald | DNQ | DNQ | DNQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 83 | Ritchie Petty | DNQ | DNQ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 84 | Steve Seligman | DNQ | DNQ | DNQ | DNQ | DNQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 85 | Delma Cowart | DNQ | DNQ | DNQ | DNQ | DNQ | DNQ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 86 | Terry Byers (R) | DNQ | DNQ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 87 | Jay Hedgecock | DNQ | DNQ | DNQ | DNQ | DNQ | DNQ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 88 | Eric Smith | DNQ | DNQ | DNQ | DNQ | DNQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 89 | Johnny Chapman | DNQ | DNQ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 90 | Brad Teague | DNQ | DNQ | DNQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 91 | Butch Miller | DNQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 92 | Garrett Evans | DNQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 93 | St. James Davis | DNQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 94 | Joe Heath | DNQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 95 | Scott Gaylord | DNQ | DNQ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 96 | Doug French | DNQ | DNQ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 97 | A. J. Foyt | DNQ | DNQ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 98 | David Murry | DNQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 99 | Tracy Leslie | DNQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 100 | Tim Steele | DNQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 101 | Richard Brickhouse | DNQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 102 | Norm Benning | DNQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 103 | Alan Russell | DNQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 104 | Mike Bliss | DNQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 105 | Wayne Jacks | DNQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 106 | Rich Woodland Jr. | DNQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 107 | L. J. Pryor | DNQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 108 | Jack Sprague | DNQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 109 | Danny Sullivan | Wth | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 110 | Scott Brayton | Wth | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 111 | David Green | RL | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pos | Driver | DAY | CAR | RCH | ATL | DAR | BRI | NWS | MAR | TAL | SON | CLT | DOV | POC | MCH | DAY | NHA | POC | TAL | IND | GLN | MCH | BRI | DAR | RCH | DOV | MAR | NWS | CLT | CAR | PHO | ATL | Points |
29-year-old Ricky Craven from Newburgh, Maine received the 1995 Rookie of the Year award. Craven took the #41 Chevy owned by Sue and Larry Hedrick to four top-tens and finished 24th in the points. Runner-up was Craven's former Busch Series opponent Robert Pressley, posting one top-ten in the Leo Jackson Motorsports Chevy. The next runner-up, Randy LaJoie, began the year in the 22 car, but struggled and was released midway through the year. Steve Kinser and Davy Jones, a pair of open-wheel veterans who struggled in their transition to stock cars, were both released from their rides before the season reached the one-third point, while Mike Chase was released by his team after failing to qualify for the Daytona 500. Gary Bradberry and Terry Byers filed for Rookie of the Year contention but only ran limited schedules.