1994 NASCAR Winston Cup Series

Dale Earnhardt tied Richard Petty's seven championships.
Mark Martin finished second to Earnhardt for the second time in five years, 444 points behind.
Rusty Wallace finished third in the championship.
Jeff Burton, the 1994 NASCAR Rookie of the Year.

The 1994 NASCAR Winston Cup Series was the 46th season of NASCAR professional stock car racing in the United States and the 23rd modern-era Cup series. The season began on Sunday, February 20, and ended on Sunday, November 13. Dale Earnhardt of Richard Childress Racing was crowned champion at season's end, winning consecutive Winston Cups for the third time in his career and tying Richard Petty for the record of most top-level NASCAR championships with seven. It was also the 7th and final NASCAR Winston Cup Series Championship for Dale Earnhardt before his death 7 years later in 2001, this was also the final season for 18-time Winston Cup winner Harry Gant.

One of the highlights of the season occurred on August 6, when the NASCAR Winston Cup Series made a highly publicized first visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the inaugural Brickyard 400. This season also marked the end of the second of two tire wars, as Hoosier left NASCAR after the season-ending Atlanta race, leaving Goodyear as the series' exclusive tire distributor.[1]

The season was marred with tragedy, as Neil Bonnett and Rodney Orr were killed in separate practice crashes prior to the Daytona 500 and in August at Michigan International Speedway when Ernie Irvan suffered near fatal injuries due to a practice crash.

Teams and drivers

[edit]

Complete schedule

[edit]
Manufacturer Team Tires No. Race driver Crew chief
Chevrolet Active Motorsports G 32 Dick Trickle Mike Hillman
A. G. Dillard Motorsports H 31 Ward Burton (R) Philippe Lopez
Darrell Waltrip Motorsports H later G 17 Darrell Waltrip Pete Peterson
Diamond Ridge Motorsports G 29 Steve Grissom (R) Bryant Frazier
Hendrick Motorsports G 5 Terry Labonte Gary DeHart
24 Jeff Gordon Ray Evernham
25 Ken Schrader Ken Howes
Joe Gibbs Racing G 18 Dale Jarrett Jimmy Makar
Larry Hedrick Motorsports H later G 41 Joe Nemechek (R) Doug Richert
Leo Jackson Motorsports H later G 33 Harry Gant Charley Pressley
Marcis Auto Racing G 71 Dave Marcis Bob Marcis
Morgan–McClure Motorsports G 4 Sterling Marlin Tony Glover
Richard Childress Racing G 3 Dale Earnhardt Andy Petree
Ford Bobby Allison Motorsports G 12 Chuck Bown 13 Jimmy Fennig
Tim Steele 6
Derrike Cope 11
Bud Moore Engineering G 15 Lake Speed Donnie Wingo
Butch Mock Motorsports G 75 Todd Bodine Butch Mock
Cale Yarborough Motorsports G 98 Derrike Cope 16 Ken Glen
Jeremy Mayfield (R) 15
Donlavey Racing G 90 Bobby Hillin Jr. 3 Freddy Fryar
Mike Wallace 28
Geoff Bodine Racing G 7 Geoff Bodine Paul Andrews
Junior Johnson & Associates G 11 Bill Elliott Mike Beam
27 Jimmy Spencer 30 Mike Hill
Tommy Kendall 1
King Racing G 26 Brett Bodine Donnie Richeson
Penske Racing G 2 Rusty Wallace Buddy Parrott
Precision Products Racing H later G 1 Rick Mast Kevin Hamlin
Robert Yates Racing G 28 Ernie Irvan 21 Larry McReynolds
Kenny Wallace 9
Roush Racing G 6 Mark Martin Steve Hmiel
16 Ted Musgrave Howard Comstock
Rudd Performance Motorsports G 10 Ricky Rudd Bill Ingle
Smokin' Joe's Racing G 23 Hut Stricklin Travis Carter
Stavola Brothers Racing H 8 Jeff Burton (R) Buddy Barnes
Tri-Star Motorsports H 19 Loy Allen Jr. (R) Dennis Conner
U.S. Racing H 77 Greg Sacks Tony Furr
Wood Brothers Racing G 21 Morgan Shepherd Eddie Wood
Pontiac Bahari Racing G 30 Michael Waltrip Doug Hewitt
Bill Davis Racing G 22 Bobby Labonte Chris Hussey
Petty Enterprises G 43 Wally Dallenbach Jr. 20 Robbie Loomis
John Andretti 11 (R)
SABCO Racing G 40 Bobby Hamilton Jeff Hammond
42 Kyle Petty Jim Long

Limited schedule

[edit]
Manufacturer Team No. Race driver Crew chief Round(s)
Chevrolet Butch Lietzinger Racing 03 Butch Lietzinger 1
Diamond Ridge Motorsports 9 John Krebs 1
Gilliland Racing 36 Butch Gilliland 1
Rich Woodland Jr. 1
86W Butch Gilliland 1
Rich Woodland Jr. 1
Hagan Racing 14 John Andretti (R) 19
Phil Parsons 1
Randy MacDonald 1
Linro Motorsports 13 Kerry Teague 1
Phoenix Racing 51 Neil Bonnett Tony Eury Sr. 1
Johnny Allen 7 		1
Jeff Purvis 7
Spears Motorsports 76 Ron Hornaday Jr. 3
Team 34 34 Mike McLaughlin 2
Venturini Motorsports 35 Bill Venturini 1
Ford Brevak Racing 34 Bob Brevak 5
Charles Hardy Racing 44 Bobby Hillin Jr. Tony Gibson 5
Kenny Wallace 1
Jimmy Hensley 1
FILMAR Racing 81 Kenny Wallace Gil Martin 1
H.L. Waters Racing 0 Delma Cowart 6
Kranefuss-Haas Racing 07 Robby Gordon Tim Brewer 1
Geoff Brabham 1
Melling Racing 9 Joe Ruttman Peter Sospenzo 1
Rich Bickle 12
Phil Parsons 5
Means Racing 52 Brad Teague 18
Mike Skinner 3
Kirk Shelmerdine 1
Scott Gaylord 1
Bob Keselowski 1
Gary Bradberry 1
53 Kirk Shelmerdine 1
Brad Teague 1
Moroso Racing 20 Buddy Baker 2
Randy LaJoie 3
Bobby Hillin Jr. 4
Jimmy Hensley 1
Venable Racing Gary Collins 1
Orr Motorsports 37 Rodney Orr 1
Petty Brothers Racing 53 Ritchie Petty Maurice Petty 4
Sadler Brothers Racing 95 Jeremy Mayfield Lee Leslie 7
Ben Hess 3
Jeff Green 3
Stroppe Motorsports 38 P. J. Jones 1
Taylor Racing 02 T.W. Taylor Jeff Buckner 1
Curtis Markham 4
Ronnie Sanders 1
Jeremy Mayfield 4
Derrike Cope 3
Jeff Purvis 1
Brad Noffsinger 3
Randy LaJoie 1
Ultra Motorsports 06 P. J. Jones 1
U.S. Racing 88 Davy Jones 1
P. J. Jones 1
Whitcomb Racing 51 Dirk Stephens 1
Oldsmobile J&J Racing 99 Phil Parsons 1
Pontiac Bailey Racing 36 H. B. Bailey 3

Schedule

[edit]
No. Race Title Track Date
Busch Clash Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach February 13
Gatorade Twin 125s February 17
1 Daytona 500 February 20
2 Goodwrench 500 North Carolina Motor Speedway, Rockingham February 27
3 Pontiac Excitement 400 Richmond International Raceway, Richmond March 6
4 Purolator 500 Atlanta Motor Speedway, Hampton March 13
5 TranSouth Financial 400 Darlington Raceway, Darlington March 27
6 Food City 500 Bristol International Raceway, Bristol April 10
7 First Union 400 North Wilkesboro Speedway, North Wilkesboro April 17
8 Hanes 500 Martinsville Speedway, Ridgeway April 24
9 Winston Select 500 Talladega Superspeedway, Talladega May 1
10 Save Mart Supermarkets 300 Sears Point Raceway, Sonoma May 15
Winston Open Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord May 21
The Winston Select
11 Coca-Cola 600 May 29
12 Budweiser 500 Dover Downs International Speedway, Dover June 5
13 UAW-GM Teamwork 500 Pocono International Raceway, Long Pond June 12
14 Miller Genuine Draft 400 Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn June 19
15 Pepsi 400 Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach July 2
16 Slick 50 300 New Hampshire International Speedway, Loudon July 10
17 Miller Genuine Draft 500 Pocono International Raceway, Long Pond July 17
18 DieHard 500 Talladega Superspeedway, Talladega July 24
19 Brickyard 400 Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway August 6
20 The Bud at The Glen Watkins Glen International, Watkins Glen August 14
21 GM Goodwrench Dealers 400 Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn August 21
22 Goody's 500 Bristol International Raceway, Bristol August 27
23 Mountain Dew Southern 500 Darlington Raceway, Darlington September 4
24 Miller Genuine Draft 400 Richmond International Raceway, Richmond September 10
25 SplitFire Spark Plug 500 Dover Downs International Speedway, Dover September 18
26 Goody's 500 Martinsville Speedway, Ridgeway September 25
27 Tyson Holly Farms 400 North Wilkesboro Speedway, North Wilkesboro October 2
28 Mello Yello 500 Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord October 9
29 AC Delco 500 North Carolina Motor Speedway, Rockingham October 23
30 Slick 50 500 Phoenix International Raceway, Phoenix October 30
31 Hooters 500 Atlanta Motor Speedway, Hampton November 13

Races

[edit]
No. Race Pole position Most laps led Winning driver Manufacturer
Busch Clash Ken Schrader Dale Earnhardt Jeff Gordon Chevrolet
Gatorade Twin 125 #1 Loy Allen Jr. Ernie Irvan Ernie Irvan Ford
Gatorade Twin 125 #2 Dale Earnhardt Dale Earnhardt Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet
1 Daytona 500 Loy Allen Jr. Ernie Irvan Sterling Marlin Chevrolet
2 Goodwrench 500 Geoff Bodine Rusty Wallace Rusty Wallace Ford
3 Pontiac Excitement 400 Ted Musgrave Ernie Irvan Ernie Irvan Ford
4 Purolator 500 Loy Allen Jr. Ernie Irvan Ernie Irvan Ford
5 TranSouth Financial 400 Bill Elliott Dale Earnhardt Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet
6 Food City 500 Chuck Bown Dale Earnhardt Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet
7 First Union 400 Ernie Irvan Ernie Irvan Terry Labonte Chevrolet
8 Hanes 500 Rusty Wallace Rusty Wallace Rusty Wallace Ford
9 Winston Select 500 Ernie Irvan Ernie Irvan Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet
10 Save Mart Supermarkets 300 Ernie Irvan Ernie Irvan Ernie Irvan Ford
Winston Open Joe Nemechek Joe Nemechek Jeff Gordon Chevrolet
The Winston Select Rusty Wallace Ernie Irvan Geoff Bodine Ford
11 Coca-Cola 600 Jeff Gordon Rusty Wallace Jeff Gordon Chevrolet
12 Budweiser 500 Ernie Irvan Ernie Irvan Rusty Wallace Ford
13 UAW-GM Teamwork 500 Rusty Wallace Rusty Wallace Rusty Wallace Ford
14 Miller Genuine Draft 400 Loy Allen Jr. Rusty Wallace Rusty Wallace Ford
15 Pepsi 400 Dale Earnhardt Ernie Irvan Jimmy Spencer Ford
16 Slick 50 300 Ernie Irvan Ernie Irvan Ricky Rudd Ford
17 Miller Genuine Draft 500 Geoff Bodine Geoff Bodine Geoff Bodine Ford
18 DieHard 500 Dale Earnhardt Ernie Irvan Jimmy Spencer Ford
19 Brickyard 400 Rick Mast Jeff Gordon Jeff Gordon Chevrolet
20 The Bud at The Glen Mark Martin Mark Martin Mark Martin Ford
21 GM Goodwrench Dealer 400 Geoff Bodine Geoff Bodine Geoff Bodine Ford
22 Goody's 500 Harry Gant Geoff Bodine Rusty Wallace Ford
23 Mountain Dew Southern 500 Geoff Bodine Ken Schrader Bill Elliott Ford
24 Miller Genuine Draft 400 Ted Musgrave Terry Labonte Terry Labonte Chevrolet
25 SplitFire Spark Plug 500 Geoff Bodine Geoff Bodine Rusty Wallace Ford
26 Goody's 500 Ted Musgrave Rusty Wallace Rusty Wallace Ford
27 Tyson Holly Farms 400 Jimmy Spencer Geoff Bodine Geoff Bodine Ford
28 Mello Yello 500 Ward Burton Geoff Bodine Dale Jarrett Chevrolet
29 AC Delco 500 Ricky Rudd Dale Earnhardt Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet
30 Slick 50 500 Sterling Marlin Terry Labonte Terry Labonte Chevrolet
31 Hooters 500 Greg Sacks Mark Martin Mark Martin Ford

Busch Clash

[edit]

The Busch Clash was held February 13 at Daytona International Speedway. Ken Schrader drew for the pole.

  1. 24-Jeff Gordon
  2. 26-Brett Bodine
  3. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  4. 28-Ernie Irvan
  5. 6-Mark Martin
  6. 42-Kyle Petty
  7. 11-Bill Elliott
  8. 25-Ken Schrader
  9. 2-Rusty Wallace
  10. 33-Harry Gant
  • Two days earlier, during practice, Neil Bonnett died of massive head injuries after his car had a tire failure in turn 3 and hit the wall head-on.
  • The day after this race, Rodney Orr died of massive head and chest injuries after his car lifted at over 175 mph and slammed into the outside retaining wall and catch fence, with the caution light piercing through the roof.

Gatorade 125s

[edit]

The Gatorade 125s, the qualifying races for the Daytona 500, were held February 17 at Daytona International Speedway.

Race one: top ten results

  1. 28-Ernie Irvan
  2. 2-Rusty Wallace
  3. 6-Mark Martin
  4. 5-Terry Labonte
  5. 75-Todd Bodine
  6. 25-Ken Schrader
  7. 14-John Andretti
  8. 97-Chad Little
  9. 54-Robert Pressley
  10. 27-Jimmy Spencer

Race two: top ten results

  1. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  2. 4-Sterling Marlin
  3. 24-Jeff Gordon
  4. 11-Bill Elliott
  5. 26-Brett Bodine
  6. 21-Morgan Shepherd
  7. 30-Michael Waltrip
  8. 98-Derrike Cope
  9. 43-Wally Dallenbach Jr.
  10. 10-Ricky Rudd

Daytona 500

[edit]
Main article: 1994 Daytona 500

The Daytona 500 was held in Daytona International Speedway. Loy Allen Jr. won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 4-Sterling Marlin
  2. 28-Ernie Irvan
  3. 5-Terry Labonte
  4. 24-Jeff Gordon
  5. 21-Morgan Shepherd
  6. 77-Greg Sacks
  7. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  8. 10-Ricky Rudd
  9. 11-Bill Elliott
  10. 25-Ken Schrader
  • Sterling Marlin becomes the 5th driver to score his first career win in the Daytona 500.
  • First career win in 279 starts for Sterling Marlin after finishing 2nd 8 times, tying Bill Elliott for most 2nd-place finishes before 1st career win.
  • This was the first points Cup race when cars were mandated to have roof flaps after Rusty Wallace had violently flipped at both Daytona & Talladega in 1993.

Goodwrench 500

[edit]

The Goodwrench 500 was held February 27 at North Carolina Speedway. The No. 7 of Geoff Bodine was on the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 2-Rusty Wallace
  2. 4-Sterling Marlin
  3. 1-Rick Mast
  4. 6-Mark Martin, 1 lap down
  5. 28-Ernie Irvan, 1 lap down
  6. 26-Brett Bodine, 1 lap down
  7. 3-Dale Earnhardt, 1 lap down
  8. 42-Kyle Petty, 2 laps down
  9. 25-Ken Schrader, 3 laps down
  10. 30-Michael Waltrip, 3 laps down

Failed to qualify: 31-Ward Burton, 48-James Hylton, 99-Danny Sullivan, 61-Rick Carelli, 95-Jeremy Mayfield, 48-Jerry Hill, 02-T. W. Taylor

  • Jerry Hill may have made a second attempt for James Hylton's entry.

Pontiac Excitement 400

[edit]

The Pontiac Excitement 400 was held March 6 at Richmond International Raceway. The No. 16 of Ted Musgrave won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 28-Ernie Irvan
  2. 2-Rusty Wallace
  3. 24-Jeff Gordon
  4. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  5. 42-Kyle Petty
  6. 6-Mark Martin
  7. 1-Rick Mast
  8. 26-Brett Bodine
  9. 5-Terry Labonte*
  10. 18-Dale Jarrett, 1 lap down

Failed to qualify: 19-Loy Allen Jr., 45-Rich Bickle, 71-Dave Marcis, 43-Wally Dallenbach Jr., 23-Hut Stricklin, 47-Billy Standridge, 61-Rick Carelli, 02-T. W. Taylor, ??-Mike Wallace

  • Dave Marcis served as a broadcaster for TBS Sports after failing to qualify.
  • Terry Labonte started 37th (last) as he withdrew his time & took a champions provisional to allow Ricky Rudd to qualify on his time as Rudd's time would not have been fast enough and his new team had no owners points from the previous season and he would not have been eligible for a provisional. Rudd would finish 2 laps down in 18th.
  • For the first time since 1989 when the team failed to qualify for four races, Petty Enterprises would fail to qualify for a race. This would be the first of six times with driver Wally Dallenbach Jr. the team would fail to qualify in 1994.

Purolator 500

[edit]

The Purolator 500 was held March 13 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The No. 19 of Loy Allen Jr. won the pole after failing to qualify at the previous race.

Top ten results

  1. 28-Ernie Irvan
  2. 21-Morgan Shepherd
  3. 17-Darrell Waltrip
  4. 8-Jeff Burton
  5. 6-Mark Martin, 1 lap down
  6. 15-Lake Speed, 1 lap down
  7. 77-Greg Sacks, 1 lap down
  8. 24-Jeff Gordon, 2 laps down
  9. 10-Ricky Rudd, 2 laps down
  10. 27-Jimmy Spencer, 2 laps down

Failed to qualify: 43-Wally Dallenbach Jr., 20-Buddy Baker, 61-Rick Carelli, 47-Billy Standridge, 89-Jim Sauter, 80-Jimmy Horton, 99-Danny Sullivan, 95-Jeremy Mayfield

TranSouth Financial 400

[edit]

The TranSouth Financial 400 was held March 27 at Darlington Raceway. Bill Elliott won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  2. 6-Mark Martin
  3. 11-Bill Elliott
  4. 18-Dale Jarrett
  5. 15-Lake Speed
  6. 28-Ernie Irvan
  7. 25-Ken Schrader
  8. 33-Harry Gant, 1 lap down
  9. 10-Ricky Rudd, 1 lap down
  10. 16-Ted Musgrave, 1 lap down

Failed to qualify: 19-Loy Allen Jr., 61-Rick Carelli, 47-Billy Standridge, 02-Curtis Markham, 57-Bob Schacht, 84-Norm Benning, 36-H. B. Bailey, 59-Andy Belmont

Food City 500

[edit]

The Food City 500 was held April 10 at Bristol International Raceway. The No. 12 of Chuck Bown won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  2. 25-Ken Schrader
  3. 15-Lake Speed
  4. 7-Geoff Bodine, 1 lap down
  5. 30-Michael Waltrip, 3 laps down
  6. 22-Bobby Labonte, 4 laps down
  7. 2-Rusty Wallace, 6 laps down
  8. 4-Sterling Marlin, 9 laps down
  9. 40-Bobby Hamilton, 12 laps down
  10. 71-Dave Marcis*, 14 laps down

Failed to qualify (or "Watching on TV" as said on ESPN): 14-John Andretti, 55-Jimmy Hensley, 19-Loy Allen Jr., 95-Jeremy Mayfield, 52-Brad Teague

  • Several accidents (including one during green flag pit stops) caused the big gaps among the top ten cars.
  • Dave Marcis' final Top 10 finish.
  • Final time in his career that Dale Earnhardt would win back-to-back races.

First Union 400

[edit]

The First Union 400 was held April 17 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Ernie Irvan won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 5-Terry Labonte
  2. 2-Rusty Wallace
  3. 28-Ernie Irvan
  4. 42-Kyle Petty
  5. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  6. 10-Ricky Rudd
  7. 7-Geoff Bodine, 1 lap down
  8. 33-Harry Gant, 1 lap down
  9. 25-Ken Schrader, 2 laps down
  10. 1-Rick Mast, 3 laps down

Failed to qualify (or "Seeing Granny" as said on ESPN): 29-Steve Grissom, 31-Ward Burton, 9-Rich Bickle, 41-Joe Nemechek, 19-Loy Allen Jr., 55-Jimmy Hensley, 90-Mike Wallace, 02-Curtis Markham, 52-Mike Skinner, 62-Freddie Query

Hanes 500

[edit]

The Hanes 500 was held April 24 at Martinsville Speedway. Rusty Wallace won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 2-Rusty Wallace
  2. 28-Ernie Irvan
  3. 6-Mark Martin
  4. 17-Darrell Waltrip
  5. 21-Morgan Shepherd
  6. 75-Todd Bodine
  7. 12-Chuck Bown
  8. 1-Rick Mast, 1 lap down
  9. 11-Bill Elliott, 1 lap down
  10. 16-Ted Musgrave, 1 lap down

Failed to qualify (or "Gone hunting" on ESPN): 43-Wally Dallenbach Jr., 90-Mike Wallace, 71-Dave Marcis, 19-Loy Allen Jr., 02-Curtis Markham, 89-Jim Bown, 52-Mike Skinner, 33-Harry Gant

  • This would be the last race Harry Gant would ever fail to qualify for.
  • For the third time of 1994, Petty Enterprises would fail to qualify.

Winston Select 500

[edit]
Main article: 1994 Winston Select 500

The Winston Select 500 was held May 1 at Talladega Superspeedway. Ernie Irvan won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  2. 28-Ernie Irvan
  3. 30-Michael Waltrip
  4. 27-Jimmy Spencer
  5. 25-Ken Schrader
  6. 77-Greg Sacks
  7. 15-Lake Speed
  8. 4-Sterling Marlin
  9. 21-Morgan Shepherd
  10. 29-Steve Grissom

Failed to qualify (or "Flipping burgers" on ESPN): 31-Ward Burton, 9-Rich Bickle, 80-Jimmy Horton, 89-Jim Sauter, 0-Delma Cowart, 53-Ritchie Petty, 02-Ronnie Sanders

  • During the race, a scary crash occurred just after halfway when Mark Martin's #6 car, without brakes, hit the inside retaining wall and crashed through two guardrails, through a catchfence and into a third guardrail. He was only slightly injured.
  • After the race, Earnhardt dedicated his win to fallen Formula One driver Ayrton Senna, who died earlier in the day at the San Marino Grand Prix.

Save Mart Supermarkets 300

[edit]

The Save Mart Supermarkets 300 was held May 15 at Sears Point Raceway. Ernie Irvan won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 28-Ernie Irvan
  2. 7-Geoff Bodine
  3. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  4. 43-Wally Dallenbach Jr.
  5. 2-Rusty Wallace
  6. 16-Ted Musgrave
  7. 21-Morgan Shepherd
  8. 6-Mark Martin
  9. 25-Ken Schrader
  10. 33-Harry Gant

Failed to qualify (or "Crushin' grapes", as referred to on ESPN): 52-Scott Gaylord, 55-Jimmy Hensley, 32-Dick Trickle, 48w-Jack Sellers, 19-Loy Allen Jr., 86w-Rich Woodland Jr.

  • The race was marred by a violent crash between Derrike Cope and John Krebs in which Krebs' #9 car went up and over an embankment and flipped over several times.

Coca-Cola 600

[edit]
Main article: 1994 Coca-Cola 600

The Coca-Cola 600 was held May 29 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 24-Jeff Gordon
  2. 2-Rusty Wallace
  3. 7-Geoff Bodine
  4. 18-Dale Jarrett
  5. 28-Ernie Irvan
  6. 10-Ricky Rudd
  7. 33-Harry Gant, 1 lap down
  8. 75-Todd Bodine, 2 laps down
  9. 3-Dale Earnhardt, 3 laps down
  10. 30-Michael Waltrip, 3 laps down

Failed to qualify: 55-Jimmy Hensley, 71-Dave Marcis, 44-Bobby Hillin Jr., 89-Jim Sauter

  • This was Jeff Gordon's first Winston Cup victory. The 22-year-old driver benefited from all the wrecks that day along with only taking 2 tires on his final pit stop to score his first win. The rising young star cried in Victory Lane.
  • John Andretti, who finished 10th in the Indianapolis 500 earlier that day, finished the 600 in 36th. He became the first driver to run both races in the same day.

Budweiser 500

[edit]

The Budweiser 500 was held June 5 at Dover Downs International Speedway. Ernie Irvan won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 2-Rusty Wallace
  2. 28-Ernie Irvan
  3. 25-Ken Schrader
  4. 6-Mark Martin
  5. 24-Jeff Gordon
  6. 17-Darrell Waltrip, 1 lap down
  7. 30-Michael Waltrip, 1 lap down
  8. 4-Sterling Marlin, 2 laps down
  9. 23-Hut Stricklin, 2 laps down
  10. 43-Wally Dallenbach Jr., 3 laps down

Failed to qualify: 84-Norm Benning, 59-Andy Belmont

UAW-GM Teamwork 500

[edit]

The UAW-GM Teamwork 500 was held June 12 at Pocono Raceway. Rusty Wallace won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 2-Rusty Wallace
  2. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  3. 25-Ken Schrader
  4. 21-Morgan Shepherd
  5. 6-Mark Martin
  6. 24-Jeff Gordon
  7. 28-Ernie Irvan
  8. 26-Brett Bodine
  9. 1-Rick Mast
  10. 11-Bill Elliott

Failed to qualify: 47-Billy Standridge, 59-Andy Belmont

Miller Genuine Draft 400

[edit]

The Miller Genuine Draft 400 was held June 19 at Michigan International Speedway. The No. 19 of Loy Allen Jr. was on the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 2-Rusty Wallace
  2. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  3. 6-Mark Martin
  4. 10-Ricky Rudd
  5. 21-Morgan Shepherd
  6. 25-Ken Schrader
  7. 41-Joe Nemechek
  8. 30-Michael Waltrip
  9. 16-Ted Musgrave
  10. 17-Darrell Waltrip

Failed to qualify: 71-Dave Marcis, 90-Mike Wallace, 80-Jimmy Horton, 52-Brad Teague, 34-Bob Brevak, 47-Billy Standridge, 32-Dick Trickle, 36-H. B. Bailey, 61-Rick Carelli, 43-Wally Dallenbach Jr.

  • 3rd consecutive victory for Rusty Wallace.
  • As of 2024, Rusty Wallace is the last driver to score 3 consecutive victories in back-to-back seasons. His 3 straight wins in 1993 were at Bristol, North Wilkesboro, and Martinsville. His 3 straight wins in 1994 were at Dover, Pocono, Michigan. Rusty Wallace is also the only driver to score 3 consecutive victories in back-to-back seasons driving for different manufacturers. Wallace drove a Pontiac to his 3 straight wins in 1993, and he drove a Ford Thunderbird to his 3 straight wins in 1994.
  • Tim Steele replaced the injured Chuck Bown in the No. 12 for Bobby Allison Motorsports. However he would fall out of the race after completing 61 of 200 laps due to a crash and finished 39th.
  • For the fourth time in 1994, Petty Enterprises would fail to qualify with driver Wally Dallenbach Jr.

Pepsi 400

[edit]

The Pepsi 400 was held July 2 at Daytona International Speedway. Dale Earnhardt won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 27-Jimmy Spencer
  2. 28-Ernie Irvan
  3. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  4. 6-Mark Martin
  5. 25-Ken Schrader
  6. 7-Geoff Bodine
  7. 75-Todd Bodine
  8. 24-Jeff Gordon
  9. 21-Morgan Shepherd
  10. 15-Lake Speed

Failed to qualify ("Flippin' burgers" as on ESPN): 52-Brad Teague, 20-Bobby Hillin Jr., 80-Joe Ruttman, 43-Wally Dallenbach Jr., 47-Billy Standridge, 0-Delma Cowart

  • Jimmy Spencer passed Ernie Irvan on the last lap (the only lap he led) to score his first Winston Cup win.
  • For the second race in a row, Petty Enterprises with driver Wally Dallenbach Jr. failed to qualify. It was the fifth race overall the team failed to qualify for in 1994. By now the rumors that were circulating wondered when Wally would be replaced, not if.

Slick 50 300

[edit]

The Slick 50 300 was held July 10 at New Hampshire International Speedway. The No. 28 of Ernie Irvan was on the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 10-Ricky Rudd
  2. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  3. 2-Rusty Wallace
  4. 6-Mark Martin
  5. 75-Todd Bodine
  6. 21-Morgan Shepherd
  7. 16-Ted Musgrave
  8. 42-Kyle Petty
  9. 1-Rick Mast
  10. 4-Sterling Marlin

Failed to qualify: 19-Loy Allen Jr., 43-Wally Dallenbach Jr., 54-Robert Pressley, 62-Joe Bessey, 38-Jamie Aube

Miller Genuine Draft 500

[edit]

The Miller Genuine Draft 500 was held July 17 at Pocono Raceway. Geoff Bodine won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 7-Geoff Bodine
  2. 31-Ward Burton
  3. 41-Joe Nemechek
  4. 8-Jeff Burton
  5. 21-Morgan Shepherd
  6. 10-Ricky Rudd
  7. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  8. 24-Jeff Gordon, 1 lap down
  9. 2-Rusty Wallace, 1 lap down
  10. 18-Dale Jarrett, 1 lap down

Failed to qualify: 55-Jimmy Hensley, 32-Dick Trickle, 99-Phil Parsons, 65-Jerry O'Neil

DieHard 500

[edit]

The DieHard 500 was held July 24 at Talladega Superspeedway. The No. 3 of Dale Earnhardt won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 27-Jimmy Spencer
  2. 11-Bill Elliott
  3. 28-Ernie Irvan
  4. 25-Ken Schrader
  5. 4-Sterling Marlin
  6. 6-Mark Martin
  7. 10-Ricky Rudd
  8. 43-Wally Dallenbach Jr.
  9. 44-Kenny Wallace
  10. 5-Terry Labonte

Failed to qualify: 45-Rich Bickle, 32-Dick Trickle, 53-Ritchie Petty, 02-Derrike Cope, 31-Ward Burton, 95-Ben Hess, 47-Billy Standridge, 80-Joe Ruttman, 0-Delma Cowart, 89-Ronnie Sanders

  • Buzz Aldrin, one of the first humans to walk on the Moon, served as the grand marshal for this race; held four days after the 25th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission. Instead of the traditional command to start engines, he said "Drivers, energize your groundcraft."[2]
  • Final Career Win for Jimmy Spencer.
  • Spencer's victory would also be the last for a car with primary sponsorship from McDonald's until the 2021 YellaWood 500 race, also at Talladega, when Bubba Wallace drove the McDonald's-sponsored #23 Toyota Camry to his first career victory.

Brickyard 400

[edit]
Main article: 1994 Brickyard 400

The Inaugural Brickyard 400 was held August 6 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Rick Mast won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 24-Jeff Gordon
  2. 26-Brett Bodine*
  3. 11-Bill Elliott
  4. 2-Rusty Wallace
  5. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  6. 17-Darrell Waltrip
  7. 25-Ken Schrader
  8. 30-Michael Waltrip
  9. 75-Todd Bodine
  10. 21-Morgan Shepherd

Failed to qualify (in order of speed): 39-Joe Ruttman, 32-Dick Trickle, 20-Randy LaJoie, 59-Jim Sauter, 29-Steve Grissom, 88-Davy Jones, 61w-Rick Carelli, 92w-John Krebs, 34-Bob Brevak, 60-Gary Bettenhausen, 52-Brad Teague, 90-Mike Wallace, 54-Robert Pressley, 81w-Jeff Davis, 57-Bob Schacht, 76w-Ron Hornaday Jr., 65-Jerry O'Neil, 00w-Scott Gaylord, 67-Ken Bouchard, 47-Billy Standridge, 12-Tim Steele, 36w-Rich Woodland Jr., 04w-Hershel McGriff, 56-Jerry Hill, 59-Andy Belmont, 36-H. B. Bailey, 84-Norm Benning, 58w-Wayne Jacks, 79-Doug French, 41w-Steve Sellers, 48 -James Hylton, 91w-Robert Sprague (crash), 95w-Lance Wade (spin), 09-Stan Fox (crash), 19-Loy Allen Jr. (crash), 48w-Jack Sellers (no speed)

Did not attempt: 0-Delma Cowart, 13-Kerry Teague, 38-P. J. Jones, 82-Charlie Glotzbach, 86w-Butch Gilliland, 95-Ben Hess, 90w-Joe Heath

  • Ernie Irvan was holding off Jeff Gordon up until 5 to go when his right front tire cut down and Gordon took the lead; Irvan would finish 1 lap down in 17th as a result.
  • Brett Bodine caused controversy on lap 101 when he spun out his older brother Geoff, who seemingly made the winning pass on Brett. After being released from the infield hospital, Geoff responded to the accident by publicly announcing that he and Brett were feuding behind-the-scenes. This was a feud that lasted for several years, ending with both brothers reconciling in the late-1990's (with Geoff joining Brett's team).
  • "Years from today, when 79 stock car races have been run here, we'll remember the name Jeff Gordon, winner of the inaugural Brickyard 400!" - Bob Jenkins as Jeff Gordon crossed the start/finish line to win the race
  • Jimmy Spencer was injured in a crash that relegated him to last place (forty third) and was forced to miss the next race.

The Bud at The Glen

[edit]

The Bud at The Glen was held August 14 at Watkins Glen International. Mark Martin won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 6-Mark Martin
  2. 28-Ernie Irvan
  3. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  4. 25-Ken Schrader
  5. 10-Ricky Rudd
  6. 5-Terry Labonte
  7. 17-Darrell Waltrip
  8. 41-Joe Nemechek
  9. 24-Jeff Gordon
  10. 33-Harry Gant

Failed to qualify: 00-Scott Gaylord, 19-Loy Allen Jr., 98-Jeremy Mayfield, 90-Mike Wallace, 50-Brian Bonner

GM Goodwrench Dealer 400

[edit]

The GM Goodwrench Dealer 400 was held August 21 at Michigan International Speedway. Geoff Bodine won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 7-Geoff Bodine
  2. 6-Mark Martin
  3. 1-Rick Mast
  4. 2-Rusty Wallace
  5. 22-Bobby Labonte
  6. 42-Kyle Petty
  7. 11-Bill Elliott, 1 lap down
  8. 5-Terry Labonte, 1 lap down
  9. 17-Darrell Waltrip, 1 lap down
  10. 10-Ricky Rudd, 1 lap down

Failed to qualify: 40-Bobby Hamilton, 23-Hut Stricklin, 55-Jimmy Hensley, 54-Robert Pressley, 59-Andy Belmont, 82-Laura Lane, 52-Brad Teague, 34-Bob Brevak

  • During the weekend for this race, Ernie Irvan wrecked his No. 28 in Turn 2 for a practice run, and suffered near-fatal head, chest, and lung injuries. The team withdrew from the race.
  • Jimmy Spencer returned from injury and finished in 20th, 3 laps down to the winner .

Goody's 500

[edit]

The Goody's 500 was held August 27 at Bristol International Raceway. Harry Gant won the final pole of his career.

Top ten results

  1. 2-Rusty Wallace
  2. 6-Mark Martin
  3. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  4. 17-Darrell Waltrip
  5. 11-Bill Elliott
  6. 4-Sterling Marlin
  7. 30-Michael Waltrip
  8. 75-Todd Bodine
  9. 33-Harry Gant, 1 lap down
  10. 1-Rick Mast, 1 lap down

Failed to qualify: 95-Jeff Green, 27-Jimmy Spencer, 71-Dave Marcis, 19-Loy Allen Jr., 55-Jimmy Hensley, 14-Phil Parsons

  • Kenny Wallace began his duties driving in substitution for the injured Ernie Irvan, a role that lasted the rest of the season. He would finish the race in 13th, 1 lap down to the winner.

Mountain Dew Southern 500

[edit]
Main article: 1994 Mountain Dew Southern 500

The Mountain Dew Southern 500 was held on September 4 at Darlington Raceway. The No. 7 of Geoff Bodine won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 11-Bill Elliott
  2. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  3. 21-Morgan Shepherd
  4. 10-Ricky Rudd
  5. 4-Sterling Marlin
  6. 24-Jeff Gordon, 1 lap down
  7. 2-Rusty Wallace, 1 lap down
  8. 8-Jeff Burton, 1 lap down
  9. 18-Dale Jarrett, 2 laps down
  10. 5-Terry Labonte, 2 laps down

Failed to qualify: 61-Rick Carelli, 57-Bob Schacht

  • Final win for Junior Johnson's legendary race team.
  • 40th career Winston Cup Series win for Bill Elliott. This would be Bill's first win since the season finale at Atlanta in November 1992, breaking a 53 race winless streak. This would also be Bill's last win until November 2001 at Homestead, 7 years, and 226 races later. As of 2024, the 226 race winless streak is the longest drought in NASCAR history.

Miller Genuine Draft 400

[edit]

The Miller Genuine Draft 400 was held September 10 at Richmond International Raceway. The No. 16 of Ted Musgrave won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 5-Terry Labonte
  2. 24-Jeff Gordon
  3. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  4. 2-Rusty Wallace
  5. 10-Ricky Rudd
  6. 6-Mark Martin
  7. 29-Steve Grissom
  8. 26-Brett Bodine, 1 lap down
  9. 25-Ken Schrader, 1 lap down
  10. 17-Darrell Waltrip, 1 lap down

Failed to qualify: 47-Billy Standridge, 51-Dirk Stephens, 80-Joe Ruttman, 9-Phil Parsons, 52-Brad Teague, 01-Billy Ogle, Jr., 8-Jeff Burton

SplitFire Spark Plug 500

[edit]

The SplitFire Spark Plug 500 was held September 18 at Dover Downs International Speedway. Geoff Bodine won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 2-Rusty Wallace
  2. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  3. 17-Darrell Waltrip
  4. 25-Ken Schrader
  5. 7-Geoff Bodine
  6. 42-Kyle Petty
  7. 5-Terry Labonte
  8. 29-Steve Grissom, 1 lap down
  9. 15-Lake Speed, 1 lap down
  10. 21-Morgan Shepherd, 1 lap down

Failed to qualify: 84-Norm Benning, 79-Doug French, 47-Billy Standridge

  • Mark Martin was leading with 6 laps to go when he tangled with the lapped car of Ricky Rudd. Rusty Wallace assumed the lead and soon had a blown tire (possibly by running over debris). The race finished under caution and Wallace kept the lead.
  • This was the final race at Dover on pavement. Beginning with the spring race in 1995 the surface would be concrete.

Goody's 500

[edit]

The Goody's 500 was held September 25 at Martinsville Speedway. Ted Musgrave won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 2-Rusty Wallace
  2. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  3. 11-Bill Elliott
  4. 28-Kenny Wallace
  5. 18-Dale Jarrett
  6. 25-Ken Schrader
  7. 4-Sterling Marlin, 1 lap down
  8. 33-Harry Gant, 1 lap down
  9. 16-Ted Musgrave, 1 lap down
  10. 17-Darrell Waltrip, 1 lap down

Failed to qualify: 71-Dave Marcis, 20-Bobby Hillin Jr., 19-Loy Allen Jr., 55-Tim Fedewa, 98-Jeremy Mayfield

  • 8th and final win of 1994 for Rusty Wallace. This marked back-to-back seasons for Rusty Wallace winning the most races in a season (winning 10 races in 1993), but unfortunately, even though he scored most wins in back-to-back seasons, a major lack of consistency in both years kept him from winning back-to-back Winston Cup Championships.
  • This would be the 2nd time in his career that Rusty Wallace scored the most victories in back-to-back seasons. He scored 10 wins in 1993, and 8 wins in 1994. The 1st time he did this, he won the most races in 1988 and 1989, scoring 6 wins each. However, Rusty shared that feat in 1988 with that season's champion Bill Elliott, and he also shared that feat in 1989 with Darrell Waltrip, and as a bonus for 1989, Rusty won the championship that year.
  • This would be the final time that Rusty Wallace scored the most victories in a single season.
  • Last career Top 10 for Harry Gant.

Tyson Holly Farms 400

[edit]

The Tyson Holly Farms 400 was held October 2 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. The No. 27 of Jimmy Spencer won his first career Winston Cup pole.

Top ten results

  1. 7-Geoff Bodine
  2. 5-Terry Labonte, 1 lap down
  3. 1-Rick Mast, 1 lap down
  4. 2-Rusty Wallace, 1 lap down
  5. 6-Mark Martin, 2 laps down
  6. 11-Bill Elliott, 2 laps down
  7. 3-Dale Earnhardt, 2 laps down
  8. 24-Jeff Gordon, 2 laps down
  9. 16-Ted Musgrave, 3 laps down
  10. 28-Kenny Wallace, 3 laps down

Failed to qualify: 90-Mike Wallace, 19-Loy Allen Jr., 55-Tim Fedewa, 52-Brad Teague, 18-Dale Jarrett, 75-Todd Bodine

  • This is the last time that a driver won a Winston Cup race by a lap or more.
  • This was the first time in his hall of fame career that Dale Jarrett failed to qualify for a Cup Series race.

Mello Yello 500

[edit]

The Mello Yello 500 was held October 9 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The No. 31 of Ward Burton won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 18-Dale Jarrett
  2. 21-Morgan Shepherd
  3. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  4. 25-Ken Schrader
  5. 15-Lake Speed
  6. 26-Brett Bodine
  7. 5-Terry Labonte
  8. 12-Derrike Cope
  9. 17-Darrell Waltrip
  10. 30-Michael Waltrip, 1 lap down, accident*

Failed to qualify: 71-Dave Marcis, 9-Phil Parsons, 67-Ken Bouchard, 55-Butch Miller, 02-Brad Noffsinger, 52-Brad Teague, 78-Pancho Carter, 53-Kirk Shelmerdine, 84-Norm Benning, 95-Ben Hess, 45-Rich Bickle, 0-Delma Cowart

  • Dale Jarrett won after failing to qualify for the previous race at North Wilkesboro. This would be the first time that a driver failed to qualify for a race and then go on to win the next race.
  • Former NASCAR Winston Cup champion Cale Yarborough served as a commentator for TBS.
  • On the final lap of the race, Michael Waltrip, Darrell Waltrip, and Bobby Hillin Jr. crashed, Darrell was the only driver of the 3 to finish the last lap. Hillin finished 15th, 3 laps down to the winner

AC Delco 500

[edit]

The AC Delco 500 was held October 23 at North Carolina Speedway. Ricky Rudd won his first ever pole driving for his own team but 21st overall pole.

Top ten results

  1. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  2. 1-Rick Mast
  3. 21-Morgan Shepherd
  4. 10-Ricky Rudd
  5. 5-Terry Labonte
  6. 11-Bill Elliott
  7. 6-Mark Martin
  8. 32-Dick Trickle
  9. 31-Ward Burton, 1 lap down
  10. 15-Lake Speed, 1 lap down

Failed to qualify: 02-Brad Noffsinger, 52-Brad Teague, 84-Norm Benning

  • Dale Earnhardt clinched his 7th and final NASCAR Winston Cup Championship with 2 races to go, tying him with Richard Petty for most championships of all time. In the Bob Latford Winston Cup points system, a driver can clinch the championship with 2 races to go if he has a 370+ point lead over 2nd, and Dale Earnhardt did just that by having a 448-point lead over Rusty Wallace at the end of the race. This would become the 4th and final time in Bob Latford's Winston Cup points system that a driver would clinch the Winston Cup Championship with 2 or more races to go. Earnhardt had already joined Richard Petty and Cale Yarborough when he won the title with 2 races to go in 1987, but as of 2018, the 1994 and 7th championship would make Dale Earnhardt the only driver in NASCAR history to clinch the title twice with 2 races to go. In 1987, his 1st accomplishment, Dale clinched his 3rd championship with 2 races to go by 515 points over Bill Elliott. In 1978, Cale Yarborough clinched his 3rd consecutive Winston Cup Championship with 2 races to go by 396 points over Bobby Allison, but in 1975 however, Richard Petty clinched his 6th championship with 4 races to go because his point lead was 740+ over 2nd. His margin was 827 points over James Hylton. Petty's championship win with 4 races to go is the earliest for a driver to clinch a championship in NASCAR history. Also as of 2021, this feat can never happen again due to several changes in the points system after 2003.
  • With this 7th championship, Dale Earnhardt ties Richard Petty for most Championships in NASCAR Cup Series history. In 2016, future driver Jimmie Johnson would become the 3rd driver to win 7 championships.
  • As of 2024, Dale Earnhardt is the only driver in NASCAR history to win 7 championships under one points system (Richard Petty won 7 titles under 5 points systems, and future 7-time champion Jimmie Johnson won 7 titles under 4 points systems).
  • The race itself came down to a photo finish with Earnhardt prevailing over Rick Mast.

Slick 50 500

[edit]

The Slick 50 500 was held October 30 at Phoenix International Raceway. Sterling Marlin won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 5-Terry Labonte
  2. 6-Mark Martin
  3. 4-Sterling Marlin
  4. 24-Jeff Gordon, 1 lap down
  5. 16-Ted Musgrave, 1 lap down
  6. 42-Kyle Petty, 1 lap down
  7. 10-Ricky Rudd, 1 lap down
  8. 7-Geoff Bodine, 1 lap down
  9. 18-Dale Jarrett, 2 laps down
  10. 17-Darrell Waltrip, 2 laps down

Failed to qualify: 51-Jeff Purvis, 02-Brad Noffsinger, 00-Scott Gaylord, 07-Doug George, 81-Jeff Davis, 90-Joe Heath, 86-Rich Woodland Jr., 92-John Krebs, 22-St. James Davis, 95-Lance Wade, 58-Wayne Jacks

  • The races first caution flag occurred at lap 34 when Rick Mast blew his engine in turn 3 causing Jimmy Spencer to spin without hitting anything, while John Andretti would hit the outside wall hard enough to break it neccessating a red flag to repair the wall with boiler plate.
  • The final 189 laps of the race were all under green flag conditions, causing the unusual gaps among the lead cars.
  • First time in his career that Terry Labonte won 3 races in a season.
  • Even though he clinched the championship the week before at Rockingham, Dale Earnhardt would blow an engine at lap 91, causing him to finish 40th.

Hooters 500

[edit]

The Hooters 500 was held November 13 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The No. 77 of Greg Sacks won the pole.

Top ten results

  1. 6-Mark Martin
  2. 3-Dale Earnhardt
  3. 75-Todd Bodine
  4. 15-Lake Speed
  5. 90-Mike Wallace
  6. 21-Morgan Shepherd
  7. 12-Derrike Cope, 1 lap down
  8. 5-Terry Labonte, 2 laps down
  9. 18-Dale Jarrett, 2 laps down
  10. 30-Michael Waltrip, 2 laps down

Failed to qualify: 55-Tim Fedewa, 98-Jeremy Mayfield, 64-Gary Wright, 47-Billy Standridge, 32-Dick Trickle, 45-Rich Bickle, 71-Dave Marcis, 80-Joe Ruttman, 35-Bill Venturini, 53-Brad Teague, 61-Rick Carelli, 34-Bob Brevak, 50-Brian Bonner

  • Dale Earnhardt would officially win his 7th and final NASCAR Winston Cup championship by 444 points over Mark Martin, the 4th largest point margin in Bob Latford's Winston Cup points system history. The largest point margin in the Winston Cup points system was back in 1975, when Richard Petty won his 6th championship by 722 points over Dave Marcis, the 2nd largest point margin was in 1987, when Earnhardt himself won his 3rd title by 489 points over Bill Elliott, and the 3rd largest point margin was in 1978, when Cale Yarborough won his 3rd consecutive Winston Cup Championship by 474 points over Bobby Allison.
  • Todd Bodine's best career Winston Cup finish.
  • Mike Wallace's first top 5 finish in the Cup Series.
  • Jimmy Means' last start in the Cup Series as an owner, with Gary Bradberry driving. Bradberry would finish 52 laps down in 30th.
  • Harry Gant's last race in the Cup Series. He would sadly complete only 257 out of 328 laps finishing 33rd due to an oil pan failure.

Final points standings

[edit]
Further information: 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 Dale Earnhardt 7 7 4 12 1* 1* 5 11 1 3 9 28 2 2 3 2 7 34 5 3 37 3 2 3 2 2 7 3 1* 40 2 4694
2 Mark Martin 13 4 6 5 2 21 13 3 38 8 32 4 5 3 4 4 31 6 35 1* 2 2 25 6 19 16 5 39 7 2 1* 4250
3 Rusty Wallace 41 1* 2 24 33 7 2 1* 33 5 2* 1 1* 1* 26 3 9 42 4 17 4 1 7 4 1 1* 4 37 35 17 32 4207
4 Ken Schrader 10 9 11 16 7 2 9 31 5 9 24 3 3 6 5 24 39 4 7 4 11 19 32* 9 4 6 14 4 32 15 11 4060
5 Ricky Rudd 8 11 18 9 9 32 6 12 25 14 6 19 21 4 17 1 6 7 11 5 10 12 4 5 18 25 11 29 4 7 14 4050
6 Morgan Shepherd 5 16 15 2 32 18 22 5 9 7 28 25 4 5 9 6 5 15 10 16 26 18 3 14 10 15 30 2 3 12 6 4029
7 Terry Labonte 3 17 9 14 35 24 1 15 32 28 35 26 18 20 15 11 15 10 12 6 8 33 10 1* 7 14 2 7 5 1* 8 3876
8 Jeff Gordon 4 32 3 8 31 22 15 33 24 37 1 5 6 12 8 39 8 31 1* 9 15 32 6 2 11 11 8 28 29 4 15 3776
9 Darrell Waltrip 28 23 16 3 26 15 28 4 14 18 30 6 30 10 25 23 28 24 6 7 9 4 13 10 3 10 13 9 23 10 21 3688
10 Bill Elliott 9 39 12 32 3 30 18 9 19 30 22 31 10 11 19 16 17 2 3 12 7 5 1 15 28 3 6 33 6 35 38 3617
11 Lake Speed 14 21 14 6 5 3 12 30 7 32 14 12 23 40 10 15 20 14 15 13 13 25 40 21 9 34 25 5 10 14 4 3565
12 Michael Waltrip 31 10 31 23 15 5 11 17 3 16 10 7 11 8 13 37 14 11 8 20 14 7 31 26 33 19 21 10 26 36 10 3512
13 Ted Musgrave 38 13 13 11 10 19 21 10 11 6 16 35 15 9 14 7 32 41 13 19 24 11 39 17 14 9 9 18 13 5 28 3477
14 Sterling Marlin 1 2 19 25 34 8 17 27 8 29 15 8 38 34 28 10 12 5 14 26 34 6 5 13 30 7 31 36 14 3 40 3443
15 Kyle Petty 39 8 5 13 11 20 4 26 13 11 26 11 12 17 34 8 27 19 25 37 6 15 12 38 6 24 26 30 36 6 22 3339
16 Dale Jarrett 35 18 10 35 4 36 25 21 21 12 4 29 20 14 11 14 10 39 40 11 30 26 9 16 34 5 DNQ 1 12 9 9 3298
17 Geoff Bodine 11 15 32 38 40 4 7 34 41 2 3 41 19 28 6 31 1* 33 39 29 1* 23* 27 18 5* 18 1* 32* 40 8 34 3297
18 Rick Mast 27 3 7 26 37 29 10 8 20 34 31 30 9 13 29 9 40 20 22 38 3 10 20 33 15 29 3 12 2 42 27 3238
19 Brett Bodine 32 6 8 31 36 13 23 24 17 13 42 32 8 32 16 12 35 17 2 28 12 14 29 8 26 30 33 6 18 13 36 3159
20 Todd Bodine 36 34 25 33 22 26 19 6 28 38 8 16 14 31 7 5 11 16 9 15 38 8 26 20 16 33 DNQ 38 21 32 3 3048
21 Bobby Labonte 16 19 24 15 39 6 26 19 22 17 40 20 25 15 22 13 13 12 16 18 5 31 36 24 17 31 15 42 28 16 37 3038
22 Ernie Irvan 2* 5 1* 1* 6 33 3* 2 2* 1* 5 2* 7 18 2* 30* 37 3* 17 2 Wth 3026
23 Bobby Hamilton 12 38 33 19 25 9 14 13 12 33 17 34 27 41 24 40 23 22 24 34 DNQ 28 22 34 31 13 12 19 33 11 24 2749
24 Jeff Burton (R) 26 20 20 4 20 31 33 36 39 15 29 33 22 21 18 38 4 26 19 25 33 20 8 DNQ 37 36 28 25 11 27 31 2726
25 Harry Gant 34 37 34 30 8 37 8 DNQ 23 10 7 42 16 35 31 17 38 21 37 10 25 9 41 22 13 8 32 22 31 23 33 2720
26 Hut Stricklin 33 26 DNQ 17 17 14 20 20 18 20 12 9 13 22 42 36 22 25 36 30 DNQ 35 14 30 32 23 22 21 27 24 16 2711
27 Joe Nemechek (R) DNQ 36 21 18 19 16 DNQ 22 42 22 33 14 32 7 39 19 3 35 20 8 21 29 42 28 36 22 34 11 17 25 23 2673
28 Steve Grissom (R) DNQ 30 23 20 14 12 DNQ 14 10 35 39 27 26 26 33 33 29 18 DNQ 23 19 34 23 7 8 12 20 26 30 22 26 2660
29 Jimmy Spencer 37 12 22 10 27 35 32 18 4 26 19 39 37 23 1 32 24 1 43 20 DNQ 37 35 39 20 23 16 38 38 20 2613
30 Derrike Cope 21 29 29 34 16 27 27 28 31 43 18 23 40 37 23 35 19 DNQ 27 40 18 16 35 19 12 17 19 8 37 30 7 2612
31 Greg Sacks 7 28 28 6 30 11 34 29 6 24 27 24 24 33 37 25 36 29 18 39 32 27 19 27 38 26 35 35 39 26 39 2593
32 John Andretti (R) 42 24 30 42 38 DNQ 31 35 29 19 36 22 35 36 35 27 25 40 28 17 30 16 11 25 21 17 24 25 43 13 2299
33 Mike Wallace (R) DNQ 27 18 28 DNQ DNQ 15 23 23 13 36 DNQ 12 28 30 13 DNQ DNQ 16 24 17 23 29 28 DNQ 17 16 28 5 2191
34 Dick Trickle 20 14 37 28 29 34 24 32 36 DNQ 38 38 34 DNQ 21 34 DNQ DNQ DNQ 32 41 17 38 12 21 32 16 13 8 39 DNQ 2019
35 Ward Burton (R) DNQ DNQ 35 40 21 25 DNQ 16 DNQ 36 37 37 42 29 36 42 2 DNQ 31 24 29 36 34 25 27 35 18 41 9 21 41 1971
36 Dave Marcis 25 35 DNQ 36 28 10 29 DNQ 16 25 DNQ 18 33 DNQ 27 18 26 27 41 21 36 DNQ 28 29 35 DNQ 24 DNQ 34 19 DNQ 1910
37 Jeremy Mayfield (R) 30 DNQ 27 DNQ DNQ 30 37 21 25 30 26 21 32 26 DNQ 23 21 33 37 24 DNQ 27 20 19 20 DNQ 1673
38 Wally Dallenbach Jr. 17 27 DNQ DNQ 41 17 16 DNQ 34 4 25 10 17 DNQ DNQ DNQ 16 8 23 14 1493
39 Loy Allen Jr. 22 40 DNQ 22 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 40 DNQ 11 15 31 24 40 DNQ 18 37 DNQ DNQ 22 DNQ 21 31 22 DNQ DNQ 27 42 41 42 1468
40 Kenny Wallace 19 9 13 11 32 20 4 10 14 15 18 25 1413
41 Jimmy Hensley 15 22 36 29 13 DNQ DNQ 23 30 DNQ DNQ 17 29 42 32 29 DNQ 30 32 33 DNQ DNQ 40 12 1394
42 Chuck Bown 23 25 17 41 12 23 35 7 27 21 13 21 39 1211
43 Rich Bickle DNQ 41 DNQ 37 23 DNQ DNQ 34 28 30 20 21 34 DNQ 29 35 DNQ 37 DNQ 849
44 Bobby Hillin Jr. 24 33 26 DNQ 16 DNQ 23 21 40 DNQ 15 43 749
45 Brad Teague DNQ 24 DNQ 41 40 DNQ DNQ 28 DNQ DNQ 22 30 DNQ 40 27 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 548
46 Jeff Purvis 21 35 27 38 36 34 28 DNQ 484
47 Billy Standridge (R) DNQ 42 DNQ DNQ DNQ 43 36 DNQ DNQ DNQ 41 DNQ DNQ 39 24 DNQ DNQ 34 41 DNQ 404
48 Randy LaJoie 20 20 DNQ 19 312
49 Rick Carelli DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 41 DNQ DNQ 27 DNQ 22 33 DNQ 283
50 Phil Parsons DNQ 31 DNQ 15 DNQ 36 DNQ 243
51 Jeff Green DNQ 36 29 18 240
52 Tim Steele 39 43 41 33 38 DNQ 233
53 Butch Miller 18 DNQ 20 212
54 Joe Ruttman 18 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 23 DNQ 203
55 Mike McLaughlin 22 27 179
56 Mike Chase 31 42 31 177
57 Robert Pressley 40 DNQ DNQ DNQ 31 35 171
58 Jay Hedgecock 36 25 143
59 P. J. Jones DNQ 35 29 134
60 Ron Hornaday Jr. 39 DNQ 34 112
61 Pancho Carter DNQ 17 112
62 Jimmy Horton 19 DNQ DNQ DNQ 106
63 Tommy Kendall 22 97
64 Tim Fedewa 23 DNQ DNQ DNQ 94
65 Randy MacDonald 24 91
66 Kirk Shelmerdine 26 DNQ 85
67 Butch Gilliland 27 DNQ 82
68 Chad Little 29 81
69 Ken Bouchard DNQ DNQ 29 76
70 Gary Bradberry 30 73
71 A. J. Foyt 30 73
72 Butch Leitzinger 31 70
73 Mike Skinner 31 DNQ DNQ 70
74 Danny Sullivan Wth DNQ DNQ 33 64
75 Scott Lagasse 36 55
76 Geoff Brabham 38 49
77 Robby Gordon 38 49
78 Curtis Markham 39 DNQ DNQ DNQ 46
79 Gary Collins 40 43
80 John Krebs 42 DNQ DNQ 42
81 Bob Keselowski 41 40
82 Ritchie Petty DNQ DNQ 41 DNQ 40
83 Bob Schacht DNQ 42 DNQ DNQ 37
84 Phil Barkdoll DNQ
85 Trevor Boys DNQ
86 T. W. Taylor (R) DNQ DNQ DNQ
87 Jerry Hill DNQ DNQ DNQ
88 Buddy Baker DNQ DNQ
89 Jim Sauter DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ
90 Delma Cowart DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ
91 Bob Brevak DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ
92 Kerry Teague DNQ DNQ
93 James Hylton DNQ DNQ
94 Norm Benning Wth DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ
95 Andy Belmont DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ
96 H. B. Bailey DNQ DNQ DNQ
97 Freddie Query DNQ
98 Jim Bown DNQ
99 Ronnie Sanders Wth DNQ DNQ
100 Tobey Butler DNQ
101 Charlie O'Brien DNQ
102 Jack Sellers DNQ DNQ
103 Jeff Davis DNQ DNQ DNQ
104 Joe Heath DNQ DNQ DNQ
105 Rich Woodland Jr. DNQ DNQ DNQ
106 Wayne Jacks DNQ DNQ DNQ
107 Scott Gaylord DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ
108 Doug George DNQ DNQ
109 Jamie Aube DNQ
110 Joe Bessey DNQ
111 Jerry O'Neil DNQ DNQ
112 Ben Hess DNQ DNQ DNQ
113 Davy Jones DNQ
114 Gary Bettenhausen DNQ
115 Hershel McGriff DNQ
116 Steve Sellers DNQ
117 Stan Fox DNQ
118 Robert Sprague DNQ
119 Charlie Glotzbach DNQ
120 Doug French DNQ DNQ
121 Lance Wade DNQ DNQ
122 Brian Bonner DNQ DNQ
123 Laura Lane DNQ
124 Dirk Stephens DNQ
125 Billy Ogle Jr. DNQ
126 Brad Noffsinger DNQ
127 St. James Davis DNQ
128 Gary Wright DNQ
129 Bill Venturini DNQ
130 Neil Bonnett Wth
131 Rodney Orr Wth
132 Mark Thompson Wth
133 Rick Crawford Wth
134 Scott Brayton Wth
135 Tommy Houston QL
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

Rookie of the Year

[edit]

A record eight drivers declared intentions to run for Maxx Racing Card Rookie of the Year before the 1994 season: brothers, Ward and Jeff Burton, John Andretti, T. W. Taylor, Joe Nemechek, Steve Grissom, Rick Carelli, and Loy Allen Jr.[3] Taylor and Carelli dropped out early after a series of DNQs, while Billy Standridge joined the rookie of the year race with Johnson-Standridge Racing in March. Mike Wallace and Jeremy Mayfield took part once they secured full-time rides in March as well.[4]

Jeff Burton, driving the No. 8 Ford for Stavola Brothers Racing, was named Rookie of the Year for 1994, posting two top-five finishes. He was followed by fellow Busch Series graduates Grissom and Nemechek, each of whom had three top-ten finishes. Allen, despite three poles, struggled to find consistency and finished far back in the standings, while Mayfield and Andretti showed promise with different rides throughout the season. Mike Wallace (who started the year at Atlanta in March) and Ward Burton were plagued by qualifying troubles all season long. Standridge ran a partial schedule and was not a factor. Rich Bickle declared to run for the award in 1993, but failed to make enough races so he was technically still eligible for the award in 1994. Although, he did not officially declare to run as a rookie for the 1994 season and was deemed ineligible for the award despite making the required number of races.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Bruce, Kenny (September 29, 2016). "How the tire war was won at North Wilkesboro". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  2. ^ McCarter, Mark (April 29, 2013). "A fan's guide to Talladega Superspeedway from A (for Aaron's) to Z (how to catch some Z's)". The Birmingham News. Retrieved February 21, 2016.
  3. ^ "Nascar Rookies Vie for Top Honors".
  4. ^ "Nascar Rookies Vie for Top Honors".
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1994_NASCAR_Winston_Cup_Series&oldid=1248090905"