1996 NASCAR Winston Cup Series

1996 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season
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The 1996 NASCAR Winston Cup Series started on February 18, 1996 and ended on November 10, 1996 with Terry Labonte pulling off a massive upset and winning his second championship.

1996 Team Chart

Team	Car(s)	#	Driver(s)	Primary Sponsor(s)	Listed Owner(s)	Crew Chief
Bahari Racing	Pontiac Grand Prix	30	Johnny Benson (R)	Pennzoil	Chuck Rider	Doug Hewitt
Bill Davis Racing	Pontiac Grand Prix	22	Ward Burton	MBNA	Bill Davis	Chris Hussey
Bobby Allison Motorsports	Ford Thunderbird	12	Derrike Cope	Mane 'N Tail/Badcock	Bobby Allison	Jimmy Fennig
Brett Bodine Racing	Ford Thunderbird	11	Brett Bodine	Lowe's	Diane Bodine	Donnie Richeson
Bud Moore Engineering	Ford Thunderbird	15	Wally Dallenbach, Jr.	Hayes Modems	Bud Moore	Jimmy Means
Butch Mock Motorsports	Ford Thunderbird	75	Morgan Shepherd	Remington Arms	Butch Mock	Troy Selberg
Cale Yarborough Motorsports	Ford Thunderbird	98	Jeremy Mayfield John Andretti	RCA	Cale Yarborough	Tony Furr
Darrell Waltrip Motorsports	Chevrolet Monte Carlo	17	Darrell Waltrip	Parts America	Darrell Waltrip	Pete Peterson
David Blair Motorsports	Ford Thunderbird	27	Elton Sawyer	n/a	David Blair	Mike Hill
Diamond Ridge Motorsports	Chevrolet Monte Carlo	29	Steve Grissom Greg Sacks	Hanna-Barbera/Cartoon Network	Gary Bechtel	Bill Ingle
Donlavey Racing	Ford Thunderbird	90	Mike Wallace Dick Trickle	Heilig-Meyers	Junie Donlavey	Bob Johnson
Elliott-Hardy Racing Team	Ford Thunderbird	94	Bill Elliott	McDonald's	Charles Hardy	Joe Garone
FILMAR Racing	Ford Thunderbird	81	Kenny Wallace	Square D	Filbert Marcotti	Gil Martin
Geoff Bodine Racing	Ford Thunderbird	7	Geoff Bodine	QVC	Geoff Bodine	Paul Andrews
Hendrick Motorsports	Chevrolet Monte Carlo	5	Terry Labonte	Kellogg's Corn Flakes	Rick Hendrick	Gary DeHart
		24	Jeff Gordon	DuPont		Ray Evernham
		25	Ken Schrader	Budweiser	Joe Hendrick	Phil Hammer
Jasper Motorsports	Ford Thunderbird	77	Bobby Hillin, Jr.	Jasper Engines & Transmissions	Doug Bawel	Michael McSwain
Joe Gibbs Racing	Chevrolet Monte Carlo	18	Bobby Labonte	Interstate Batteries	Joe Gibbs	Jimmy Makar
Kranefuss/Haas Racing Team	Ford Thunderbird	37	John Andretti Jeremy Mayfield	Kmart/Little Caesars	Michael Kranefuss	Paul Andrews
Larry Hedrick Motorsports	Chevrolet Monte Carlo	41	Ricky Craven	Kodiak	Larry Hedrick	Charley Pressley
Leo Jackson Motorsports	Chevrolet Monte Carlo	33	Robert Pressley	Skoal	Leo Jackson	Andy Petree
Marcis Auto Racing	Chevrolet Monte Carlo	71	Dave Marcis	Prodigy	Helen Marcis	Terry Fisher
Melling Racing	Ford Thunderbird	9	Lake Speed	Spam	Harry Melling	Jim Long
Morgan-McClure Motorsports	Chevrolet Monte Carlo	4	Sterling Marlin	Eastman Kodak	Larry McClure	Tony Glover
NEMCO Motorsports	Chevrolet Monte Carlo	87	Joe Nemechek	Burger King	Andrea Nemechek	Jeff Buice
Penske Racing South	Ford Thunderbird	2	Rusty Wallace	Miller Genuine Draft	Roger Penske	Robin Pemberton
Petty Enterprises	Pontiac Grand Prix	43	Bobby Hamilton	STP	Richard Petty	Robbie Loomis
Precision Products	Pontiac Grand Prix	1	Rick Mast	Hooters	Richard Jackson	Kevin Hamlin
Richard Childress Racing	Chevrolet Monte Carlo	3	Dale Earnhardt	GM Goodwrench Service Plus	Richard Childress	David Smith
Robert Yates Racing	Ford Thunderbird	28	Ernie Irvan	Texaco/Havoline	Robert Yates	Larry McReynolds
		88	Dale Jarrett	Quality Care Service/Ford Credit		Todd Parrott
Roush Racing	Ford Thunderbird	6	Mark Martin	Valvoline	Jack Roush	Steve Hmiel
		16	Ted Musgrave	Family Channel	Geoff Smith	Howard Comstock
		99	Jeff Burton	Exide Batteries	Robert Corn	Buddy Parrott
Rudd Performance Motorsports	Ford Thunderbird	10	Ricky Rudd	Tide	Linda Rudd	Richard Broome
SABCO Racing	Pontiac Grand Prix	42	Kyle Petty	Coors Light	Felix Sabates	William Woodruff
Smokin' Joe's Racing	Ford Thunderbird	23	Jimmy Spencer	Camel Cigarettes	Travis Carter	Donnie Wingo
Stavola Brothers Racing	Ford Thunderbird	8	Hut Stricklin	Circuit City	Billy Stavola	Phillipe Lopez
Tri-Star Motorsports	Ford Thunderbird	19	Loy Allen Jr.	Healthsource	Mark Smith	Jeff Hammond
Wood Brothers Racing	Ford Thunderbird	21	Michael Waltrip	Citgo	Glen Wood	Wood Brothers

Busch Clash

The Budweiser Shootout is the exhibition race that honors the drivers who won a pole in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series that the driver won the previous year. Dale Jarrett won his first Busch Clash. Rick Mast won the random draw for the pole.

Top Ten Results

1. 88-Dale Jarrett
2. 4-Sterling Marlin
3. 3-Dale Earnhardt
4. 5-Terry Labonte
5. 25-Ken Schrader
6. 10-Ricky Rudd
7. 6-Mark Martin
8. 94-Bill Elliott
9. 24-Jeff Gordon
10. 16-Ted Musgrave

Gatorade Twin 125s

The Gatorade Twin 125s, qualifying races for the Daytona 500, were held on February 15.

Race One Top Ten Results

1. 3-Dale Earnhardt
2. 4-Sterling Marlin
3. 5-Terry Labonte
4. 88-Dale Jarrett
5. 15-Wally Dallenbach, Jr.
6. 21-Michael Waltrip
7. 22-Ward Burton
8. 6-Mark Martin
9. 90-Mike Wallace
10. 23-Jimmy Spencer

Race Two Top Ten Results

1. 28-Ernie Irvan
2. 25-Ken Schrader
3. 37-John Andretti
4. 24-Jeff Gordon
5. 10-Ricky Rudd
6. 75-Morgan Shepherd
7. 98-Jeremy Mayfield
8. 99-Jeff Burton
9. 27-Elton Sawyer
10. 16-Ted Musgrave

Daytona 500

Main article: 1996 Daytona 500

Goodwrench Service 400

The Goodwrench Service 400 was held on February 25 on the North Carolina Speedway. The #5 of Terry Labonte won the pole.

Top Ten Results

1. 3-Dale Earnhardt
2. 88-Dale Jarrett
3. 41-Ricky Craven
4. 10-Ricky Rudd
5. 29-Steve Grissom
6. 4-Sterling Marlin
7. 81-Kenny Wallace
8. 12-Derrike Cope, 1 Lap down
9. 87-Joe Nemechek, 1 Lap down
10. 1-Rick Mast, 2 Laps down

• On Lap 343 Earnhardt and Bobby Hamilton had traded the lead three times in the previous three laps when Earnhardt punted Hamilton in Turn Four; Hamilton scraped the wall and later crashed because of damage from the earlier scrape.

Failed to qualify: 27-Elton Sawyer, 78-Randy MacDonald, 93-Gary Bradberry, 63-Dick Trickle

Pontiac Excitement 400

The Pontiac Excitement 400 was run on March 3 on the Richmond International Raceway. Terry Labonte won the pole.

Top Ten Results

1. 24-Jeff Gordon
2. 88-Dale Jarrett
3. 16-Ted Musgrave
4. 99-Jeff Burton
5. 6-Mark Martin
6. 43-Bobby Hamilton
7. 2-Rusty Wallace
8. 5-Terry Labonte
9. 10-Ricky Rudd
10. 94-Bill Elliott

Failed to qualify: 78-Randy MacDonald, 02-Robbie Faggart

• Coming into this race, Terry Labonte was 30th and Jeff Gordon was 43rd in the points standings. After this race they were 17th and 27th, respectively.

Purolator 500

The Purolator 500 was run on March 10 on the Atlanta Motor Speedway. The #30 of Johnny Benson won the pole, but crashed in Happy Hour, forcing him to a backup car (and the back of the field for the start).

Top Ten Results

1. 3-Dale Earnhardt
2. 5-Terry Labonte
3. 24-Jeff Gordon
4. 28-Ernie Irvan
5. 98-Jeremy Mayfield
6. 25-Ken Schrader
7. 23-Jimmy Spencer, 1 Lap down
8. 10-Ricky Rudd, 1 Lap down
9. 21-Michael Waltrip, 1 Lap down
10. 94-Bill Elliott, 1 Lap down

Failed to qualify: 65-Steve Seligman, 78-Randy MacDonald, 99-Jeff Burton

TranSouth Financial 400

The TranSouth Financial 400 was run on March 24 on the Darlington Raceway. Ward Burton won the pole.

Top Ten Results

1. 24-Jeff Gordon
2. 18-Bobby Labonte
3. 41-Ricky Craven
4. 2-Rusty Wallace
5. 5-Terry Labonte
6. 6-Mark Martin
7. 16-Ted Musgrave
8. 75-Morgan Shepherd, 1 Lap down
9. 10-Ricky Rudd, 1 Lap down
10. 99-Jeff Burton, 1 Lap down

Failed to Qualify: 95-Chuck Bown, 78-Randy MacDonald, 02-Robby Faggart, 32-Jimmy Hensley

Food City 500

The Food City 500 was run on March 31 on the Bristol Motor Speedway. Mark Martin won the pole. The race was shortened to 342 laps due to rain.

Top Ten Results

1. 24-Jeff Gordon
2. 5-Terry Labonte
3. 6-Mark Martin
4. 3-Dale Earnhardt
5. 2-Rusty Wallace
6. 88-Dale Jarrett
7. 18-Bobby Labonte, 1 Lap down
8. 19-Dick Trickle, 1 Lap down
9. 41-Ricky Craven, 1 Lap down
10. 21-Michael Waltrip, 2 Laps down

Failed to qualify: 90-Mike Wallace, 37-John Andretti, 30-Johnny Benson, 71-Dave Marcis, 77-Bobby Hillin, Jr., 95-Chuck Bown

First Union 400

The First Union 400 was run on April 14 on the North Wilkesboro Speedway. Terry Labonte won the pole.

Top Ten Results

1. 5-Terry Labonte
2. 24-Jeff Gordon
3. 3-Dale Earnhardt
4. 33-Robert Pressley
5. 4-Sterling Marlin
6. 28-Ernie Irvan, 1 Lap down
7. 41-Ricky Craven, 1 Lap down
8. 43-Bobby Hamilton, 2 Laps down
9. 25-Ken Schrader, 2 Laps down
10. 18-Bobby Labonte, 2 Laps down

Failed to Qualify: 71-Dave Marcis, 78-Randy MacDonald, 90-Mike Wallace, 22-Ward Burton, 77-Bobby Hillin Jr.

Goody's Headache Powder 500

The Goody's Headache Powder 500 was run on April 21 on the Martinsville Speedway. The #41 of Ricky Craven won the pole.

Top Ten Results

1. 2-Rusty Wallace
2. 28-Ernie Irvan
3. 24-Jeff Gordon
4. 98-Jeremy Mayfield
5. 3-Dale Earnhardt
6. 43-Bobby Hamilton, 1 Lap down
7. 25-Ken Schrader, 2 Laps down
8. 18-Bobby Labonte, 2 Laps down
9. 16-Ted Musgrave, 2 Laps down
10. 4-Sterling Marlin, 2 Laps down

Failed to qualify: 78-Randy MacDonald, 27-Elton Sawyer, 29-Steve Grissom, 19-Dick Trickle, 77-Bobby Hillin, Jr., 15-Wally Dallenbach, Jr., 22-Ward Burton

• Terry Labonte, by starting this race, broke the record for most consecutive starts with his 514th consecutive start. The previous record, 513, was held by Richard Petty. A special "Iron Man" paint scheme was used to commemorate this feat.

Winston Select 500

The Winston Select 500 was run on April 28 on the Talladega Superspeedway. Ernie Irvan won the pole.

Two major accidents marred the race: Bill Elliott suffered a broken femur after going airborne and landing driver side-first in a single-car crash on lap 77. Then "The Big One" hit on lap 130, collecting 14 cars and sending the #41 of Ricky Craven flying into the catchfence and nearly over it. He was not seriously injured. The race was stopped on lap 131 because Craven's car completely destroyed the catchfence in turn 2. Bob Jenkins, ESPN's lap-by-lap announcer, was so shocked by the crash that he said on live feed "Oh shit!", when Craven's car was flipping. Sterling Marlin won by passing the entire field on three separate occasions after pitstops.

Top Ten Results

1. 4-Sterling Marlin
2. 88-Dale Jarrett
3. 3-Dale Earnhardt
4. 5-Terry Labonte
5. 21-Michael Waltrip
6. 29-Steve Grissom
7. 33-Robert Pressley
8. 16-Ted Musgrave
9. 37-John Andretti
10. 30-Johnny Benson

Failed to qualify: 73-Phil Barkdoll, 65-Steve Seligman, 77-Bobby Hillin Jr., 0-Delma Cowart, 97-Chad Little

Save Mart Supermarkets 300

The Save Mart Supermarkets 300 was run on May 5 on the Sears Point Raceway. Terry Labonte won the pole.

Top Ten Results

1. 2-Rusty Wallace
2. 6-Mark Martin
3. 15-Wally Dallenbach, Jr.
4. 3-Dale Earnhardt
5. 5-Terry Labonte
6. 24-Jeff Gordon
7. 10-Ricky Rudd
8. 25-Ken Schrader
9. 18-Bobby Labonte
10. 22-Ward Burton

Failed to Qualify: 07-Geoffrey Bodine, 45-Chad Little, 20-Mark Krogh, 03-Joe Bean, 58-Wayne Jacks, 02-Bill McAnally, 07W-Lance Hooper (Note: Bodine replaced Dave Rezendes in the #7 in the race)

The Winston

The Winston is the 2nd exhibition race run each year at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Michael Waltrip won the Winston Open. Jeff Gordon won the pole.

Top 10 Results

1. 21-Michael Waltrip
2. 2-Rusty Wallace
3. 3-Dale Earnhardt
4. 6-Mark Martin
5. 5-Terry Labonte
6. 10-Ricky Rudd
7. 28-Ernie Irvan
8. 24-Jeff Gordon
9. 88-Dale Jarrett
10. 4-Sterling Marlin

Coca-Cola 600

The Coca-Cola 600 was run on May 26 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.

Top Ten Results

1. 88-Dale Jarrett
2. 3-Dale Earnhardt
3. 5-Terry Labonte
4. 24-Jeff Gordon
5. 25-Ken Schrader, 1 Lap down
6. 4-Sterling Marlin, 1 Lap down
7. 6-Mark Martin, 1 Lap down
8. 21-Michael Waltrip, 1 Lap down
9. 28-Ernie Irvan, 2 Laps down
10. 7-Geoff Bodine, 2 Laps down

• Johnny Benson was knocked unconscious briefly when his Pontiac hit the Turn Two wall then slid into the path of Ricky Craven, who blasted through the rear deck of his car at full speed.

Failed to qualify: 78-Randy MacDonald, 63-Ed Berrier, 26-Hermie Sadler, 49-Mark Gibson, 02-Robbie Faggart, 0-Delma Cowart, 57-Steve Seligman

Miller 500 (Dover)

The Miller 500 was run on June 2 on the Dover Downs International Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.

Top Ten Results

1. 24-Jeff Gordon
2. 5-Terry Labonte
3. 3-Dale Earnhardt
4. 28-Ernie Irvan
5. 18-Bobby Labonte, 1 Lap down
6. 23-Jimmy Spencer, 1 Lap down
7. 2-Rusty Wallace, 1 Lap down
8. 10-Ricky Rudd, 1 Lap down
9. 99-Jeff Burton, 1 Lap down
10. 25-Ken Schrader, 1 Lap down

• No DNQs

UAW-GM Teamwork 500

The UAW-GM Teamwork 500 was run on June 16 on the Pocono Raceway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.

Top Ten Results

1. 24-Jeff Gordon
2. 10-Ricky Rudd
3. 7-Geoff Bodine
4. 6-Mark Martin
5. 43-Bobby Hamilton
6. 75-Morgan Shepherd
7. 5-Terry Labonte
8. 23-Jimmy Spencer
9. 99-Jeff Burton
10. 94-Todd Bodine

Failed to qualify: 71-Dave Marcis

• Todd Bodine was subbing for Bill Elliott, who was still recovering from his broken femur at Talladega.
• It was the first race at Pocono since the track was repaved; the lead changed two to three times a lap on some ten separate laps during the race's first half, primarily between Gordon, Hut Stricklin, and Derrike Cope.

Miller 400 (Michigan)

The Miller 400 was run on June 23 on the Michigan International Speedway. The #43 of Bobby Hamilton won the pole.

Top Ten Results

1. 2-Rusty Wallace
2. 5-Terry Labonte
3. 4-Sterling Marlin
4. 23-Jimmy Spencer
5. 28-Ernie Irvan
6. 24-Jeff Gordon
7. 6-Mark Martin
8. 16-Ted Musgrave
9. 3-Dale Earnhardt
10. 88-Dale Jarrett

• No DNQs

Pepsi 400

The Pepsi 400 was run on July 6 on the Daytona International Speedway. Jeff Gordon started on the pole. The race was shortened to 117 laps due to rain.

Top Ten Results

1. 4-Sterling Marlin
2. 5-Terry Labonte
3. 24-Jeff Gordon
4. 3-Dale Earnhardt
5. 28-Ernie Irvan
6. 88-Dale Jarrett
7. 21-Michael Waltrip
8. 25-Ken Schrader
9. 11-Brett Bodine
10. 23-Jimmy Spencer

Failed to qualify: 57-Steve Seligman

• Bill Elliott returned in this race from his broken femur suffered back at Talladega.
• Morning rain delayed the start for 3 hours. After only 117 of 160 laps, the race was red flagged and ended for rain once again.

Jiffy Lube 300

The Jiffy Lube 300 was run on July 14 on the New Hampshire International Speedway. The #41 of Ricky Craven won the pole.

Top Ten Results

1. 28-Ernie Irvan
2. 88-Dale Jarrett
3. 10-Ricky Rudd
4. 99-Jeff Burton
5. 33-Robert Pressley
6. 5-Terry Labonte
7. 2-Rusty Wallace
8. 25-Ken Schrader
9. 30-Johnny Benson
10. 21-Michael Waltrip

• No DNQs
• This was Ernie Irvan's 1st victory since his comeback from his near-fatal injuries at Michigan in 1994.

Miller 500 (Pocono)

The Miller 500 was run on July 21 on the Pocono Raceway. Mark Martin won the pole.

Top Ten Results

1. 2-Rusty Wallace
2. 10-Ricky Rudd
3. 88-Dale Jarrett
4. 28-Ernie Irvan
5. 30-Johnny Benson
6. 4-Sterling Marlin
7. 24-Jeff Gordon
8. 9-Lake Speed
9. 6-Mark Martin
10. 12-Derrike Cope

• No DNQs

DieHard 500

The DieHard 500 was run on July 28 on the Talladega Superspeedway. The #98 of Jeremy Mayfield won the pole. The race started late due to rain delays, and was marred by "The Big One" on lap 117 that injured Dale Earnhardt after he, Ernie Irvan and Sterling Marlin got together, sending Earnhardt and Marlin head-on into the tri-oval wall at approximately 200 miles per hour. Earnhardt flipped onto his roof and collected 11 other cars. Earnhardt took a hit to the roof from Robert Pressley's #33 and another big hit from Derrike Cope's #12. Earnhardt suffered a broken collarbone and sternum in the crash. Marlin suffered several contusions from the hard impact. Due to darkness caused by the rain delay and red flag, it was shortened to 129 laps.

Top Ten Results

1. 24-Jeff Gordon
2. 88-Dale Jarrett
3. 6-Mark Martin
4. 28-Ernie Irvan
5. 23-Jimmy Spencer
6. 7-Geoffrey Bodine
7. 99-Jeff Burton
8. 18-Bobby Labonte
9. 17-Darrell Waltrip
10. 2-Rusty Wallace

Failed to Qualify: 97-Chad Little

• This is the last points race in NASCAR that was tape delayed. The rain delay made CBS transfer to golf. One week later, one day after the Brickyard 400, the race was finally televised.

Brickyard 400

The Brickyard 400 was run on August 3 on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The #24 of Jeff Gordon won the pole.

Top Ten Results

1. 88-Dale Jarrett
2. 28-Ernie Irvan
3. 5-Terry Labonte
4. 6-Mark Martin
5. 75-Morgan Shepherd
6. 10-Ricky Rudd
7. 2-Rusty Wallace
8. 30-Johnny Benson
9. 1-Rick Mast
10. 94-Bill Elliott

Failed to qualify: 91-Ron Barfield, 27-Jason Keller, 78-Randy MacDonald, 46-Stacy Compton, 02-Robbie Faggart, 50-A.J. Foyt, 57-Steve Seligman, 44-Jeff Purvis, 19-Loy Allen Jr., 49-Erik Smith, 63-Mike Wallace

• Dale Earnhardt had to be relieved by Mike Skinner as a result of the injuries Earnhardt suffered the previous week at Talladega. Skinner took over the car during the first caution and drove the car to a 15th place finish.

• Kyle Petty & Sterling Marlin had a bad crash coming off Turn 4 when Petty's Right Front tire burst. The car was sent into the wall and then slid into Marlin; Marlin hit Petty in the driver side and Petty's car slid into the wall again with Mark Martin slipping by, and then into the inside wall

• During the weekend a fight erupted in the garage area between Ernie Irvan and Sterling Marlin and some crewmen from Morgan-McClure Motorsports over the crash at Talladega the previous weekend. Some of Marlin's crew had posted signs in the garage area deriding Irvan and mocking his eyesight.

The Bud At The Glen

The Bud At The Glen was run on August 11 at Watkins Glen International. Dale Earnhardt won the pole with a new track record of 120.733 mph while driving with the injuries suffered 2 weeks earlier. When asked what he thought of the lap, he was quoted as saying "It hurt so good." 1994 NASCAR Busch Series Champion David Green was standing by to relieve Earnhardt during the race, but Earnhardt decided to drive the full race. Geoff Bodine from nearby Chemung broke a 55-race winless streak, dating back to October 2 in the 1994 Tyson Holly Farms 400.

Top Ten Results

1. 7-Geoff Bodine
2. 5-Terry Labonte
3. 6-Mark Martin
4. 24-Jeff Gordon
5. 18-Bobby Labonte
6. 3-Dale Earnhardt
7. 21-Michael Waltrip
8. 87-Joe Nemechek
9. 75-Morgan Shepherd
10. 15-Wally Dallenbach, Jr.

Failed to qualify: 34-Mike McLaughlin

• This was the last Winston Cup Series win for Geoff Bodine.
• Geoff Bodine had won by the "short pitting" strategy. This was the first time in a NASCAR that it was done, and it would set a new strategy for future NASCAR crew chiefs to use for races.

GM Goodwrench Dealer 400

The GM Goodwrench Dealer 400 was run on August 18 at the Michigan International Speedway. Jeff Burton won the pole.

Top Ten Results

1. 88-Dale Jarrett
2. 6-Mark Martin
3. 5-Terry Labonte
4. 28-Ernie Irvan
5. 24-Jeff Gordon
6. 18-Bobby Labonte
7. 30-Johnny Benson
8. 10-Ricky Rudd
9. 99-Jeff Burton
10. 23-Jimmy Spencer

Failed to Qualify: 14-Ron Hornaday Jr., 27-Elton Sawyer

Goody's Headache Powder 500 ((Bristol))

The Goody's Headache Powder 500 was run on August 24 at the Bristol Motor Speedway. Mark Martin won the pole.

Top Ten Results

1. 2-Rusty Wallace
2. 24-Jeff Gordon
3. 6-Mark Martin
4. 88-Dale Jarrett
5. 5-Terry Labonte
6. 21-Michael Waltrip
7. 23-Jimmy Spencer
8. 22-Ward Burton
9. 10-Ricky Rudd
10. 43-Bobby Hamilton

Failed to Qualify: 77-Bobby Hillin Jr.

Mountain Dew Southern 500

The Mountain Dew Southern 500 was run on September 1 at the Darlington Raceway. 88-Dale Jarrett won the pole and had the chance to win the Winston Million if he won the race. Jarrett lost his chance at the bonus after hitting oil early in the race.

Top Ten Results

1. 24-Jeff Gordon
2. 8-Hut Stricklin
3. 6-Mark Martin
4. 25-Ken Schrader, 1 Lap down
5. 37-John Andretti, 1 Lap down
6. 18-Bobby Labonte, 1 Lap down
7. 28-Ernie Irvan, 1 Lap down
8. 4-Sterling Marlin, 1 Lap down
9. 94-Bill Elliott, 1 Lap down
10. 9-Lake Speed, 1 Lap down

Failed to Qualify: 78-Randy MacDonald, 87-Joe Nemechek, 40-Jay Sauter, 02-Robby Faggart

Miller 400 (Richmond)

The Miller 400 was run on September 7 at the Richmond International Raceway. Mark Martin won the pole.

Top Ten Results

1. 28-Ernie Irvan
2. 24-Jeff Gordon
3. 99-Jeff Burton
4. 88-Dale Jarrett
5. 5-Terry Labonte
6. 2-Rusty Wallace
7. 43-Bobby Hamilton
8. 12-Derrike Cope
9. 6-Mark Martin
10. 30-Johnny Benson

Failed to Qualify: 46-Stacy Compton, 40-Jay Sauter, 95-Gary Bradberry

• A driver change happened during the week after Darlington. Kranefuss-Haas Racing's #37 and Cale Yarborough Motorsports' #98 switched drivers. So John Andretti moved to the #98 and Jeremy Mayfield moved to the #37.

MBNA 500

The MBNA 500 was run on the September 15 at the Dover Downs International Speedway. Bobby Labonte won the pole. On lap 456, a wreck involving the #23 of Jimmy Spencer, the #16 of Ted Musgrave, the #11 of Brett Bodine and the #15 of Wally Dallenbach Jr. occurred on the front straight. Spencer blamed Dallenbach for the wreck, and after the cars rolled to a stop, Spencer got out of his car, ran over to Dallenbach's, and tried to punch Wally through the window net. Spencer had to be restrained by a Winston Cup official. Another fight occurred in the garage area when Derrike Cope crashed and was assaulted by crew chief Larry McReynolds over an earlier wreck that eliminated Ernie Irvan; as cars stopped on pit road after the race a third spat occurred as Kyle Petty and Michael Waltrip got into an argument.

Top Ten Results

1. 24-Jeff Gordon
2. 2-Rusty Wallace
3. 88-Dale Jarrett
4. 18-Bobby Labonte
5. 6-Mark Martin
6. 1-Rick Mast
7. 22-Ward Burton
8. 42-Kyle Petty
9. 21-Michael Waltrip
10. 43-Bobby Hamilton

Failed to Qualify: 49-Eric Smith

Hanes 500

The Hanes 500 was run on September 22 at the Martinsville Speedway. Bobby Hamilton won the pole.

Top Ten Results

1. 24-Jeff Gordon
2. 5-Terry Labonte
3. 43-Bobby Hamilton
4. 1-Rick Mast
5. 98-John Andretti
6. 75-Morgan Shepherd
7. 7-Geoff Bodine
8. 42-Kyle Petty
9. 6-Mark Martin, 1 Lap down
10. 81-Kenny Wallace, 1 Lap down

Failed to Qualify: 12-Derrike Cope, 11-Brett Bodine, 29-Chad Little, 22-Ward Burton, 78-Billy Standridge, 95-Gary Bradberry

• This is the fastest Martinsville race in NASCAR history, with an average speed of 82.223 mph.

Tyson Holly Farms 400

The Tyson Holly Farms 400 was run on September 29 at the North Wilkesboro Speedway. Ted Musgrave won the pole. It was the final NASCAR race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, which closed down after the race. It was the only track other than Martinsville that NASCAR had been running at since NASCAR's first full season in 1949.

Top Ten Results

1. 24-Jeff Gordon
2. 3-Dale Earnhardt
3. 88-Dale Jarrett
4. 99-Jeff Burton
5. 5-Terry Labonte
6. 1-Rick Mast
7. 10-Ricky Rudd
8. 43-Bobby Hamilton
9. 6-Mark Martin
10. 2-Rusty Wallace

Failed to qualify: 22-Ward Burton, 90-Dick Trickle, 95-Gary Bradberry

• This was the final race until New Hampshire in September 2007 that had every car running at the finish.

UAW-GM Quality 500

The UAW-GM Quality 500 was run on October 6 at the Lowes Motor Speedway. The #18 of Bobby Labonte won the pole.

Top Ten Results

1. 5-Terry Labonte
2. 6-Mark Martin
3. 88-Dale Jarrett
4. 4-Sterling Marlin
5. 41-Ricky Craven
6. 3-Dale Earnhardt
7. 22-Ward Burton
8. 2-Rusty Wallace
9. 21-Michael Waltrip
10. 94-Bill Elliott

• Ernie Irvan escaped serious injury in a savage melee when he spun in Turn Two, clipped Robert Pressley and Robby Gordon, then slid into the path of John Andretti, who blasted off the nose of Irvan's Ford while Gordon hit the inside concrete wall and dislodged it.

Failed to Qualify: 87-Joe Nemechek, 95-Gary Bradberry, 71-Dave Marcis, 02-Robbie Faggart, 0-Delma Cowart

AC Delco 400

The AC Delco 400 was run on October 20 at the North Carolina Motor Speedway. Dale Jarrett won the pole.

Top Ten Results

1. 10-Ricky Rudd
2. 88-Dale Jarrett
3. 5-Terry Labonte
4. 28-Ernie Irvan
5. 99-Jeff Burton
6. 18-Bobby Labonte
7. 6-Mark Martin
8. 2-Rusty Wallace
9. 3-Dale Earnhardt
10. 23-Jimmy Spencer

Failed to Qualify: 60-Ed Berrier, 79-Norm Benning, 82-Terry Byers

Dura Lube 500

The Dura Lube 500 was run on October 27 at the Phoenix International Raceway. Bobby Labonte won the pole.

Top Ten Results

1. 43-Bobby Hamilton
2. 6-Mark Martin
3. 5-Terry Labonte
4. 16-Ted Musgrave
5. 24-Jeff Gordon
6. 7-Geoff Bodine
7. 28-Ernie Irvan
8. 88-Dale Jarrett
9. 18-Bobby Labonte
10. 17-Darrell Waltrip

Failed to Qualify: 20-Mark Krogh, 00-Scott Gaylord, 35-Larry Gunselman, 38-Rich Woodland, 03-Joe Bean, 02-Bill McAnnally

• This was Bobby Hamilton's first career Winston Cup Series win, and the first for the Petty Enterprises team since 1983 (it was the first for the #43 car since 1984, when Richard Petty won driving for Mike Curb).

NAPA 500

The NAPA 500 was run on November 10 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. Bobby Labonte won the pole.

Top Ten Results

1. 18-Bobby Labonte
2. 88-Dale Jarrett
3. 24-Jeff Gordon
4. 3-Dale Earnhardt
5. 5-Terry Labonte
6. 43-Bobby Hamilton
7. 6-Mark Martin
8. 10-Ricky Rudd
9. 99-Jeff Burton
10. 2-Rusty Wallace

Failed to Qualify: 12-Derrike Cope, 37-Jeremy Mayfield, 90-Dick Trickle, 81-Kenny Wallace, 27-Ron Barfield, 42-Kyle Petty

NASCAR Suzuka Thunder Special 100

The NASCAR Suzuka Thunder Special 100 was a non points exhibition race ran on November 23 at the Suzuka Circuit – East Circuit. Rusty Wallace won the pole. This was the first ever NASCAR race in Japan.

Top Ten Results

1. 2-Rusty Wallace
2. 3-Dale Earnhardt
3. 24-Jeff Gordon
4. 5-Terry Labonte
5. 15-Wally Dallenbach, Jr.
6. 30-Johnny Benson
7. 77-Bobby Hillin, Jr.
8. 31-Mike Skinner
9. 61-Rick Carelli
10. 38-Butch Gilliland

Final Points Standings

1. 5-Terry Labonte – 4657
2. 24-Jeff Gordon – 4620
3. 88-Dale Jarrett – 4568
4. 3-Dale Earnhardt – 4327
5. 6-Mark Martin – 4278
6. 10-Ricky Rudd – 3845
7. 2-Rusty Wallace – 3717
8. 4-Sterling Marlin – 3682
9. 43-Bobby Hamilton – 3639
10. 28-Ernie Irvan – 3632
11. 18-Bobby Labonte – 3590
12. 25-Ken Schrader – 3540
13. 99-Jeff Burton – 3538
14. 21-Michael Waltrip – 3535
15. 23-Jimmy Spencer – 3476
16. 16-Ted Musgrave – 3465
17. 7-Geoff Bodine – 3218
18. 1-Rick Mast – 3190
19. 75-Morgan Shepherd – 3133
20. 41-Ricky Craven – 3078
21. 30-Johnny Benson – 3004
22. 8-Hut Stricklin – 2854
23. 9-Lake Speed – 2834
24. 11-Brett Bodine – 2814
25. 15-Wally Dallenbach, Jr. – 2786
26. 37-Jeremy Mayfield – 2721
27. 42-Kyle Petty – 2696
28. 81-Kenny Wallace – 2694
29. 17-Darrell Waltrip – 2657
30. 94-Bill Elliott – 2627
31. 98-John Andretti – 2621
32. 29-Robert Pressley – 2485
33. 22-Ward Burton – 2411
34. 87-Joe Nemechek – 2391
35. 12-Derrike Cope – 2374
36. 90-Dick Trickle – 2131
37. 77-Bobby Hillin, Jr. – 2128
38. 71-Dave Marcis – 2047
39. Steve Grissom – 1188
40. 33-Todd Bodine – 991
41. Mike Wallace – 799
42. 40-Greg Sacks – 710
43. 20-Elton Sawyer – 705
44. 97-Chad Little – 627
45. 19-Loy Allen Jr. – 603
46. 95-Gary Bradberry – 591
47. Mike Skinner – 529
48. Jeff Purvis – 328
49. Jeff Green – 247
50. Randy MacDonald – 228

Driver Rankings

Color	Result
Gold	Winner
Silver	Finished 2nd-5th
Bronze	Finished 6th-10th
Green	Finished 11th-20th
Blue	Finished 21st-30th
Orange	Finished 31st-40th
Purple	Finished 41st-44th
Yellow	Did Not Finish (DNF)
Black	Disqualified (DSQ)
Red	Did Not Qualify (DNQ)
Tan	Withdrew From Race (Wth)
Blank	Did Not Participate (DNP)
	Injured or ill (INJ)
	Excluded (EX)
	Did not arrive (DNA)
	Replaced (Rpl)

Pos	##	Driver	DAY	ROC	RIC	ATL	DAR	BRI	NWK	MAR	TAL	SON	600	DOV	POC	MIC	DAY	NHS	POC	TAL	IMS	WTK	MIC	BRI	DAR	RIC	DOV	MAR	NWK	CHA	ROC	PHX	ATL	Points	Behind
1	5	T. Labonte	24	34	8	2	5	2	1	24	4	5	3	2	7	2	2	6	16	24	3	2	3	5	26	5	21	2	5	1	3	3	5	4657	Champion
2	24	J. Gordon	42	40	1	3	1	1	2	3	33	6	4	1	1	6	3	34	7	1	37	4	5	2	1	2	1	1	1	31	12	5	3	4620	−37
3	88	Jarrett	1	2	2	11	15	6	11	29	2	12	1	36	38	10	6	2	3	2	1	24	1	4	14	4	3	16	3	3	2	8	2	4568	−89
4	3	Earnhardt	2	1	31	1	14	4	3	5	3	4	2	3	32	9	4	12	14	28	15	6	17	24	12	20	16	15	2	6	9	12	4	4327	−330
5	6	Martin	4	32	5	26	6	3	37	21	34	2	7	40	4	7	11	33	9	3	4	3	2	3	3	9	5	9	9	2	7	2	7	4278	−379
6	10	Rudd	9	4	9	8	9	14	15	23	28	7	15	8	2	31	33	3	2	37	6	34	8	9	16	12	34	35	7	13	1	14	8	3845	−812
7	2	R. Wallace	16	22	7	36	4	5	33	1	30	1	34	7	31	1	31	7	1	10	7	33	39	1	38	6	2	36	10	8	8	40	10	3717	−940
8	4	Marlin	40	6	11	13	11	18	5	10	1	15	6	41	11	3	1	29	6	29	39	11	33	18	8	21	17	31	11	4	13	27	15	3682	−975
9	43	Hamliton	20	24	6	16	16	32	8	6	11	17	31	21	5	15	16	20	39	17	31	38	13	10	19	7	10	3	8	19	28	1	6	3639	−1018
10	28	Irvan	35	14	38	4	33	16	6	2	31	42	9	4	39	5	5	1	4	4	2	35	4	36	7	1	36	12	36	37	4	7	36	3632	−1025
11	18	B. Labonte	17	32	23	31	2	7	10	8	24	9	22	5	41	12	40	31	37	9	24	5	6	32	6	11	4	21	13	40	6	9	1	3590	−1067
12	25	K. Schrader	3	29	14	6	28	29	9	7	20	8	5	10	18	16	8	8	15	26	16	25	15	13	4	13	22	30	18	29	23	35	30	3540	−1117
13	99	J. Burton	5	13	4	DNQ	10	23	29	22	16	26	18	9	9	17	14	4	35	7	11	21	9	37	31	3	40	11	4	11	5	31	9	3538	−1119
14	21	M. Waltrip	10	35	36	9	29	10	17	17	5	22	8	11	14	31	7	10	13	42	28	7	25	6	33	14	9	14	12	9	14	16	11	3535	−1122
15	23	Spencer	11	27	29	7	32	13	31	19	40	21	17	6	8	4	10	17	24	5	12	19	10	7	23	30	30	19	20	16	10	18	14	3476	−1181
16	16	Musgrave	7	31	3	18	7	25	12	9	8	23	30	13	19	8	13	11	19	36	21	12	23	12	29	15	33	20	19	17	18	4	31	3466	−1191
17	7	G. Bodine	34	39	33	23	22	19	19	27	26	40*	10	30	3	21	34	15	11	6	20	1	12	39	21	17	11	7	30	20	15	6	26	3218	−1439
18	1	Mast	28	10	19	34	19	12	14	15	15	19	12	35	28	18	20	13	30	41	9	27	16	35	22	20	6	4	6	15	38	38	13	3190	−1467
19	75	Shepherd	31	37	32	30	8	30	27	20	43	24	29	32	6	11	15	22	17	14	5	9	11	19	24	23	18	6	14	23	29	17	28	3133	−1524
20	41	Craven	13	3	17	12	3	9	7	12	36	31	37	14	17	29	22	26	20	19	34	36	18	21	42	28	35	26	22	5	22	34	35	3078	−1579
21	30	Benson (R)	23	20	37	38	24	DNQ	24	25	10	18	38	17	25	37	25	9	5	18	8	15	7	28	11	10	24	17	17	14	40	32	27	3004	−1653
22	8	Stricklin	22	30	39	25	20	11	16	31	22	13	28	34	29	27	19	23	32	34	18	37	26	20	2	24	38	25	16	25	11	30	17	2854	−1803
23	9	L. Speed	14	25	18	41	25	35	35	11	42	16	35	26	34	19	29	24	8	30	13	17	32	16	10	31	13	28	25	12	35	28	19	2834	−1823
24	11	B. Bodine	32	28	25	24	27	20	23	18	23	20	24	24	40	22	9	16	27	22	22	14	28	14	28	25	27	DNQ	23	28	16	26	21	2814	−1843
25	15	Dallenbach	6	23	40	20	37	24	28	DNQ	12	3	19	22	12	13	12	18	33	32	17	10	34	25	25	33	29	22	34	33	36	15	40	2786	−1871
26	37	Mayfield	19	19	28	5	18	21	20	4	32	32	41	12	15	30	27	36	12	16	25	22	20	17	37	29	15	34	28	43	34	44	DNQ	2721	−1936
27	42	Petty	18	11	20	22	12	15	30	30	18	30	23	18	20	38	24	28	26	12	38	23	INJ	INJ	17	19	8	8	31	41	25	29	DNQ	2696	−1961
28	81	K. Wallace	21	7	15	37	17	34	18	14	14	27	32	20	37	32	38	19	36	20	33	31	37	15	13	38	20	10	15	30	19	37	DNQ	2694	−1963
29	17	D. Waltrip	29	16	27	32	34	26	25	16	21	14	13	39	30	25	26	37	40	10	40	18	22	11	32	22	39	23	27	42	21	10	37	2657	−2000
30	94	Elliott	8	15	10	10	13	28	21	13	41	INJ	INJ	INJ	INJ	INJ	37	14	21	13	10	DNP	14	DNP	9	16	28	18	21	10	32	21	20	2627	−2030
31	98	J. Andretti	38	38	12	21	40	DNQ	34	36	9	11	27	33	16	24	23	40	23	39	19	26	31	38	5	36	14	5	24	39	26	19	24	2621	−2036
32	29	Pressley	30	26	16	27	36	17	4	34	7	34	33	Rpl	33	23	17	5	25	31	30	30	41	33	27	26	32	32	33	32	37	36	33	2485	−2172
33	22	W. Burton	26	41	13	15	38	33	DNQ	DNQ	27	10	11	16	35	35	41	25	22	33	36	32	35	8	40	37	7	DNQ	DNQ	7	17	22	12	2411	−2246
34	87	Nemechek	39	9	34	17	31	31	36	26	13	41	25	25	21	36	18	35	34	15	27	8	27	34	DNQ	39	25	27	26	DNQ	24	25	34	2391	−2266
35	12	Cope	41	8	22	35	39	22	13	28	29	39	14	23	27	40	42	38	10	27	14	16	24	29	34	8	31	DNQ	37	18	39	43	DNQ	2374	−2283
36	90	Trickle	43	DNQ	DNP	14	35	8	22	DNQ	19	29	20	28	26	39	28	27	18	38	23	39	38	26	36	27	23	13	DNQ	35	31	20	DNQ	2131	−2526
37	77	Hillin	DNQ	18	26	28	41	DNQ	DNQ	DNQ	DNQ	43	26	29	13	14	32	21	38	35	26	29	19	22*	18	32	12	24	35	36	33	39	16	2128	−2529
38	71	Marcis	15	21	35	29	23	DNQ	DNQ	35	39	33	40	31	DNQ	26	36	39	28	11	35	28	40	27	30	34	26	29	29	DNQ	30	24	25	2047	−2610
39		Grissom	27	5	21	39	26	27	26	DNQ	6	25	16	42	22	34	Rpl																	1188	−3469
40	33	T. Bodine											36	15	10	20									15	35				21	20	11	32	991	−3666
41		M. Wallace	37	17	24	33	21	DNQ	DNQ	32	38	44	39	19	Rpl						DNQ		29											799	−3858
42		Sacks												27			39	30	29	25	32	DNP	30	Rpl						24			18	710	−3947
43	20	Sawyer	25	DNQ	30	19	30	37	32	DNQ	37	21	Rpl										DNQ										23	705	−3952
44	97	Little	33								DNQ	DNQ	43							DNQ			36	23	20	40	41	DNQ		22			22	627	−4030
45	19	Allen	36	36	INJ	INJ	INJ	INJ	INJ	INJ	INJ	INJ	INJ	INJ	23	28	30			21	DNQ				41					34			39	603	−4054
46	95	Bradberry (R)		DNQ										38			35			23	29			30	35	DNQ	37	DNQ	DNQ	DNQ	27		38	591	−4066
47		Skinner		12				36			17																19					13		529	−4128
48		Purvis	12								35						21			40	DNQ													328	−4329
49		J. Green													36				41										32	26				247	−4410
50		MacDonald (R)		DNQ	DNQ	DNQ	DNQ		DNQ	DNQ			DNQ		24			32	31		DNQ				DNQ									228	−4429
51	78	Standridge																										DNQ		27	41		29	198	−4459
52		Jim Sauter	DNQ																				21	31										170	−4487
53		C. Bown	DNQ			40	DNQ	DNQ			25		42																					168	−4489
54	52	Sprague																														23	42	136	−4521
55		D. Schroeder																				13												129	−4528
56		Compton								33											DNQ					DNQ		33						128	−4529
57		R. Gordon																												38	42	42		123	−4534
58		Leitzinger																				20												103	−4554
59		J. Krogh										35																				41		98	−4559
60		Kendall										28																						84	−4573
61		Hooper										DNQ																				33		64	−4593
62		Gunselman										36																				DNQ		55	−4602
63		H. Sadler											DNQ	37																				52	−4605
63		Woodland										37																				DNQ		52	−4605
65		Gaylord										38																				DNQ		49	−4608
66		Berrier											DNQ												39						DNQ			46	−4611
67	02	R. Baker																															41	40	−4617
Pos	##	Driver	DAY	ROC	RIC	ATL	DAR	BRI	NWK	MAR	TAL	SON	600	DOV	POC	MIC	DAY	NHS	POC	TAL	IMS	WTK	MIC	BRI	DAR	RIC	DOV	MAR	NWK	CHA	ROC	PHX	ATL
		Seligman (R)	DNQ			DNQ					DNQ		DNQ				DNQ				DNQ
		Leslie	DNQ
		Cowart	DNQ								DNQ		DNQ																	DNQ
		J. Bown	DNQ
		Ruttman	DNQ
		Faggart			DNQ		DNQ						DNQ								DNQ				DNQ					DNQ
		Hensley					DNQ
		Barkdoll									DNQ
		M. Krogh										DNQ																				DNQ
		Bean										DNQ																				DNQ
		Jacks										DNQ
		McAnnally										DNQ																				DNQ
		Gibson											DNQ
	27	Barfield																			DNQ												DNQ
		Keller																			DNQ
		A.J. Foyt																			DNQ
		Smith																			DNQ						DNQ
		McLaughlin																				DNQ
		Hornaday																					DNQ
		Jay Sauter																							DNQ	DNQ
		Benning																													DNQ
		Byers																													DNQ
Pos	##	Driver	DAY	ROC	RIC	ATL	DAR	BRI	NWK	MAR	TAL	SON	600	DOV	POC	MIC	DAY	NHS	POC	TAL	IMS	WTK	MIC	BRI	DAR	RIC	DOV	MAR	NWK	CHA	ROC	PHX	ATL

• Geoff Bodine failed to qualify car #07 at Sonoma, but his Craftsman Truck driver Dave Rezendes timed in 23rd. Team owner Geoff Bodine drove the qualified entry, but considering that the 7 car had a provisional available, it is unclear why Bodine entered both cars.
• Bobby Hillin, Jr. failed to qualify his regular ride at Bristol, but filled in for Bill Elliott who was still feeling effects from his nasty crash at Talladega.
• Races in bold indicate the four Winston Million events.
• Results in bold indicate Pole position.
• Results in italics indicate leading the most laps.

Rookie of the Year

Johnny Benson was the only rookie to make a full-time run in the 1996 season, making him the 1996 Rookie of the Year. Benson ended the year with one top-5, six top 10's, and one pole. Gary Bradberry, Randy MacDonald, and Stacy Compton all made attempts at the award as well, but did not run enough times to catch Benson.

External links

• Winston Cup Standings and Statistics for 1996

This page uses some content from Wikipedia. The original article was at 1996 NASCAR Winston Cup Series. The list of authors can be seen in the page history. As with Autopedia, the text of Wikipedia is available under the GNU Free Documentation License.