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1994 NASCAR Winston Cup Series

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.

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

Complete schedule

Limited schedule

Schedule

Races

Busch Clash

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

Top ten results

  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 Daytona 500 practice, Neil Bonnett died of massive head injuries after losing control of his car 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 slammed into the outside retaining wall and catch fence in turn 2, with the caution light piercing through the roof.

Gatorade 125s

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

The 36th Daytona 500 was held on February 20 in Daytona International Speedway. Rookie 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

Failed to qualify: #89 - Jim Sauter, #41 - Joe Nemechek, #52 - Brad Teague, #45 - Rich Bickle, #34 - Bob Brevak, #02 - T. W. Taylor, #0 - Delma Cowart, #48 - Trevor Boys, #47 - Billy Standridge, #56 - Jerry Hill, #74 - Kerry Teague, #29 - Steve Grissom, #73 - Phil Barkdoll, #20 - Buddy Baker, #53 - Ritchie Petty, #61 - Rick Carelli, #31 - Ward Burton

  • This was Marlin's first career Cup Series victory, becoming the 5th driver in history to do score it in the Daytona 500.
  • Marlin's first victory came in his 279th start, which included eight 2nd-place finishes, tying Bill Elliott for most runner-up finishes before their first victory.
  • Despite not leading a single lap, Loy Allen Jr. became the first rookie to win the pole for the Daytona 500.
  • 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

The Goodwrench 500 was held February 27 at North Carolina Speedway. 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

  • This was Wallace's third consecutive Rockingham victory, joining Richard Petty as the only drivers to accomplish this feat.

Pontiac Excitement 400

The Pontiac Excitement 400 was held March 6 at Richmond International Raceway. 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, #66 - Mike Wallace

  • Dave Marcis served as a broadcaster for TBS Sports after failing to qualify.
  • This would be Rusty Wallace's 9th consecutive top-2 finish on a short track.
  • 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 finished 2 laps down in 18th.
  • Wally Dallenbach Jr. failing to qualify would be the first DNQ for Petty Enterprises since 1989.

Purolator 500

The Purolator 500 was held March 13 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. 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

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

The Food City 500 was held April 10 at Bristol International Raceway. 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: #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.
  • This was Dave Marcis' final Top 10 finish.
  • This was the final time in his career that Dale Earnhardt would win back-to-back Cup races.
  • Rusty Wallace's 7th-place finish ended his streak of 12 consecutive top-5 finishes on short tracks, but his streak of consecutive top-10 finishes on short tracks would continue at 14.

First Union 400

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: #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

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: #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*

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: #31 - Ward Burton, #9 - Rich Bickle, #80 - Jimmy Horton, #89 - Jim Sauter, #0 - Delma Cowart, #53 - Ritchie Petty, #02 - Ronnie Sanders

  • 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 victory to Formula One driver Ayrton Senna, who died earlier in the day at the San Marino Grand Prix.

Save Mart Supermarkets 300

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: #52 - Scott Gaylord, #55 - Jimmy Hensley, #32 - Dick Trickle, #48w - Jack Sellers, #19 - Loy Allen Jr., #86w - Rich Woodland Jr.

  • Ernie Irvan became the first driver to win a second time at Sonoma (he won this race previously in 1992).
  • The race was marred by a violent crash between Derrike Cope and John Krebs, in which Krebs' #9 car went through a tire barrier, up and over an embankment, and flipped over several times. Krebs escaped with only minor injuries.

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 victory.
  • John Andretti became the first driver to run both the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Andretti finished 10th earlier that day at Indy, but fell out of the race on lap 220 at Charlotte, finishing 36th. In total, Andretti completed 830 miles.

Budweiser 500

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

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

  • Chuck Bown suffered a broken right wrist, fractured left ankle, and a concussion in a lap 63 crash with Sterling Marlin, and would sit out for the rest of the season.
  • Bob Keselowski, father of 2012 Series champion Brad Keselowski, made his only career Cup Series start in this race, driving the #52 Ford for Jimmy Means. Keselowski would suffer a blown engine on lap 17, and finish 41st.

Miller Genuine Draft 400

The Miller Genuine Draft 400 was held June 19 at Michigan International Speedway. 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.

Pepsi 400

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: #52 - Brad Teague, #20 - Bobby Hillin Jr., #80 - Joe Ruttman, #43 - Wally Dallenbach Jr., #47 - Billy Standridge, #0 - Delma Cowart

  • This was Jimmy Spencer first career Cup Series victory, passing Ernie Irvan on the last lap, and barely edging him out at the line by 0.008 seconds.

Slick 50 300

The Slick 50 300 was held July 10 at New Hampshire International Speedway. 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

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

The DieHard 500 was held July 24 at Talladega Superspeedway. 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

  • Astronaut 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."
  • This was Jimmy Spencer's second and final Cup Series victory.
  • Spencer's victory would be the last for McDonald's as a primary sponsor until Talladega in 2021 with Bubba Wallace.

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.
  • Jimmy Spencer suffered bruising and a shattered scapula in a crash on lap 9, and would be forced to miss the next race.

The Bud at The Glen

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

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, #28 - Ernie Irvan* - Withdrew

  • During practice for this race, Ernie Irvan blew a tire in Turn 2 and slammed the outside wall at high-speed, suffering near-fatal head, chest, and lung injuries. The team withdrew from the race, and Irvan would be out for the rest of 1994 and most of 1995.
  • This was John Andretti's first start in the #43 Pontiac for Petty Enterprises, replacing Wally Dallenbach Jr.. Andretti started 2nd, the first front-row start for the team since July 1992, and finished 2 laps down in 17th.

Goody's 500

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

  • Starting with this race, Kenny Wallace would drive Ernie Irvan's #28 Ford for the rest of the season. Wallace finished a lap down in 13th.

Mountain Dew Southern 500

The Mountain Dew Southern 500 was held on September 4 at Darlington Raceway. 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

  • This would be Bill Elliott's first victory since the 1992 season finale, breaking a 53-race winless streak. This would also be Elliott's last victory until November 2001, 226 races later.
  • This would be Junior Johnson's final victory as a team owner.

Miller Genuine Draft 400

The Miller Genuine Draft 400 was held September 10 at Richmond International Raceway. 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

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

  • This was Rusty Wallace's third consecutive Dover victory, becoming the first driver to accomplish this feat.
  • This would be the final Dover race on asphalt, as the surface would be replaced with concrete next season.
  • 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. The race finished under caution and Wallace kept the lead.

Goody's 500

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

  • This was Rusty Wallace eighth victory of 1994, making this the second consecutive year Wallace won the most races in a season, winning 10 races in 1993.
  • This would be 4th and final time that Rusty Wallace scored the most victories in a single season.
  • Last career top-10 for Harry Gant.

Tyson Holly Farms 400

The Tyson Holly Farms 400 was held October 2 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Jimmy Spencer won the 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

  • As of 2026, this is the last time that a driver has won a Cup Series 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.
  • This would be the final Cup series points race victory for Hoosier Tires, as they would withdraw from the Cup Series after the season ended.

Mello Yello 500

The Mello Yello 500 was held October 9 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. 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's victory came 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 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

The AC Delco 500 was held October 23 at North Carolina Speedway. Ricky Rudd won the 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

  • By winning this race Dale Earnhardt clinched his 7th and final NASCAR Winston Cup Championship with 2 races to go, beating Rusty Wallace by 448 points. This would be the 4th and final time under the Latford points system that a driver would clinch the Cup Series championship with 2 or more races left in a season.
  • With this 7th championship, Earnhardt ties Richard Petty for most Championships in NASCAR Cup Series history.
  • As of 2024, Dale Earnhardt is the only driver in NASCAR history to win 7 championships under one points system, as Richard Petty won 7 titles under 5 points systems, and future 7-time champion Jimmie Johnson would win 7 titles under 4 points systems.
  • The race itself came down to a photo finish with Earnhardt prevailing over Rick Mast.

Slick 50 500

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 final 189 laps of the race were all under green flag conditions, leading to unusual gaps among the lead cars.
  • Even though he clinched the championship the week before at Rockingham, Dale Earnhardt would blow an engine at lap 91 and finish 40th.

Hooters 500

The Hooters 500 was held November 13 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. 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 ended the season with a 444-point lead over Mark Martin, the 4th largest point margin under the Bob Latford Winston Cup points system.
  • This was Jimmy Means' last start in the Cup Series as an owner, with Gary Bradberry driving. Bradberry would finish 52 laps down in 30th.
  • This was Harry Gant's last points race in the Cup Series, finishing 33rd due to an oil pan failure on lap 257. Gant would return to the Cup Series in the 1996 Winston Select, serving as a substitute driver for Bill Elliott.
  • Hoosier Tires made their last NASCAR Cup start in this race, with Goodyear returning to being the sole tire supplier for the series.
  • Rusty Wallace finished this race in 32nd due to engine issues, allowing race winner Mark Martin to overtake Wallace for 2nd in the final points standings.

Final points standings

()&nbsp;<span style="font-size:90%;">Bold&nbsp;- Pole position awarded by time. Italics&nbsp;- Pole position set by owner's points standings. *- Most laps led.</span>

Rookie of the Year

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. 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.

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

References

External links