Skip to content
Surf Wiki
Save to docs
general/1985-nascar-winston-cup-series

From Surf Wiki (app.surf) — the open knowledge base

1985 NASCAR Winston Cup Series

37th season of NASCAR stock-car racing


37th season of NASCAR stock-car racing

NASCAR at Dover in 1985

The 1985 NASCAR Winston Cup Series was the 37th season of professional stock car racing in the United States and the 14th modern-era Cup series season. The season began on Sunday, February 10 and ended on Sunday, November 17. Darrell Waltrip, driving for Junior Johnson, was crowned champion (for the third time in his career) at the end of the season. Bill Elliott, driving for Harry Melling, had won 11 races in 1985 (as well as the Winston Million), but lost the title by 101 points to three-time race winner Waltrip. This was the first season where all races were televised in some form.

Teams and drivers

DO NOT ADD TO THIS SECTION UNLESS YOU HAVE RELIABLE, CREDIBLE SOURCES TO BACK UP YOUR EDIT. ANY INFORMATION WITHOUT REFERENCES - ! – WILL BE DELETED ON SIGHT. NO MATTER HOW "LIKELY" IT IS THAT A DRIVER WILL BE SIGNED BY A TEAM, EVERYTHING IS TO BE CONSIDERED PURE SPECULATION UNTIL SUCH TIME AS THE TEAM OR A CREDIBLE NEWS SOURCE (ie NASCAR.com, Fox Sports, ESPN, etc) REPORTS ON IT, OR ELSE IT WILL BE REQUESTED THAT THIS PAGE BE FULLY PROTECTED --

Complete schedule

There were 23 full-time teams in 1985.

ManufacturerTeamNo.Race DriverCrew ChiefBuickChevroletFordOldsmobilePontiacBuick 8
Chevrolet 1
Ford 4Chrysler 5
Dodge 1
Ford 22
**Race Hill Farm Team**47Ron BouchardJake Elder
**Stavola Brothers Racing**8Bobby Hillin Jr.
**Hamby Motorsports**17Ken Ragan 6
Phil Parsons 14
Bosco Lowe 1
Lennie Pond 7
**Hendrick Motorsports**5Geoff BodineHarry Hyde
**Junior Johnson & Associates**11Darrell WaltripJeff Hammond
12Neil BonnettDoug Richert
**Mach 1 Racing**33Harry GantTravis Carter
**Marcis Auto Racing**71Dave Marcis
**Richard Childress Racing**3Dale EarnhardtKirk Shelmerdine
**Bud Moore Engineering**15Ricky RuddBud Moore
**Donlavey Racing**90Ken Schrader **(R)**
**Langley Racing**64Clark Dwyer
**Melling Racing**9Bill ElliottErnie Elliott
**Wood Brothers Racing**7Kyle PettyLeonard Wood
**Baker-Schiff Racing**88Buddy Baker
**Hagan Racing**44Terry LabonteDale Inman
**Blue Max Racing**27Tim RichmondBarry Dodson
**Cliff Stewart Racing**2Rusty WallaceDarrell Bryant
**Curb Racing**43Richard PettyMike Beam
**Means Racing**52Jimmy Means
**RahMoc Enterprises**75Lake SpeedBob Rahilly
**Bobby Allison Motorsports**22Bobby AllisonReds Kagle
**Arrington Racing**67Morgan Shepherd 1
Phil Good 1
Buddy Arrington 26Joey Arrington 26

Limited schedule

ManufacturerTeamNo.Race DriverCrew ChiefRound(s)BuickChevrolet 5
Buick 6ChevroletChryslerDodgeFordOldsmobilePontiac
**Bahre Racing**23Dick May1
**Booher Farms**65Joe Booher1
**Ulrich Racing**D. K. Ulrich1
**Buck Baker Racing**87Randy Baker3
**Stolarcyk Racing**Mike Stolarcyk1
**Cooper Racing**80Edward Cooper1
**DiGard Motorsports**22Bobby AllisonRobin Pemberton15
77Greg Sacks13
**Edwards Racing**32Jonathan Lee Edwards1
401
411
**Elliott Racing**72Brent ElliottKermit Elliott4
**Kieper Racing**98Jim Bown1
**Newsom Racing**20Rick Newsom4
**Osborne Racing**16Bill Osborne2
**Petris Racing**63Dale Perry1
**U.S. Racing**50Jim Southard4
**Wawak Racing**74Bobby Wawak8
**Adcox Racing**29Grant Adcox2
**Anderson Racing**08Craig Spetman2
**Bahre Racing**23Morgan Shepherd1
Jim Hull1
Eldon Dotson1
**Ball Racing**99Connie Saylor6
Blair Aiken2
**Beahr Racing**35Bud Hickey1
**Benfield Racing**98Trevor Boys6
**Stoke Racing**Ron Esau1
**Kieper Racing**Jim Bown1
**Billy Matthews Racing**09Dick Trickle2
**Bob Johnson Racing**07Randy LaJoie2
**Bobby Hawkins Racing**16Butch Lindley1
Morgan Shepherd4
**Boys Racing**24Trevor Boys1
**Davis Racing**06Joe Thurman1
**Freelander Motorsports**18Tommy Ellis14
Glen Steurer2
**Hendrick Motorsports**1Dick Brooks1
**Ellington Racing**Charles PoalilloRunt Pittman1
Davey Allison3
Pancho Carter1
**Helen Rae Motorsports**00Jody Ridley1
Ed Sanger1
Phil Barkdoll2
Morgan Shepherd7
Sterling Marlin1
**Heveron Racing**10Doug Heveron1
**DiGard Motorsports**Greg Sacks1
**Gerhart Racing**25Bobby Gerhart5
**Henley Gray Racing**31Slick Johnson1
Steve Gray1
54Bobby Wawak1
**Goff Racing**79Dick Skillen2
**H. L. Waters Racing**0Delma Cowart6
**Hylton Racing**48Lennie Pond4
Don Hume **(R)**1
496
James Hylton1
Greg Sacks3
Trevor Boys13
Lennie Pond1
Ron Esau1
**Jackson Brothers Motorsports**55Benny ParsonsCliff Champion13
66Phil Parsons13
**Lain Motorsports**37Satch Worley1
**McCray Racing**45Rick McCray2
**Morris Racing**Rick Baldwin1
**McDuffie Racing**70J. D. McDuffie7
**Morgan-McClure Motorsports**4Joe RuttmanTony Glover16
**Newsom Racing**20Rick Newsom5
**Paul Racing**53Donny Paul2
**Scott Racing**Bill Scott3
Jeff Hooker1
**Ragan Racing**77Davey AllisonMarvin Ragan2
**Sacks & Sons**51Greg Sacks4
Cecil Gordon1
**Sadler Brothers Racing**95Sterling Marlin7
Mike Alexander4
**Schmitt Motorsports**73Bill Schmitt2
Steve Moore1
**Shepherd Racing**38Morgan Shepherd1
**Sims Brothers Racing**84Mike Alexander7
**Sonntag Racing**65Joey Sonntag1
**Booher Farms**Joe Booher1
**Stoner Racing**96Eldon Dotson1
**Terry Motorsports**32Ruben Garcia2
Tommy Houston1
**U.S. Racing**6Eddie Bierschwale **(R)**27
**Thomas Racing**41Glenn Jarrett1
Ronnie Thomas8
**Williams Racing**63Chuck Walton1
**Wawak Racing**74Bobby Wawak6
Rick Wilson1
**Good Racing**76Phil Good3
**Rick Baldwin Racing**04Rick Baldwin1
**MRE Racing**93Maurice Randall5
**Palmer Racing**Norm Palmer1
**St. James Racing**02St. James Davis1
**Good Racing**76Phil Good1
**Beahr Racing**35Dick May1
Morgan Shepherd1
**Bowman Racing**96Jerry Bowman5
**DiGard Motorsports**10Ken Ragan1
**Jefferson Racing**07Derrike Cope2
**McDuffie Racing**70J. D. McDuffie3
**McKnight Racing**83Sumner McKnight1
**Circle Bar Racing**31Chet Fillip1
**Pearson Racing**21David PearsonLeonard Wood12
Rick Wilson1
**Petty Enterprises**1Dick Brooks3
Morgan Shepherd1
**Ranier-Lundy Racing**28Cale YarboroughWaddell Wilson16
**Spohn Racing**05Dean Roper1
Slick Johnson5
51Doug Heveron1
Slick Johnson1
**Stahl Racing**82Mark Stahl3
**Terry Motorsports**32Alan Kulwicki2
383
**Walker Enterprises**68Mike Potter7
Jimmy Walker1
Ed Baugess1
**Wangerin Racing**39Blackie Wangerin2
**A. J. Foyt Enterprises**14A. J. Foyt7
**Earle Canavan Racing**01Earle Canavan1
**KC Racing**91John Krebs1
**Midgley Racing**29Scott AutreyDick Midgley1
**Williams Racing**78Jim Robinson2
**Bahre Racing**23Michael Waltrip5
**Blue Max Racing**72Sammy Swindell1
**Curb Racing**42Tom Sneva2
**DiGard Motorsports**10Dick Trickle1
**Francis Racing**03Glenn Francis1
**H. B. Bailey Racing**36H. B. Bailey2
**Leonard Racing**85Tommie Crozier4
**McDuffie Racing**0Jeff McDuffie1
70J. D. McDuffie18
**Mueller Brothers Racing**89Jim Sauter3
**Park Racing**19Bob Park3
**Riley Racing**60Bob Riley1
**Sosres Racing**94John Soares Jr.2
**Smith Motorsports**04Hershel McGriff2

Schedule

No.Race titleTrackDateNC12345678910NC111213141516171819202122232425262728
Busch ClashDaytona International Speedway, Daytona BeachFebruary 10
[7-Eleven Twin 125's](7-eleven-twin-125-s)February 14
Daytona 500 Consolation RaceFebruary 15
**Daytona 500**February 17
Miller High Life 400Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway, RichmondFebruary 24
Carolina 500North Carolina Motor Speedway, RockinghamMarch 3
Coca-Cola 500Atlanta International Raceway, HamptonMarch 17
Valleydale 500Bristol International Raceway, BristolApril 6
TranSouth 500Darlington Raceway, DarlingtonApril 14
Northwestern Bank 400North Wilkesboro Speedway, North WilkesboroApril 21
Sovran Bank 500Martinsville Speedway, RidgewayApril 28
**Winston 500**Alabama International Motor Speedway, TalladegaMay 5
Budweiser 500Dover Downs International Speedway, DoverMay 19
The WinstonCharlotte Motor Speedway, ConcordMay 25
**Coca-Cola World 600**May 26
Budweiser 400Riverside International Raceway, RiversideJune 2
Van Scoy Diamond Mine 500Pocono International Raceway, Long PondJune 9
Michigan 400Michigan International Speedway, BrooklynJune 16
Pepsi Firecracker 400Daytona International Speedway, Daytona BeachJuly 4
Summer 500Pocono International Raceway, Long PondJuly 21
Talladega 500Alabama International Motor Speedway, TalladegaJuly 28
Champion Spark Plug 400Michigan International Speedway, BrooklynAugust 11
Busch 500Bristol International Raceway, BristolAugust 24
**Southern 500**Darlington Raceway, DarlingtonSeptember 1
Wrangler Sanfor-Set 400Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway, RichmondSeptember 8
Delaware 500Dover Downs International Speedway, DoverSeptember 15
Goody's 500Martinsville Speedway, RidgewaySeptember 22
Holly Farms 400North Wilkesboro Speedway, North WilkesboroSeptember 29
Miller High Life 500Charlotte Motor Speedway, ConcordOctober 6
Nationwise 500North Carolina Motor Speedway, RockinghamOctober 20
Atlanta Journal 500Atlanta International Raceway, HamptonNovember 3
Winston Western 500Riverside International Raceway, RiversideNovember 17

Bold indicates the race was part of the Winston Million.

Races

No.RacePole positionMost laps ledWinning driverManufacturer12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728
Busch ClashRicky RuddTerry LabonteTerry LabonteChevrolet
7-Eleven 125 #1Bill ElliottBill ElliottBill ElliottFord
7-Eleven 125 #2Cale YarboroughUnknownCale YarboroughFord
Daytona 500 Consolation RaceRick NewsomRandy LaJoieRandy LaJoieChevrolet
Daytona 500Bill ElliottBill ElliottBill ElliottFord
Miller High Life 400Darrell WaltripDarrell WaltripDale EarnhardtChevrolet
Carolina 500Terry LabonteTerry LabonteNeil BonnettChevrolet
Coca-Cola 500Neil BonnettBill ElliottBill ElliottFord
Valleydale 500Harry GantDale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtChevrolet
TranSouth 500Bill ElliottBill ElliottBill ElliottFord
Northwestern Bank 400Darrell WaltripNeil BonnettNeil BonnettChevrolet
Sovran Bank 500Darrell WaltripHarry GantHarry GantChevrolet
Winston 500Bill ElliottCale YarboroughBill ElliottFord
Budweiser 500Terry LabonteBill ElliottBill ElliottFord
The WinstonTerry LabonteHarry GantDarrell WaltripChevrolet
Coca-Cola World 600Bill ElliottDale EarnhardtDarrell WaltripChevrolet
Budweiser 400Darrell WaltripTerry LabonteTerry LabonteChevrolet
Van Scoy Diamond Mine 500Bill ElliottGeoff BodineBill ElliottFord
Miller 400Bill ElliottDarrell WaltripBill ElliottFord
Pepsi Firecracker 400Bill ElliottBill ElliottGreg SacksChevrolet
Summer 500Darrell WaltripNeil BonnettBill ElliottFord
Talladega 500Bill ElliottBill ElliottCale YarboroughFord
Champion Spark Plug 400Bill ElliottDarrell WaltripBill ElliottFord
Busch 500Dale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtDale EarnhardtChevrolet
Southern 500Bill ElliottDale EarnhardtBill ElliottFord
Wrangler Sanfor-Set 400Geoff BodineTerry LabonteDarrell WaltripChevrolet
Delaware 500Bill ElliottHarry GantHarry GantChevrolet
Goody's 500Geoff BodineTim RichmondDale EarnhardtChevrolet
Holly Farms 400Geoff BodineHarry GantHarry GantChevrolet
Miller High Life 500Harry GantHarry GantCale YarboroughFord
Nationwise 500Terry LabonteCale YarboroughDarrell WaltripChevrolet
Atlanta Journal 500Harry GantBill ElliottBill ElliottFord
Winston Western 500Terry LabonteTerry LabonteRicky RuddFord

Busch Clash

The Busch Clash was run on February 10 at Daytona International Speedway. Ricky Rudd drew for the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 44 – Terry Labonte
  2. 11 – Darrell Waltrip
  3. 9 – Bill Elliott
  4. 5 – Geoff Bodine
  5. 33 – Harry Gant
  6. 15 – Ricky Rudd
  7. 88 – Buddy Baker
  8. 2 – Rusty Wallace
  9. 4 – Joe Ruttman
  10. 28 – Cale Yarborough

7-Eleven Twin 125's

The 7-Eleven Twin 125's were run on February 14 at Daytona. Bill Elliott won the pole for race 1 with a lap average speed of 205.114 mph. Cale Yarborough won the pole for race 2 with a lap average speed of 203.814 mph.

Race One Top Ten Results

  1. 9 – Bill Elliott
  2. 11 – Darrell Waltrip
  3. 55 – Benny Parsons
  4. 88 – Buddy Baker
  5. 15 – Ricky Rudd
  6. 1 – Dick Brooks
  7. 51 – Greg Sacks
  8. 47 – Ron Bouchard
  9. 5 – Geoff Bodine
  10. 12 – Neil Bonnett

Race Two Top Ten Results

  1. 28 – Cale Yarborough
  2. 21 – David Pearson
  3. 7 – Kyle Petty
  4. 43 – Richard Petty
  5. 33 – Harry Gant
  6. 66 – Phil Parsons
  7. 75 – Lake Speed
  8. 14 – A. J. Foyt
  9. 3 – Dale Earnhardt
  10. 95 – Sterling Marlin

Daytona 500 Consolation Race

For the final time to date, all 9 drivers that failed to qualify for the Daytona 500 were allowed to race in a 30 lap (75 mi) race on February 15. Rick Newsom was on the pole.

Full Results

FinishGridCar
no.DriverCar MakeLapsStatusLaps
LedMoney123456789Source:
507Randy LaJoieChevrolet Monte Carlo300:23:4636$3,500
741Glenn JarrettChevrolet Monte Carlo30-3 seconds0$500
637Satch WorleyChevrolet Monte Carlo30Flagged2$100
120Rick NewsomChevrolet Monte Carlo30Flagged3
205Dean RoperFord Thunderbird29-1 lap0
306Joe ThurmanChevrolet Monte Carlo29-1 lap0
965Joey SonntagChevrolet Monte Carlo28-2 laps0
482Mark StahlFord Thunderbird11Engine0
819Bob ParkPontiac Grand Prix2Engine0

Average speed: 189.341 mi Caution flags: none

Lead changes: 2From
lapTo
lapTotal
lapsDriver
133Rick Newsom
452Satch Worley
63025Randy LaJoie

Daytona 500

Main article: 1985 Daytona 500

The Daytona 500, the 27th running of the event, was held on February 17, 1985, at Daytona International Speedway, in Daytona Beach, Florida. Bill Elliott won the pole with a new track record (at the time) speed of 205.114 mph, he also won his qualifying race.

Top Ten Results

  1. 9 - Bill Elliott
  2. 75 - Lake Speed
  3. 11 - Darrell Waltrip -1 Lap
  4. 88 - Buddy Baker -1 Lap
  5. 15 - Ricky Rudd -1 Lap
  6. 51 - Greg Sacks -1 Lap
  7. 5 - Geoff Bodine -2 Laps
  8. 2 - Rusty Wallace -3 Laps
  9. 8 - Bobby Hillin Jr. -3 Laps
  10. 12 - Neil Bonnett -5 Laps (DNF: Engine Failure)

Miller High Life 400

The Miller High Life 400 was run on February 24 at Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway in Richmond, Virginia. Darrell Waltrip won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 3 – Dale Earnhardt
  2. 5 – Geoff Bodine
  3. 11 – Darrell Waltrip
  4. 47 – Ron Bouchard
  5. 33 – Harry Gant
  6. 44 – Terry Labonte
  7. 7 – Kyle Petty
  8. 71 – Dave Marcis
  9. 27 – Tim Richmond
  10. 75 – Lake Speed

Carolina 500

The Carolina 500 was run on March 3 at North Carolina Motor Speedway in Rockingham, North Carolina. Terry Labonte won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 12 – Neil Bonnett
  2. 33 – Harry Gant
  3. 44 – Terry Labonte
  4. 75 – Lake Speed
  5. 7 – Kyle Petty
  6. 4 – Joe Ruttman
  7. 28 – Cale Yarborough
  8. 43 – Richard Petty
  9. 2 – Rusty Wallace
  10. 3 – Dale Earnhardt

Coca-Cola 500

The Coca-Cola 500 was run on March 17 at Atlanta International Raceway in Atlanta, Georgia. For the final time in his Cup Series career Neil Bonnett won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 9 – Bill Elliott
  2. 5 – Geoff Bodine
  3. 12 – Neil Bonnett
  4. 15 – Ricky Rudd
  5. 22 – Bobby Allison
  6. 44 – Terry Labonte
  7. 47 – Ron Bouchard
  8. 55 – Benny Parsons
  9. 3 – Dale Earnhardt
  10. 51 – Greg Sacks

Valleydale 500

The Valleydale 500 at Bristol International Raceway in Bristol, Tennessee was originally scheduled to run on Sunday, March 31, 1985, but was postponed and ran Saturday, April 6 due to rain. Harry Gant won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 3 – Dale Earnhardt
  2. 15 – Ricky Rudd
  3. 44 – Terry Labonte -2 laps
  4. 88 – Buddy Baker -2 laps
  5. 2 – Rusty Wallace -3 laps
  6. 7 – Kyle Petty -5 laps
  7. 75 – Lake Speed -5 laps
  8. 43 – Richard Petty -5 laps
  9. 8 – Bobby Hillin Jr. -5 laps
  10. 90 – Ken Schrader (R) -11 laps
  • Earnhardt's victory came despite losing the power steering in his car during the race.

TranSouth 500

The TranSouth 500 was run on April 14 at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, South Carolina. Bill Elliott won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 9 – Bill Elliott
  2. 11 – Darrell Waltrip
  3. 27 – Tim Richmond
  4. 44 – Terry Labonte
  5. 2 – Rusty Wallace
  6. 12 – Neil Bonnett
  7. 5 – Geoff Bodine
  8. 66 – Phil Parsons
  9. 75 – Lake Speed
  10. 22 – Bobby Allison

Northwestern Bank 400

The Northwestern Bank 400 was run on April 21 at North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Darrell Waltrip won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 12 – Neil Bonnett
  2. 11 – Darrell Waltrip
  3. 22 – Bobby Allison
  4. 15 – Ricky Rudd
  5. 5 – Geoff Bodine
  6. 9 – Bill Elliott
  7. 44 – Terry Labonte
  8. 3 – Dale Earnhardt
  9. 75 – Lake Speed
  10. 33 – Harry Gant

Sovran Bank 500

The Sovran Bank 500 was run on April 28 at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Virginia. Darrell Waltrip won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 33 – Harry Gant
  2. 15 – Ricky Rudd
  3. 5 – Geoff Bodine
  4. 22 – Bobby Allison
  5. 12 – Neil Bonnett
  6. 44 – Terry Labonte
  7. 43 – Richard Petty
  8. 75 – Lake Speed
  9. 66 – Phil Parsons
  10. 2 – Rusty Wallace

Winston 500

The Winston 500 was run on May 5 at Alabama International Motor Speedway in Talladega, Alabama. Bill Elliott won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 9 – Bill Elliott
  2. 7 – Kyle Petty
  3. 28 – Cale Yarborough
  4. 22 – Bobby Allison
  5. 15 – Ricky Rudd
  6. 88 – Buddy Baker
  7. 44 – Terry Labonte
  8. 71 – Dave Marcis
  9. 8 – Bobby Hillin Jr.
  10. 75 – Lake Speed
  • Prior to this event, two-time Winston Cup champion Darrell Waltrip complained to NASCAR about how Bill Elliott was ruining the parity of the sport and he needed to be slowed down. As a result, NASCAR raised the height of the Ford vehicles by half an inch. The roof of the GM race cars was lowered by the same amount in order to improve their speed performance.
  • In spite of the last minute rule changes, Bill Elliott won the race but he was forced to make up two laps under green during the race from having to pit due to a broken oil fitting. With the victory, Elliott claimed the second leg of the Winston Million.
  • Fords also claimed 2nd & 3rd with Kyle Petty beating Cale Yarborough in a photo finish for 2nd.

Budweiser 500

The Budweiser 500 was run on May 19 at Dover Downs International Speedway in Dover, Delaware. Terry Labonte won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 9 – Bill Elliott
  2. 33 – Harry Gant
  3. 7 – Kyle Petty
  4. 15 – Ricky Rudd
  5. 11 – Darrell Waltrip
  6. 27 – Tim Richmond
  7. 43 – Richard Petty
  8. 75 – Neil Bonnett
  9. 71 – Dave Marcis
  10. 90 – Ken Schrader (R)
  • This would mark the first time since 1971 (when he occasionally drove Dodge Chargers) where independent driver J.D. McDuffie; who finished 31st, drove a vehicle other than a General Motors product, as he made the first of three appearances (along with the spring race at Pocono and a one-off with Bahre Racing at the Delaware 500 at Dover) driving a Ford. Unfortunately he finished 31st (of 32 cars) after completing 115 laps due to a broken valve in the engine.

The Winston

Main article: 1985 The Winston

The inaugural Winston was run on May 25 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. Terry Labonte won the pole due to being the defending NASCAR Winston Cup Champion.

Top Six Results

  1. 11 - Darrell Waltrip
  2. 33 - Harry Gant
  3. 44 - Terry Labonte
  4. 28 - Cale Yarborough
  5. 27 - Tim Richmond
  6. 22 - Bobby Allison
  • After Darrell Waltrip took the checkered flag his engine expired in spectacular fashion which potentially jeopardized him from being able to compete in the next days Coca-Cola 600.

Coca-Cola World 600

The Coca-Cola World 600 was run on May 26 at Charlotte. Bill Elliott won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 11 – Darrell Waltrip
  2. 33 – Harry Gant
  3. 22 – Bobby Allison
  4. 3 – Dale Earnhardt
  5. 44 – Terry Labonte
  6. 75 – Lake Speed
  7. 4 – Joe Ruttman
  8. 2 – Rusty Wallace
  9. 27 – Tim Richmond
  10. 1 – Dick Brooks
  • Bill Elliott had a chance to clinch the first Winston Million, and a then NASCAR record crowd of 155,000 spectators arrived to cheer him on. After considerable pre-race hype, Elliott led 81 laps, but fell short, however, as mechanical problems plagued much of his day. Elliott would finish in 18th, running 21 laps down to the winner. Elliott would have one more chance to claim the Million at Darlington in the Southern 500.
  • Darrell Waltrip gambled on fuel, stretching his tank over the final 110 laps to secure the victory. Waltrip (who won The Winston a day earlier) nearly missed the race after a car/engine swap controversy with NASCAR Director of Competition Dick Beatty.
  • This was the first NASCAR Winston Cup start for Michael Waltrip. He would finish 28th due to a transmission failure.
  • Final start for 10th-place finisher Dick Brooks.

Budweiser 400

The Budweiser 400 was run on June 2 at Riverside International Raceway in Riverside, California. Darrell Waltrip won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 44 – Terry Labonte
  2. 33 – Harry Gant
  3. 22 – Bobby Allison
  4. 15 – Ricky Rudd
  5. 7 – Kyle Petty
  6. 9 – Bill Elliott
  7. 43 – Richard Petty
  8. 11 – Darrell Waltrip
  9. 27 – Tim Richmond
  10. 90 – Ken Schrader (R)

Van Scoy Diamond Mine 500

Main article: 1985 Van Scoy Diamond Mine 500

The Van Scoy Diamond Mine 500 was run on June 9 at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. Bill Elliott won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 9 – Bill Elliott
  2. 33 – Harry Gant
  3. 11 – Darrell Waltrip
  4. 5 – Geoff Bodine
  5. 12 – Neil Bonnett
  6. 55 – Benny Parsons
  7. 15 – Ricky Rudd
  8. 88 – Buddy Baker
  9. 22 – Bobby Allison
  10. 27 – Tim Richmond

Miller 400

The Miller 400 was run on June 16 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan. Bill Elliott won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 9 – Bill Elliott
  2. 11 – Darrell Waltrip
  3. 28 – Cale Yarborough
  4. 27 – Tim Richmond
  5. 3 – Dale Earnhardt
  6. 22 – Bobby Allison
  7. 15 – Ricky Rudd
  8. 12 – Neil Bonnett
  9. 71 – Dave Marcis
  10. 55 – Benny Parsons

Pepsi Firecracker 400

The Pepsi Firecracker 400 was run on July 4 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. Bill Elliott won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 10 – Greg Sacks
  2. 9 – Bill Elliott
  3. 11 – Darrell Waltrip
  4. 47 – Ron Bouchard
  5. 7 – Kyle Petty
  6. 88 – Buddy Baker
  7. 15 – Ricky Rudd
  8. 44 – Terry Labonte
  9. 3 – Dale Earnhardt
  10. 21 – David Pearson
  • The race was won by Greg Sacks, who was driving as a Research & Development driver for DiGard Motorsports. His win caused Bobby Allison to leave the team.
  • This would be Sacks’ lone career win in Winston Cup competition.

Summer 500

Main article: 1985 Summer 500

The Summer 500 was run on July 21 at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. Darrell Waltrip won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 9 – Bill Elliott
  2. 12 – Neil Bonnett
  3. 11 – Darrell Waltrip
  4. 5 – Geoff Bodine
  5. 33 – Harry Gant
  6. 55 – Benny Parsons
  7. 7 – Kyle Petty
  8. 66 – Phil Parsons
  9. 47 – Ron Bouchard
  10. 88 – Buddy Baker
  • Bill Elliott completes his 1st of 4 track sweeps of 1985.

Talladega 500

The Talladega 500 was run on July 28 at Alabama International Motor Speedway in Talladega, Alabama. Bill Elliott won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 28 – Cale Yarborough
  2. 12 – Neil Bonnett
  3. 47 – Ron Bouchard
  4. 9 – Bill Elliott
  5. 14 – A. J. Foyt
  6. 43 – Richard Petty
  7. 33 – Harry Gant
  8. 75 – Lake Speed
  9. 11 – Darrell Waltrip
  10. 1 – Davey Allison*
  • This race was Davey Allison's Winston Cup debut.

Champion Spark Plug 400

The Champion Spark Plug 400 was run on August 11 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan. Bill Elliott won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 9 – Bill Elliott
  2. 11 – Darrell Waltrip
  3. 33 – Harry Gant
  4. 7 – Kyle Petty
  5. 55 – Benny Parsons
  6. 66 – Phil Parsons
  7. 2 – Rusty Wallace
  8. 10 – Dick Trickle
  9. 44 – Terry Labonte
  10. 67 – Buddy Arrington
  • Bill Elliott completes his 2nd of 4 track sweeps of 1985.

Busch 500

The Busch 500 was run on August 24 at Bristol International Raceway in Bristol, Tennessee. Dale Earnhardt won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 3 – Dale Earnhardt
  2. 27 – Tim Richmond
  3. 12 – Neil Bonnett
  4. 11 – Darrell Waltrip
  5. 9 – Bill Elliott
  6. 33 – Harry Gant
  7. 47 – Ron Bouchard
  8. 43 – Richard Petty
  9. 15 – Ricky Rudd
  10. 75 – Lake Speed
  • Dale Earnhardt would be the 2nd and final driver to do a track sweep in 1985 by sweeping both Bristol races.

Southern 500

Main article: 1985 Southern 500

The Southern 500 was run on September 1 at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, South Carolina. Bill Elliott won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 9 – Bill Elliott
  2. 28 – Cale Yarborough
  3. 5 – Geoff Bodine
  4. 12 – Neil Bonnett -1 Lap
  5. 47 – Ron Bouchard -1 Lap
  6. 15 – Ricky Rudd -1 Lap
  7. 44 – Terry Labonte -2 Laps
  8. 55 – Benny Parsons -2 Laps
  9. 4 – Joe Ruttman -3 Laps
  10. 7 – Kyle Petty -3 Laps
  • Bill Elliott won the Winston Million with the race victory.
  • With this victory Elliott had a 206-point lead in the standings with 8 races left in the season.
  • Elliott also completes the Darlington sweep for his 3rd of 4 track sweeps of 1985.

Wrangler Sanfor-Set 400

The Wrangler Sanfor-Set 400 was run on September 8 at Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway in Richmond, Virginia. Geoff Bodine won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 11 – Darrell Waltrip
  2. 44 – Terry Labonte
  3. 43 – Richard Petty
  4. 3 – Dale Earnhardt
  5. 15 – Ricky Rudd
  6. 33 – Harry Gant
  7. 5 – Geoff Bodine
  8. 7 – Kyle Petty
  9. 12 – Neil Bonnett
  10. 18 – Tommy Ellis
  • This race marked the Winston Cup Series debut of Alan Kulwicki, driving Bill Terry's #32 Ford. Kulwicki would finish 19th, 8 laps down.
  • By Elliott finishing 12th in this race, Darrell Waltrip gained 53 points on Elliott.

Delaware 500

The Delaware 500 was run on September 15 at Dover Downs International Speedway in Dover, Delaware. Bill Elliott won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 33 – Harry Gant
  2. 11 – Darrell Waltrip
  3. 15 – Ricky Rudd
  4. 22 – Bobby Allison
  5. 12 – Neil Bonnett
  6. 27 – Tim Richmond
  7. 3 – Dale Earnhardt
  8. 47 – Ron Bouchard
  9. 43 – Richard Petty
  10. 75 – Lake Speed
  • Elliott had a disastrous race finishing in 20th place 70 laps down. Waltrip gained 67 points, Elliott now only led by 86 points.

Goody's 500

The Goody's 500 was run on September 22 at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Virginia. Geoff Bodine won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 3 – Dale Earnhardt
  2. 11 – Darrell Waltrip
  3. 33 – Harry Gant
  4. 15 – Ricky Rudd
  5. 7 – Kyle Petty
  6. 47 – Ron Bouchard
  7. 27 – Tim Richmond
  8. 8 – Bobby Hillin Jr.
  9. 12 – Neil Bonnett
  10. 22 – Bobby Allison
  • Elliott had another disastrous race finishing in 17th place 33 laps down. Waltrip continued to chip away at Elliotts lead gaining 63 points, Elliott now only led by 23 points.

Holly Farms 400

The Holly Farms 400 was run on September 29 at North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Geoff Bodine won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 33 – Harry Gant
  2. 5 – Geoff Bodine
  3. 44 – Terry Labonte
  4. 3 – Dale Earnhardt
  5. 15 – Ricky Rudd
  6. 47 – Ron Bouchard
  7. 27 – Tim Richmond
  8. 43 – Richard Petty
  9. 71 – Dave Marcis
  10. 12 – Neil Bonnett
  • By virtue of Elliott being the second car out of the race finishing in 30th place (out of 31 starters) and Waltrip managing to finish in 14th even with car issues 7 laps down, Waltrip erased a 206 point deficit from Darlington and overtook Elliott in the standings. Waltrip now led Elliott by 30 points.
  • Following the race Harry Gant would enter a dry spell and not win a Cup Series race again until the 1989 spring Darlington race.

Miller High Life 500

The Miller High Life 500 was run on October 6 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. Harry Gant won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 28 – Cale Yarborough
  2. 9 – Bill Elliott
  3. 5 – Geoff Bodine
  4. 11 – Darrell Waltrip
  5. 4 – Joe Ruttman
  6. 27 – Tim Richmond
  7. 16 – Morgan Shepherd
  8. 88 – Buddy Baker
  9. 8 – Bobby Hillin Jr.
  10. 43 – Richard Petty
  • Cale Yarborough's win would be his 83rd and the final one of his career before retiring after 1988.
  • Elliott and Waltrip both led laps and by Elliott finishing in 2nd he sliced 10 points off Waltrips lead with just 20 points separating the two with three races remaining.

Nationwise 500

The Nationwise 500 was run on October 20 at a freshly repaved North Carolina Motor Speedway in Rockingham, North Carolina. Terry Labonte won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 11 – Darrell Waltrip
  2. 47 – Ron Bouchard
  3. 33 – Harry Gant
  4. 9 – Bill Elliott
  5. 5 – Geoff Bodine
  6. 27 – Tim Richmond
  7. 15 – Ricky Rudd
  8. 3 – Dale Earnhardt
  9. 2 – Rusty Wallace
  10. 77 – Greg Sacks
  • Elliott finishing three spots down in 4th lost ground to Waltrip by 15 points due to Waltrip winning. Waltrip now led by 35 points, with just Atlanta and Riverside left to settle the Championship.

Atlanta Journal 500

The Atlanta Journal 500 was run on November 3 at Atlanta International Raceway in Hampton, Georgia. Harry Gant won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 9 – Bill Elliott
  2. 28 – Cale Yarborough
  3. 11 – Darrell Waltrip
  4. 3 – Dale Earnhardt
  5. 16 – Morgan Shepherd
  6. 44 – Terry Labonte
  7. 75 – Lake Speed
  8. 33 – Harry Gant
  9. 77 – Greg Sacks
  10. 43 – Richard Petty
  • The race began under the green and yellow flags (starting under caution) due to an earlier rainstorm that drenched the track with the green flag displayed after the completion of lap 6.
  • 11th and final win of the season for Bill Elliott.
  • With this win, and as of 2022, Bill Elliott is the only driver in NASCAR history to pull off the season sweep at 4 different tracks in one season. Along with the season sweep at Atlanta, he swept Pocono, Michigan, and Darlington. In 2004 however, Jimmie Johnson pulled off the season sweep at 3 different tracks, coming close to tying Bill Elliott's record. The tracks Johnson pulled off the season sweep are Pocono, Charlotte, and Darlington.
  • With Elliott getting the bonus points for leading the most laps, Waltrip lost 15 points on his lead. Elliott now had a 20-point deficit going into the season finale at Riverside where he picked up his first Cup victory in 1983, while Waltrip had five wins at the road course. If Elliott won at Riverside then all Waltrip would have to do to win the title would be to finish no lower than seventh if he did not lead a lap. If DW led a lap then he could finish no lower than eighth to win the title. If he led the most laps then he could finish no lower than ninth.
  • Morgan Shepherd scored his only top five finish of 1985 driving for David Pearson's team.
  • Sprint car ace Sammy Swindell starts his first of two career Cup races. He finished 30th after a crash, he completed 242 of 328 laps.

Winston Western 500

Main article: 1985 Winston Western 500

The Winston Western 500 was run on November 17 at Riverside International Raceway in Riverside, California. Terry Labonte won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 15 – Ricky Rudd
  2. 44 – Terry Labonte
  3. 75 – Neil Bonnett
  4. 33 – Harry Gant
  5. 3 – Dale Earnhardt
  6. 5 – Geoff Bodine
  7. 11 – Darrell Waltrip
  8. 43 – Richard Petty
  9. 75 – Lake Speed
  10. 47 – Ron Bouchard
  • After winning the previous race, which was at Atlanta, Bill Elliott came into this race 2nd in points, only 20 points behind Darrell Waltrip, giving him a shot to rebound for the championship after a string of poor finishes in 4 of the last 5 races. During this race however, Elliott would suffer early transmission problems, and it would unfortunately cost him the championship. He finished the race in 31st. Waltrip clinched the title once he completed 99 laps of the race, he then finished in 7th, gaining 81 points on Elliott. Darrell Waltrip won his 3rd and final Winston Cup title, having won only three races to Bill Elliott's eleven. Elliott would officially lose the championship by 101 points. This would be the 1st time in Bob Latford's Winston Cup points system that a driver winning 10 or more races in a season failed to win the championship due to poor finishes and lack of consistency in the final stretch of the season.
  • This was the final race for Richard Petty driving for Mike Curb. Richard would take his number 43 with STP sponsorship home to Petty Enterprises for 1986.
  • This was the final race for Rusty Wallace driving for Cliff Stewart Racing. Rusty's season of misery concluded with a 36th-place finish due to engine failure completing 70 of 119 laps. This was Rusty's 12th DNF of the season, 10 of them were due to engine failures.

Full Drivers' Championship

(key) Bold – Pole position awarded by time. Italics – Pole position set by owner's points. * – Most laps led.

PosDriver[DAY](1985-daytona-500)RCHCARATLBRIDARNWSMARTALDOVCLTRIV[POC](1985-van-scoy-diamond-mine-500)MCHDAY[POC](1985-summer-500)TALMCHBRI[DAR](1985-southern-500)RCHDOVMARNWSCLTCARATL[RIV](1985-winston-western-500)Pts1429224191340334390253862638577368383561935281035071134131233121332671431401530911630241729861828711928672027802127402226412325482423962519442618612718532814612914273014103114063212263311073411003510463687937645386373963140509414504244343434444224541046406473564834349296502675126052251532495423455224562155720758197591946019161179621796317664173651706616167156681556915570143711407212573121741197510976109771037810079958098818882858385848285738673876788678961905891559255935594529549964997469846994610040101102103104105106107108109110111112113114115116117118119120121122123124125126127128129130131132133134135136137138139140141142143PosDriver[DAY](1985-daytona-500)RCHCARATLBRIDARNWSMARTALDOVCLTRIV[POC](1985-van-scoy-diamond-mine-500)MCHDAY[POC](1985-summer-500)TALMCHBRI[DAR](1985-southern-500)RCHDOVMARNWSCLTCARATL[RIV](1985-winston-western-500)Pts
Darrell Waltrip3**3***1816232**2****23**2451**8**32*3**3**92*417122144137
Bill Elliott**1***22291*11**1***613**1**1***18**6**1***1***2***1**4*****1***5**1**12**20**1730241*31
Harry Gant265224**20**14101*382222162457362161*31***24***3**8**4
Neil Bonnett10231**3**1961*5268152758122*21134959104215123
Geoff Bodine7212218753111116224*111442323253**7**25**24****2**35116
Ricky Rudd5253242254254134777141831965345157311
Terry Labonte256**3***634767**16**51*282282639929722427333**12**6**2***
Dale Earnhardt3211091*2482521254*403959392422**1***19*471420845
Kyle Petty377511612121123145141257254161081552822312927
Lake Speed2104407998102462512143411816101611101112122979
Tim Richmond3591130303112116699104283013402111467*7661737
Bobby Allison33163151310344133396181227362230284103114382617
Ron Bouchard384337171613282820293229134933875188662621610
Richard Petty342681383321727726733302927637812392281033108
Bobby Hillin Jr.911241292019189121217182815293826241321238179251913
Ken Schrader **(R)**11144017101314162010381015342115112019141516261525191523
Buddy Baker42925394273012622373581561014141115163531298111335
Dave Marcis248263724311626891112279233826122323171923934142818
Rusty Wallace8279275522103718824132641331771238133125253092136
Buddy Arrington1618251720151423223119231618161015182211212317162022
Phil Parsons2915194128815934293333111927831621392712201327131433
Clark Dwyer18183720142618172328231620252516203418262430191816244028
Jimmy Means14213028121517141230323722353223421527272313132138184120
Eddie Bierschwale **(R)**DNQ2315151929201932191834293117342120322927181921172432
Greg Sacks61310Wth35361613415332835202914161110921
Cale Yarborough36722303*4024336311322128*2
J. D. McDuffieDNQ2028232739242415313942253120402829DNQDNQ262815DNQ262725
Trevor Boys2724392939412426203230173134122223203740
Benny Parsons31832294261011636584133
Joe Ruttman1762629113073535331393354032
Morgan Shepherd153818271325393537302229277395
Bobby Wawak1327DNQ3432DNQ232737252127DNQDNQ17162034DNQ
Lennie Pond191314313017181913192539
Tommy Ellis2021173630303310263011403036
Mike Alexander1234232931241313262618
David Pearson282928362717103535394037
Sterling Marlin1625222534331229
Don Hume **(R)**19162123193337
Ronnie Thomas12342130DNQ40DNQ1914
Alan Kulwicki1921132722
Rick NewsomDNQ2836DNQDNQ213821DNQ32
Mike Potter1726DNQDNQ21DNQ312822
Jerry Bowman1937221435
Bobby Gerhart2731242524
A. J. Foyt3036305253238
Phil Good17QL173018DNQ
Ken Ragan213337QL1720DNQ2834
Slick Johnson20152136DNQ1729QL
Connie Saylor3522DNQ4041DNQ35
Jim Sauter233120DNQ
Glen Steurer1111
Jim Robinson13DNQ12
Dick Brooks22203810
Tommie CrozierDNQ1533DNQ37DNQ
Derrike Cope1519
Ruben Garcia2314
Michael Waltrip2818243139
Dick Trickle36836
Jim Bown2816
Bill Osborne2124
Bill Schmitt3415
John Soares Jr.1930
Brent Elliott282228DNQ
Rick BaldwinDNQ2823
Joe Booher2824
Hershel McGriff2926
Maurice Randall35DNQDNQ3739DNQDNQ
Phil Barkdoll3522
Jonathan Lee Edwards21DNQDNQDNQ36
Davey AllisonDNQDNQ101942
Grant Adcox2240
Blair Aiken3829
Summer McKnight14
H. B. Bailey35DNQ34
Rick Wilson2918
Dick SkillenDNQ18DNQDNQDNQ
Glenn Francis20
Mark StahlDNQDNQ21
Eldon Dotson38DNQ38DNQ
Delma Cowart40DNQDNQDNQDNQ37
Chet Fillip25
John Krebs26
Ed Sanger26
Jimmy WalkerDNQ27
Dale Perry30
Sammy Swindell30
Jim Hull32
Mike Stolarcyk32
Scott Autrey34
Donny PaulDNQ35
Earle Canavan36
Edward Cooper36
Tommy Houston36
Craig SpetmanDNQDNQ37
Bud Hickey38
Chuck Walton38
Doug Heveron3919DNQ
Norm Palmer39
Rick McCray4139
Ron EsauDNQ41
Dick May2225
Randy LaJoieDNQ14
Bob Riley14
Bosco Lowe17DNQ
Butch Lindley19
Randy BakerDNQDNQ21
Pancho Carter22
Jim Southard22DNQDNQDNQ
Jeff McDuffie23
Steve Gray26DNQ
James Hylton26
Cecil Gordon30
Bill ScottDNQ32DNQ
Tom SnevaDNQ32
D. K. Ulrich32
Charles Poalillo36
Jeff Hooker40
Jody RidleyDNQ
Dean RoperDNQ
Joe ThurmanDNQ
Satch WorleyDNQ
Glenn JarrettDNQ
Bob ParkDNQDNQDNQ
Joey SonntagDNQDNQ
Jim HallDNQ
Ed BaugessDNQDNQ
Blackie WangerinDNQDNQ
George WiltshireDNQDNQDNQ
John HaverDNQDNQ
St. James DavisDNQ
Pat MinteyDNQ
Jerry HoldenDNQDNQDNQ
Ferrel HarrisDNQ
Mike TilleyDNQ
Bryan BakerDNQ
Elton SawyerDNQ
Glenn SearsDNQ
Kirk BryantDNQ
Jon FontanaDNQ
Johnny Coy Jr.DNQ
Gary FedewaDNQ
Gary SowellDNQ
Buddie BoysDNQDNQ

Rookie of the year

Ken Schrader won the 1985 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rookie of the year. He beat out both Eddie Bierschwale (who failed to qualify for the Daytona 500 and skipped the next race) and Don Hume (who only competed in 7 races) for the honors.

References

References

  1. "Driver Season Stats".
  2. "Driver Season Stats".
  3. "Race Results".
  4. [http://georgiaracinghistory.com/2010/04/23/elliott-was-awesome-at-talladega-in-1985/ ''Elliott Was Awesome At Talladega In 1985''] at GeorgiaRacingHistory.com
  5. Jeff Hammond. "Darrell Waltrip's sweep in the 1985 Winston All-Star Race and Coca-Cola 600 despite controversy in Charlotte built a NASCAR champion". FOX Sports.
  6. "User Comments - the 1985 Nationwise 500".
  7. "Race Results".
Info: Wikipedia Source

This article was imported from Wikipedia and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Content has been adapted to SurfDoc format. Original contributors can be found on the article history page.

Want to explore this topic further?

Ask Mako anything about 1985 NASCAR Winston Cup Series — get instant answers, deeper analysis, and related topics.

Research with Mako

Free with your Surf account

Content sourced from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This content may have been generated or modified by AI. CloudSurf Software LLC is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of AI-generated content. Always verify important information from primary sources.

Report