1996 NASCAR Winston Cup Series



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.

Contents

1996 Team Chart

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

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

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

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

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.

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, 07-Lance Hooper

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

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

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

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

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.

The Bud At The Glen

The 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

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

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.

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

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 race ever held at North Wilkesboro Speedway, which closed down after the race.

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

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

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

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

Colour Result Code
Gold Winner #FFFFBF
Silver Finished 2-5th #DFDFDF
Bronze Finished 6-10th #FFDF9F
Green Finished 11-20th #DFFFDF
Blue Finished 21-30th #CFCFFF
Orange Finished 31-40th #FCD765
Purple Finished 41-43rd #EFCFFF
Yellow Did Not Finish (DNF) #FFFF2F
Black Disqualified (DSQ) #000000 (text white)
Red Did Not Qualify (DNQ) #FF4F4F
Blank Did Not Participate (DNP)
Injured or ill (INJ)
Excluded (EX)
Did not arrive (DNA)
Pos ## Driver DAY Florida ROC North Carolina RIC Virginia ATL Georgia (U.S. state) DAR South Carolina BRI Tennessee NWK North Carolina MAR Virginia TAL Alabama SON California 600 North Carolina DOV Delaware POC Pennsylvania MIC Michigan DAY Florida NHS New Hampshire POC Pennsylvania TAL Alabama IMS Indiana WTK New York MIC Michigan BRI Tennessee DAR South Carolina RIC Virginia DOV Delaware MAR Virginia NWK North Carolina CHA North Carolina ROC North Carolina PHX Arizona ATL Georgia (U.S. state) Points Behind
1 5 Texas 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 California 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 Arkansas 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 Virginia 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 Missouri 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 California 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 Texas 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 Missouri 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 Virginia 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 Kentucky 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 Pennsylvania 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 Illinois 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 New York 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 Virginia 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 North Carolina 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 Maine 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 Michigan 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 Alabama 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 Mississippi 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 New York 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 Colorado 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 Kentucky 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 North Carolina 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 Missouri 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 Kentucky 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 Georgia (U.S. state) 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 Pennsylvania 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 North Carolina 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 Virginia 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 Florida 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 Washington 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 Wisconsin 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 Texas 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 Wisconsin 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 Alabama Grissom 27 5 21 39 26 27 26 DNQ 6 25 16 42 22 34 Rpl 1188 -3469
40 33 New York T. Bodine 36 15 10 20 15 35 21 20 11 32 991 -3666
41 Missouri M. Wallace 37 17 24 33 21 DNQ DNQ 32 38 44 39 19 Rpl DNQ 29 799 -3858
42 New York Sacks 27 39 30 29 25 32 DNP 30 Rpl 24 18 710 -3947
43 20 Virginia Sawyer 25 DNQ 30 19 30 37 32 DNQ 37 21 Rpl DNQ 23 705 -3952
44 97 Washington Little 33 DNQ DNQ 43 DNQ 36 23 20 40 41 DNQ 22 22 627 -4030
45 19 North Carolina 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 Alabama Bradberry (R) DNQ 38 35 23 29 30 35 DNQ 37 DNQ DNQ DNQ 27 38 591 -4066
47 California Skinner 12 36 17 19 13 529 -4128
48 Tennessee Purvis 12 35 21 40 DNQ 328 -4329
49 Kentucky J. Green 36 41 32 26 247 -4410
50 Ontario MacDonald (R) DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 24 32 31 DNQ DNQ 228 -4429
51 78 North Carolina Standridge DNQ 27 41 29 198 -4459
52 Wisconsin Jim Sauter DNQ 21 31 170 -4487
53 Oregon C. Bown DNQ 40 DNQ DNQ 25 42 168 -4489
54 52 Michigan Sprague 23 42 136 -4521
55 Missouri D. Schroeder 13 129 -4528
56 Virginia Compton 33 DNQ DNQ 33 128 -4529
57 California R. Gordon 38 42 42 123 -4534
58 Pennsylvania Leitzinger 20 103 -4554
59 Idaho J. Krogh 35 41 98 -4559
60 California Kendall 28 84 -4573
61 California Hooper DNQ 33 64 -4593
62 California Gunselman 36 DNQ 55 -4602
63 Virginia H. Sadler DNQ 37 52 -4605
63 California Woodland 37 DNQ 52 -4605
65 California Gaylord 38 DNQ 49 -4608
66 North Carolina Berrier DNQ 39 DNQ 46 -4611
67 02 North Carolina R. Baker 41 40 -4617
Pos ## Driver DAY Florida ROC North Carolina RIC Virginia ATL Georgia (U.S. state) DAR South Carolina BRI Tennessee NWK North Carolina MAR Virginia TAL Alabama SON California 600 North Carolina DOV Delaware POC Pennsylvania MIC Michigan DAY Florida NHS New Hampshire POC Pennsylvania TAL Alabama IMS Indiana WTK New York MIC Michigan BRI Tennessee DAR South Carolina RIC Virginia DOV Delaware MAR Virginia NWK North Carolina CHA North Carolina ROC North Carolina PHX Arizona ATL Georgia (U.S. state)
Illinois Seligman (R) DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ
Michigan Leslie DNQ
Georgia (U.S. state) Cowart DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ
Oregon J. Bown DNQ
California Ruttman DNQ
North Carolina Faggart DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ
Virginia Hensley DNQ
Arizona Barkdoll DNQ
Idaho M. Krogh DNQ DNQ
California Bean DNQ DNQ
Nevada Jacks DNQ
California McAnnally DNQ DNQ
Georgia (U.S. state) Gibson DNQ
27 Georgia (U.S. state) Barfield DNQ DNQ
South Carolina Keller DNQ
Texas A.J. Foyt DNQ
Illinois Smith DNQ DNQ
New York McLaughlin DNQ
California Hornaday DNQ
Wisconsin Jay Sauter DNQ DNQ
Pennsylvania Benning DNQ
Australia Byers DNQ
Pos ## Driver DAY Florida ROC North Carolina RIC Virginia ATL Georgia (U.S. state) DAR South Carolina BRI Tennessee NWK North Carolina MAR Virginia TAL Alabama SON California 600 North Carolina DOV Delaware POC Pennsylvania MIC Michigan DAY Florida NHS New Hampshire POC Pennsylvania TAL Alabama IMS Indiana WTK New York MIC Michigan BRI Tennessee DAR South Carolina RIC Virginia DOV Delaware MAR Virginia NWK North Carolina CHA North Carolina ROC North Carolina PHX Arizona ATL Georgia (U.S. state)

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