What Is 1985 NASCAR Winston Cup Series

Overview

The 1985 NASCAR Winston Cup Series marked the 37th season of NASCAR's top-level stock car racing competition. It was a pivotal year in motorsports history, highlighted by Darrell Waltrip's dominance and the growing popularity of NASCAR across the United States.

This season featured a full 28-race schedule, beginning with the Daytona 500 in February and concluding with the Atlanta Journal 500 in November. The competition showcased legendary drivers, evolving car technology, and dramatic finishes that captivated fans nationwide.

• 28 races were held across the U.S., including iconic tracks like Daytona, Talladega, and Bristol, each contributing to the championship standings.
• Driver Darrell Waltrip secured his third consecutive title, becoming the first driver since Richard Petty to achieve this feat, with 10 wins during the season.
• Waltrip drove the No. 11 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, marking one of the most successful collaborations in NASCAR history during the mid-1980s.
• The season included the inaugural NASCAR All-Star Race, held on May 18 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, won by Bill Elliott, who took home a $200,000 prize.
• Sterling Marlin was named Rookie of the Year after finishing 18th in points, competing in 27 of the 28 races and earning one top-five and four top-ten finishes.

How It Works

The 1985 NASCAR Winston Cup Series operated under a points-based system where drivers earned standings points based on race finishes, consistency, and bonus points for leading laps and winning.

• Points System: Drivers received points based on finishing position, with the winner earning 175 points plus 5 bonus points for winning. Additional points were awarded for leading a lap and leading the most laps.
• Championship Format: The season-long title was awarded to the driver with the highest cumulative points total after the final race, emphasizing consistency and endurance over 28 events.
• Car Specifications: Vehicles were based on production models from manufacturers like Chevrolet, Ford, and Buick, with strict rules on engine size, weight, and aerodynamics to ensure competitive balance.
• Team Structure: Each team included a driver, crew chief, pit crew, and support staff, with Hendrick Motorsports and Junior Johnson & Associates leading in innovation and performance.
• Race Length: Events ranged from 300 to 500 miles, with the Daytona 500 and Winston 500 being the most prestigious, each spanning 500 miles.
• Television Coverage: Races were broadcast on networks like CBS and ESPN, increasing NASCAR's national exposure and contributing to a 12% rise in average viewership compared to 1984.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of top drivers in the 1985 NASCAR Winston Cup Series based on key performance metrics:

This table illustrates how Darrell Waltrip's combination of wins and consistency secured his championship, while Bill Elliott's strong finishes earned him second place. Tim Richmond’s performance with three wins highlighted his aggressive style, while Marlin’s rookie campaign showed promise despite no wins.

Why It Matters

The 1985 NASCAR Winston Cup Series was a landmark season that shaped the future of stock car racing, both in terms of competition and cultural impact. It solidified NASCAR's status as a major American sport and set new benchmarks for driver legacies and team performance.

• Waltrip's three-peat established a new standard for championship dominance, unmatched until Jimmie Johnson's streak in the 2000s.
• The success of Hendrick Motorsports in 1985 helped establish the team as a long-term powerhouse in NASCAR history.
• Television contracts with ESPN and CBS expanded NASCAR's audience, contributing to a 20% increase in attendance at major races.
• The introduction of the All-Star Race created a new marquee event, boosting mid-season excitement and sponsorship interest.
• Sterling Marlin's Rookie of the Year win signaled the emergence of a new generation of drivers in the late 1980s.
• The 1985 season also saw improved safety regulations, including mandatory roll cage upgrades following several high-speed crashes.

The legacy of the 1985 season endures through its influence on modern NASCAR, from championship formats to driver development programs.