What Is 1987 NASCAR Winston West Series

Overview

The 1987 NASCAR Winston West Series marked the 29th season of what was then NASCAR's premier regional stock car racing division on the West Coast. This series served as a developmental circuit for future NASCAR Cup Series drivers and featured modified versions of production cars built to NASCAR specifications.

Competitors raced across the western United States, with events concentrated in California and extending into Arizona and Washington. The season provided a platform for both emerging talent and seasoned veterans seeking national recognition.

• Thirteen races were held during the 1987 season, beginning on March 15 at Mesa Marin Raceway and concluding on October 18 at Phoenix International Raceway.
• Steve McQueen claimed the championship title after earning three wins, eight top-five finishes, and 10 top-ten results across the season.
• Races averaged 200 to 250 miles in length, with most events lasting between 1.5 and 2.5 hours depending on caution periods and track conditions.
• The series used Generation 3 NASCAR vehicles, featuring full-bodied American sedans such as the Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Ford Thunderbird, and Buick Regal.
• Tracks included short ovals like 1.0-mile Phoenix International Raceway and half-mile bullrings such as Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Washington.

How It Works

The NASCAR Winston West Series operated under a points-based championship system similar to NASCAR's national series, rewarding consistency and race performance.

• Championship Points: Drivers earned points based on finishing position, with 175 points awarded to the winner and decreasing incrementally down to 34 for last place.
• Win Bonus: A victory was worth 25 bonus points, incentivizing aggressive racing and track position throughout the season.
• Top-Five Finishes: Consistency was rewarded, with drivers receiving 155 points for second place and 145 for third, encouraging strong finishes even without a win.
• Participation Requirement: Drivers had to compete in at least 10 of 13 races to qualify for the final championship standings.
• Car Specifications: Vehicles were required to meet NASCAR Winston West Series rules, including 358 cubic inch V8 engines and steel frame construction.
• Track Diversity: The schedule included five different tracks, with Phoenix International Raceway and Mesa Marin hosting multiple events.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top five finishers in the 1987 NASCAR Winston West Series standings.

The table illustrates how Steve McQueen’s combination of wins and consistency secured his title. Despite only competing in 12 of 13 races, his three victories and high finish rate gave him a 95-point lead over the runner-up. The series emphasized durability and performance under varied track conditions, from desert ovals to Pacific Northwest short tracks.

Why It Matters

The 1987 season remains significant for its role in shaping regional motorsport talent and maintaining NASCAR's presence beyond the Eastern U.S. heartland.

• The series provided a proving ground for drivers like McQueen, who later advanced to NASCAR's national touring series.
• It preserved regional racing culture in the western states, where local fans supported hometown drivers and short tracks.
• NASCAR’s sanctioning ensured standardized rules and safety, elevating the professionalism of West Coast stock car racing.
• The Winston sponsorship brought national visibility and prize money, increasing competitive intensity and media coverage.
• Tracks such as Mesa Marin and Evergreen Speedway became legends in grassroots motorsports due to their inclusion in the series.
• The 1987 season demonstrated cost-effective competition, with lower budgets than the Cup Series while maintaining high-level racing.

Today, the legacy of the 1987 NASCAR Winston West Series lives on through the ARCA Menards Series West, which continues to develop drivers and entertain regional audiences across the American West.