1983 Winston 500

The 1983 Winston 500 was a NASCAR Winston Cup Series event that took place on May 1, 1983, at Alabama International Motor Speedway (now Talladega Superspeedway) in Talladega, Alabama.

Background

Talladega Superspeedway, originally known as Alabama International Motor Superspeedway (AIMS), is a motorsports complex located north of Talladega, Alabama. It is located on the former Anniston Air Force Base in the small city of Lincoln. The track is a Tri-oval and was constructed by International Speedway Corporation, a business controlled by the France Family, in the 1960s. Talladega is most known for its steep banking and the unique location of the start/finish line - located just past the exit to pit road. The track currently hosts the NASCAR series such as the Monster Energy Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and the Camping World Truck Series. Talladega Superspeedway is the longest NASCAR oval with a length of 2.66 miles (4.28 km), and the track at its peak had a seating capacity of 175,000 spectators.^[3]

Qualifying

Qualifying results

Race

There were 42 American-born drivers on the grid, representing manufacturers Pontiac, Buick, Chevrolet, and Ford. Cale Yarborough qualified for the pole position with a speed of 202.650 miles per hour (326.134 km/h). Richard Petty defeated Benny Parsons by two car lengths after three hours and fourteen minutes to earn his 197th career win.^[2] Seven cautions for 42 laps were witnessed by 110,000 spectators in addition to 27 lead changes.^[2] The average speed of the race was 153.936 miles per hour (247.736 km/h).^[2] There was a major incident involving Phil Parsons and ten other drivers.^[4] Two photographers managed to get Parsons out of the wreck.^[5] The entire race purse was $361,820 ($ when adjusted for inflation).^[6]

Harry Gant finished 4th and took the points lead from Bobby Allison as a result of the 31-point swing. Neil Bonnett came in third in points and maintained that position although he lost ground as a result of the issues that left him with a 15th-place finish, seven laps down.^[2]

Dale Earnhardt was driving a Ford Thunderbird for team owner Bud Moore this year.^[7] Lowell Cowell would retire from NASCAR after this race.

Race results

Race summary

• Lead changes: 27 among different drivers
• Cautions/Laps: 7 for 43
• Red flags: 0
• Time of race: 3 hours, 14 minutes and 55 seconds
• Average speed: 153.936 miles per hour (247.736 km/h)

Media

Television

The television coverage of this race was (on NBC) on a tape-delayed broadcast.^[7]

Radio

Standings after the race

Drivers' Championship standings

Manufacturers' Championship standings

• Note: Only the first 10 positions are included for the driver standings.

References

1. ^ "1983 Winston 500 weather information". The Old Farmers' Almanac. Retrieved 26 June 2012.
2. ^ "1983 Winston 500". Racing-Reference. Retrieved 9 August 2011.
3. ^ "Track Facts". talladegasuperspeedway.com. Talladega Superspeedway. November 1, 2012. Archived November 1, 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved April 27, 2015.
4. ^ "1983 Winston 500". How Stuff Works. Archived from the original on 12 June 2011. Retrieved 9 August 2011.
5. ^ "1983 Winston 500". Front Stretch. Archived from the original on 2011-09-28. Retrieved 9 August 2011.
6. ^ "1983 Winston 500". Fantasy Racing Cheat Sheet. Retrieved 9 August 2011.
7. ^ "1983 Winston 500". Wheels of Speed. Retrieved 9 August 2011.