1989 NASCAR Cup Series Season Recap

Originally published on Apr. 7, 2020

By Zane Miller

On Sunday, November 19th, 1989, the 1989 NASCAR Cup Series season concluded with Rusty Wallace defeating Dale Earnhardt by 12 points to win the 41st championship in Cup Series history. It was the first (and only) Cup Series championship for Wallace. These are the top five points finishers for the season.

The 1989 Daytona 500 was won by Darrell Waltrip, while Ken Schrader led the most laps with 114.

5. #25 Ken Schrader (-300 points)

Schrader got the fifth spot with one victory, 10 top-fives and 14 top-10s for an average finish of 13.2. Schrader also led the most laps in one race.

4. #17 Darrell Waltrip (-205)

Waltrip scored fourth in points as he had six victories, 14 top-fives and 18 top-10s, taking an average finish of 11.9 while leading the most laps in two races.

3. #6 Mark Martin (-123)

Martin got the third spot with one win, 14 top-fives and 18 top-10s for an average finish of 10.7.

2. #3 Dale Earnhardt (-12)

Earnhardt got the runner-up spot with five victories, 14 top-fives and 19 top-10s, getting an average finish of 10.3 while leading the most laps in six starts.

1. #27 Rusty Wallace

Wallace scored the championship as he claimed six wins, 13 top-fives and 20 top-10s, taking an average finish of 10.3. Wallace also led the most laps in nine races.

Race Winners (left) & Lap Leaders (right)

 

*Denotes driver led every lap

Link to stats database: https://www.racing-reference.info/yeardet/1989/W