1991 NASCAR Cup Series Season Recap

Originally published on Apr. 10, 2020

By Zane Miller

On Sunday, November 17th, 1991, the 1991 NASCAR Cup Series season concluded with Dale Earnhardt defeating Ricky Rudd by 195 points to win the 43rd championship in Cup Series history. It was the fifth Cup Series championship for Earnhardt. These are the top five points finishers for the season.

The 1991 Daytona 500 was won by Ernie Irvan, while Kyle Petty led the most laps with 51.

5. #4 Ernie Irvan (-362 points)

Irvan got fifth with two wins, 11 top-fives and 19 top-10s, getting an average finish of 12.1. Irvan also led the most laps in four races.

4. #33 Harry Gant (-302)

Gant earned the fourth spot as he had five wins, 15 top-fives and 17 top-10s for an average finish of 11.9, leading the most laps in five starts.

3. #28 Davey Allison (-199)

Allison scored third in points with five victories, 12 top-fives and 16 top-10s, taking an average finish of 10.9. Allison led the most laps in five races.

2. #5 Ricky Rudd (-195)

Rudd claimed runner-up in points, as he had one win, nine top-fives and 17 top-10s, getting an average finish of 9.5 while leading the most laps in two races.

1. #3 Dale Earnhardt

Earnhardt won back-to-back championships for the second time with four victories, 14 top-fives and 21 top-10s to earn an average finish of 8.6. Earnhardt also led the most laps in four races.

Race Winners (left) & Lap Leaders (right)

 

*Denotes driver led every lap

Link to stats database: https://www.racing-reference.info/yeardet/1991/W