What is the YellaWood 500?

The YellaWood 500 is a stock car race sanctioned by NASCAR as part of the NASCAR Cup Series. It is held annually at Talladega Superspeedway in Lincoln, Alabama, and is a significant event within the NASCAR playoffs.

Where is the YellaWood 500 held, and what is the venue's length?

The YellaWood 500 is held at Talladega Superspeedway, which is located in Lincoln, Alabama. The track itself is an asphalt oval with a length of 2.66 miles (4.28 km) and features four turns.

What is the official distance of the YellaWood 500 race?

The official distance for the YellaWood 500 is 500.08 miles (804.801 km), which consists of 188 laps. The race is structured into three stages: the first two stages have 60 laps each, and the final stage has 68 laps.

When was the first YellaWood 500 race held?

The first running of the race, then known as the Talladega 500, took place on September 14, 1969.

Which drivers and manufacturers have achieved the most wins in the YellaWood 500?

Dale Earnhardt holds the record for the most driver wins with seven victories. Richard Childress Racing is the most successful team with eight wins, and Chevrolet leads as the manufacturer with 22 wins.

How has the scheduling of the YellaWood 500 changed over the years?

Initially held in late July or early August, the race was moved to early October in 1997 to avoid the hotter summer temperatures and unpredictable thunderstorms in Alabama. In 2009, it was moved again to November 1 as part of a realignment agreement.

What is the significance of restrictor plates in the YellaWood 500?

The YellaWood 500 is one of four NASCAR Cup Series races that currently utilize restrictor plates. These plates are designed to limit engine power and reduce speeds, contributing to closer racing and safety, especially at high-speed tracks like Talladega.

Which other NASCAR Cup Series races currently use restrictor plates?

Besides the YellaWood 500, the other NASCAR Cup Series races that use restrictor plates are the Jack Link's 500 (held in May), the Coke Zero Sugar 400, and the Daytona 500.

What was the name of the YellaWood 500 race in 1998, and why did it change?

In 1998, the name of the race was swapped with the Talladega spring race, becoming known as the Winston 500 for three years. This change was made to promote the Winston No Bull 5 program.

How has the YellaWood 500 been characterized in terms of competitiveness?

The YellaWood 500 is noted for being one of the most consistently competitive races in NASCAR history, frequently featuring a high number of lead changes. For instance, it has broken 40 official lead changes in numerous years, with the 2010 race reaching 87 lead changes, nearly matching the motorsports record.

What notable event occurred in the 2000 running of the race?

The 2000 running of the race, then called the Winston 500, was significant as it marked the final career victory for Dale Earnhardt, who came from 18th place to take the lead in the final six laps.

Who won the inaugural YellaWood 500 in 1969, and what was their sponsor?

The first YellaWood 500 in 1969 was won by Richard Brickhouse, driving the No. 99 car for Ray Nichels. His sponsor was Crown Dodge Gadsden AL, and he drove a Dodge.

Which driver won the 1977 Talladega 500, and what was the circumstance regarding driver relief?

Donnie Allison won the 1977 Talladega 500, but Darrell Waltrip finished the race in relief of Allison. According to NASCAR rules at the time, Allison was credited with the victory and the associated points.

What happened in the 1973 YellaWood 500 that led to a significant safety change?

In the 1973 race, driver Larry Smith was killed in a crash early on. Later in the same race, Neil Bonnett went into the catch fence, similar to Bobby Allison's 1987 incident. These events contributed to the eventual introduction of roof flaps in 1994.

What acts of sabotage were reported before the 1974 Talladega 500?

Before the 1974 race, crew members discovered slashed tires, tampered alignments, and dirt clogging fuel lines in the garage area. NASCAR implemented competition cautions to allow teams to inspect their vehicles for any undetected sabotage.

What was the outcome of the 1984 YellaWood 500, and why is it considered a notable race?

The 1984 YellaWood 500, won by Dale Earnhardt, is often considered one of NASCAR's greatest races. It featured 68 lead changes among 16 drivers, with Earnhardt making a late charge to pass Terry Labonte and Buddy Baker on the final lap for his first win with Richard Childress Racing.

Describe the circumstances of Bubba Wallace's 2021 YellaWood 500 victory.

Bubba Wallace won the 2021 YellaWood 500, which was postponed to Monday and shortened due to rain. This marked his first career NASCAR Cup Series win and the first for 23XI Racing. It also made him the first African-American to win a Cup Series race since Wendell Scott in 1963.

Which driver has the most wins in the YellaWood 500, and in which years did they achieve these victories?

Dale Earnhardt has won the YellaWood 500 the most times, with a total of seven victories. His wins occurred in the years 1983, 1984, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1999, and 2000.

Which team has the most victories in the YellaWood 500, and what are the years of their wins?

Richard Childress Racing has the most wins in the YellaWood 500 with eight victories. Their winning years include 1984, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1999, 2000, 2010, and 2011.

What manufacturer has the most wins in the YellaWood 500, and in which years did they achieve these victories?

Chevrolet has secured the most manufacturer wins in the YellaWood 500, with a total of 23 victories. Their winning years span from 1977, 1984, 1988, 1990-1993, 1995-1997, 1999-2004, 2006-2007, 2010-2011, 2013, 2022, and 2024.

What was the closest finish in Talladega's history mentioned in relation to the YellaWood 500?

The 1993 YellaWood 500 featured the second-closest finish in Talladega's history since the introduction of electronic scoring loops, with Dale Earnhardt edging Ernie Irvan by a margin of 0.005 seconds.

What safety improvements were implemented following the 1993 YellaWood 500 crash involving Neil Bonnett?

Following Neil Bonnett's crash into the catch fence in the 1993 race, which was similar to Bobby Allison's 1987 incident, track officials installed catch fencing along the entire perimeter of superspeedways like Daytona and Talladega. This also led to the introduction of roof flaps in 1994.

What controversy surrounded the finish of the 2015 YellaWood 500?

The 2015 YellaWood 500 had a controversial finish where Joey Logano was declared the winner after a late crash. The race had multiple attempts at a green-white-checker finish, and the final restart saw Kevin Harvick hook Trevor Bayne, causing a major accident that ended the race and impacted championship contenders. Fans reacted negatively, showering Logano with beer cans.

What notable incident occurred during the warm-up laps of the 2002 YellaWood 500?

During the warm-up laps of the 2002 YellaWood 500, Mark Martin's car experienced a steering box issue, causing him to swerve into Jimmie Johnson and damage Johnson's front end. This incident led to Martin being black-flagged and Johnson's crew chief requesting an inspection of Johnson's car.

What was the significance of Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s 2004 victory at Talladega?

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s 2004 win was dramatic, with Jeff Gordon brushing the wall and collecting Kasey Kahne and Greg Biffle on the final lap. Elliott Sadler also flipped at the finish line. Earnhardt Jr. famously used an expletive in his post-race interview, stating "daddy done won here 10 times," and was penalized 25 points for it.

What happened in the 1986 YellaWood 500 that set records for lead changes and leaders?

The 1986 YellaWood 500 saw 26 different leaders and 49 lead changes, setting records at the time. The race was also marked by numerous wrecks, including a final lap melee involving six cars that took out several prominent drivers.

What were the circumstances of the 2008 YellaWood 500 finish and the controversy that followed?

In the 2008 YellaWood 500, Regan Smith passed Tony Stewart on the apron of the tri-oval to seemingly win the race. However, NASCAR ruled the pass illegal due to passing under the yellow line, awarding the win to Stewart. This decision was controversial as a NASCAR spokesman had previously suggested the rule might not apply on the final lap.

What led to the replacement of the 'Car of Tomorrow' wing with a spoiler in NASCAR, as evidenced by the 2009 race?

The 2009 YellaWood 500 saw Ryan Newman flip his car after his rear wing lifted the vehicle off the ground, rendering the roof flaps ineffective. This crash, along with others involving the wing design, contributed to NASCAR's decision to replace the wing with a more traditional spoiler in 2010.

How many lead changes occurred in the 2010 YellaWood 500, and what was the outcome?

The 2010 YellaWood 500 featured 87 lead changes among 26 drivers, making it the second consecutive Talladega race to break 80 lead changes. Clint Bowyer was declared the winner after a caution on the final lap, though there was initial confusion about who was leading at the time.

What tributes were present in the 2011 YellaWood 500 following the death of Dan Wheldon?

In the 2011 YellaWood 500, several drivers displayed tributes to the recently deceased IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon. NASCAR also provided 'Lionheart Knight' decals for the cars' b-pillars, which Wheldon had worn on his helmet.

Describe the chaotic finish of the 2012 YellaWood 500 and its impact on the Chase drivers.

The 2012 YellaWood 500 concluded with a massive crash on the final lap involving 23 cars. Matt Kenseth won, but the wreck significantly impacted the NASCAR Chase for the Championship, with 10 of the 12 Chase drivers involved. Dale Earnhardt Jr. was sidelined for two races due to a concussion sustained in the incident.

What was notable about the 2013 YellaWood 500 finish and Jamie McMurray's win?

The 2013 YellaWood 500 was surprisingly clean until the final lap, where a crash involving Austin Dillon and Casey Mears occurred. Jamie McMurray secured his final career win, ending a 108-race winless streak, and his victory was the second consecutive Chase race won by a non-Chaser that season.

What happened during the overtime restarts in the 2014 YellaWood 500?

The 2014 YellaWood 500 went into overtime, and the first overtime attempt resulted in a major crash on the backstretch involving 11 cars. Brad Keselowski ultimately won the race after holding off Ryan Newman and Matt Kenseth.

What records were set in the 2020 YellaWood 500, and what controversy surrounded the win?

The 2020 YellaWood 500 was the most competitive race of that season with 58 official lead changes among 18 drivers. It also tied the record for the longest race at 200 laps (532 miles) and featured a record 13 cautions. Denny Hamlin was declared the winner after a chaotic final lap, but controversy arose when Matt DiBenedetto, who finished second, was penalized for allegedly shoving Hamlin below the yellow line.

What were the conditions and outcome of the 2021 YellaWood 500?

The 2021 YellaWood 500 was affected by rain, leading to its postponement to Monday and subsequent shortening. Bubba Wallace took the lead when a red flag was displayed due to rain, and NASCAR declared him the winner, marking his first career Cup Series win and the first for 23XI Racing.

Who won the YellaWood 500 in 2022, and what manufacturer did they represent?

Chase Elliott won the YellaWood 500 in 2022, driving a Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports.

Who won the YellaWood 500 in 2023, and what sponsor was featured on their car?

Ryan Blaney won the YellaWood 500 in 2023, with Menards and Pennzoil serving as sponsors on his Ford.

Who won the most recent YellaWood 500 in 2024, and what was their car number and manufacturer?

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. won the 2024 YellaWood 500, driving the No. 47 Chevrolet for JTG Daugherty Racing.

What is the scheduled date for the 2025 YellaWood 500?

The 2025 YellaWood 500 is scheduled to take place on October 19, 2025.

What was the significance of the 1969 race regarding driver safety concerns?

The 1969 YellaWood 500 was marked by a driver's strike organized by the Professional Drivers Association, who were protesting track safety conditions. Despite officials demonstrating the track's safety, the strike occurred.

What happened in the 1971 YellaWood 500 that involved a multi-car incident on the final lap?

In the 1971 race, Bobby Allison collided with Richard Petty and Pete Hamilton on the final lap. This contact sent Hamilton into the inside wall.

What was unique about James Hylton's win in the 1972 Talladega 500?

James Hylton won the 1972 Talladega 500 using an older tire compound from Goodyear, while faster qualifiers used a new compound that proved problematic. Hylton led 106 laps and narrowly defeated Ramo Stott, stating he believed the old tire would be better.

What tragedy marred the 1973 YellaWood 500, and what record was set?

The 1973 YellaWood 500 was tragically marked by the death of sophomore driver Larry Smith in an early race crash. The race also set a motorsports record for lead changes with 64, which stood until 1978.

What happened in the 1975 YellaWood 500 that led to fatalities and a wild crash?

The 1975 YellaWood 500 was marred by the death of former Daytona 500 winner Tiny Lund, who was killed in a multi-car accident on the backstretch. Dick Brooks also survived a severe tumble down the backstretch later in the race.

What was the outcome of the 1976 YellaWood 500, and who secured their first win at Talladega?

In the 1976 YellaWood 500, Dave Marcis achieved his only win at Talladega. He took the lead after Richard Petty fell out of contention and Buddy Baker had to pit for fuel, with the lead changing 57 times during the race.

What was the significance of Neil Bonnett's 1980 victory in the Talladega 500?

Neil Bonnett's win in the 1980 Talladega 500 was significant as it was the final victory for the Mercury automobile brand in NASCAR. He narrowly beat Dale Earnhardt in a close finish, marking Mercury's seventh Talladega win.

What was the context of Dale Earnhardt's 1983 win at Talladega, involving Bobby Allison and Darrell Waltrip?

In the 1983 Talladega 500, Bobby Allison, who was two laps down, assisted Dale Earnhardt by pushing him past Darrell Waltrip on the final lap for the win. Waltrip and the Junior Johnson team were displeased, believing Allison was blocking for Earnhardt, while Allison claimed he was racing Joe Ruttman.

What records were set in the 1986 Talladega 500 regarding lead changes and leaders?

The 1986 Talladega 500 set records with 26 different leaders and 49 lead changes. The race also saw numerous wrecks, including a final lap incident that collected six cars.

What was the significance of Terry Labonte's 1989 win at Talladega?

Terry Labonte's 1989 victory at Talladega was his final win with Junior Johnson's team. The race, sponsored by DieHard batteries, was the last to carry the classic 'Talladega 500' name before it was changed.

How did Dale Earnhardt Jr. win the 2001 EA Sports 500, and what penalty did he receive?

Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the 2001 EA Sports 500 by passing Bobby Labonte on the final lap, despite a major crash involving 14 cars that occurred just behind them. He also won the No Bull 5 $1 million bonus, but was later docked 25 points because his car failed post-race inspection due to a shortened rear spoiler.

What made the 2006 UAW-Ford 500 notable, especially concerning the track repaving and the winner?

The 2006 UAW-Ford 500 was the first race at Talladega since the track was repaved. The new asphalt led to a highly competitive race with 63 lead changes among 23 drivers. Brian Vickers secured his first Cup win, crossing the finish line under caution after a last-lap incident involving Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jimmie Johnson.

Yellawood 500 Wiki: Talladega's Roar: The YellaWood 500 Legacy

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The YellaWood 500: A NASCAR Classic

The Event

The YellaWood 500 is a premier NASCAR Cup Series stock car race held annually at the legendary Talladega Superspeedway in Lincoln, Alabama. As a key fixture in the NASCAR playoffs, it is renowned for its high speeds, close competition, and dramatic finishes, often involving significant lead changes and unexpected victors.

Venue and Location

Talladega Superspeedway, the sole venue for this prestigious event, is an asphalt superspeedway with a length of 2.66 miles (4.28 km). Its distinctive 33-degree banking in the turns contributes to the incredibly high speeds achieved by the competitors, making it one of the most challenging and exciting tracks on the NASCAR circuit.

Race Dynamics

The YellaWood 500 is characterized by its demanding 500-mile distance, typically comprising 188 laps. The race is known for its competitive nature, frequently featuring numerous lead changes. Historically, it has been one of NASCAR's most consistently competitive events, often exceeding 40 lead changes, with some races seeing as many as 87. This intensity is amplified by the use of restrictor plates, which help manage speeds and bunch the field, leading to thrilling pack racing.

Track Specifications

Circuit Details

The YellaWood 500 is contested on a 2.66-mile (4.28 km) asphalt oval. The track features four distinct turns, each banked at a steep 33 degrees, facilitating speeds that often exceed 200 miles per hour. The race distance is approximately 500 miles, with the standard 188 laps divided into three stages.

Historical Context

First held in 1969, the race has undergone several name changes and date shifts throughout its history, reflecting sponsorship evolution and NASCAR's scheduling adjustments. It moved from late July/early August to early October in 1997 to mitigate extreme summer temperatures and unpredictable thunderstorms, and later shifted again to accommodate a broader schedule realignment.

Evolution of the Event

The race's identity has evolved significantly. Initially known as the "Talladega 500," it has been sponsored by various entities, including DieHard, Winston, EA Sports, UAW-Ford, AMP Energy, and GEICO, before adopting the YellaWood sponsorship. These changes reflect the dynamic commercial landscape of professional motorsports.

A Chronicle of Speed and Change

Early Years and Evolution

The inaugural race in 1969 was marked by a driver's strike concerning track safety, highlighting the inherent risks of superspeedway racing. Over the decades, the event has seen significant shifts, including name changes and date adjustments to optimize weather conditions and competitive balance. The introduction of restrictor plates has been a key factor in managing speeds and promoting close racing.

Notable Moments

The YellaWood 500 is celebrated for its history of close finishes and unexpected winners. It has provided a platform for numerous "dark horse" victories and first-time winners, contributing to its reputation for unpredictability. The race has also been the site of significant historical achievements, such as Dale Earnhardt's final career victory in 2000, a testament to his legendary status at Talladega.

Competitive Landscape

The race is statistically one of NASCAR's most competitive, frequently breaking records for lead changes. This high level of parity is often attributed to the drafting dynamics inherent in superspeedway racing, where teamwork and strategic maneuvering are paramount. The event's position within the NASCAR playoffs further heightens the stakes, as drivers vie for crucial points and advancement.

Past Champions

Dominant Drivers

Dale Earnhardt stands as the most successful driver in the YellaWood 500's history, securing an impressive seven victories. His dominance, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s, cemented his legacy at Talladega. Other notable multi-time winners include Dale Earnhardt Jr., Darrell Waltrip, and Joey Logano, each contributing significantly to the race's storied past.

Statistical Leaders

The table below details the year, driver, team, and manufacturer for each running of the YellaWood 500. This data highlights the evolving landscape of NASCAR, showcasing the manufacturers and teams that have achieved success at this iconic venue.

Year	Driver	Team	Sponsor	Manufacturer	Laps	Miles (km)	Race Time	Average Speed (mph)
1969	Richard Brickhouse	Ray Nichels	Crown Dodge Gadsden AL	Dodge	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:15:07	153.778
1970	Pete Hamilton	Petty Enterprises	7-Up "The Uncola"	Plymouth	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:09:17	158.517
1971	Bobby Allison	Holman-Moody	Coca-Cola	Mercury	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:25:38	145.945
1972	James Hylton	James Hylton	Pop Kola	Mercury	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:22:09	148.728
1973	Dick Brooks	Crawford Brothers	Mickey Mouse/Crawford Enterprises	Plymouth	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:26:17	145.454
1974	Richard Petty	Petty Enterprises	STP	Dodge	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:21:52	148.637
1975	Buddy Baker	Bud Moore Engineering	Sunny King	Ford	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:49:14	130.892
1976	Dave Marcis	Nord Krauskopf	K&K Insurance	Dodge	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:10:27	157.547
1977	Donnie Allison*	Ellington Racing	Hawaiian Tropic	Chevrolet	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:04:37	162.524
1978	Lennie Pond	Ranier-Lundy	W.I.N. Inc.	Oldsmobile	188	500.08 (804.8)	2:51:43	174.7
1979	Darrell Waltrip	DiGard Motorsports	Gatorade	Oldsmobile	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:06:06	161.229
1980	Neil Bonnett	Wood Brothers Racing	Purolator	Mercury	188	500.08 (804.8)	2:59:47	166.894
1981	Ron Bouchard	Race Hill Farm Team	Race Hill Farm Team	Buick	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:11:24	156.737
1982	Darrell Waltrip	Junior Johnson & Associates	Mountain Dew	Buick	188	500.08 (804.8)	2:58:26	168.157
1983	Dale Earnhardt	Bud Moore Engineering	Wrangler Jeans	Ford	188	500.08 (804.8)	2:55:52	170.611
1984	Dale Earnhardt	Richard Childress Racing	Wrangler Jeans	Chevrolet	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:12:04	155.485
1985	Cale Yarborough	Ranier-Lundy	Hardee's	Ford	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:21:41	148.772
1986	Bobby Hillin Jr.	Stavola Brothers Racing	Miller American	Buick	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:17:59	151.522
1987	Bill Elliott	Melling Racing	Coors	Ford	188	500.08 (804.8)	2:55:10	171.293
1988	Ken Schrader	Hendrick Motorsports	Folgers	Chevrolet	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:14:12	154.505
1989	Terry Labonte	Junior Johnson & Associates	Budweiser	Ford	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:10:41	157.354
1990	Dale Earnhardt	Richard Childress Racing	GM Goodwrench	Chevrolet	188	500.08 (804.8)	2:52:01	174.43
1991	Dale Earnhardt	Richard Childress Racing	GM Goodwrench	Chevrolet	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:23:35	147.383
1992	Ernie Irvan	Morgan-McClure Motorsports	Kodak	Chevrolet	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:05:11	176.309
1993	Dale Earnhardt	Richard Childress Racing	GM Goodwrench	Chevrolet	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:15:01	153.858
1994	Jimmy Spencer	Junior Johnson & Associates	McDonald's	Ford	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:03:50	163.217
1995	Sterling Marlin	Morgan-McClure Motorsports	Kodak	Chevrolet	188	500.08 (804.8)	2:53:15	173.188
1996	Jeff Gordon	Hendrick Motorsports	DuPont	Chevrolet	129*	343.14 (552.23)	2:34:21	133.387
1997	Terry Labonte	Hendrick Motorsports	Kellogg's Corn Flakes	Chevrolet	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:11:36	156.601
1998	Dale Jarrett	Robert Yates Racing	Quality Care/Ford Credit	Ford	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:08:20	159.318
1999	Dale Earnhardt	Richard Childress Racing	GM Goodwrench Plus	Chevrolet	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:00:04	166.632
2000	Dale Earnhardt*	Richard Childress Racing	GM Goodwrench	Chevrolet	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:01:06	165.681
2001	Dale Earnhardt Jr.	Dale Earnhardt, Inc.	Budweiser	Chevrolet	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:02:45	164.185
2002	Dale Earnhardt Jr.	Dale Earnhardt, Inc.	Budweiser	Chevrolet	188	500.08 (804.8)	2:43:22	183.665
2003	Michael Waltrip	Dale Earnhardt, Inc.	NAPA Auto Parts	Chevrolet	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:12:17	156.045
2004	Dale Earnhardt Jr.	Dale Earnhardt, Inc.	Budweiser	Chevrolet	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:11:12	156.929
2005	Dale Jarrett	Robert Yates Racing	UPS	Ford	190*	505.4 (813.362)	3:30:51	143.818
2006	Brian Vickers	Hendrick Motorsports	GMAC	Chevrolet	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:10:23	157.602
2007	Jeff Gordon	Hendrick Motorsports	DuPont/Pepsi	Chevrolet	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:29:11	143.438
2008	Tony Stewart	Joe Gibbs Racing	Subway/The Home Depot	Toyota	190*	505.4 (813.362)	3:36:10	140.281
2009	Jamie McMurray	Roush Fenway Racing	Irwin Marathon Saw Blades	Ford	191*	508.06 (817.643)	3:13:54	157.213
2010	Clint Bowyer	Richard Childress Racing	BB&T	Chevrolet	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:03:23	163.618
2011	Clint Bowyer	Richard Childress Racing	Chevrolet 100 Years	Chevrolet	189*	502.74 (809.081)	3:29:14	143.404
2012	Matt Kenseth	Roush Fenway Racing	Ford EcoBoost/National Breast Cancer Foundation	Ford	189*	502.74 (809.081)	2:56:12	171.194
2013	Jamie McMurray	Earnhardt Ganassi Racing	Cessna/Auburn University	Chevrolet	188	500.08 (804.8)	2:47:49	178.795
2014	Brad Keselowski	Team Penske	Redd's Wicked Apple Ale	Ford	194*	516.04 (830.485)	3:13:09	160.302
2015	Joey Logano	Team Penske	Shell/Pennzoil	Ford	196*	521.36 (839.047)	3:06:56	167.311
2016	Joey Logano	Team Penske	Shell/Pennzoil Mosaic	Ford	192*	510.72 (821.924)	3:11:38	159.905
2017	Brad Keselowski	Team Penske	Miller Lite/#Cheers2DaleJr	Ford	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:47:52	131.677
2018	Aric Almirola	Stewart-Haas Racing	Smithfield Bacon For Life	Ford	193*	513.38 (826.04)	3:20:24	153.707
2019	Ryan Blaney	Team Penske	DentWizard	Ford	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:39:35	136.644
2020	Denny Hamlin	Joe Gibbs Racing	FedEx Express	Toyota	200*	532 (856)	4:05:58	129.774
2021	Bubba Wallace	23XI Racing	McDonald's	Toyota	117*	311.22 (500.859)	2:23:24	130.218
2022	Chase Elliott	Hendrick Motorsports	NAPA Auto Parts	Chevrolet	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:15:23	153.569
2023	Ryan Blaney	Team Penske	Menards/Pennzoil	Ford	188	500.08 (804.8)	3:07:25	160.097
2024	Ricky Stenhouse Jr.	JTG Daugherty Racing	Kroger/Palmolive	Chevrolet	195*	518.7 (834.766)	3:26:24	150.773

Team Dominance

Leading Teams

Richard Childress Racing (RCR) has achieved the most victories at Talladega in this event, with 8 wins. Hendrick Motorsports and Team Penske follow closely, each having secured 6 wins, demonstrating their consistent performance and strategic prowess on this demanding track. These teams have consistently fielded competitive entries, contributing to many of the race's most memorable moments.

Team Performance

The following table outlines the number of wins for prominent teams, illustrating their historical success and impact on the YellaWood 500.

# of wins	Team	Years won
8	Richard Childress Racing	1984, 1990–1991, 1993, 1999–2000, 2010–2011
6	Hendrick Motorsports	1988, 1996–1997, 2006–2007, 2022
6	Team Penske	2014–2017, 2019, 2023
4	Dale Earnhardt, Inc.	2001–2004
3	Junior Johnson & Associates	1982, 1989, 1994
2	Petty Enterprises	1970, 1974
2	Bud Moore Engineering	1975, 1983
2	Ranier-Lundy	1978, 1985
2	Morgan-McClure Motorsports	1992, 1995
2	Robert Yates Racing	1998, 2005
2	Roush Fenway Racing	2009, 2012
2	Joe Gibbs Racing	2008, 2020

Manufacturer Supremacy

Leading Brands

Chevrolet has historically been the most dominant manufacturer at Talladega in this event, with 23 victories. Ford follows with 18 wins, showcasing a strong rivalry. Dodge, Mercury, Buick, and Toyota have also achieved notable success, contributing to the diverse and competitive history of the YellaWood 500.

Manufacturer Wins

The following table details the number of wins for each manufacturer, illustrating their contributions to the YellaWood 500's rich heritage.

# of wins	Manufacturer	Years won
23	Chevrolet	1977, 1984, 1988, 1990–1993, 1995–1997, 1999–2004, 2006–2007, 2010–2011, 2013, 2022, 2024
18	Ford	1975, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1994, 1998, 2005, 2009, 2012, 2014–2019, 2023
3	Dodge	1969, 1974, 1976
3	Mercury	1971–1972, 1980
3	Buick	1981–1982, 1986
3	Toyota	2008, 2020–2021
2	Plymouth	1970, 1973
2	Oldsmobile	1978–1979

Moments of Note

Thrilling Finishes and Crashes

The YellaWood 500 is renowned for its dramatic and often chaotic events. From close finishes decided by mere thousandths of a second to multi-car "Big One" crashes that reshape the field, the race consistently delivers high-octane action. Notable incidents include the introduction of catch fencing following severe accidents and the implementation of overtime rules to ensure a definitive conclusion.

1973: Dick Brooks secured his sole career win amidst challenging heat and humidity, overcoming favorites and a track-record 64 lead changes. The race was tragically marred by the death of driver Larry Smith.
1984: Dale Earnhardt's first win with Richard Childress Racing, often cited as one of NASCAR's greatest races, featured 68 lead changes and a dramatic four-car finish.
1993: Dale Earnhardt edged Ernie Irvan by 0.005 seconds in the second-closest finish in Talladega history. This race also saw the installation of catch fencing along the entire track perimeter after severe crashes.
1996: A major multi-car incident involving Sterling Marlin and Dale Earnhardt led to Earnhardt's car flipping. Despite a broken collarbone, Earnhardt waved to the crowd, showcasing remarkable resilience.
2000: Dale Earnhardt's final career victory, his seventh at Talladega, was a dramatic charge from 17th to first in the closing laps.
2004: Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s win was overshadowed by controversy and a post-race expletive, leading to a points penalty. The race also featured significant crashes and a memorable quote from Earnhardt Jr. about his father's wins.
2006: Brian Vickers claimed his first Cup win on the repaved track amidst 63 lead changes, dedicating the victory to Hendrick Motorsports members lost in a 2004 plane crash.
2008: A record 28 leaders and 64 lead changes defined this race, which concluded with a controversial pass-under-yellow, awarding the win to Tony Stewart.
2011: Clint Bowyer's victory marked Richard Childress Racing's 100th win, occurring shortly after the tragic death of IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon, with tributes displayed throughout the event.
2015: Joey Logano's controversial win over Dale Earnhardt Jr. led to fan backlash and contributed to NASCAR's introduction of the overtime line rule.
2017: Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s final restrictor-plate start saw him finish 7th, while Brad Keselowski secured the win amidst numerous crashes that eliminated most playoff contenders.
2021: Bubba Wallace achieved his first career NASCAR Cup Series win, a historic moment as the first African-American winner since Wendell Scott in 1963, and the first time all three national series had first-time winners in the same weekend.

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References

1984 Talladega finish

A full list of references for this article are available at the YellaWood 500 Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not be exhaustive or entirely up-to-date. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, historical data in motorsports can be complex and subject to interpretation.

This is not professional racing analysis or advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official NASCAR records, professional motorsport analysis, or seeking advice from qualified racing experts. Always refer to official sources for the most current and definitive information.

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Talladega's Roar

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The YellaWood 500: A NASCAR Classic 🏎️

🏁 The Event

📍 Venue and Location

🗓️ Race Dynamics

Track Specifications ⚙️

📏 Circuit Details

🏆 Historical Context

📜 Evolution of the Event

A Chronicle of Speed and Change ⏳

📜 Early Years and Evolution

🌟 Notable Moments

📈 Competitive Landscape

Past Champions 👑

🥇 Dominant Drivers

📊 Statistical Leaders

Team Dominance 🛠️

🏆 Leading Teams

📊 Team Performance

Manufacturer Supremacy 🚗

⚙️ Leading Brands

📊 Manufacturer Wins

Moments of Note ⭐

💥 Thrilling Finishes and Crashes

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📜 References

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

The YellaWood 500: A NASCAR Classic

The Event

Venue and Location

Race Dynamics

Track Specifications

Circuit Details

Historical Context

Evolution of the Event

A Chronicle of Speed and Change

Early Years and Evolution

Notable Moments

Competitive Landscape

Past Champions

Dominant Drivers

Statistical Leaders

Team Dominance

Leading Teams

Team Performance

Manufacturer Supremacy

Leading Brands

Manufacturer Wins

Moments of Note

Thrilling Finishes and Crashes

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice