1998 NASCAR Winston Cup Series - NAPA Autocare 500

NAPA Autocare 500

The NAPA AutoCare 500 was run on September 27 in Martinsville, Virginia. Ernie Irvan won the pole. The race was broadcast on ESPN.

Top Ten Results

  1. 10-Ricky Rudd*
  2. 24-Jeff Gordon
  3. 6-Mark Martin
  4. 98-Rich Bickle*
  5. 99-Jeff Burton
  6. 5-Terry Labonte
  7. 94-Bill Elliott
  8. 36-Ernie Irvan 1 lap down
  9. 26-Johnny Benson 1 lap down
  10. 18-Bobby Labonte 1 lap down

Failed to qualify: 41-David Green, 78-Gary Bradberry, 79-Ken Bouchard, 85-Randy MacDonald

  • This race was run in oppressive heat and humidity. Multiple drivers required relief during the event. Jerry Nadeau was actually forced to pull off the track at one point because he needed relief, and there was no one available that could relieve him.
  • Ricky Rudd's cool box broke literally on lap one of the race. This resulted in Rudd being broiled inside of the car. Hut Stricklin was on standby to relieve Rudd, but Rudd never got out of the car. In Victory Lane, Rudd had to be pulled out of the car and given first aid by paramedics. Dr. Jerry Punch, who conducted the Victory Lane interview, helped out the paramedics.
  • This was Rich Bickle's best career finish. Bickle broke down in tears during a post-race interview on ESPN.

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