In case you missed it, we are watching the 1994 season along side the 2026 season to better understand the history of the sport and where its come from.
Following Sterling Marlin’s first cup series win ever, we head to North Carolina to take on the bumpy, high banked Rockingham Speedway.
2 Man Race
Early in this race, the 6 of Mark Martin took the lead and seemed to have left the field, that is until the Miller Lite 2 car of Rusty Wallace worked his way through the field after he started in P15.
After a caution is brought out when the 11 of Bill Elliott got caught up in a wreck, the field came down for fresh tires and the 6 and 2 were back at it. Trading the lead for awhile, a new player came into view about 20ish laps into the run, Dale Sr.
Multi-Groove Racing
A big thing we noticed is how many different lanes there are to use. Some are wrapping bottom (Marlin) and Earnhard running 2 lanes up from the bottom. The Aero blocking of today isn’t a factor in this race.
Mark Martin decided to drop back after his battle with the 2 for a bit, and his crew chief was interviewed where he mentioned that tire wear was their concern, looking to stretch each set about 60 laps. This saving paid off a bit as he was able to run back down the 3 car.
Pit Stops
I think the biggest thing that has jumped in the last 30 years has been pit stop speed/precision/procedure. A 20 second stop is considered great here, and the sense of urgency isn’t quite where it is today.
Note: only 8 lead lap cars after green flag pit stops rotate
Halfway Mark, We Reset
Halfway through the race, Rusty Wallace leads Sterling Marlin when a caution comes out as Rookie Loy Allen slaps the wall.
They mentioned that there were multiple tire manufacturers and once a team qualifies with one tire manufacturer, they are locked in to that tire for the weekend.
Update: Now only 5 cars remain on the lead lap, despite the caution.
Broadcast Quote of the day: Insurance Companies are really doubting this air bag thing.
Finale
A late spin by Jeff Gordon brings out a caution which trapped the 6 of Martin a lap down due to a green flag strategy pit stop. So now everyone can get tires and fuel to get to the end of this race. Rusty has been the class of the field, lets see if he can hold em off.
16 to go and its Rusty and Dale for p1. Marlin and Mast is the battle for p3.
They finish in that order as Rusty dominant car all day gives him his first win of the season.
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