The Watkins Glen International circuit has been on the NASCAR calendar as far back as 1957. However, it has only been a mainstay on the Cup Series calendar since 1986. It is worth mentioning that in that 1986 race, Tim Richmond won ahead of Darrell Waltrip. However, there was plenty of action unfolding behind the two race leaders. That was all thanks to Bill Elliott and the late great Dale Earnhardt.
Sometime close to the end of the race, Earnhardt pulled alongside Elliott and swept past him. However, as he exited the corner, Earnhardt dipped a wheel on the grass, and his car fishtailed a little. Somehow, he managed to control his car and stay on the race track. Of course, Bill Elliott tried to capitalize on the mistake, but Earnhardt managed to fend him off and keep the position.
Where did Dale Earnhardt and Bill Elliott finish in the race?
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As it happened, the two drivers were battling for P3 and P4 on the track. In the end, The Intimidator snatched the Top 3 places, and Elliott was forced to settle for fourth, ahead of Neil Bonnett. Meanwhile, Rusty Wallace, Ricky Rudd, and Benny Parsons led the Petty duo of Kyle and Richard, respectively, to complete the top 10.
Dale Earnhardt hanging it out passing Bill Elliott at Watkins Glen in 1986 pic.twitter.com/hEBWtxp1F5
— nascarman (@nascarman_rr) August 19, 2023
Meanwhile, on the championship front, Dale Sr. went on to win the title, which is his second career title. His first one came all the way back in 1980. Since then, he has added five more Cup Series titles to his belt. They all came in 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, and 1994. As a result of his impressive achievements, he has since gone on to establish himself as a NASCAR legend.
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The 7-time Cup Series champion couldn’t quite conquer The Glen
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Although Dale Earnhardt has 76 Cup Series wins in his career, one trophy was missing from his cabinet. To be precise, he has never won at Watkins Glen International. In fact, his best finish is third place, which he achieved three times in his career. Aside from the 1986 edition, he was third in 1989 and 1994. Dale Earnhardt finished behind Rusty Wallace and Mark Martin in 1989 and behind Mark Martin and Ernie Irvan in 1994.
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Interestingly, his son, Dale Earnhardt Jr., has never won at the track either, at least in the Cup Series. However, he did reach Victory Lane in the Xfinity Series in 1999. He finished ahead of Ron Fellows and Mike McLaughlin, with Jack Baldwin and Jason Keller completing the Top 5.
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