As the Sprint All-Star Race marks its 31st year, the NASCAR Talk team selected the five best moments in the event’s history.
Now it’s your turn to select the greatest moment in the Sprint All-Star Race among the choices.
Here’s a look at our top five selections and a way you can vote below.
1987 All-Star Race
This race is forever known for Dale Earnhardt’s “Pass in the Grass.’’ Of course, there was no pass. Earnhardt led Bill Elliot as they came down the frontstretch and made contact. That sent Earnhardt into the grass but he recovered and got back on the track still in the lead.
1989 All-Star Race
The prize for winning was $200,000 – the Daytona 500 winner that year only got $184,900. Darrell Waltrip led Rusty Wallace heading into the fourth corner. Wallace hit the back of Waltrip’s car, sending it spinning down the frontstretch as Wallace drove by to begin the final lap. Wallace went on to win the race. Afterward, Waltrip said: “I hope he chokes on the $200,000.”
1992 All-Star Race
This was the first time a NASCAR track as large as Charlotte Motor Speedway had been lit for a night race. Dubbed “One Hot Night,” the race lived up to its billing. On the last lap, Kyle Petty made contact with leader Dale Earnhardt in Turn 3, spinning Earnhardt. Davey Allison caught Petty off Turn 4 and nipped him at the finish line to win, but they made contact. That sent Allison’s car into the wall. Allison bypassed Victory Lane to be taken to a local hospital to be treated for a concussion, bruised lung and bruised legs.
2000 All-Star Race
Dale Earnhardt Jr. won in his rookie season but this race is not remembered as much for what happened on the track as off the track. Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s celebration with his son made this a special moment.
2001 All-Star Race
Rain fell as the field took the green flag to start this event. The result was a multi-car crash in Turn 1, leading to a red flag. NASCAR changed the rules for this race, allowing those teams that had damaged cars to go to backup cars and race them. Jeff Gordon went on to win in his backup car after being collected in that opening-lap crash.
Now it’s your turn to select what is the greatest moment in the history what is now known as the Sprint All-Star Race among the five races featured.
