The Winston
The All-Star Showdown: Where legends were made in a winner-take-all shootout.
The Winston was NASCAR's most prestigious and lucrative all-star race from its inception in 1985 until it ended in 2000. Reynolds Tobacco Company's Winston brand sponsored the event, which became a highlight of the Winston Cup Series calendar. Held annually at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina, it evolved into a spectacle defined by its massive purse and unique multi-segment format, with the final segment varying in length over the years—such as the 10-lap shootout introduced in 1987, though later editions used 20 laps (1992) or 30 laps (1996), encouraging aggressive, high-risk driving.
- Era Span
- 1985–2000 as 'The Winston'
Lore & Background
The event's most defining characteristic was its unique multi-segment format, with a 'winner-take-all' final segment introduced in 1987. However, the length of that final shootout changed over time: it was often 10 laps, but in 1992 it was 20 laps, and in 1996 it was 30 laps. This format led to chaotic, side-by-side finishes and created some of the most iconic moments in racing history, where drivers like Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty battled for glory.
In Their Own Story
The air inside Charlotte Motor Speedway hummed with anticipation as the sun began its slow descent toward the horizon. Dust kicked up from the asphalt mixed with the smell of burnt rubber and high-octane fuel, a perfume known only to those who lived for the roar of engines. As the caution flag waved for the final time, the field bunched together, tires smoking, drivers leaning into their steering wheels with white-knuckled grip. It wasn't just about crossing the line first; it was about surviving the longest day on earth.
Reader's Guide
Over the years, it hosted some of the most memorable finishes in sport history, including the 'Great American Race' moniker which reflected its status as a national spectacle. The race was famous for its unpredictable nature, often extending into overtime under caution flags when daylight ran out. This rule created dramatic restarts where drivers had to navigate traffic at high speeds with limited visibility. The track's long straightaways and high-banked turns allowed for slipstreaming battles that were rarely seen elsewhere.
Did You Know?
- The Winston was not part of the 'Winston Million' bonus program; that bonus was awarded for winning three of the four crown jewel races (Daytona 500, Winston 500, Coca-Cola 600, Southern 500), not including The Winston.
- The Winston was typically held in May, often on the Saturday night before the Coca-Cola 600, not on Father's Day weekend.
- Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt are among the few drivers to have won The Winston multiple times.
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