1987 Winston 500

Overview

The 1987 Winston 500 from Talladega was the sight of some incredible performances. Bill Elliott set the NASCAR speed record with a lap of 212.809 mph. The race also saw, for the first time, every car qualify above the 200 mph barrier. Perhaps the most impressive performance was that of a young rookie in the face of terror. Davey Allison began the 1987 season as a contender for the rookie of the year honors. At his home track his father, Bobby Allison, suffered a horrifying crash in Talladega's tri oval when his car when his car went airborne and slammed into the catch fence. Although he was concerned for his father, Davey took his #28 Texaco Ford to victory lane went on to win later that year at Dover Downs, becoming the first driver to win two or more races in his rookie year. - Adam Sewell