Richard Petty’s Farewell, Jeff Gordon’s Debut: Why the 1992 NASCAR Cup Race at Atlanta Was Eventful
Follow Us
Back in 1992, there were a number of special circumstances pertaining to the season finale at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. This is because there were firsts, lasts, happy faces, the end of an era and the beginning of another one. First and foremost, it marked the final ever NASCAR Cup race for the legendary Richard Petty before his retirement.
Secondly, it also marked the debut of Jeff Gordon in NASCAR and paved the way for his legend to rise. It is also worth noting that Bill Elliott won the race, but Alan Kulwicki went on to clinch the championship from Elliott. So, in spite of Elliott winning the race, Kulwicki’s second place was enough to seal the title.
28 YEARS AGO TODAY.
Nov. 15, 1992. Richard Petty's last @NASCAR race. @JeffGordonWeb's first.
Bill Elliott would win the race at @amsupdates, but Alan Kulwicki would win a wild championship over Elliott by just 10 points. pic.twitter.com/DYwfL6JRRT
— #NASCARPlayoffs on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) November 15, 2020
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Gordon was actually in elite company, as he was up against Petty, Kulwicki, Elliott, and even Dale Earnhardt. Obviously, he would have been thrilled to race against such legendary and respected drivers. Gordon also had the honor of racing against Richard Petty for one last race.
How did this 1992 NASCAR race in Atlanta pan out?
Rick Mast kicked off the race from pole position ahead of Brett Bodine. However, Bodine got the better start and led the opening lap until they collided. Dale Earnhardt was not about to turn down an open invitation and snatched the lead. After several cars got wiped out when the leaders crashed, it transpired that five of the championship contenders lived to fight on.
While Earnhardt and Ernie Irvan constantly swapped the race lead, the championship contenders ran in the top 10. Additionally, Richard Petty was all the way down in 30th place and slowly working his way up the order.
Admittedly, Kulwicki encountered a few issues pertaining to his gearbox. It got to a stage in the NASCAR race where the crew had to push his car out of the pit box. Apparently, he lost first gear, so he was forced to run the entire race in fourth gear.
Later on, there was a massive crash, where Richard Petty became an innocent victim. The impact wrecked the front end of the car, breaking the oil cooler. Naturally, Petty’s car caught fire and he frantically screamed for a fire extinguisher. Sadly, The King’s participation was pretty much over.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
How did Jeff Gordon fare in the race?
Trending
Dale Jr Unmasks Teresa Earnhardt’s Refusal to Sell Him His Late Father’s Prized Possession That Forced Relocation Move
April 17, 2024 12:29 PM EDT
Fans Sing Praises as Dale Earnhardt Jr Provides Former Amish Marlin Yoder a Platform for His Story
April 18, 2024 01:30 AM EDT
NASCAR Update: Substance Abuse Policy Violated; Richard Childress’s Pit Crew Issues Worsen With Another Suspension
April 17, 2024 04:51 AM EDT
Kyle Busch’s Spotter is Left Infuriated as NASCAR Fans Question Richard Childress Partnership
April 14, 2024 03:19 PM EDT
NASCAR Fans Go Gaga Over Tony Stewart’s $23 Million Worth 415-Acre Property Being Back on the Market
April 17, 2024 12:27 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NASCAR stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Meanwhile, rookie driver Jeff Gordon endured some drama of his own, courtesy his team. During a pit stop, a roll of duct tape was left on the #24 car’s hood. As he left the pits, the tape dislodged and rolled onto the track, wrecking another driver’s race. Things did not get any easier for Gordon, who eventually crashed out of the race.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
After much more drama and excitement, Bill Elliott won the race. However, Alan Kulwicki wound up in 2nd place and that was all that he needed to do to wrap up the 1992 NASCAR championship.
Bill Elliott Reveals When He First Knew That Son Chase Elliott Could Be a NASCAR Cup Series Champion