Looking back at Darrell Waltrip's 1989 win at Bristol

Join HendrickMotorsports.com for a look back at Hendrick Motorsports’ three night victories at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway. This first installment shares highlights from the 1989 event at the .533-mile oval.

BRISTOL, Tenn. – Darrell Waltrip, driver of the No. 17 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, entered Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway on the night of Aug. 26, 1989, looking for his 11th career victory at the famed .533-mile oval. Rolling off from the ninth position, Waltrip drove his way to the front and took the lead on Lap 131. 

Throughout the next 164 laps, Waltrip battled for the lead with contenders Rusty Wallace, Alan Kulwicki and Dale Earnhardt Sr. Waltrip finally moved past Earnhardt, who spun out, and regained the lead for the final time on Lap 295. Waltrip led the final 206 laps en route to his 11th victory at Bristol Motor Speedway and the first for Hendrick Motorsports in the track’s historic night event. 

In 52 career starts at the Bristol Motor Speedway,Waltrip recorded a total of 12 wins, which ranks the NASCAR Hall of Famer first among drivers all-time at the .533-mile oval. 

Visit Heritage.HendrickMotorsports.com for photos of this event and a complete look at the history of Hendrick Motorsports.