1983 Daytona 500

Cale Yarborough wins the 1983 Daytona 500. Cale breaks the 200 MPH mark during his first lap of qualifying but flips his car on the 2nd lap. His mangled car was unable to start the race and the record qualifying attempt was disallowed giving Ricky Rudd the pole with a speed of 198.864 MPH. The race was a competitive one with 59 lead changes and noone leading more then 53 laps. The early leaders of Richard Petty, Kyle Petty, Geoff Bodine, and Dale Earnhardt all had engine problems during the race. Late in the race only 4 drivers found themselves on the lead lap: Buddy Baker, Cale Yarborough, Joe Ruttman, and Bill Elliott. On the final lap Yarborough slingshots past Baker to capture the win and Bill Elliott edges out a 3-wide battle for second.

Time of race: 3:12:20
Average Speed: 155.979 mph
Pole Speed: 198.864 mph
Cautions: 6 for 36 laps
Margin of Victory: 5 cl
Attendance: 115,000
$119,600

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• 1983
• Daytona
• 500

[flubber342]

3:25, that is what happens when you drive a ford.

[bigt1nyhatch]

This was only one of a hand full of races Mark Martin raced in before he raced full time under Roush beginning in 1988...

I was surprised to see he wasn't in a Ford in this race.. was also surprised to see Earnhardt in a Ford

WTF? I'm confused? These guys were so dedicated to their manufacturers after these early years for themselves in NASCAR