Waltrip started slow that year but he whittled away at Bobby Allison's early lead.  With six races to go Waltrip took over the lead in one of the best championship races ever.  Waltrip would eventually defeat Allison by 53 points.  Darrell won 12 races that year.  Count them 12.  The man can say boogity boogity boogity if he wants.  He earned the right.

source: NASCAR Chronicle

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Although Buick had previously only won two NASCAR races (both in 1955), 1981 began a period of complete dominance.  Twelve models were eligible for 1981, but aerodynamics and rules favored the Regal.  Darrell and just about everyone were driving the newly designed Buick.  Buick's roster also included Richard and Kyle Petty, Harry Gant, Bobby Allison, Terry Labonte, Tim Richmond and many others.

DW's 1981 Championship season is now recognized as one of the most impressive runs in NASCAR history, as he fought back from a 341-point deficit in the final 17 races to capture the Cup.

"The Darrell Waltrip years were some of the finest in Mountain Dew's racing history," said Ralph Santana, vice president of sports, media and interactive, Pepsi-Cola North America."

http://www.actiondiecast.com/DWaltrip_81Mounta
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Along the way Darrell set the modern-era record for the number of victories from the pole in one season with eight.

more...

http://home.flash.net/~rjgeorge/nascar.htm

http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/6395510<
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http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/statitudes/ne
ws/2001/02/07/nascar_daytona_statitudes/