Jeff Burton burst onto the scene in 1997 when he finished fourth in the points. He finished 1998 and 1999 fifth in those respective points races. That's enough right there to rank him as the 10th best driver in the 90's.
On April 7, 1997 Jeff burton racked up his first race win in the Interstate Batteries 500 which was the inaugural Winston Cup race at Texas Motor Speedway.
On March 21, 1999 Burton won one of the zaniest races in Winston Cup history. His crumpled Ford lay in a smoking heap at Darlington raceway as rain fell. Burton had been involved in an accident on lap 163 but managed to keep the car moving and in the lead until the caution could be thrown and the rain drops began to fall. The race never restarted and Burton was awarded the win.
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.
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."
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