Earnhardt Wins Purolator 500

03/11/96

The Associated Press reported that Dale Earnhardt beat Terry Labonte to win NASCAR's 328 lap Purolator 500 over the weekend. Up until the final pit stop Earnhardt trailed Labonte, but his pit stop (lap 291) was 3.09 seconds quicker than Labonte's (lap 292). After the race Earnhardt who beat Labonte by only 4.17 seconds gave credit to his crew: "I've got to hand it to the crew again," he said.

Earnhardt's victory set a track record by averaging 161.298 mph, and earned him a purse of $91,050. Sunday's race marked his eighth Atlanta victory and racks up the most wins for any NASCAR driver in Atlanta (until Sunday, Earnhardt had been tied with Cale Yarborough who won in Atlanta seven times during his career). The race also marked Earnhardt's 70th Winston Cup victory.

Dale Jarrett, Winston Cup series point leader started Sunday's race in 36th place and finished in 11th, two laps behind Earnhardt. Nonetheless, Jarrett maintains a 50 point lead over Earnhardt. Rookie Johnny Benson, who qualified for the race's pole position, crashed in the final practice session and had to start the race from the back of the field after he switched cars. He wasn't able to move back into contention. He withdrew from the race on lap 107, due to engine trouble, which ultimately placed him at 38th.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel