The 1987 Talladega 500 was the seventeenth race of the 1987 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season. The event took place on Sunday, July 26, 1987 at the Alabama International Motor Speedway (now Talladega Superspeedway) in Lincoln, Alabama. The race was contested over 188 laps on the 2.66‑mile (4.28 km) tri‑oval, covering a total distance of 500.08 mi (804.8 km).
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official name | 19th Annual Talladega 500 |
| Series race number | 17 of 29 (1987 NASCAR Winston Cup Series) |
| Date | July 26, 1987 |
| Venue | Alabama International Motor Speedway, Lincoln, Alabama |
| Course | Permanent tri‑oval superspeedway, 2.66 mi (4.28 km) |
| Distance | 188 laps, 500.08 mi (804.8 km) |
| Average speed | 171.293 mph (275.669 km/h) |
| Attendance | 105,000 spectators |
| Pole position | Bill Elliott (Melling Racing) – 46.981 s |
| Most laps led | Davey Allison (Ranier‑Lundy Racing) – 77 laps |
| Winner | Bill Elliott (car #9, Melling Racing) |
| Podium | 1. Bill Elliott – 2. Davey Allison – 3. Dale Earnhardt |
| Television | CBS (announcers Ken Squier, Ned Jarrett) |
| Radio | Motor Racing Network (MRN) |
Race summary
Bill Elliott, driving the No. 9 Melling Racing Chevrolet, secured the pole position with a lap time of 46.981 seconds. Throughout the race, Davey Allison led the most laps (77) but was overtaken in the closing stages. Elliott defended a late‑race challenge from Allison to claim his 19th career Winston Cup victory and his second win of the 1987 season. Dale Earnhardt finished third, completing the podium.
Track background
Talladega Superspeedway, originally known as Alabama International Motor Speedway, is a 2.66‑mile tri‑oval constructed in the 1960s by the International Speedway Corporation. Situated on the former Anniston Air Force Base, the facility is notable for its steep banking and a start/finish line positioned just beyond the pit road exit. It remains the longest oval in the NASCAR circuit and regularly hosts events in the NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Camping World Truck Series.
Significance
The 1987 Talladega 500 contributed to the championship points battle of the 1987 Winston Cup Series, reinforcing Bill Elliott’s status as a leading contender for the season title. The race also highlighted the high‑speed, high‑drafting nature of superspeedway competition, with an average race speed exceeding 170 mph.
