Race of the week- 1987 Goody's 500 at Martinsville

What could be more exciting than a trio of skilled champions engaging in an intense bumper-to-bumper duel at Martinsville Speedway?  In 1987, Dale Earnhardt, Darrell Waltrip, and Terry Labonte treated NASCAR fans from all over with their classic clash at the storied paper-clip shaped oval.  The trio of champions had won five of the previous six Winston Cup championships combined. 

Earnhardt, Labonte, and Waltrip were three very different racers with three divergent personalities.  Labonte is often referred to as ‘the Iceman’ for his cool and laidback demeanor.  He rarely lost his cool.  Waltrip was aggressive when he needed to be, but he used his mouth more than his chrome horn in order to get into an opponents head, hence the nickname ‘Jaws’.  Earnhardt, on the other hand, would flat out know you out of the way, which is why many referred to him as ‘the Intimidator’. 

In the closing laps, you will see that it was amazing how these drivers kept their cars in one piece.  Check out the clip, it was a classic finish.

For some of you newer fans, picture Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, and Jimmie Johnson banging on each other throughout the closing laps of Sunday’s race at Martinsville.  Regardless of which driver you pull for, you have to watch to see which champion comes out on top. 

Previously featured races:

• 1998 Daytona 500
• 1983 Carolina 500 at Rockingham
• 1986 Miller High Life 400 at Richmond
• 2001 Cracker Barrel 500 at Atlanta
• 1989 Holly Farms 400 at North Wilkesboro
• 1990 Valleydale Meats 500 at Bristol
• 1999 Goody's 500 at Martinsville
• 2004 Samsung Radio Shack 500 at Texas
• 1963 Motor Trend 500 at Riverside
• 2007 Subway Fresh Fit 500k at Phoenix
• 1977 Winston 500 at Talladega
• 1998 Exide Batteries 400 at Richmond
• 2003 Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 at Darlington
• 1987 The Winston at Charlotte
• 2005 Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte
• 1985 Delaware 500 at Dover
• 2000 Pocono 500 at Pocono
• 1982 Champion Spark Plug 400 at Michigan
• 1991 Banquet 300 at Sonoma
• 1994 Slick 50 300 at New Hampshire
• 1984 Firecracker 400 at Daytona
• 2006 USG Sheetrock  400 at Chicagoland
• 1994 Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis
• 2000 Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono
• 1988 Bud at the Glen at Watkins Glen
• 1991 Champion Spark Plug 400 at Michigan
  
• 1999 Goody's 500 at Bristol
• 1985 Southern 500 at Darlington
• 1986 Wrangler Indigo 400 at Richmond
• 2008 Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire
• 1997 Miller 500 at Dover
• 2004 Banquet 400 at Kansas
• 1971 Miller High Life 500 at Ontario, CA
• 2002 UAW-GM Quality 500 at Charlotte