1990 Winston Cup Season

Dale Earnhardt was poised to win his first Daytona 500 when a cut right rear tire on the last lap put him out of contention and allowed Derrike Cope to win the 1990 Daytona 500. Derrike was driving the #10 Chevrolet Purolator owned by Bob Whitcomb with crew chief Buddy Parrott. Derrike and Trophy

It was Derrike's third Daytona 500 and first career Winston Cup win. Even though he led the race three times that day, Derrike Cope is rarely credited with being a winner in the Daytona 500. Lucky, yes, but rarely a winner. Derrike reflected on his Daytona win in an excellent article. The call by MRN for the last seconds of the race can be heard here on RealAudio. RealVideo is available of the win in addition to comments by Derrike.

Number One "Cope raced smart, took advantage of unexpected circumstances -- was in a position to do so -- and will forever be a part of major league stock car racing history." - Joe Whitlock, Winston Cup Scene.

"One of racing's best-kept secrets who has a bright future." - Humpy Wheeler.

Derrike did win another race that year in the Budweiser 500 in Dover, DE. Two articles describe that victory, a Dover Commentary and a Dover Interview. He closed a 1.6-second Rusty Wallace lead on lap 442 and made his move on lap 446. Wallace faded to 10th and Derrike was never challenged. Derrike's late run was spurred by a 20-second four-tire change on lap 420 that vaulted him into contention. RealVideo is available of the win.

Additional photos of Derrike with the Purolator team and the Daytona 500 win are on Gallery Page 14 and Gallery Page 63.

At Bristol
Bristol '90

Daytona 500 win

Painting by artist Garry Hill

Date	Event	Start	Finish	Status	Money Won	Laps	Laps Led	Race Points	Standing
Feb. 18	Daytona 500 Daytona, FL	12	1	Running	$188,150	200/200	54,180, 194-195,200	180	1
25	Pontiac Excitement 400 Richmond, VA	20	29	Accident	$8,225	305/400		76
Mar. 4	Goodwrench 500 Rockingham, NC	15	12	Running	$10,475	487/492		127
18	Motorcraft Quality Parts 500 Hampton, GA	13	29	Mechanical	$8,625	255/328		76
Apr. 1	TranSouth 500 Darlington, SC	24	27	Handling	$8,170	224/367		82
8	Valleydale Meats 500 Bristol, TN	22	32	Accident	$7,300	56/500		67
22	First Union 400 N. Wilkesboro, NC	26	21	Running	$7,675	393/400		100
29	Hanes Activewear 500 Martinsville, VA	14	17	Running	$7,600	489/500		112
May 6	Winston 500 Talladega, AL	27	40	Engine	$9,350	3/188		43
19	Winston Select Concord, NC	7	18	Running	$18,000	68/70		--
27	Coca-Cola 600 Concord, NC	11	9	Running	$18,750	400/400	306-307	143
Jun. 3	Budweiser 500 Dover, DE	15	1	Running	$55,050	500/500	160-194,279-280, 365,446-500	180
10	Banquet Frozen Foods 300 Sonoma, CA	19	13	Running	$10,000	74/74		124
17	Miller Genuine Draft 500 Long Pond, PA	17	12	Running	$10,550	200/200	115-117	132
24	Miller Genuine Draft 400 Brooklyn, MI	18	12	Running	$13,100	200/200		127
Jul. 7	Pepsi 400 Daytona, FL	18	28	Running	$8,920	100/160		79
22	AC Spark Plug 500 Long Pond, PA	12	13	Running	$11,350	200/200	143-146	129
29	DieHard 500 Talladega, AL	21	7	Running	$16,350	188/188		146
Aug. 12	Budweiser at the Glen Watkins Glen, NY	7	35	Engine	$7,330	45/90		58
19	Champion Spark Plug 400 Brooklyn, MI	13	19	Running	$10,650	199/200		106
25	Busch 500 Bristol, TN	15	27	Rear End	$8,775	379/500		82
Sep. 2	Heinz Southern 500 Darlington, SC	9	9	Running	$12,105	366/367		138
9	Miller Genuine Draft 400 Richmond, VA	20	35	Engine	$7,355	120/400		58
16	Peak Performance 500 Dover, DE	25	13	Running	$9,775	496/500		124
23	Goody's 500 Martinsville, VA	31	24	Engine	$6,900	450/500		91
30	Tyson Holly Farms 400 N. Wilkesboro, NC	25	22	Running	$6,900	393/400		97
Oct. 7	Mello Yello 500 Concord, NC	13	7	Running	$17,400	334/334		146
21	ACDelco 500 Rockingham, NC	15	33	Broken Valve	$7,975	268/492		64
Nov. 4	Checker 500 Phoenix, AZ	20	14	Running	$9,450	311/312		121
18	Atlanta Journal 500 Hampton, GA	18	12	Running	$9,550	326/328	134-135	132	18

Note: Both photos of cars courtesy of Larry Cole. Photo of painting courtesy of Angela Walker. Thanks to Martin Vincent for stats.

Year	Races	Wins	Top 5	Top 10	Rank	Winnings
1990	29	2	2	6	18	$569,451