HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. – May 6, 2010 – As anticipation builds for the 26th running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, Saturday, May 22, at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Sprint (NYSE:S) continues its countdown of the top-five “Most Memorable NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Events,” as chosen by members of the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA).
2010 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race
The NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race is famous for delivering exciting competition and fierce rivalries, and the No. 3 most memorable event is no exception. Known to many as “The Tide Slide,” the 1989 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race featured a great battle between two NASCAR champions, Rusty Wallace and Darrell Waltrip.
Driving the No. 17 Tide Chevy for Rick Hendrick, Waltrip was almost as well-known for his opinionated demeanor as for his driving talent. His aggressive style didn’t sit well with some fans, but the “tide” of anti-Waltrip sentiment turned a bit with two laps remaining in the 1989 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.
After winning the 75-lap first segment, Waltrip lined up side-by-side with Wallace, the winner of the 50-lap second segment, for the final 10-lap dash.
While Waltrip took the lead on the restart, Wallace kept the No. 17 in his sights. With two laps remaining, Waltrip led Wallace as the pair headed into Turn 4 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Wallace’s No. 27 Pontiac tapped Waltrip’s rear bumper, sending the Tide Chevy spinning through the infield grass. Wallace held on to win the fifth running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, but the drama wasn’t over.
Waltrip finished seventh, and was intent on letting Wallace know he wasn’t happy about it. On the cool down lap, Waltrip sped past the field and attempted to catch up to Wallace. Knowing Waltrip was upset, Wallace headed for Victory Lane, where he was greeted by a chorus of boos from the crowd.
Both drivers’ teams weren’t shy about showing their displeasure with each other, as security guards had to break up the skirmishes that erupted between the respective crews.
Wallace took home more than $200,000 for the winning effort. At the time, Waltrip told reporters, “I hope he chokes on that $200,000.” After winning the Coca-Cola 600 the following weekend, Waltrip made it a point to let everyone know the victory paid less than half as much as Wallace’s NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race win.
While it’s been nearly 21 years, Waltrip’s thoughts on the incident haven’t changed much.
“That was a classic cheap shot,” Waltrip said. “Only problem was, it wasn’t cheap. It cost me a lot of money. I underestimated Rusty’s ability to maintain control of his car. I never thought he would put me in the ‘spin cycle’ but he did and I was ‘hung out to dry!”
The top vote recipient for the “Most Memorable NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race” will be revealed during NASCAR Sprint All-Star Week leading up to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.
Tune in at 7 p.m. (EDT) Saturday, May 22, to SPEED for coverage of this year’s NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. Sprint customers can enjoy coverage on their Sprint phones via NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile. To download the new NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile, which is free with any data plan, Sprint customers should text “NASCAR” to 7777 (Standard text messaging and data rates apply). Tickets for the event start at $39 and are available at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling 800-455-FANS.
Most Memorable Moments in NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race History
| Rank | Moment | Year |
| No. 3 | “The Tide Slide” – Wallace Spins Waltrip for the Win | 1989 |
| No. 4 | Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Rookie-Season Win | 2000 |
| No. 5 | Jeff Gordon’s Third NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Win | 2001 |
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- Sprint Nextel, Press Release
