1983 Winston 500

Talladega Superspeedway, originally known as Alabama International Motor Superspeedway (AIMS), is a motorsports complex located north of Talladega, Alabama. It is located on the former Anniston Air Force Base in the small city of Lincoln. The track is a Tri-oval and was constructed by International Speedway Corporation, a business controlled by the France Family, in the 1960s. Talladega is most known for its steep banking and the unique location of the start/finish line - located just past the exit to pit road. The track currently hosts the NASCAR series such as the Monster Energy Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and the Camping World Truck Series. Talladega Superspeedway is the longest NASCAR oval with a length of 2.66 miles (4.28 km), and the track at its peak had a seating capacity of 175,000 spectators.[3]

Before the restrictor plates dramatically slowed down the cars, the restarts were considered to be fast and furious at what is now known as Talladega Superspeedway.[4] There were 42 American-born drivers on the grid, representing manufacturers including Pontiac, Buick, Chevrolet, and Ford. Cale Yarborough qualified for the pole position with a speed of 202.650 miles per hour (326.134 km/h). Richard Petty defeated Benny Parsons by two car lengths after three hours and fourteen minutes to earn his 197th career win.[2] Seven cautions for 42 laps were witnessed by 110,000 spectators in addition to 27 different lead changes.[2] The average speed of the race was 153.936 miles per hour (247.736 km/h).[2] There was a major incident involving Phil Parsons and ten other drivers.[5] Two photographers managed to get Parsons out of the wreck before the vehicle exploded.[6] The entire race purse was $361,820 ($928,788.19 when adjusted for inflation).[7]

The Alabama Gang takes a small hit in the points standings on their home turf. Harry Gant turns in a top-5 run and took the points lead from Bobby Allison as a result of the 31-point swing. Neil Bonnett came in third in points and maintained that position although he lost ground as a result of the issues that left him with a 15th-place finish, seven laps down.[2]

Dale Earnhardt was driving a Ford Thunderbird; an unexpected deviation from the Earnhardt family's Chevrolet heritage.[4] Lowell Cowell would retire from NASCAR after this race.