How Dale Earnhardt Helped Brett Bodine Capture His Only NASCAR Cup Victory
Bodine s 1990 victory at North Wilkesboro not without a little controversy.
By Al Pearce RacingOneGetty Images
Brett Bodine’s only NASCAR Cup Series victory came in large part thanks to help from Dale Earnhardt during the April 1990 First Union 400 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Granted, it’s possible the middle of the racing Bodine brothers might have won, anyway, but Earnhardt’s unwitting help shouldn’t be dismissed. It happened like this:
Earnhardt passed Bodine for the lead with about 150 laps remaining in the 400-lapper. From that position, Bodine watched as Earnhardt took an unorthodox line into Turn 1 at the 5/8th-mile track. (The long-closed facility went dramatically downhill into Turns 1-2, then uphill into Turns 3-4). Bodine was better than Earnhardt in 3-4, but significantly worse in 1-2. Overall, their cars were close to even; Earnhardt’s undeniable talent was the