Home / Sports / NASCAR's Coldest Race: -31°F Wind Chills at Richmond
NASCAR's Coldest Race: -31°F Wind Chills at Richmond
30 Jan
Summary
- The 1990 Pontiac Excitement 400 faced extreme cold with wind chills near 5°F.
- 50,000 fans endured frigid temperatures, likening it to a winter tailgate.
- Mark Martin won the race, overcoming extreme conditions to take the lead late.
The 1990 Pontiac Excitement 400 at Richmond Raceway on February 25, 1990, is etched in NASCAR history as its coldest race. Frigid temperatures and high winds created a challenging environment, with ambient temperatures in the mid-20s Fahrenheit and wind gusts up to 40 mph producing wind chills near 5°F. The extreme cold pushed cars, tires, and engines to their limits, and drivers battled the elements in addition to their competitors.
Despite the frigid conditions, which some likened to a winter tailgate, approximately 50,000 fans attended the event. The race successfully concluded its scheduled 400 laps on Richmond's 0.75-mile oval. Roush Racing driver Mark Martin claimed the win after seizing the lead with just 16 laps remaining, with Dale Earnhardt and Ricky Rudd rounding out the podium.
