Generation 3 (NASCAR)
Constructor | Chevrolet Ford Oldsmobile Pontiac Buick (until 1991) Dodge (until 1983) Chrysler (1982-1984) |
---|---|
Predecessor | Generation 2 |
Successor | Generation 4 |
Technical specifications | |
Wheelbase | 110 inches |
Engine | 90° pushrod V-8 358 cubic inches (5,870 cc) |
Fuel | Unocal 76 (1989-1992) |
Tires | Goodyear |
Competition history | |
Debut | February 15, 1981 (1981 Daytona 500) |
Last event | November 17, 1991 () |
The Generation 3 refers to the generation of stock cars used in NASCAR from 1981 to 1991, and it was used in the Busch Series until 1993. In this generation, NASCAR downsized the cars to better resemble cars on the showroom floor (with wheelbase at 110 inches), and body panels were still purchased through the manufacturers.[1]
History[]
The Generation 3 era began in 1981[1] and featured bigger spoilers, and streamlined designs[2] that barely resembled their showroom counterparts.[2] The wheelbase was reduced to 110 inches in response to the demand of the production car market that the time, making the cars smaller than the previous 2 generations.[2]
These were the cars that necessitated restrictor plates at Daytona and Talladega. In 1987 at Talladega, Bill Elliott set what remains the NASCAR qualifying record of 212.809 mph (342.483 km/h). But soon into the race, Bobby Allison's car went airborne and nearly went into the main grandstands, and that was the last unrestricted race on either of the two giant tracks. NASCAR mandated smaller carburetors for the rest of that season, and in 1988 required the restrictor plates.[3]
The Generation 3 cars were used until 1991. It was the last generation without roof flaps (mandated in 1994). It was succeeded by the Generation 4 cars in 1992. In that same year, the Gen 3 car was still used in the Busch Series, until the series adopted their Generation 4 car in 1994.
Models[]
General Motors[]
- Buick Regal: 1981–1985, 1988–1991
- Buick LeSabre: 1986–1987
- Chevrolet Lumina: 1989–1991
- Chevrolet Monte Carlo: 1981–1989
- Oldsmobile Cutlass: 1981–1991
- Oldsmobile Delta 88: 1986–1987
- Pontiac Grand Prix: 1981-1991
- Pontiac LeMans: 1982-1983
Ford Motor Company[]
- Ford Thunderbird: 1981–1991
Chrysler Corporation[]
- : 1981-1986
- Chrysler Cordoba: 1980-?
- Dodge Mirada: 1981-1986
See also[]
- Cup Series cars
References[]
- ^ a b "The evolution of NASCAR Cup Series cars". NASCAR.com. July 28, 2021.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b c Weaver, Matt (May 6, 2021). "NASCAR Generations". Autoweek.com.
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: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Hinton, Ed (January 15, 2013). "Six generations of NASCAR cars". ESPN.com.
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: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
External links[]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Generation 3 NASCAR automobiles. |
- NASCAR Cup Series
- 1980s in NASCAR