TBT: A first for Phoenix Raceway, Alan Kulwicki alike

The 1988 fall race at Phoenix Raceway was the first in track history ... and also site of the first-ever Polish Victory Lap. The Checker 500, run on a Sunday and the next-to-final race of that season, consisted of 312 laps on the 1-mile course -- the final 60 of them especially captivating and leading to a first-time winner. RELATED: Full race results | Alan Kulwicki's career highlights Ricky Rudd led the most laps (183) on the afternoon, but would be out of the running on Lap 296 due to engine problems. As Bill Elliott and Rusty Wallace battled in the throes of a championship hunt, it was Alan Kulwicki who would outlast everyone for his first career NASCAR Cup Series win. [caption id="attachment_255930" align="aligncenter" width="819"] Harris Lue | NASCAR Creative Design[/caption] After taking the checkered flag, Kulwicki turned the car around and completed what he eventually referred to as a "Polish Victory Lap." Kulwicki, of Polish heritage, wanted to be able to wave to the fans directly from his driver's side window during his celebratory lap. The tradition would live on and be associated with Kulwicki forever, especially following his passing in 1993. Relive Kulwicki's first career win -- and the final top-10 finish of Benny Parsons' career -- in this NASCAR Full Race Replay of the 1988 Checker 500. RELATED: More from our YouTube channel