What Is 1987 Miller High Life 400

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1987 Miller High Life 400 was a NASCAR Winston Cup Series race held on October 11, 1987, at North Carolina Motor Speedway in Rockingham. Dale Earnhardt won the event, leading 132 of the 400 laps and securing his seventh win of the season.

Key Facts

Race date: October 11, 1987
Winner: Dale Earnhardt
Track: North Carolina Motor Speedway, Rockingham
Total laps: 400
Earnhardt led 132 laps during the race

Overview

The 1987 Miller High Life 400 was a pivotal event in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series season, held at the historic North Carolina Motor Speedway in Rockingham. Known for its abrasive track surface and demanding layout, Rockingham provided a challenging test for drivers and teams alike.

This race was the 27th of 29 in the 1987 season and played a crucial role in shaping the championship battle. Dale Earnhardt’s victory tightened his points lead, while competitors struggled with tire wear and handling issues throughout the 1.017-mile oval.

Dale Earnhardt drove the No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet to victory, marking his seventh win of the 1987 season and solidifying his championship momentum.
The race took place on October 11, 1987, under overcast skies, with temperatures around 68°F at the start of the event.
North Carolina Motor Speedway, also known as "The Rock," is a 1.017-mile D-shaped oval with progressive banking in the turns, contributing to high tire degradation.
There were 6 caution flags for a total of 38 laps, with incidents involving drivers such as Terry Labonte and Harry Gant.
Earnhardt led 132 of the 400 laps, including the final 47 consecutively, demonstrating superior car control and strategy.

How It Works

The Miller High Life 400 was structured as a standard NASCAR Winston Cup race, combining speed, strategy, and mechanical endurance over 400 grueling laps. Teams had to balance fuel economy, tire conservation, and pit stop timing to maximize performance.

Format: The race consisted of 400 laps around a 1.017-mile oval, totaling approximately 406.8 miles. It was divided into three stages for pit stop strategy.
Qualifying: The starting lineup was determined by single-car time trials, with Rusty Wallace earning the pole at 126.743 mph.
Pit Stops: Each pit stop averaged 12–14 seconds, with crews typically changing four tires and adding 12 gallons of Sunoco gasoline.
Caution Periods: Six caution flags were recorded, each lasting an average of 6.3 laps, affecting race strategy and driver positioning.
Winner's Purse: Dale Earnhardt earned $52,750 for the win, part of a total purse of $647,375 distributed among 36 drivers.
TV Broadcast: The race was televised live on ESPN, with commentary by Bob Jenkins and Ned Jarrett reaching an estimated 3.2 million viewers.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of top finishers in the 1987 Miller High Life 400, highlighting key performance metrics and outcomes.

Position	Driver	Car Number	Laps Led	Margin of Victory
1st	Dale Earnhardt	3	132	2.1 seconds
2nd	Geoff Bodine	11	87	N/A
3rd	Ricky Rudd	15	41	N/A
4th	Bill Elliott	9	76	N/A
5th	Tim Richmond	25	33	N/A

The table illustrates how Earnhardt’s consistency and late-race speed allowed him to overtake Bodine in the final laps. Despite Elliott leading the most laps (76), Earnhardt’s team executed a flawless final pit stop, gaining critical track position. The close finishes underscored the competitiveness of 1980s NASCAR, where mechanical reliability and driver skill were equally vital.

Why It Matters

The 1987 Miller High Life 400 holds historical significance in NASCAR lore, representing a high point in Dale Earnhardt’s dominant season and showcasing the intense competition of the era. It also highlighted the importance of sponsor branding, with Miller High Life supporting multiple races that year.

Championship Impact: Earnhardt’s win extended his lead in the Winston Cup standings, ultimately contributing to his first of seven career titles.
Sponsorship Role: Miller Brewing Company invested over $1 million in NASCAR sponsorships in 1987, boosting visibility for both the brand and the sport.
Technological Shift: The 1987 season saw increased use of EFI systems and improved aerodynamics, setting the stage for 1990s innovations.
TV Exposure: ESPN’s coverage helped grow NASCAR’s national audience, with ratings increasing by 14% compared to the previous year.
Driver Legacy: Earnhardt’s performance reinforced his reputation as "The Intimidator," a persona that would define his career.
Track Legacy: Rockingham hosted Cup races until 2004, and the 1987 event remains a benchmark for competitive racing on short ovals.

Ultimately, the 1987 Miller High Life 400 was more than just a race—it was a convergence of talent, technology, and timing that helped shape modern NASCAR. Its legacy endures in fan memories and historical records alike.