When Dale Earnhardt roared onto the track at the 1987 All‑Star Race, his aggressive maneuver would soon etch itself into the annals of NASCAR lore, a moment that still reverberates through the sport decades later.
The Move That Became Legend
The maneuver, later christened the "Pass in the Grass," was not a literal overtaking move but a daring slide through the grassy infield that allowed Earnhardt to reclaim the lead and secure victory over his chief rival, Bill Elliott, cementing a rivalry that defined an era.
Elliott, who had been running strong, suffered a flat tire in the closing laps, a setback that sparked frustration and a sharp critique of Earnhardt’s driving style, to which the veteran responded with calm confidence, even hinting at a willingness to fight if the provocation persisted.
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series All‑Star Race is scheduled for Sunday, May 17, at Dover International Speedway, reviving memories of that iconic 1987 showdown and giving fans a chance to revisit the historic track where the drama unfolded.
Both Richard Childress Racing and Hendrick Motorsports, the teams that nurtured Earnhardt and Elliott, remain central to the sport’s narrative, while Chevrolet continues to sponsor many of the events that keep the series’ heritage alive and its engines humming.
The upcoming race will be staged on the same asphalt that witnessed the 1987 clash, linking the past with the present and reminding observers of the enduring rivalry that shaped a generation of drivers, including the late Geoff Bodine, whose own career intersected with these legends.