The 1998 NAPA Autocare 500 was a Winston Cup (now Monster Energy Cup) event held at Martinsville Speedway on September 27, 1998. Ricky Rudd won a race in his 17th straight season, leading 198 laps and holding off Jeff Gordon by half a second. The race saw unusual heat, and most drivers, including Rudd, were given oxygen in victory lane. Gordon withstood the heat and held a 199-point championship edge on Mark Martin (3rd). Stats
| 1998 NAPA Autocare 500 | |
| General info | |
|---|---|
| Series | Winston Cup Series |
| Location | Martinsville Speedway |
| Date | September 27, 1998 |
| Qualifying | |
| Pole Sitter | Ernie Irvan |
| Pole Speed | 93.600 mph |
| Race Data | |
| Winner | Ricky Rudd |
| Margin of Victory | 0.533 secs |
| Average Speed | 73.350 mph |
| Cautions | 11 for 82 laps |
| Points Leader | Jeff Gordon (+199) |