The Winston Western 500 was an annual NASCAR Winston Cup race held at Riverside International Raceway in Riverside, California, USA, in January, and then in later years, November. From 1965 to 1981, the race was held in January at the beginning of the season and from 1981 to 1987 it was held in November, with the race being the NASCAR Winston Cup Series' final race of the year from 1981 to 1986. Two races with the name "Winston Western 500" were held in 1981 to accommodate the race's date change. It was also done because of the closing of Ontario Speedway. That race was transferred to nearby Riverside. That year Riverside hosted three NASCAR races. The race distance was 500 miles until 1977 when it was shortened to 311 miles (500 kilometers). The other race held at Riverside, the Budweiser 400, was held in June.
Race winners
Winston Western 500
Motor Trend 500
Riverside 500
Unnamed race
Crown America 500
References
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