1981 NASCAR Winston Cup Series

The 1981 NASCAR Winston Cup Series was the thirty-third season of professional stock car racing in the United States and the 10th modern-era Cup Season.

Because of the energy crisis, manufacturers were downsizing their cars to be more fuel-efficient, which NASCAR reflected by mandating a 110-inch wheelbase that still exists today.

The season began at Riverside International Raceway with the first Winston Western 500 on January 11, 1981 and ended with the same event on November 22.

(key) Bold – Pole position awarded by time.

Italics – Pole position set by owner's points.