1997 NASCAR Winston Cup Series

The 1997 NASCAR Winston Cup Series was the 49th season of professional stock car racing in the United States and the 26th modern-era NASCAR Cup series. It began on February 9 and ended on November 16. Jeff Gordon of Hendrick Motorsports won his second Cup championship at the end of the season.

It was the last season until 2019 without Matt Kenseth.

1997 Winston Cup champion Jeff Gordon
Dale Jarrett finished second behind Gordon by only 14 points
Mark Martin finished third in the championship
Mike Skinner, the 1997 Winston Cup Rookie of the Year.