Welcome to The Proving Ground. A new year means it’s time for the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. | NASCAR

How rare is it to lap nearly the entire field? In 1988 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Darrell Waltrip delivered one of the most dominant performances NASCAR had seen in years. Driving the No. 17 Tide Chevrolet, Waltrip controlled the Motorcraft Quality Parts 500 from start to finish. When the checkered flag flew, only Dale Earnhardt and Dick Trickle remained on the lead lap — everyone else was behind. A reminder of just how untouchable DW could be at his peak. #nascar #nascarhistory #nascarthrowback