Was the Southern 500 ever known as a different name?

Question

Wasn't once called the Mountain dew 500, or Pepsi 500?

Answer 1

It has always been the Southern 500....in the late 80's sponsorship entered the equation. I believe (now I'm doing this from memory I could be wrong) Heinz was the first sponsor and it was called The Heinz Southern 500, The Pepsi Southern 500, and Mountain Dew Southern 500 soon followed. Hope that helps.