NASCAR History in the 1970's

The 1970's unveiled the modern era in NASCAR. The sport now had several modernized venues, a core of star drivers, corporate sponsorship, and manufacture support.

In the spring at Talladega in 1970, ABC Sports televised live coverage of the race. Even though it was not flag-to-flag coverage, ABC televised the latter portion of the race, as well as highlights from the first part of the race. Unfortunately, a series of lackluster races prompted ABC to cancel future telecasts of NASCAR Grand National races for the 1970 season. Wide World of Sports still aired taped and edited races. ABC Sports resumed their NASCAR format in 1971.

In order to avoid any issues similar to the notorious boycott at Talladega in 1969, NASCAR officials mandated the use of a restrictor plate at Michigan in August of 1970. This was the first recorded use of the restrictor plate in NASCAR Grand National racing. The restrictor plate reduced speeds at high-speed facilities by limiting fuel flow to the carburetor. While the speeds of the early 1970's were decelerated due to the restriction, the racing itself did not mirror the type of modern day restrictor plate racing that takes place at Daytona and Talladega, where cars tend to ride in packs.

The 1971 season was a struggle for the sport of NASCAR. Teams began to lose factory support. Ford pulled their factory support from teams, and Chrysler reduced their support to only Petty Enterprises. This took a toll on many teams in the garage. However, the sport would see brighter days, as R.J. Reynolds became the title sponsor of NASCAR, hence the NASCAR Winston Cup Grand National Series.

The new title sponsor for the series was not the only major change in 1972. France announced a reduction in the schedule. Instead of 40-plus races, the schedule now consisted of 31 races. Essentially all of the 100 to 125-mile races were erased from the Winston Cup schedule.

Bill France, Sr. announced that he would no longer serve as NASCAR's President, paving the way for his son Bill France, Jr. to take over the reins.

In 1975, NASCAR introduced a new way of scoring championship points. Since 1949, NASCAR had several formats. However, France, Jr sought out a new way of determining the champion for the entire year, not just based on certain races. Bob Latford created the system at a saloon by jotting his idea on a napkin. The system awarded 175 points to the winner, minus five points back to sixth position, minus four points back to 11^th, and minus three points to the final finisher. The system remained in effect until 2011.

Corporate sponsors became prevalent in the early 1970's. Companies such as STP, Purolator, and Coca Cola began placing their logos on the cars.

Richard Petty and Cale Yarborough were among the NASCAR drivers altering the record books in the 1970's. Petty won his fourth title in 1972, passing his father Lee and rival David Pearson for most championships earned. He was not finished, as he clinched his seventh championship in 1979. That record stood until Dale Earnhardt matched him in 1994. Petty also won 13 races in a single-season, a modern day record that stood until 1998 when Jeff Gordon matched the mark. However, Petty's victories occurred in a 30-race season as Gordon had 33 races to notch his win total.

Yarborough became the first driver to win three consecutive championships as he earned the trophies in 1976, 1977, and 1978 while driving for the legendary Junior Johnson.

A number of memorable races occurred throughout the 1970's, most notably the 1976 and 1979 Daytona 500s. In 1976, Petty and Pearson collided and crashed exiting turn four. While Petty had trouble refiring his car, Pearson limped across the finish line at roughly 20 miles per hour.

Three years later, Yarborough and Donnie Allison were battling on the final lap when contact put Yarborough into the grass. The two cars came together sliding into the wall before they came to a rest beside the track. When Bobby Allison stop to see if his brother Donnie was uninjured, he and Yarborough engaged in a scuffle. The Yarborough versus Allisons melee was televised in front of a national audience, as the 1979 Daytona 500 was the NASCAR race televised in its entirety. The race drew a surprising 10.5 national rating, as many will credit a snowstorm on the east coast for the high rating. This race became a turning in NASCAR history.

Big names from the 1970's include Petty, Pearson, Yarborough, Bobby and Donnie Allison, Benny Parsons, Darrell Waltrip, Bobby Isaac, and Buddy Baker.

Champions from the 1970's include Bobby Isaac (1970), Richard Petty (1971, 1972, 1974, 1975, 1979), Benny Parsons (1973), Cale Yarborough (1976, 1977, 1978)

Resources: NASCAR Chronicle