1968 Season Recap

1966 champion David Pearson returned to dominance in 1968, winning 16 times in 47 starts. Richard Petty also won 16 times but did not display the same consistency as "The Silver Fox." Drivers and fans also saw the points system change in NASCAR Grand National (now the NASCAR Winston Cup Series) racing.

David Pearson, Bobby Isaac and Richard Petty duked it out all season, but with the change in the points system, no one was eliminated from the title chase until late in the season.

FIVE RACES TO GO: North Wilkesboro, NC - Defending champion Richard Petty won over David Pearson at North Wilkesboro, but Pearson's runner-up finish extended his points lead over Bobby Isaac to 64 points after Isaac finished seventh. Other contenders for the 1968 title included Clyde Lynn, who finished 14th with rear end trouble, and John Sears, who came in ninth. The victory was the 90th of Petty's career.

FOUR RACES TO GO: Augusta, GA - Points leader David Pearson took the lead at Augusta Speedway on lap 109 and never looked back for his 16th win of the year. Richard Petty and Bobby Isaac kept the standings interesting as they finished 3-4, and John Sears followed in fifth. Clyde Lynn was not far behind in eighth place.

THREE RACES TO GO: Charlotte, NC - 1966 champion David Pearson was third at Charlotte Motor Speedway and pulled to an 81-point lead over Bobby Isaac on his quest for his second title. Isaac came in ninth in the event. Richard Petty suffered from engine trouble and recorded a 32nd place finish. Clyde Lynn and John Sears were not threats either as they finished 21st and 14th respectively.

TWO RACES TO GO: Rockingham, NC - David Pearson conceded victory to Richard Petty at Rockingham when Petty passed him on lap 443, but Pearson's second place effort won him his second NASCAR Grand National championship. Bobby Isaac experienced engine trouble and was relegated to a 17th place finish but remained second in points. Clyde Lynn was two better than Isaac in 15th place. John Sears closed the gap on Lynn with his 11th place showing.

FINAL RACE: Jefferson, GA - The season finale saw all the points contenders finish in the top 11 as Jeffco Speedway was the scene where the top five in the standings would be decided. Richard Petty was runner-up to Cale Yarborough and new champion David Pearson was third. Bobby Isaac crashed with nine laps remaining but was credited with a ninth place finish, enabling him to finish the season 126 points out of first. John Sears wrapped up fifth in the standings with his 6th place finish, while fourth place Clyde Lynn finished the event in 11th.