1972 Season Recap

1972 was a special year in NASCAR history. Not only did the organization get a new president as Bill France handed the reins to his son, Bill Jr., but the sanctioning body would have a new ally. The R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, through its Winston brand, would become the title sponsor of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series (formerly NASCAR Grand National). Their involvement began the evolution of stock car racing and marked the beginning of NASCAR's ascent to major league status. More money was involved in the series and drivers now had more to race for.

A new point system was also created where the winner would receive 100 points for a race victory with a drop of two points for each position thereafter. Each driver also received points based on each lap competed in every race, and point values were determined by the length of the race track.

Richard Petty was one of the few drivers who truly raced for the championship all season, and after he took the lead from James Hylton halfway through the season, it was clear track ahead.

FIVE RACES TO GO: Martinsville, VA - With five races remaining in the 1972 season, three-time and defending champion Richard Petty held a 153.9 point lead over rival Bobby Allison. The two contenders showed why they were at the top of the standings at Martinsville, as the King took the checkered flag with Bobby Allison coming in second, six seconds behind the leader. Petty increased his point lead by two points.

FOUR RACES TO GO: North Wilkesboro, NC - Again, Richard Petty and Bobby Allison finished 1-2, this time at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Petty got by Allison on the last lap as the two beat and banged on each other, adding fuel to their season-long feud. Even in victory, Petty only extended his point lead by two points for the second straight week.

THREE RACES TO GO: Charlotte, NC - Bobby Allison trimmed Richard Petty's lead in the point standings to 127.9 with his victory in the National 500 in Charlotte. Petty held down second place until he blew a tire and hit the wall and ended up finishing tenth. James Hylton, who was third in the point standings, finished in 7th. Cecil Gordon, fourth in the standings, came in 17th and fifth place Benny Parsons finished 38th.

TWO RACES TO GO: Rockingham, NC - Bobby Allison won his second straight race in record-setting fashion. He led a NASCAR Winston Cup race for the 39th consecutive time, including each race in the 1972 season and the final nine of the previous year. However, his remarkable consistency wasn't enough to win him a title as Petty finished second at Rockingham to keep his points lead mostly safe.

FINAL RACE: College Station, TX - Richard Petty, finishing third at the Texas 500, sealed his fourth NASCAR Winston Cup Series championship, breaking his father and David Pearson's record of three championships in a career. With Bobby Allison finishing one spot behind him in fourth, Petty's final margin in the point standings was 127.9.