1975 season recap

The points system as we know it today was instituted in 1975. However, it was likely met with controversy as the 1975 season was the most lopsided championship race in NASCAR Winston Cup Series history. Richard Petty won the sixth championship of his career, his second straight - the second time he had gone back-to-back - and his fourth in five years. Dave Marcis, the 1975 runner-up, finished a mere 722 points behind the King, a record that still stands. The second biggest blowout in history was in 1987 when Dale Earnhardt beat out Bill Elliott - by only 489 points.

Richard Petty won 13 of the 30 races on the 1975 schedule and clinched the championship with four races remaining.

FIVE RACES TO GO: Richmond, VA - Even though he finished dead last at Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway, Richard Petty had reason to celebrate. His lead of 827 points over Dave Marcis was so insurmountable, Petty did not even have to start the four races remaining in the season and he still would win the 1975 championship. Dave Marcis was 23rd in the event. James Hylton, 1973 champion Benny Parsons, and Richard Childress were competing with Marcis for second on the season. Hylton finished in sixth place, but Parsons and Childress struggled, finishing 18th and 21st respectively.

FOUR RACES TO GO: Rockingham, NC - With his sixth title in hand, Richard Petty was racing to add money to his pocket and trophies to his collection. Rockingham was no so kind to the new champion as an engine problem on lap 20 left the King with a 35th place finish. Dave Marcis finished third after taking the pole.

THREE RACES TO GO: Bristol, TN - Richard Petty got his 13th victory of the season with his victory at Bristol International Speedway. Dave Marcis, who trailed Petty in the standings, finished fourth. James Hylton finished ninth, Benny Parsons fifth and Richard Childress 13th.

TWO RACES TO GO: Hampton, GA - Dave Marcis won the pole at Atlanta International Raceway and finished the race in the runner-up position while Buddy Baker took the checkered flag. Champion Richard Petty was right behind Marcis in third, however. The other contenders turned in mediocre efforts, allowing Marcis to extend his lead over his competitors for the second place spot in the standings.

FINAL RACE: Ontario, CA - Richard Petty was officially recognized as the 1975 champion after heading to the garage on lap 168 with engine problems. Marcis, hoping to make the final standings more respectable, did that with a third place performance. James Hylton finished the race in ninth and took third place on the season. 1973 champion Benny Parsons had ignition trouble and came in 34th, but was far enough ahead of Richard Childress that Childress' 10th place finish was no threat. Childress concluded the season in fifth place. Petty's final margin over Marcis stood at 722 points.