They clamored to get the United States Auto Club (which had replaced the AAA as the nation's leading auto racing sanctioned body) to lift its ban on racing at Daytona, but USAC, which sanctioned the Indy 500, would not budge.

Five different drivers traded the lead during the first 50 laps, including Joe Weatherly, who had won his qualifying race.

Behind the wheel was 22-year-old Cale Yarborough of Timmonsville, South Carolina, destined to finish last in the 48-car field.

During pit stops, Roberts pulled down his window by hand, just like a passenger car driver, to accept a drink.

Petty's team decided to try Junior Johnson's 1960 race-winning strategy and stay with Roberts at all costs, to draft him incessantly and pit when he did.

Lee Petty, still limping from his devastating 1961 crash, stalked the pits during the last 125 miles (201 km), placed his hands on his lips, his cigar in his mouth, with his intention on watching the battle on the track.