Mario Andretti, better known for his accomplishments in open-wheel and USAC competition, won his first and only NASCAR Grand National Series event, pulling away from 1965 winner Fred Lorenzen in the closing laps.

[2] More than 94,000 people witnessed a 204-minute race where six cautions slowed the pace for a total of 54 laps.

Six drivers failed to make the grid; including Don Biederman and Earl Brooks.

Only Daytona 500 starts for Dorus Wisecarver, Joel Davis, Innes Ireland, Ken Spikes, Bob Pickell, and George England.

Last Daytona 500 starts for H. B. Bailey, Curtis Turner, J. T. Putney, Jim Paschal, Dick Hutcherson, Don White, Blackie Watt, and Paul Lewis.