But Richard Petty, who was out of the points because of a shoulder injury suffered at Darlington in May, was considered the favorite to win the race.

Bobby Allison was the only other driver to lead, running 11 laps out front before losing an engine prior to the half.

Richard Petty and Bobby Allison swapped the lead for the rest of the race, beating and banging each other for the win.

Sixteen thousand people watched Richard Petty defeat Benny Parsons by at least four laps;[2][3] resulting in his 151st NASCAR Winston Cup Series win.

[2] A little known fact about this race was that Benny Parsons was the president of a Parent-Teacher Association (based out of an Ellerbe, North Carolina, elementary school) and a NASCAR champion at the same time.

[2] Cecil Gordon was on the lead lap late in the race until a flat tire on a restart cost him a top 3 finish.

[2] Notable crew chiefs who actively participated in the race were Tim Brewer, Travis Carter, Harry Hyde, Dale Inman, Vic Ballard, Lee Gordon and Bud Moore.