What Is 1970 NASCAR Grand National Series

Overview

The 1970 NASCAR Grand National Series represented a pivotal year in stock car racing history, marking the final season under the 'Grand National' name before the series transitioned to the Winston Cup Series in 1971. This season featured 48 races across the United States, showcasing the growing popularity of NASCAR and the increasing competitiveness among drivers and teams.

With major events like the Daytona 500, the Southern 500, and the inaugural race at Texas World Speedway, the season highlighted both veteran talent and rising stars. The championship battle was tightly contested, ultimately won by Bobby Isaac, who drove the iconic No. 71 K&K Insurance Dodge Charger for Nord Krauskopf.

• Bobby Isaac claimed the championship with 11 wins and 34 top-five finishes, becoming the first champion without winning the Daytona 500.
• The season began on February 15, 1970, with the Daytona 500, won by Pete Hamilton in a Plymouth Superbird.
• Richard Petty recorded the most wins (9), but inconsistent finishes dropped him to second in the final standings.
• The final race of the season was held on November 22, 1970, at Texas World Speedway, won by Buddy Baker.
• This was the last season before R.J. Reynolds signed a sponsorship deal, renaming the series the Winston Cup Series in 1971.

How It Works

The NASCAR Grand National Series operated under a points-based system where drivers earned standings points based on race finishes, consistency, and bonus points for leading laps or winning.

• Championship Points: Drivers earned points based on finish position, with the winner receiving 180 points and decreasing incrementally down to 34th place.
• Bonus Points:Five bonus points were awarded to the driver leading the most laps in a race, encouraging aggressive driving.
• Car Eligibility: Only factory-built, production-based vehicles modified to strict NASCAR standards were allowed to compete in the series.
• Race Length: Events ranged from 100 miles on short tracks to 500 miles on superspeedways like Daytona and Talladega.
• Team Structure: Teams consisted of a driver, crew chief, pit crew, and sponsors, with larger teams like Petty Enterprises and Penske Racing dominating.
• Track Types: The series raced on dirt tracks, short ovals, and superspeedways, testing drivers' adaptability across diverse track conditions.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top five drivers in the 1970 NASCAR Grand National Series standings based on wins, points, and consistency.

The table illustrates how consistency, not just wins, determined the champion. While Petty won more races, Isaac’s 34 top-five finishes provided the edge. Hylton finished third without a win, proving durability and steady performance were crucial in the points system.

Why It Matters

The 1970 season was a turning point in NASCAR history, bridging the muscle car era with the dawn of corporate sponsorship and national television exposure.

• The transition to the Winston Cup Series in 1971 brought increased funding and media attention to the sport.
• Bobby Isaac’s championship demonstrated that consistency could outweigh raw win totals in a points-based system.
• The use of aerodynamic cars like the Plymouth Superbird and Dodge Charger Daytona pushed technological boundaries.
• Television coverage expanded, with networks like ABC Sports broadcasting key races to a national audience.
• The season helped solidify NASCAR as a major American motorsport, paving the way for future growth.
• Legacy of the 1970 season lives on in modern NASCAR, influencing how championships are structured and contested.

Today, the 1970 NASCAR Grand National Series is remembered as the end of an era and the beginning of NASCAR’s modern age, setting the stage for decades of competitive racing.