What Is 1970 NASCAR Winston Cup Series

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1970 NASCAR Winston Cup Series was the 22nd season of NASCAR's premier series, featuring 48 races from January to November 1970. It was the first season sponsored by R.J. Reynolds under the Winston brand, marking the beginning of the 'Winston Cup Era.'

Key Facts

1970 NASCAR Winston Cup Series began January 18, 1970, at the Motor Trend 500
48 races were held during the 1970 season
Bobby Isaac won the championship by 115 points
R.J. Reynolds began sponsoring the series under the Winston brand
Richard Petty won 18 races, the most in the season

Overview

The 1970 NASCAR Winston Cup Series marked a pivotal shift in stock car racing history, becoming the first season officially sponsored by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company under the Winston brand. This sponsorship rebranded the series from the Grand National Series to the Winston Cup Series, ushering in a new era of commercial support and national exposure.

With 48 races spanning from January to November, the season showcased legendary drivers like Richard Petty, Bobby Isaac, and David Pearson. The year was notable for increased competition, technical advancements in race cars, and the beginning of structured marketing in NASCAR.

Bobby Isaac clinched the 1970 championship with 4,748 points, finishing 115 points ahead of second-place Curtis Turner, driving for Nord Krauskopf’s K&K Insurance team.
The season kicked off on January 18, 1970, with the Motor Trend 500 at Riverside International Raceway, won by Petty Enterprises’ Richard Petty.
Richard Petty dominated the track with 18 victories across the season, the highest win count, though he finished third in the final standings.
The series featured 48 official races, including events at iconic tracks like Daytona, Darlington, and Talladega, with prize purses ranging from $10,000 to $60,000.
Winston’s $1 million sponsorship deal included branding, television promotion, and the introduction of the “Winston Million” concept, which boosted media coverage significantly.

How It Works

The 1970 NASCAR Winston Cup Series operated under a points-based championship system designed to reward consistency and performance across the full season. Each race contributed to a driver’s cumulative score, factoring in finishes, laps led, and bonus points.

Points System: NASCAR used a structured scale where first place earned 185 points, decreasing incrementally to 30 for 40th place, with additional 5-point bonuses for leading a lap or leading the most laps.
Manufacturer Competition: Ford, Chevrolet, and Plymouth competed fiercely, with Plymouth winning 22 races thanks to Petty’s dominance and Isaac’s consistency.
Track Diversity: The schedule included 11 superspeedways, 28 short tracks, and 9 road courses, testing driver adaptability and mechanical reliability.
Driver Eligibility: All drivers had to be licensed by NASCAR, pass safety inspections, and compete in a minimum of 30 races to qualify for championship consideration.
Prize Money: Total prize funds exceeded $2.3 million, with winners averaging $15,000 per victory, a significant sum in 1970s currency.
Television & Media:12 races were televised, primarily by ABC Sports, increasing fan engagement and attracting new sponsors to the sport.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of top drivers in the 1970 NASCAR Winston Cup Series based on key performance metrics:

Driver	Wins	Top 5s	Points	Team
Bobby Isaac	11	29	4,748	K&K Insurance Racing
Richard Petty	18	32	4,633	Petty Enterprises
David Pearson	3	19	4,442	Wood Brothers Racing
Curtis Turner	2	14	4,633	Hoss Ellington Racing
James Hylton	0	18	4,354	James Hylton Motorsports

This table highlights how consistency, not just wins, influenced the final standings. While Petty won the most races, Isaac’s frequent top-five finishes secured him the title. The data reflects the competitive balance between factory-backed teams and independent racers, illustrating NASCAR’s evolving professionalism.

Why It Matters

The 1970 season was a turning point for NASCAR, setting the foundation for modern stock car racing. Its blend of corporate sponsorship, structured competition, and media outreach defined the sport’s trajectory for decades.

The Winston sponsorship introduced long-term branding deals, influencing future partnerships with companies like Nextel and Sprint.
Television coverage expanded NASCAR’s reach beyond the South, helping it grow into a nationally recognized sport.
The points system refinement in 1970 became the model for future NASCAR championship formats, including the modern playoff system.
Increased prize money attracted more skilled drivers and better-funded teams, raising the overall level of competition.
Safety improvements were initiated, with mandatory roll bars and fire-resistant suits becoming standard after several high-profile crashes.
The season helped legitimize stock car racing as a professional motorsport, paving the way for stadium-sized venues and international recognition.

Ultimately, the 1970 NASCAR Winston Cup Series was more than just a season—it was the launch of a new era that transformed NASCAR from a regional pastime into a major American sport.