• The "energy crisis" poses a threat to the wellbeing of auto racing worldwide. Bill France Sr., retired NASCAR president, plays a major role in the negotiations with the Federal Energy Office, representing the entire auto racing fraternity in tense meetings in January 1974.

• NASCAR agrees to reduce the mileage of Winston Cup events by 10 percent and a full 30-race slate remains intact for the 1974 Winston Cup season.

• A record 60 lead changes occur in the Daytona 500 with Richard Petty taking the lead for good with 11 laps remaining. It is his fifth victory in NASCAR's premier Winston Cup event.

• NASCAR implements a point system for the first time in the Winston Cup Rookie of the Year chase. Earl Ross of Alsa Craig, Ontario, Canada, wins the rookie of the year award and notches a victory in the 500-lapper at Martinsville, Va.

• Pocono International Raceway in Pennsylvania joins the Winston Cup tour.

• Richard Petty drives a Dodge to victory in the inaugural 500-miler at Pocono.

• Petty records his fifth Winston Cup championship after a season-long struggle with Cale Yarborough.