• A new point system is incorporated for the Winston Cup Series. It is the same formula still in use today.

• The Daytona 500, televised by ABC Sports, outdraws the National Basketball Association and National Hockey League games held on the same day. The Daytona 500 draws a 10.7 rating compared to 8.6 for the NBA and 4.1 for the NHL.

• Benny Parsons wins the Daytona 500.

• Darrell Waltrip wins his first Winston Cup race on May 10 at Nashville.

• Dale Earnhardt makes his Winston Cup debut in the 600-mile event at Charlotte Motor Speedway, finishing 22nd in a Dodge owned by veteran campaigner Ed Negre.

• Richard Petty makes up a six-lap deficit to win the Delaware 500 at Dover Downs International Speedway on Sept. 14.

• Richard Petty establishes a "Modern Era" record of 13 victories in a season.

• Petty wraps up his sixth championship by 722 points over Dave Marcis.