April 20, 1980
"Northwestern Bank 400"
Richard Petty won his 14th of 15 races in the Northwestern Bank 400 at NWS at the age of 42. It was his first of two wins of the 1980 season. Finishing second, better than a lap behind, was Harry Gant. Bobby Allison started from the pole (113.797 mph) and finished 3rd. Cale Yarborough and Benny Parsons finished 4th and 5th, respectively. Two drivers would see the track for the first time in a Winston Cup car and finish in the top 10, Jody Ridley in 7th and Kyle Petty in 8th. A third driver whom Teresa (Houston) Earhnardt referred to as “Uncle Tommy,” also made his NWS debut, but lasted only nine laps and was the first car out of the race in 31st position. Four drivers exchanged the lead a total of 9 times. There were 5 cautions for 32 laps.
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