November 14 - This day in Petty history - part 2

1971 - Richard Petty wins his 139th career race by leading 299 laps in the Capital City 500 at Richmond. By merely starting the race, the King also clinches his third NASCAR Grand National championship and his first (and the sponsor's first) titled as the Winston Cup.

Richmond's fall race historically has been scheduled in September. Because of two rain-outs, however, the race had to be re-scheduled for November.

Long-time fellow Petty fan, Brian '200WINZ' Hauck remembers:

Here is 1971 Capital City 500 Program and the starting line-up. The program was a generic version that really did not pertain to a specific event. Some race reports from earlier events and probable entries and the sort. The race itself? I don't really recall anything spectacular; however this WAS Richmond and Richard WAS expected to WIN!!! The one great thing about the old 1/2 mile was the fact that it got greasy as hell once the race got going. It wasn't uncommon to see cars sliding out of the corners like they were on a dirt track! It really didn't tear up the tires either so they just powered on! The Armco guardrail around the track was another thing altogether! It you hit that thing, it would shred the sheet metal like a meat grinder. Between the guard rail and the tight racing, it was not unusual to finish pretty well mangled up - IF you finished.

Article courtesy of Jerry Bushmire

TMC