November 26 - This day in Petty history

1967 - Richard Petty wins the pole and the 100-mile race at Alabama's half-mile Montgomery Speedway. He leads 154 of the 200 laps to earn his 76th career win. Emerging rival Bobby Allison leads the remaining 46 laps and finishes 2nd - the only other car on the lead lap.

Though the race was held in November 1967, it was scheduled by NASCAR as the second event of the 1968 Grand National season.

According to Greg Fielden in his book, Forty Years of Stock Car Racing - Volume 3, Petty had not originally intended to participate in this race.

Petty showed up only after he received a sizable amount of "show money" from the promoters. Allison is one of the promoters at the half-mile paved track ... Petty and Allison, who have been involved in a few fender benders in recent weeks, met in victory circle. "Let's say we get along fine on the track," said Petty. "I'm not so sure about off the track, but it's a thing of the past." - pp 166-167

It's interesting to read that at the time Petty thought the run-ins with Allison were over and done with. Instead, they continued off and on for another five seasons - culminating with their slam-bang affair at North Wilkesboro in October 1972.

Article courtesy of Jerry Bushmire

TMC