Buddy Baker enjoys his first career NASCAR victory.
Charlotte, N.C. (October 15, 1967) - Eclipsing an anticipated duel between Ford and Plymouth, Buddy Baker streaked his 1967 Dodge Charger to his first-ever NASCAR victory in the National 500 stock car race on Sunday.
Baker, of Charlotte, N.C., took the lead on the 257th lap of the 334-lap race and was never headed. It was the 100th career Grand National win for Dodge’s Charger.
Bobby Isaac, Catawba, N.C., came in second in another 1967 Charger and Dick Hutcherson of Camden, S.C., was third in a Ford Fairlane. Fourth place went to Charlie Glotzbach of Georgetown, Ind., in a 1965 Dodge.
G.C. Spencer of Jonesboro, Tenn., took fifth in a 1967 Plymouth. He finished in spite of a crash midway in the race which ate up a tire and cost precious time.
Baker missed a race record by finishing with an average of 130.186 miles per hour. He was ahead of the record pace until a caution flag slowed down the field.
Baker led four times for a total of 160 laps, including the last 68 circuits, to collect the first prize of $18,000. Issac collected $9,500 and Hutcherson received $5,800.
Although he had finished in the top-10 six times in 18 outings this season, Baker’s stamina proved too much for drivers such as Richard Petty, David Pearson, Cale Yarborough, A.J. Foyt, and Mario Andretti.
All had to leave the 1.5-mile, high banked track with mechanical issues or accidents.
Petty suffered a blown engine. Andretti and David Pearson, Spartanburg, S.C., wrecked on the 193rd lap and Foyt also blew his engine.
Pearson, Andretti, Yarborough, and Foyt were all piloting Fords in a bid to top Petty, who has won more races than any other driver in history.
Results –
1. Buddy Baker, Charlotte
2. Bobby Isaac, Catawba
3. Dick Hutcherson, Camden, S.C.
4. Charlie Glotzbach, Georgetown, Ind.
5. G.C. Spencer, Jonesboro, Tenn.
6. Don White, Keokuk, Iowa
7. Bobby Wawak, Villa Park, Ill.
8. Neil Castles, Charlotte
9. Buddy Arrington, Martinsville, Va.
10.Cale Yarborough, Timmonsville, S.C.
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