By Zane Miller

On Sunday, October 21st, 1973, the 1973 NASCAR Cup Series season concluded with Benny Parsons defeating Cale Yarborough by 67.15 points to win the 25th championship in Cup Series history. It was the first (and only) Cup Series championship for Parsons. These are the top five points finishers for the season.

The 1973 Daytona 500 was won by Richard Petty, while Buddy Baker led the most laps with 156. It was the fourth Daytona 500 championship for Petty.

5. #43 Richard Petty (-295.85 points)

Petty earned fifth in points with six wins, 15 top-fives and 17 top-10s, getting an average finish of 10 while leading the most laps in four races.

4. #48 James Hylton (-201.05)

Hylton got fourth as he scored one top-five and 11 top-10s for an average finish of 13.2.

3. #24 Cecil Gordon (-127.00)

Gordon took the third spot with eight top-fives and 18 top-10s, taking an average finish of 11.3.

2. #11 Cale Yarborough (-67.15)

Yarborough claimed the second spot with four wins, 16 top-fives and 19 top-10s for an average finish of 10.0. Yarborough led the most laps in seven races.

1. #72 Benny Parsons

Parsons picked up his first and only championship as he had one victory, 15 top-fives and 21 top-10s for an average finish of 10.1. Parsons led the most laps in one race as well.

Race Winners (left) & Lap Leaders (right)

Link to stats database: https://www.racing-reference.info/yeardet/1973/W

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NASCAR / 1973 nascar cup series

1973 NASCAR Cup Series Season Recap

1973 NASCAR Cup Series Season Recap

1973 NASCAR Cup Series Season Recap