By Zane Miller
On Sunday, November 24th, 1974, the 1974 NASCAR Cup Series season concluded with Richard Petty defeating Cale Yarborough by 567.45 points to win the 26th championship in Cup Series history. It was the fifth Cup Series championship for Petty. These are the top five points finishers for the season.
The 1974 Daytona 500 was won by Richard Petty, who also led the most laps with 74. It was the fifth Daytona 500 victory for Petty. The race was shortened by 20 laps due to the U.S. oil crisis occurring at the time.
5. #72 Benny Parsons (-3,446.25 points)
Parsons got fifth in points with 11 top-fives and 14 top-10s for an average finish of 14.6.
4. #12 Bobby Allison (-3,018.56)
Allison earned the fourth spot with two wins, 17 top-fives and 17 top-10s for an average finish of 11.3, while leading the most laps in two races as well.
3. #21 David Pearson (-2,648.50)
Pearson picked up the third spot as he claimed seven wins, 15 top-fives and 15 top-10s for an average finish of 7.9, while starting only 19 races during the season. Pearson also led the most laps in seven races.
2. #11 Cale Yarborough (-567.45)
Yarborough took second in points with 10 victories, 21 top-fives and 22 top-10s with an average finish of 6.7, leading the most laps in 11 races in the process.
1. #43 Richard Petty
Petty earned the championship as he got 10 victories, 22 top-fives and 23 top-10s for an average finish in 6.8. Petty also led the most laps in nine starts.
Race Winners (left) & Lap Leaders (right)
Link to stats database: https://www.racing-reference.info/yeardet/1974/W
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