1979 Nascar Talladega 500 last laps

[stevesnow98]

The reason Waltrip had a lap on David Pearson (who was filling in for an injured Dale Earnhardt who was out with a broken collar bone for 4 races) was that about midway or so in the race, Pearson only had high gear. This meant he had to baby the car up to speed after pit stops to keep from tearing the transmission apart. If not for that, Pearson would have been right in the hunt for the win. He did a great job to come in 2nd and won the Southern 500 at Darlington 3 races later.

[zzazazz]

Thanks for this. Unrestricted racing at Talladega is incredible to watch.

[STP43FAN1]

@zzazazz The racing in the 1970s is good, but unrestricted racing at Talladega isn't better than restricted racing.

[ksryanc]

@STP43FAN1 I disagree. I'd rather see the winner win by a lap than watch Dancing with the Cars any day.

[STP43FAN1]

Those backstretch camera angles are better than what they use now.

[zzazazz]

@STP43FAN1 I've noticed on these older videos that more wider angle shots are used so you can actually see the racing.

[WillG75]

Tighe Scott finished 6th, not 3rd.

[Fania54]

Lee Petty up in the booth. Awesome.

[carguysn]

Pearson was driving the #2 Osterlund Olds in substitution of rookie Dale Earnhardt who got pretty busted up at Pocono