1949 NASCAR Cup Series Season Recap

Originally published on Feb. 12, 2020

By Zane Miller

On Sunday, October 16th, 1949, the 1949 NASCAR Cup Series season concluded with Red Byron defeating Lee Petty by 117.5 points to win the first championship in Cup Series history. It was the first (and only) Cup Series championship for Byron. These are the top five points finishers for the season.

5. #47 Fonty Flock (-288 points)

Flock took the fifth spot in points with three top-fives and three top-10’s.

4. #44 Bill Blair (-275 points)

Blair claimed fourth in points as he took three top-fives and five top-10’s, as well as leading the most laps in two races.

3. #7 Bob Flock (-138.5 points)

Flock took third in points, getting two wins, three top-fives and three top-10’s along with leading the most laps in two races. Flock also became the first driver to lead every lap of a Cup Series race with his win at Occoneechee Speedway.

2. #42 Lee Petty (-117 points)

Petty finished in second in points, as he claimed one win, three top-fives and five top-10’s, leading the most laps in one race as well.

1. #22 Red Byron

Byron earned the championship with a pair of victories, four top-fives and four top-10’s along with leading the most laps in one race.

Race Winners (left) & Lap Leaders (right)

*Denotes driver led every lap

Link to stats database: https://www.racing-reference.info/yeardet/1949/W