1964 NASCAR Cup Series Season Recap

Originally published on Mar. 5, 2020

By Zane Miller

On Sunday, November 8th, 1964, the 1964 NASCAR Cup Series season concluded with Richard Petty defeating Ned Jarrett by 5,308 points to win the 16th championship in Cup Series history. It was the first Cup Series championship for Petty. These are the top five points finishers for the season.

The 1964 Daytona 500 was won by Richard Petty, who also led the most laps in the race with 184, on the way to his first of seven victories in the 500, which is still a record today.

5. #54 Jimmy Pardue (-13,682 points)

Pardue took fifth in points, with 14 top-fives and 24 top-10s as he got an average finish of 11.4. Pardue also led the most laps in one race during the season.

4. #1 Billy Wade (-11,778)

Wade grabbed the fourth spot, getting four wins, 12 top-fives and 25 top-10s in just 35 races, taking an average finish of 9.5. Wade also led the most laps in four races.

3. #6 David Pearson (-8,106)

Pearson claimed third with eight victories, 29 top-fives and 42 top-10s, scoring an average finish of 8.3. Pearson led the most laps in 11 races.

2. #11 Ned Jarrett (-5,302)

Jarrett got runner-up with 15 victories, 40 top-fives and 45 top-10s for an average finish of 7.2, while also leading the most laps in 13 races during the season.

1. #43 Richard Petty

Petty claimed his first championship on the strength of nine victories, 37 top-fives and 43 top-10s for an average finish of 7.3. Petty led the most laps in 14 races.

Race Winners (left) & Lap Leaders (right)

 

*Denotes driver led every lap

Link to stats database: https://www.racing-reference.info/yeardet/1964/W