1968 NASCAR Cup Series Season Recap

Originally published on Mar. 11, 2020

By Zane Miller

On Sunday, November 3rd, 1968, the 1968 NASCAR Cup Series season concluded with David Pearson defeating Bobby Isaac by 126 points to win the 20th championship in Cup Series history. It was the second Cup Series championship for Pearson. These are the top five points finishers for the season.

The 1968 Daytona 500 was won by Cale Yarborough, who also led the most laps with 76. Yarborough took his first of four Daytona 500 victories, the second-most behind Richard Petty.

5. #4 John Sears (-482 points)

Sears took fifth place with five top-fives and 24 top-10s, getting an average finish of 13.0.

4. #20 Clyde Lynn (-458)

Lynn claimed the fourth spot on the strength of two top-fives and 25 top-10s to get an average finish of 12.4.

3. #43 Richard Petty (-376)

Petty earned the third spot with 16 victories, 31 top-fives and 35 top-10s for an average finish of 8.4. Petty also led the most laps in 18 starts.

2. #71 Bobby Isaac (-126)

Isaac got second in points as he had three wins, 27 top-fives and 36 top-10s for an average finish of 8.1. Isaac had the most laps led in five races during the season.

1. #17 David Pearson

Pearson picked up his second championship with 16 wins, 36 top-fives and 38 top-10s for an average finish of 5.8. Pearson also had the most laps led in 14 races.

Race Winners (left) & Lap Leaders (right)

 

*Denotes driver led every lap

Link to stats database: https://www.racing-reference.info/yeardet/1968/W