1972 NASCAR Cup Series Season Recap

Originally published on Mar. 15, 2020

By Zane Miller

On Sunday, November 12th, 1972, the 1972 NASCAR Cup Series season concluded with Richard Petty defeating Bobby Allison by 127.9 points to win the 24th championship in Cup Series history. It was the fourth Cup Series championship for Petty. These are the top five points finishers for the season.

The 1972 Daytona 500 was won by AJ Foyt, who also led the most laps with 167. Foyt is still the only driver to win the Daytona 500, Indianapolis 500, 24 Hours of Daytona, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring over the course of their career.

5. #72 Benny Parsons (-1,857.25 points)

Parsons claimed the fifth spot with 10 top-fives and 19 top-10s, earning an average finish of 14.5.

4. #24 Cecil Gordon (-1,375.35)

Gordon earned fourth place with four top-fives and 16 top-10s, as he got an average finish of 14.5 as well.

3. #48 James Hylton (-542.7)

Hylton got third in points as he had one win, nine top-fives and 23 top-10s, scoring an average finish of 9.5. Hylton also led the most laps in one race.

2. #12 Bobby Allison (-127.9)

Allison picked up the second spot with 10 wins, 25 top-fives and 27 top-10s, getting an average finish of 5.3, while leading the most laps in 14 races.

1. #43 Richard Petty

Petty earned his fourth championship as he took eight victories, 25 top-fives and 28 top-10s with an average finish of 4.7. Petty led the most laps in four races during the season.

Race Winners (left) & Lap Leaders (right)

 

*Denotes driver led every lap

Link to stats database: https://www.racing-reference.info/yeardet/1972/W