[Bob Tanner]

I mentioned in another thread about Bobby Allison's win which would have given him 85, instead of the 84 the records show. This was one of a handful of races which NASCAR ran with the Grand American ("pony cars") running against the full sized Cup cars. Bobby won the race but was never given [proper] credit for the win.

When and where was the race? He won driving a Mustang BUT that wasn't the reason NASCAR gave for not giving him the credit. Can anyone tell me what the given reason was?

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

I mentioned in another thread about Bobby Allison's win which would have given him 85, instead of the 84 the records show. This was one of a handful of races which NASCAR ran with the Grand American ("pony cars") running against the full sized Cup cars. Bobby won the race but was never given [proper] credit for the win.

When and where was the race? He won driving a Mustang BUT that wasn't the reason NASCAR gave for not giving him the credit. Can anyone tell me what the given reason was?

I'm sure this isn't the answer you are looking for but I believe NASCAR said that the Mustang was not a Grand national car.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

I'm sure this isn't the answer you are looking for but I believe NASCAR said that the Mustang was not a Grand national car.

That is true, BUT it isn't the "offical" reason NASCAR gives.(To NASCAR's defense, their reasoning does make kind of sense in an off hand sort of way)

[LSC9901]

Here is the when and where:


Myers Brothers 250
August 6, 1971
Bowman-Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

[Bob Tanner]

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Reprint from the Winston-Salem Journal
WINSTON-SALEM, NC (Aug 6) -- Bobby Allison wheeled his Mustang around Richard petty in the 113th lap and led the rest of the way to win the Myers brothers Memorial event at Bowman-Gray Stadium. It was the first meeting of the Grand national and grand American cars, a new NASCAR ruling designed to perk up interest in both divisions.

"We feel it will benefit the sport and the fans to see the smaller cars run against the Grand Nationals on the shorter tracks," said NASCAR Vice president and Competition Director, Lin Kuchler. "The record book shows the Grand American qualifying and race speeds are comparable to the Grand national speeds."

The first confrontation of the big Winston Cup Grand nationals and the smaller sedans was a box office bonanza, but a major headache for the GN cars and drivers.

Allison led the charge that saw the Grand American cars sweep six of the first seven spots. "On a track like this, we had the decided advantage.," said winner Allison. "We could get in and out of the corners quicker."

Petty finished second and denounced the idea of mixing the two divisions. "I figured something like this would happen," said petty. "They'll probably win all these races. They ought to keep the two divisions separate. Grand national racing isn't supposed to be filled with Mustangs and Camaros."

Jim Paschal (70 AMC Javelin) finished third, Buck Baker (71 Firebird) fourth, Dave Marcis (69 Camaro) fifth, Tiny Lund (69 Camaro) sixth and Wayne Andrews (71 mustang) seventh - all in Grand American cars.

Hometown ace, Max Berrier was slated to drive a Toy Bolton Camaro the the car didn't show. Bolton told promoter Joe Hawkins that a number of Grand national drivers had telephoned him with the message that his car "might be wrecked if I brought him to the track."

Allison averaged 44.792 mph for his 25th Victory.
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No where did it state that Allison wasn't given Cup credit for the win but he never was. This is the only completed Cup points race I can think of which does not have an points winner.

Ironic isn't it how the Cup drivers of 1971 complained about a different set of competitors having an "unfair advantage," but today they have no problems running their cup technology in BGN. (Sorry, but I just had to get that little dig in)

Anyway, I thought some of you might enjoy reading the news write up of the race.

[Bob Tanner]

OK... Time's up.

LSC9901 got the first part right:

• Myers Brothers 250
  August 6, 1971
  Bowman-Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

The reason NASCAR gave for NOT officially giving hi m the win is that, though the Grand American and the GN Cup cars were running together, only Cup cars were running for Cup points. So, not getting "official" credit for the win would kind of makes sense if...

NASCAR would not have credited Tiny Lund with his win at North Wilksboro later in the year (11/21/71) driving a 70 Camaro for Ronnie Hopkins.

What further muddies the waters is that NASCAR gives Ford credit for the Allison win.

1971 was NOT a good year for NASCAR and point keeping. Ray Elder won the season opener at Riverside driving his dad's Dodge. However, since he was a Winston West driver, driving for Winston West points, NASCAR did not officially give him a win for the race. However, in 1976, after five years of debates, NASCAR relented and the book shows Elder with 2 wins.

Bobby Allison still has 84 instead of the rightful 85.