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1979 NASCAR Winston Cup Series

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The 1979 NASCAR Winston Cup Series was the 31st season of professional stock car racing in the United States and the 8th modern-era Cup series. It began on Sunday, January 14, and ended on Sunday, November 18. Richard Petty won his seventh and final Winston Cup championship, winning by 11 points over Darrell Waltrip. Dale Earnhardt was crowned NASCAR Rookie of the Year.

Richard Petty, the 1979 NASCAR Winston Cup Series Champion. This would be the final of his 7 championships.
Darrell Waltrip finished second in the standings
Dale Earnhardt, the 1979 rookie of the year.

The season was the last until 2006 without Rusty Wallace.

Teams and drivers

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Complete schedule

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Make Team No. Driver Crew Chief
Chevrolet McDuffie Racing 70 J. D. McDuffie
Dodge Warren Racing 79 Frank Warren
Ford Bud Moore Engineering 15 Bobby Allison Bud Moore
Oldsmobile Junior Johnson & Associates 11 Cale Yarborough Travis Carter
Buick
Chevrolet 		Ulrich Racing 40 D. K. Ulrich 30
Al Elmore 1
Buick
Chevrolet
Oldsmobile 		Rod Osterlund Racing 2 Dale Earnhardt (R) 27 Jake Elder
David Pearson 4
Hagan Racing 44 Terry Labonte (R)
Dodge
Ford 		Arrington Racing 67 Buddy Arrington
Chevrolet
Oldsmobile 		DeWitt Racing 72 Joe Millikan (R)
Richard Childress Racing 3 Richard Childress
Hylton Racing 48 1 James Hylton
M. C. Anderson Racing 27 Benny Parsons David Ifft
Petty Enterprises 43 Richard Petty Dale Inman

Limited schedule

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Make Team No. Driver Crew Chief Rounds
Buick Ballard Racing 30 Tighe Scott Harry Hyde 17
50 Bruce Hill 3
Gray Racing 19 Steve Spencer 1
Dick May 1
Thirkettle Racing 51 Jim Thirkettle 1
Robertson Racing 25 Ronnie Thomas 6
Chevrolet Al Rudd Auto 22 Richard White 2
Kevin Housby 1
Darrell Waltrip 1
Al Rudd Jr. 1
DiGard Motorsports 88 Darrell Waltrip Buddy Parrott 30
Al Holbert Racing 7 Al Holbert 5
Cunningham-Kelley Racing 14 Coo Coo Marlin 7
Dick Kranzler 1
Sterling Marlin 1
Jimmy Means 1
Donlavey Racing 90 Ricky Rudd 2
Ellington Racing 1 Donnie Allison Runt Pittman 18
Gray Racing 19 Vince Giamformaggio 2
Bill Dennis 2
Dick May 8
Joe Fields 1
Lennie Pond 5
Billy Hagan 1
Bob Burcham 2
Steve Spencer 1
Steve Gray 1
Cecil Gordon 2
Glenn Jarrett 1
Gordon Racing 24 Larry Isley 1
Goularte Racing 17 Harry Goularte 1
Hamby Motorsports Skip Manning 2
Roger Hamby 8
Jim Vandiver 1
Steve Pfeifer 2
Bill Elliott 3
Kennie Childers Racing 12 Harry Gant Kennie Childers 2
Lennie Pond 5
Jack Ingram 2
Butch Lindley 1
Buck Simmons 2
Means Racing 52 Don Graham 1
Jimmy Means 28
Marcis Auto Racing 02 Dave Marcis 9
71 15
Nelson Malloch Racing 05 Dick Brooks 27
Elmo Langley 1
Petty Enterprises 42 Kyle Petty Maurice Petty 5
Puskarich Racing 13 Don Puskarich 1
Halverson Racing Jeff Halverson 1
Price Racing 45 Ferrel Harris 1
Baxter Price 21
Roy Smith 1
Race Hill Farm Team 47 Harry Gant (R) 17
Ranier-Lundy Racing 28 Buddy Baker Waddell Wilson 21
Robertson Racing 25 Ronnie Thomas 23
Schmitt Racing 73 Steve Moore 1
Slick Johnson Racing 51 Slick Johnson 2
Williamson Racing 74 Tim Williamson 1
Wawak Racing Bobby Wawak 3
Dodge Arrington Racing 7 Earl Brooks 1
Canavan Racing 01 Earle Canavan 7
Robbins Racing 6 Marty Robbins 1
36 1
42 1
Petty Enterprises Kyle Petty Maurice Petty 1
Marcis Auto Racing 71 Joey Arrington 1
Ford Donlavey Racing 90 Ricky Rudd 11
Langley Racing 64 Tommy Gale 28
Elmo Langley 1
Mercury Donlavey Racing 90 Ricky Rudd 15
Wood Brothers Racing 21 David Pearson Leonard Wood 5
Neil Bonnett 17
Elliott Racing 9 Bill Elliott Ernie Elliott 9
17 2
Oldsmobile A. J. Foyt Enterprises 51 A. J. Foyt 2
Al Holbert Racing 7 Al Holbert 1
Ballard Racing 50 Bruce Hill 4
Craker Racing 01 Jimmy Insolo 3
DiGard Motorsports 88 Darrell Waltrip Buddy Parrott 4
Ellington Racing 1 Donnie Allison Runt Pittman 2
Gordon Racing 24 Cecil Gordon 26
D. K. Ulrich 1
Hamby Motorsports 17 Roger Hamby 5
0 1
Kennie Childers Racing 12 Harry Gant Kennie Childers 1
Neil Bonnett 1
Lennie Pond 3
Jack Ingram 2
Nelson Malloch Racing 05 Dick Brooks 27
Price Racing 45 Baxter Price 4
Race Hill Farm Team 47 Geoff Bodine 3
Harry Gant (R) 5
Ranier-Lundy Racing 28 Buddy Baker Waddell Wilson 5
Schmitt Racing 73 Bill Schmitt 3
Wawak Racing 74 Bobby Wawak 1
Callentine Racing Hal Callentine 2

Schedule

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No. Race Title Track Date
1 Winston Western 500 Riverside International Raceway, Riverside January 14
Busch Clash Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach February 11
125 Mile Qualifying Races February 15
2 Daytona 500 February 18
3 Carolina 500 North Carolina Motor Speedway, Rockingham March 4
4 Richmond 400 Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway, Richmond March 11
5 Atlanta 500 Atlanta International Raceway, Hampton March 18
6 Northwestern Bank 400 North Wilkesboro Speedway, North Wilkesboro March 25
7 Southeastern 500 Bristol International Raceway, Bristol April 1
8 CRC Chemicals Rebel 500 Darlington Raceway, Darlington April 8
9 Virginia 500 Martinsville Speedway, Ridgeway April 22
10 Winston 500 Alabama International Motor Speedway, Talladega May 6
11 Sun-Drop Music City USA 420 Nashville Speedway, Nashville May 12
12 Mason-Dixon 500 Dover Downs International Speedway, Dover May 20
13 World 600 Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord May 27
14 Texas 400 Texas World Speedway, College Station June 3
15 NAPA Riverside 400 Riverside International Raceway, Riverside June 10
16 Gabriel 400 Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn June 17
17 Firecracker 400 Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach July 4
18 Busch Nashville 420 Nashville Speedway, Nashville July 14
19 Coca-Cola 500 Pocono International Raceway, Long Pond July 30
20 Talladega 500 Alabama International Motor Speedway, Talladega August 5
21 Champion Spark Plug 400 Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn August 19
22 Volunteer 500 Bristol International Raceway, Bristol August 25
23 Southern 500 Darlington Raceway, Darlington September 3
24 Capital City 400 Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway, Richmond September 9
25 CRC Chemicals 500 Dover Downs International Speedway, Dover September 16
26 Old Dominion 500 Martinsville Speedway, Ridgeway September 23
27 NAPA National 500 Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord October 7
28 Holly Farms 400 North Wilkesboro Speedway, North Wilkesboro October 14
29 American 500 North Carolina Motor Speedway, Rockingham October 21
30 Dixie 500 Atlanta International Raceway, Hampton November 4
31 Los Angeles Times 500 Ontario Motor Speedway, Ontario November 18

Races

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Winston Western 500

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Main article: 1979 Winston Western 500

The 1979 Winston Western 500 was run on January 14 at Riverside International Raceway at Riverside, California. David Pearson won the pole.

Top Ten Results
Fin Car # Driver Status
1 88 Darrell Waltrip 2:53:30
2 21 David Pearson Running
3 11 Cale Yarborough Running
4 73 Bill Schmitt -1 lap
5 1 Donnie Allison -1 lap
6 72 Joe Millikan -1 lap
7 28 Buddy Baker -1 lap
8 51 Jim Thirkettle -2 laps
9 74 Tim Williamson -3 laps
10 12 Harry Gant -3 laps
  • This would be the final pole that Pearson would win with The Wood Brothers.
  • This would also be the final top 5 finish Pearson would achieve with The Wood Brothers.

Busch Clash

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The inaugural Busch Clash, a non-points race for all of the pole winners from the previous season, was run on February 11 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. Benny Parsons started on the pole via a random draw.

Full Results
Fin Car # Driver Laps Status
1 28 Buddy Baker 20 0:15:26
2 88 Darrell Waltrip 20 Running
3 11 Cale Yarborough 20 Running
4 27 Benny Parsons 20 Running
5 15 Bobby Allison 20 Running
6 21 David Pearson 20 Running
7 54 Lennie Pond 20 Running
8 5 Neil Bonnett 20 Running
9 70 J. D. McDuffie 17 Engine

125 Mile Qualifying Races

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The two Daytona 500 125-mile qualifying races were run on February 15 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. Buddy Baker and Donnie Allison started on the pole for races one and two, respectively.

Race One
Top Ten Results 		Race Two
Top Ten Results
Fin Car # Driver Status Fin Car # Driver Status
1 28 Buddy Baker 0:44:45 1 88 Darrell Waltrip 0:49:01
2 11 Cale Yarborough Running 2 51 A. J. Foyt Running
3 27 Benny Parsons Running 3 05 Dick Brooks Running
4 15 Bobby Allison Running 4 2 Dale Earnhardt Running
5 21 David Pearson Running 5 02 Dave Marcis Running
6 90 Ricky Rudd Running 6 12 Harry Gant Running
7 43 Richard Petty Running 7 47 Geoff Bodine Running
8 67 Buddy Arrington Running 8 17 Roger Hamby Running
9 50 Bruce Hill Running 9 5 Neil Bonnett Running
10 44 Terry Labonte Running 10 00 John Utsman Running

Cale Yarborough was pessimistic about rivals' chances against Baker, saying "Baker is just pure horsepower."

Daytona 500

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Main article: 1979 Daytona 500

The 21st annual Daytona 500 was run on February 18 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. Buddy Baker won the pole.

Top Ten Results
Fin Car # Driver Status
1 43 Richard Petty 3:28:22
2 88 Darrell Waltrip Running
3 51 A. J. Foyt Running
4 1 Donnie Allison -1 lap (Crash)
5 11 Cale Yarborough -1 lap (Crash)
6 30 Tighe Scott -1 lap
7 68 Chuck Bown -1 lap
8 2 Dale Earnhardt -1 lap
9 14 Coo Coo Marlin -2 laps
10 79 Frank Warren -3 laps
  • The race, the first televised nationally in its entirety, ended in spectacular fashion, as race leaders Donnie Allison and Cale Yarborough crashed on the last lap in turn three, allowing Richard Petty to take the lead and win his sixth Daytona 500. During the cool-down lap, Allison and Yarborough got into a heated argument which later escalated into a fist-fight, which was later joined by Bobby Allison, who stepped in to try to defend his brother. TV ratings were bolstered that day due to much of the U.S. Northeast being snowed in by a major blizzard.
  • Petty would use the win as a springboard to his seventh and final championship, but it was going to be anything but easy.

Carolina 500

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The 1979 Carolina 500 was run on March 4 at North Carolina Motor Speedway in Rockingham, North Carolina. Bobby Allison won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 15–Bobby Allison
  2. 72–Joe Millikan
  3. 05–Dick Brooks
  4. 30–Tighe Scott
  5. 3–Richard Childress
  6. 40–D. K. Ulrich
  7. 48–James Hylton
  8. 37–Dave Watson
  9. 79–Frank Warren
  10. 27–Benny Parsons
  • The story of the race was Cale Yarborough and Donnie Allison, who crashed out of the lead on lap 10 in a wreck that swept up five other cars.
  • Richard Petty who was involved in the lap 10 crash, had a crew member, one Maurice Petty involved in a post crash scuffle with NASCAR officials. Maurice was suspended by NASCAR for the next two Cup Series races.

Richmond 400

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The 1979 Richmond 400 was scheduled for February 25 at Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway in Richmond, Virginia but it was postponed due to heavy snow. It was finally run on March 11 even though the track had a snow shower before race time which delayed the start by fifteen minutes. Bobby Allison won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 11–Cale Yarborough
  2. 15–Bobby Allison
  3. 88–Darrell Waltrip
  4. 27–Benny Parsons
  5. 43–Richard Petty
  6. 72–Joe Millikan
  7. 70–J. D. McDuffie
  8. 44–Terry Labonte
  9. 1 –Donnie Allison
  10. 40–D. K. Ulrich

Atlanta 500

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The 1979 Atlanta 500 was run on March 18 at Atlanta International Raceway in Hampton, Georgia. Buddy Baker won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 28–Buddy Baker
  2. 15–Bobby Allison
  3. 88–Darrell Waltrip
  4. 11–Cale Yarborough
  5. 27–Benny Parsons
  6. 02–Dave Marcis
  7. 1–Donnie Allison
  8. 72–Joe Millikan
  9. 90–Ricky Rudd
  10. 05–Dick Brooks
  • After a late race yellow, Baker got tires and stormed away from Bobby Allison (who led the most laps) for his first win since May 1976.
  • The race was marred by the death of pit crew member Dennis Wade, who was struck and killed on pit road by Dave Watson.

Northwestern Bank 400

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Main article: 1979 Northwestern Bank 400

The 1979 Northwestern Bank 400 was run on March 25 at North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Benny Parsons won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 15–Bobby Allison
  2. 43–Richard Petty
  3. 27–Benny Parsons
  4. 2–Dale Earnhardt
  5. 88–Darrell Waltrip
  6. 70–J. D. McDuffie
  7. 3–Richard Childress
  8. 28–Buddy Baker
  9. 11–Cale Yarborough
  10. 72–Joe Millikan
  • When Bobby Allison crossed the line to win the race, his right front tire blew. His car was too damaged from running on the wheel rim to make the trip to victory lane, so Allison had to walk to victory lane.
  • This was Fords first victory in the Cup Series spring race since 1968. This was Fords first victory at the track since the 1969 Cup Series fall race.

Southeastern 500

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Main article: 1979 Southeastern 500

The 1979 Southeastern 500 was run on April 1 at Bristol International Raceway in Bristol, Tennessee. Buddy Baker won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 2–Dale Earnhardt
  2. 15–Bobby Allison
  3. 88–Darrell Waltrip
  4. 43–Richard Petty
  5. 27–Benny Parsons
  6. 1–Donnie Allison
  7. 44–Terry Labonte
  8. 72–Joe Millikan
  9. 48–James Hylton
  10. 90–Ricky Rudd
  • This was Dale Earnhardt's first Winston Cup career victory (and was a then-record for fewest races to 1st win in Cup Series, with Dale winning in just his 16th Cup start)

CRC Chemicals Rebel 500

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The 1979 CRC Chemicals Rebel 500 was run on April 8 at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, South Carolina. Donnie Allison won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 88–Darrell Waltrip
  2. 43–Richard Petty
  3. 1–Donnie Allison
  4. 27–Benny Parsons
  5. 28–Buddy Baker
  6. 11–Cale Yarborough
  7. 9–Bill Elliott
  8. 90–Ricky Rudd
  9. 05–Dick Brooks
  10. 72–Joe Millikan
  • Waltrip won this race following a fierce duel with Richard Petty; they exchanged the lead eight times in the final five laps and three times on the last lap alone.
  • This was also David Pearson's last race with the Wood Brothers, for whom he had driven the #21 Mercury since 1972. Following a tire-change pit stop, Pearson reached the pit road exit, when two tires came off his car (the lug nuts had not been tightened when he left the pits). Within a week, Pearson was fired from the team and replaced by Neil Bonnett.

Virginia 500

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Main article: 1979 Virginia 500

The 1979 Virginia 500 was run on April 22 at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Virginia. Darrell Waltrip won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 43–Richard Petty
  2. 28–Buddy Baker
  3. 88–Darrell Waltrip
  4. 15–Bobby Allison
  5. 72–Joe Millikan
  6. 47–Harry Gant
  7. 48–James Hylton
  8. 2–Dale Earnhardt
  9. 44–Terry Labonte
  10. 70–J. D. McDuffie

Winston 500

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The 1979 Winston 500 was run on May 6 at Alabama International Motor Speedway in Talladega, Alabama. Darrell Waltrip won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 15–Bobby Allison
  2. 88–Darrell Waltrip
  3. 67–Buddy Arrington
  4. 43–Richard Petty
  5. 72–Joe Millikan
  6. 9–Bill Elliott
  7. 64–Tommy Gale
  8. 79–Frank Warren
  9. 44–Terry Labonte
  10. 14–Coo Coo Marlin
  • A 17-car crash erupted on the fourth lap when race-leader Baker blew a tire; Cale Yarborough came to a stop and got out of his car, then was hit by Dave Marcis' car, momentarily losing feeling in his legs; he recovered later that day.
  • This was Fords first win at Talladega since the 1976 Winston 500.

Sun-Drop Music City USA 420

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Main article: 1979 Sun-Drop Music City USA 420

The 1979 Sun-Drop Music City USA 420 was run on May 12 at Nashville Speedway in Nashville, Tennessee. Joe Millikan won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 11–Cale Yarborough
  2. 43–Richard Petty
  3. 15–Bobby Allison
  4. 2–Dale Earnhardt
  5. 70–J. D. McDuffie
  6. 3–Richard Childress
  7. 27–Benny Parsons
  8. 28–Buddy Baker
  9. 44–Terry Labonte
  10. 90–Ricky Rudd
  • The finish was marred by controversy. Richard Petty and Bobby Allison asserted that Cale Yarborough was a lap down at the finish. Petty said, "He lost one lap when he spun (with J. D. McDuffie), then he lost another when he spent 22 seconds in the pits." Allison agreed, saying, "Richard won this race and I finished second. I don't know how they had Cale winning."

Mason-Dixon 500

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The 1979 Mason-Dixon 500 was run on May 20 at Dover Downs International Speedway in Dover, Delaware. Darrell Waltrip won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 21–Neil Bonnett
  2. 11–Cale Yarborough
  3. 28–Buddy Baker
  4. 15–Bobby Allison
  5. 2–Dale Earnhardt
  6. 44–Terry Labonte
  7. 27–Benny Parsons
  8. 72–Joe Millikan
  9. 12–Lennie Pond
  10. 67–Buddy Arrington
  • Neil Bonnett was supposed to attempt to qualify for the 1979 Indianapolis 500 the previous day (Saturday) but qualifying for the Cup race was postponed to Saturday following heavy rain which forced him to withdraw from qualifying at Indy. He was rewarded by winning his first race with The Wood Brothers.
  • This would be Mercury's final victory at Dover.

World 600

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Main article: 1979 World 600

The 1979 World 600 was run on May 27 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. Neil Bonnett won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 88–Darrell Waltrip
  2. 43–Richard Petty
  3. 2–Dale Earnhardt
  4. 11–Cale Yarborough
  5. 27–Benny Parsons
  6. 90–Ricky Rudd
  7. 44–Terry Labonte
  8. 7–Al Holbert
  9. 12–Lennie Pond
  10. 3–Richard Childress
  • The race saw 59 lead changes, a still-standing track record.

Texas 400

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Main article: 1979 Texas 400

The 1979 Texas 400 was run on June 3 at Texas World Speedway in College Station, Texas. Buddy Baker won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 88–Darrell Waltrip
  2. 15–Donnie Allison
  3. 28–Buddy Baker
  4. 11–Cale Yarborough
  5. 44–Terry Labonte
  6. 43–Richard Petty
  7. 3–Richard Childress
  8. 72–Joe Millikan
  9. 67–Buddy Arrington
  10. 48–James Hylton
  • This was NASCAR's first visit to the track in College Station, Texas since 1973; the track had closed in 1974 but reopened with USAC Gold Crown racing in 1976.

NAPA Riverside 400

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The 1979 NAPA Riverside 400 was run on June 10 at Riverside International Raceway in Riverside, California. Dale Earnhardt won his first Cup Series pole of his Hall of Fame career.

  1. 15–Bobby Allison
  2. 88–Darrell Waltrip
  3. 43–Richard Petty
  4. 11–Cale Yarborough
  5. 27–Benny Parsons
  6. 3–Richard Childress
  7. 70–J. D. McDuffie
  8. 93–Norm Palmer
  9. 67–Buddy Arrington
  10. 72–Joe Millikan
  • This was the first victory for the Ford nameplate at Riverside since the 1970 Motor Trend 500.
  • This was also Fords penultimate victory at Riverside.

Gabriel 400

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Main article: 1979 Gabriel 400

The 1979 Gabriel 400 was run on June 17 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan. Neil Bonnett won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 28–Buddy Baker
  2. 1–Donnie Allison
  3. 11–Cale Yarborough
  4. 21–Neil Bonnett
  5. 43–Richard Petty
  6. 2–Dale Earnhardt
  7. 15–Bobby Allison
  8. 90–Ricky Rudd
  9. 30–Tighe Scott
  10. 05–Dick Brooks
  • The lead changed 47 times among 11 drivers. Dale Earnhardt was criticized by Darrell Waltrip and Richard Petty when he nearly spun out trying to pass Neil Bonnett late in the race in front of both "He nearly took us all out in the third turn" Waltrip said after the race.

Firecracker 400

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Main article: 1979 Firecracker 400

The 1979 Firecracker 400 was run on July 4 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. Buddy Baker won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 21–Neil Bonnett
  2. 27–Benny Parsons
  3. 2–Dale Earnhardt
  4. 88–Darrell Waltrip
  5. 43–Richard Petty
  6. 68–Chuck Bown
  7. 47–Harry Gant
  8. 72–Joe Millikan
  9. 05–Dick Brooks
  10. 51–A. J. Foyt
  • This was Mercury's penultimate victory at Daytona.
  • Kyle Petty crashed in qualifying attempting to make his first Winston Cup start. That would come a few races later at Talladega

Busch Nashville 420

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The 1979 Busch Nashville 420 was run on July 14 at Nashville Speedway in Nashville, Tennessee. Darrell Waltrip won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 88–Darrell Waltrip
  2. 11–Cale Yarborough
  3. 2–Dale Earnhardt
  4. 27–Benny Parsons
  5. 43–Richard Petty
  6. 48–James Hylton
  7. 3–Richard Childress
  8. 70–J. D. McDuffie
  9. 25–Ronnie Thomas
  10. 52–Jimmy Means

Coca-Cola 500

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Main article: 1979 Coca-Cola 500

The 1979 Coca-Cola 500 was initially scheduled for July 29 but day-long rains forced postponement and it was run on July 30 at Pocono International Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. Harry Gant won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 11–Cale Yarborough
  2. 43–Richard Petty
  3. 28–Buddy Baker
  4. 27–Benny Parsons
  5. 90–Ricky Rudd
  6. 72–Joe Millikan
  7. 22–Darrell Waltrip
  8. 21–Neil Bonnett
  9. 15–Bobby Allison
  10. 30–Tighe Scott
  • The lead changed a still-standing track record 55 times.
  • Dale Earnhardt suffered broken collar bones in a bad crash in Turn Two.
  • Darrell Waltrip lost five spots when he pitted under yellow with four to go for tires but the race never restarted. It cost him 19 points, a margin he would regret at the end of the season.

Talladega 500

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Main article: 1979 Talladega 500

The 1979 Talladega 500 was run on August 5 at Alabama International Motor Speedway in Talladega, Alabama. Neil Bonnett won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 88–Darrell Waltrip
  2. 2–David Pearson
  3. 90–Ricky Rudd
  4. 43–Richard Petty
  5. 77–Jody Ridley
  6. 30–Tighe Scott
  7. 47–Harry Gant
  8. 67–Buddy Arrington
  9. 42–Kyle Petty
  10. 3–Richard Childress
  • This was David Pearson's first race after leaving the Wood Brothers following the spring Darlington race. Pearson was hired to drive the #2 temporarily after Dale Earnhardt's injury.
  • Kyle Petty’s first career Cup start.

Champion Spark Plug 400

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Main article: 1979 Champion Spark Plug 400

The 1979 Champion Spark Plug 400 was run on August 19 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan. David Pearson won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 43–Richard Petty
  2. 28–Buddy Baker
  3. 27–Benny Parsons
  4. 2–David Pearson
  5. 08–John Anderson
  6. 72–Joe Millikan
  7. 90–Ricky Rudd
  8. 30–Tighe Scott
  9. 70–J. D. McDuffie
  10. 3–Richard Childress
  • Blackie Wangerin flipped out of the track on lap 2 resulting in a lengthy red flag to rebuild the turn 3 and 4 guardrails.

Volunteer 500

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The 1979 Volunteer 500 was run on August 25 at Bristol International Raceway in Bristol, Tennessee. Richard Petty won his final pole as a driver and last for his racecar until 1996.

Top Ten Results

  1. 88–Darrell Waltrip
  2. 43–Richard Petty
  3. 15–Bobby Allison
  4. 27–Benny Parsons
  5. 11–Cale Yarborough
  6. 72–Joe Millikan
  7. 2–David Pearson
  8. 44–Terry Labonte
  9. 90–Ricky Rudd
  10. 17–Bill Elliott

Southern 500

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Main article: 1979 Southern 500

The 1979 Southern 500 was run on September 3 at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, South Carolina. Bobby Allison won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 2–David Pearson
  2. 17–Bill Elliott
  3. 44–Terry Labonte
  4. 28–Buddy Baker
  5. 27–Benny Parsons
  6. 71–Dave Marcis
  7. 05–Dick Brooks
  8. 90–Ricky Rudd
  9. 43–Richard Petty
  10. 15–Bobby Allison
  • David Pearson won the race for Rod Osterlund. This was Pearson's last race for Osterlund because Dale Earnhardt was back for the Capital City 400 due to a crash at Pocono with rib injuries.
  • This is the last race not featuring the Earnhardt name on the grid until the 2012 Charlotte fall race.
  • Darrell Waltrip had over a lap lead when he had an accident. Darrell Waltrip had to make a pit stop which put David Pearson on the lead lap as well. Waltrip was passed by David Pearson and then involved in a second accident. David Pearson would win by 2 laps over second place.
  • First career top 5 for Bill Elliott.

Capital City 400

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The 1979 Capital City 400 was run on September 9 at Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway in Richmond, Virginia. Dale Earnhardt won the pole in his return race after being forced to sit out the previous four races due to injury.

Top Ten Results

  1. 15–Bobby Allison
  2. 88–Darrell Waltrip
  3. 90–Ricky Rudd
  4. 2–Dale Earnhardt
  5. 11–Cale Yarborough
  6. 43–Richard Petty
  7. 71–Dave Marcis
  8. 27–Benny Parsons
  9. 47–Harry Gant
  10. 72–Joe Millikan

CRC Chemicals 500

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The 1979 CRC Chemicals 500 was run on September 16 at Dover Downs International Speedway in Dover, Delaware. Dale Earnhardt won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 43–Richard Petty
  2. 1–Donnie Allison
  3. 11–Cale Yarborough
  4. 28–Buddy Baker
  5. 72–Joe Millikan
  6. 15–Bobby Allison
  7. 71–Dave Marcis
  8. 90–Ricky Rudd
  9. 2–Dale Earnhardt
  10. 30–Tighe Scott

Old Dominion 500

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The 1979 Old Dominion 500 was run on September 23 at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Virginia. Darrell Waltrip won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 28–Buddy Baker
  2. 43–Richard Petty
  3. 72–Joe Millikan
  4. 15–Bobby Allison
  5. 71–Dave Marcis
  6. 90–Ricky Rudd
  7. 67–Buddy Arrington
  8. 11–Cale Yarborough
  9. 44–Terry Labonte
  10. 40–D. K. Ulrich
  • Waltrip blew his engine after leading 188 laps; the DiGard team changed engines in a record 11 minutes. NASCAR outlawed mid-race engine changes after the 1979 season citing costs.

NAPA National 500

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The 1979 NAPA National 500 was run on October 7 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. Neil Bonnett won the pole; it was the thirteenth straight Charlotte pole for the Wood Brothers.

Top Ten Results

  1. 11–Cale Yarborough
  2. 15–Bobby Allison
  3. 88–Darrell Waltrip
  4. 43–Richard Petty
  5. 1–Donnie Allison
  6. 27–Benny Parsons
  7. 9–Bill Elliott
  8. 05–Dick Brooks
  9. 40–D. K. Ulrich
  10. 2–Dale Earnhardt

Holly Farms 400

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The 1979 Holly Farms 400 was run on October 14 at North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Dale Earnhardt won the pole. The race had been postponed two weeks due to rain.

Top Ten Results

  1. 27–Benny Parsons
  2. 15–Bobby Allison
  3. 43–Richard Petty
  4. 2–Dale Earnhardt
  5. 90–Ricky Rudd
  6. 44–Terry Labonte
  7. 25–Ronnie Thomas
  8. 40–D. K. Ulrich
  9. 67–Buddy Arrington
  10. 3–Richard Childress
  • The story of the race was between Bobby Allison and Darrell Waltrip. On lap 309 Waltrip sideswiped past Allison in turn 3; coming onto the frontstretch Allison hooked Waltrip head-on into the wall. Benny Parsons took the lead at that point. Waltrip got repairs and under yellow began crowding Allison to the wall. NASCAR black-flagged Waltrip, but after pitting he went after Allison again. NASCAR competition director Bill Gazaway went onto the track and personally waved another black flag to Waltrip, making sure Waltrip stayed out of the way of the leaders. The wreck narrowed Waltrip's point lead over Richard Petty to just 17 points.

American 500

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The 1979 American 500 was run on October 21 at North Carolina Motor Speedway in Rockingham, North Carolina. Buddy Baker won the pole.

Top Ten Results

  1. 43–Richard Petty
  2. 27–Benny Parsons
  3. 11–Cale Yarborough
  4. 1–Donnie Allison
  5. 2–Dale Earnhardt
  6. 88–Darrell Waltrip
  7. 3–Richard Childress
  8. 25–Ronnie Thomas
  9. 71–Dave Marcis
  10. 51–Slick Johnson
  • With the win and Waltrip finishing 6th, Petty finished erasing a 229-point gap to Waltrip and led the points standings by 8 points with two races remaining in the season.

Dixie 500

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The 1979 Dixie 500 was run on November 4 at Atlanta International Raceway in Hampton, Georgia. Buddy Baker won the pole, his seventh of the season and locked up the season long pole award.

Top Ten Results

  1. 21–Neil Bonnett
  2. 2–Dale Earnhardt
  3. 11–Cale Yarborough
  4. 15–Bobby Allison
  5. 88–Darrell Waltrip
  6. 43–Richard Petty
  7. 44–Terry Labonte
  8. 90–Ricky Rudd
  9. 72–Joe Millikan
  10. 77–Jody Ridley
  • By virtue of finishing ahead of Petty and getting 5 bonus points for leading a lap when Petty did not lead any laps during the race, Waltrip re-took the points lead by two points over Petty going into the season finale at Ontario; it was the second straight race where the point lead changed hands.

Los Angeles Times 500

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The 1979 Los Angeles Times 500 was run on November 18 at Ontario Motor Speedway in Ontario, California. Cale Yarborough won the pole and became the last driver to qualify for the 1980 Busch Clash.

Top Ten Results

  1. 27–Benny Parsons
  2. 15–Bobby Allison
  3. 11–Cale Yarborough
  4. 28–Buddy Baker
  5. 43–Richard Petty
  6. 21–Neil Bonnett
  7. 05–Dick Brooks
  8. 88–Darrell Waltrip
  9. 2–Dale Earnhardt
  10. 90–Ricky Rudd
  • Waltrip finished a lap down when he spun with John Rezek and pitted before the leaders did. Richard Petty won the championship by 11 points, then the smallest margin of victory in NASCAR history and the first time in the sanctioning body's history the point lead changed hands in the final race.
  • This would be the last time until 1992 where an owner/driver would win the championship (Alan Kulwicki).

Full Drivers’ Championship

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Further information: List of NASCAR points scoring systems

(key) Bold – Pole position awarded by time. Italics – Pole position set by owner's points. * – Most laps led.

Pos. Driver RSD DAY CAR RCH ATL NWS BRI DAR MAR TAL NSV DOV CLT TWS RSD MCH DAY NSV POC TAL MCH BRI DAR RCH DOV MAR CLT NWS CAR ATL ONT Pts
1 Richard Petty 32 1 32 5 11 2* 4 2 1* 4 2* 30 2 6 3 5 5 5 2 4 1 2 9 6 1 2 4 3 1 6 5 4830
2 Darrell Waltrip 1* 2 17 3 3 5 3 1* 3 2 21 18 1* 1* 2 13 4 1* 7 1* 19 1 11* 2 29 11 3 13 6 5 8 4819
3 Bobby Allison 19 11 1* 2* 2* 1 2 26 4 1 3 4 22 2 1 7 30 16 9 28 23 3 10 1* 6 4 2 2* 19 4 2 4633
4 Cale Yarborough 3 5 18 1 4 9 24 6 11 33 1 2* 4 4 4 3 20 2 1 24 17 5 19 5 3* 8 1 20 3 3* 3* 4604
5 Benny Parsons 26 18 10 4 5 3 5 4 19 35 7 7 5 25 5 31 2 4 4 21 3 4* 5 8 22 27 6 1 2* 31 1 4256
6 Joe Millikan (R) 6 36 2 6 8 10 8 10 5 5 23 8 27 8 10 30 8 21 6 25 6 6 15 10 5 3 29 15 18 9 12 4014
7 Dale Earnhardt (R) 21 8 12 13 12 4 1* 23 8 36 4 5 3 12 13 6 3 3 29 4 9 29 10 4 5 2 9 3749
8 Richard Childress 15 17 5 26 20 7 11 16 14 24 6 29 10 7 6 23 37 7 12 10 10 11 29 15 13 13 14 10 7 15 16 3735
9 Ricky Rudd 31 34 11 9 14 10 8 12 27 10 14 6 28 8 13 5 3 7 9 8 3 8 6 11 5 20 8 10 3642
10 Terry Labonte (R) 35 16 15 8 25 15 7 29 9 9 9 6 7 5 18 25 29 25 23 33 26 8 3 17 25 9 15 6 27 7 13 3615
11 Buddy Arrington 18 12 19 15 29 25 13 25 22 3 26 10 12 9 9 15 15 17 22 8 20 14 14 13 32 7 12 9 17 17 19 3589
12 D. K. Ulrich 14 13 6 10 14 18 12 12 15 21 16 12 18 15 33 21 18 23 11 27 28 12 13 12 12 10 9 8 28 25 33 3508
13 J. D. McDuffie 17 25 25 7 17 6 26 19 10 31 5 13 13 14 7 14 21 8 13 18 9 26 18 14 27 21 22 28 25 12 31 3473
14 James Hylton 11 DNQ 7 12 13 16 9 15 7 15 22 17 33 10 14 20 19 6 33 20 12 13 38 21 14 23 23 11 11 16 26 3405
15 Buddy Baker 7 40 31 29 1 8 25 5 2 32 8 3 36 3 1* 34 3 39 2* 4 4 1* 25 33 39 4 3249
16 Frank Warren 27 10 9 21 22 17 20 17 18 8 20 21 21 19 22 22 40 14 19 23 16 17 22 26 18 16 19 26 24 21 25 3199
17 Ronnie Thomas 12 34 29 17 34 28 23 24 20 25 17 16 14 26 23 27 9 14 22 24 27 24 23 24 20 38 7 8 28 27 2912
18 Tommy Gale DNQ 13 22 21 20 18 34 16 7 13 19 20 20 33 27 28 17 36 14 15 21 24 15 22 21 27 12 22 34 2795
19 Cecil Gordon 25 DNQ 11 25 23 22 15 31 17 11 23 17 21 11 35 11 18 40 18 22 26 18 20 24 32 18 13 38 24 2737
20 Dave Marcis 24 24 16 16 6 12 17 27 26 14 26 26 17 31 30 18 6 7 7 5 37 21 9 23 17 2736
21 Harry Gant (R) 10 33 26 21 6 39 28 25 23 17 7 22 15 7 25 16 12 9 28 12 20 14 21 11 20 2664
22 Dick Brooks 33 27 3 28 10 13 22 9 21 37 27 QL 39 10 9 19 20 11 29 20 7 26 15 8 25 15 40 7 2622
23 Jimmy Means DNQ 24 27 33 30 28 30 28 12 11 31 23 31 16 22 10 16 13 22 19 16 20 16 17 40 24 31 19 2575
24 Donnie Allison 5 4* 30 9 7 11 6 3 27 23 37 2 12 30 31 2 5 4 35 11 2508
25 Baxter Price 14 23 19 23 19 20 24 26 19 15 27 17 18 31 26 21 24 23 19 31 14 24 17 22 2364
26 Neil Bonnett 34 32 33 13 25 17* 1 25 28 4 1* 8 34 33 32 21 18 31 29 1 6 2223
27 Tighe Scott 6 4 37 13 34 24 16 9 14 10 6 8 35 10 13 37 29 1879
28 Bill Elliott DNQ 36 7 6 38 12 11 12 11 10 2 11 7 23 1548
29 Lennie Pond 30 14 11 29 38 9 9 31 11 28 34 31 25 25 23 1415
30 Dick May DNQ 20 24 21 27 33 30 20 11 30 29 28 41 21 34 34 25 17 26 41 1390
31 Roger Hamby DNQ 21 30 26 19 14 32 DNQ 29 26 13 38 17 19 12 1231
32 David Pearson 2 37 23 18 22 2 4 7 1 1203
33 Coo Coo Marlin 9 38 10 30 25 29 36 613
34 Bruce Hill 19 15 DNQ 24 13 41 16 15 594
35 Blackie Wangerin 20 30 28 15 24 37 36 571
36 Grant Adcox 23 28 11 33 19 27 560
37 Kyle Petty Wth Wth 9 13 18 32 14 559
38 Chuck Bown 7 16 23 DNQ 40 6 17 33 523
39 John Anderson 5 11 16 24 496
40 Ralph Jones 15 31 30 DNQ 24 37 30 477
41 Earle Canavan Wth 35 18 27 34 39 22 33 456
42 Nelson Oswald Wth 28 26 25 22 27 25 431
43 Slick Johnson 27 24 10 13 431
44 Dave Watson 26 8 18 32 413
45 Al Holbert 20 21 8 32 37 38 402
46 Bobby Wawak 21 29 28 14 376
47 Jody Ridley 5 26 10 374
48 Bill Hollar Wth 35 24 29 DNQ 30 30 371
49 Rick Newsom 23 26 15 35 355
50 Bill Schmitt 4 30 18 342
51 Ed Negre Wth 18 13 20 336
52 John Kennedy Wth 39 18 15 30 23 322
53 Tim Williamson 9 26 22 320
54 Richard White 29 16 30 264
55 Jimmy Insolo 16 25 36 258
56 H. B. Bailey 16 35 27 20 255
57 Elmo Langley 28 35 DNQ 246
58 Jim Robinson 30 21 32 240
59 Henry Jones 26 29 29 237
60 Steve Spencer 12 20 230
61 Travis Tiller Wth 36 40 35 36 34 229
62 Jim Vandiver 41 19 28 34 225
63 Bill Elswick 16 19 14 221
64 Jack Ingram 35 25 30 36 219
65 Jimmy Finger 19 34 39 213
66 Wayne Watercutter 12 32 26 212
67 Bob Burcham 24 14 212
68 Mike Potter 16 22 23 35 209
69 John Rezek DNQ 11 28 36 35 209
70 Marty Robbins 35 32 27 207
71 Steve Peles 20 21 203
72 Bill Dennis 14 28 200
73 Buck Simmons 14 29 197
74 Dave Dion 19 26 191
75 Mike Kempton Wth 18 29 185
76 Vince Giaformaggio 13 37 176
77 Connie Saylor DNQ 18 34 170
78 Paul Fess 22 32 164
79 Sandy Satullo II Wth 19 38 155
80 David Sosebee 28 27 33 146
81 Norm Palmer 8 DNQ 142
82 Jim Thirkettle 8 142
83 Geoff Bodine 29 22 35 139
84 Louis Gatto 27 36 137
85 Steve Pfeifer DNQ 32 30 34 134
86 Sterling Marlin 15 123
87 Butch Hartman 14 121
88 Al Elmore 15 118
89 Ed Hale DNQ 15 118
90 Gary Balough 35 16 35 116
91 Keith Davis 40 30 116
92 Skip Manning 38 32 116
93 Kevin Housby 16 115
94 Ernie Shaw 16 115
95 Billy Hagan 17 112
96 Steve Moore DNQ 17 112
97 Nestor Peles DNQ 19 106
98 Dick Whalen 19 DNQ 106
99 John Borneman QL 20 103
100 Joe Fields 20 103
101 Roy Smith 21 100
102 Don Graham 22 97
103 Larry Isley 22 97
104 Jerry Jolly DNQ 22 97
105 Hal Callentine 12 23 94
106 Harry Goularte 23 94
107 Jim Hurlbert 24 91
108 Jocko Maggiacomo Wth 24 91
109 Robert Tartaglia DNQ 24 91
110 Joey Arrington 26 85
111 Rick McCray DNQ 27 82
112 Butch Lindley 28 79
113 Don Puskarich 28 79
114 John Utsman 28 79
115 Dick Kranzler 29 DNQ 76
116 Wayne Broome 29 30 73
117 Bobby Fisher QL 31 70
118 Don Noel 31 70
119 Glenn Jarrett 29 32 67
120 Bill Meazill 32 67
121 Billy Smith 33 64
122 Bobby Brack 35 63
123 Chris Monoleos 34 61
124 Jeff Halverson 36 55
125 Bill Seifert 36 55
126 Bub Strickler 36 55
127 Richard Brickhouse 39 46
128 Steve Gray 39 46
129 Butch Mock 39 Wth 46
130 Ron Hutcherson 41 40
131 Randy Ogden 30 37 28
132 A. J. Foyt 3 10
133 Freddy Smith 16 18
134 Claude Ballot-Léna DNQ 27 31
135 Darrell Basham 24
136 Earl Brooks 27
137 Melvin Revis 28
138 Jimmy Hindman 30
139 Al Rudd Jr. 32
140 John Haver 33
141 Bill Green DNQ 34
142 Ferrel Harris DNQ 40
143 Gary Matthews DNQ
144 John Krebs DNQ DNQ
145 Bobby Ligarski DNQ
146 Woody Fisher DNQ
147 Morgan Shepherd DNQ
148 Ron McGee DNQ
149 Glen Ward DNQ
150 Jan Opperman DNQ Wth
151 Don Satterfield Wth DNQ
152 Richard Ulricht Wth DNQ
153 Junior Miller DNQ
154 Ricky Knotts DNQ
155 Lake Speed DNQ DNQ
156 Hershel McGriff DNQ
157 Freddy Fryar Wth
158 Gary Myers Wth
159 Joe Frasson Wth
160 Joe Mihalic Wth
161 Bruce Jacobi Wth
162 Joe Ruttman QL
Pos. Driver RSD DAY CAR RCH ATL NWS BRI DAR MAR TAL NSV DOV CLT TWS RSD MCH DAY NSV POC TAL MCH BRI DAR RCH DOV MAR CLT NWS CAR ATL ONT Pts

[1]

References

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  1. ^ "1979 NASCAR Winston Cup Series Central - The Third Turn". www.thethirdturn.com. Retrieved 2021-04-29.
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