1976 American 500
The 1976 American 500 was the 28th official race (out of 30) in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series season. Race report. This race took place on October 24, 1976, at North Carolina Motor Speedway in Rockingham, North Carolina. The race took four hours, fifteen minutes, and one second. Six cautions slowed the race for 35 laps. Richard Petty would end up lapping the field as he scored the season sweep at Rockingham. Thirty-two thousand and five hundred spectators attended this event. David Pearson gained the pole position qualifying at a speed of but eventually finished in  sixth place. Henley Gray was the last-place finisher due to an engine issue on the first lap. Notable crew chiefs in the race were Junie Donlavey, Jake Elder, Harry Hyde, Dale Inman, Bud Moore, Tim Brewer among others. Richard Petty's teenage son Kyle would attend his father's victory celebrations; getting ready for his NASCAR career. The average speed of the race was . Jack Donohue was the only Canadian competitor out of the 36-car grid.