Sunday 8th October 1972

Bobby Allison emerged from a late-race battle with Buddy Baker to win the National 500, securing his third victory out of the previous four races at Charlotte Motor Speedway, North Carolina, US. Allison, who led 192 of 334 laps, traded the lead with Baker four times in the final eight laps before taking control with four laps left. Baker wound up second, two car-lengths behind at the finish. David Pearson finished third, two laps down.