Sunday 30th April 1972

Richard Petty took advantage when 2 leaders were sidelined in the last 110 laps, going on to win the NASCAR GN ‘Virginia 500’ at Martinsville Speedway. Bobby Isaac led a total of 268 laps in the Krauskopf Dodge, leading on lap 391 when the engine blew. David Pearson then led in the Wood Brothers Mercury until the transmission housing broke with 30 laps to go. The Wood Brothers crew made repairs and wanted to re-enter the race, but Pearson was nowhere to be found. Petty’s Plymouth was only running on 7 cylinders, but he still crossed the line 7 laps ahead of Bobby Allison’s Chevy. Allison had lost 10 laps early in the race changing brake shoes.