Petty’s Daytona Victory Caused Fight in 1979
By Keith Waltz The 21st annual Daytona 500, run on Feb. 18, 1979, at Daytona International Speedway, launched a multi-year journey that saw NASCAR stock car racing transition from a regional phenomenon into a mainstream American sport. With CBS televising the 500- mile race flag-to-flag for the first time, auto racing got its first “water-cooler moment” as viewers gathered at work the next day to talk about the race's dramatic final lap – and the fight that followed. Donnie Allison led the way as the white flag waved with Cale Yarborough drafting closely behind. Going down the back straightway, Yarborough attempted to…