The 1967 Gwyn Staley Memorial at North Wilkesboro Speedway on April 16 drew 9,400 fans for a 34-car Grand National field on the track’s fast .625-mile paved oval. Darel Dieringer earned the pole position at 104.603 mph in the No. 26 Junior Johnson-owned Ford, then turned that speed into one of the most complete performances of the 1967 season. From the drop of the green flag, Dieringer controlled the pace and never allowed the field an opportunity to challenge for the lead.
Despite six caution flags for 33 laps, Dieringer remained untouchable, expertly handling each restart and quickly rebuilding his margin. He led every lap of the event, a rare feat at North Wilkesboro, and crossed the finish line a full one lap ahead of Cale Yarborough. His average speed was 93.594 mph, reflecting both the strong pace and his command of the race. The victory was the seventh career Grand National win for Dieringer and one of the most dominant of his career.
Yarborough finished second, followed by Dick Hutcherson in third, Jim Paschal in fourth, and Paul Lewis in fifth. Another notable story involved David Pearson, who finished 26th after overheating problems sidelined the Cotton Owens Dodge. The next day, the 1966 Championship combination of Pearson and the Owens team split, a major turning point that soon led Pearson to the Holman-Moody Ford and opened the door for Bobby Allison to join the Cotton Owens Dodge team.
