On February 23, 1969, a crowd of 101,800 fans packed Daytona International Speedway for the 11th Daytona 500. A 50-car field contested the race, with Buddy Baker winning the pole at 188.901 mph. David Pearson and Bobby Isaac each won their respective 125-mile qualifying races on Thursday.
In a thrilling finish, LeeRoy Yarbrough — driving the #98 Junior Johnson & Associates Ford and starting 19th — made a dramatic winning pass on the final lap to beat Charlie Glotzbach by just one car length. Donnie Allison finished third, followed by A.J. Foyt and Buddy Baker. The race was slowed by five cautions for 38 laps, with Yarbrough averaging an impressive 157.950 mph over the 500 miles. He earned $38,950 for the victory.
Earlier in Speedweeks, Yarbrough also won the Permatex 300, though that race was marred by the fatal accident of driver Don MacTavish. Richard Petty left Daytona with a 39-point lead over James Hylton in the standings.
