The Virginia 500 was held at Martinsville Speedway on May 24, 1970, after being postponed twice previously because of rain. A crowd of approximately 17,000 fans attended the event, which featured a 39-car field. Donnie Allison won the pole position with a qualifying speed of 82.609 mph. LeeRoy Yarbrough drove the car in the race because Allison was practicing for the Indianapolis 500. The event was slowed by seven caution periods for 46 laps and was shortened by rain, with NASCAR calling the race after 377 of the scheduled 500 laps had been completed.
Bobby Isaac dominated the shortened event, leading 223 laps in his No. 71 Dodge. When rain halted competition, Isaac was leading and was declared the winner under caution. Bobby Allison finished second, followed by Cale Yarborough, David Pearson, and Dick Brooks. Isaac averaged 68.584 mph and earned $10,795 for the victory. The win moved Isaac to a 31-point lead over James Hylton in the Grand National standings following the race.
