The 1970 Wilkes 400 was contested on October 4 at North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Carolina. The 0.625-mile short track hosted the 400-lap (250-mile) NASCAR Grand National event with a 30-car field and an attendance of 8,800.
Bobby Isaac secured the pole in his K&K Insurance No. 71 Dodge with a qualifying speed of 105.406 mph. Richard Petty and others challenged strongly, but Isaac proved to have the winning combination. The race included four cautions for 32 laps and was completed at an average speed of 90.152 mph.
Isaac led much of the day and held off a late charge to win by six car lengths over Richard Petty. Donnie Allison finished third, Bobby Allison fourth, and James Hylton fifth. Isaac earned $5,825 for the victory—his 11th win of the season and 32nd career triumph. The win stretched Isaac’s points lead to 50 over James Hylton, boosting his championship bid,
Tragically, the weekend was overshadowed by the death of NASCAR legend Curtis Turner, who was killed on October 4 when his plane crashed near DuBois, Pennsylvania. Turner, a pioneering driver and colorful figure known for his fearless style, was just 46.
