The 1971 Wilkes 400 was twice postponed and finally held on November 21 at North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Carolina. The 0.625-mile short track hosted a 400-lap (250-mile) event that mixed Grand National and Grand American cars, creating unique competition dynamics. A field of 31 cars drew 9,500 fans.
Charlie Glotzbach won the pole in his No. 3 Chevrolet with a qualifying speed of 107.558 mph. Tiny Lund started sixth in the Ronnie Hopkins-owned No. 55 Chevrolet Camaro (a Grand American entry). The race featured three cautions for 19 laps and finished at an average speed of 96.174 mph.
Richard Petty led a race-high 306 laps and appeared headed for victory, but his Plymouth developed problems late. Lund, who had been as many as four laps down earlier, mounted a remarkable charge. He took the lead with just six laps remaining and pulled away to win by six seconds over Glotzbach.
Petty salvaged third, followed by Dave Marcis and Benny Parsons. Lund earned $3,875 for the victory—his fifth and final career Grand National win.
