The 1973 Delaware 500 at Dover International Speedway on September 16th drew an estimated crowd of 25,000 fans and featured a strong 40-car field for NASCAR’s 24th race of the season. David Pearson put his Wood Brothers Mercury on the pole at 124.649 mph and backed it up with a strong performance, leading much of the 500-lap event despite 22 lead changes among several contenders. Seven caution periods slowed the race for 56 laps, but the race still produced an average speed of 112.852 mph.
When the checkered flag fell after more than four hours of racing, Pearson claimed his 10th victory of the 1973 season and earned $16,325, finishing 1.8 seconds ahead of Bobby Allison. Buddy Baker came home third, followed by Benny Parsons and J.D. McDuffie, whose fifth-place finish was one of the best major-race results of his career. Pearson and Allison traded the lead throughout the afternoon, while Baker remained a constant threat near the front. Pearson’s victory further underscored one of the greatest part-time seasons in NASCAR history, as he was winning at an astonishing rate despite running only a limited schedule.
Just as important as the race win was the championship battle. Benny Parsons left Dover with a commanding 211.75-point advantage over independent standout Cecil Gordon, strengthening his grip on the Winston Cup standings with only four races remaining.
