On June 18, 1978, the Gabriel 400 was held at Michigan International Speedway as the 15th race of the 30-race 1978 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season, drawing an estimated attendance of 60,000 for a 36-car field contesting 200 laps on the 2-mile track.
David Pearson captured the pole with a qualifying speed of 163.936 mph in the #21 Purolator Mercury for the Wood Brothers. Cale Yarborough, starting third in the #11 1st National City Travelers Checks Oldsmobile for Junior Johnson & Associates, scored the victory by 12 seconds over Pearson. Benny Parsons finished third, followed by Dave Marcis and Donnie Allison. Yarborough collected $21,555 for the win and led 60 laps. He averaged 149.563 mph in a race that featured 25 lead changes and was slowed by one caution for 8 laps.
