The 1979 World 600, the 13th race of the NASCAR Winston Cup season, was held on May 27 at Charlotte Motor Speedway before 135,000 fans. A 41-car field contested 400 laps. Neil Bonnett captured the pole in the Wood Brothers #21 Mercury with a speed of 160.125 mph, extending the team’s streak to 12 consecutive poles at the track.
Darrell Waltrip started third in the #88 DiGard Chevrolet and won by 5.6 seconds over Richard Petty, with Dale Earnhardt third, Cale Yarborough fourth, and Benny Parsons fifth. Waltrip led a race-high 175 laps, averaged 136.674 mph through nine cautions for 48 laps, and earned $55,400 for his 18th career victory. The race featured 59 lead changes among 10 drivers. Bobby Allison blew an engine, replaced it, and finished 22nd, losing the points lead to Waltrip, who left Charlotte with a 53-point advantage.
