What Is 1970 NASCAR Winston West Series

Overview

The 1970 NASCAR Winston West Series was a pivotal season in the history of regional stock car racing in the United States. As the 12th edition of the series, it continued to bridge the gap between local short-track competition and the national NASCAR Grand National Series.

This season highlighted the growing professionalism in regional motorsports and helped launch the careers of future NASCAR stars. The series maintained its focus on tracks in the western U.S., offering drivers a competitive platform to gain experience and visibility.

• Five victories by Geoff Bodine were the most in the 1970 season, securing him the championship title with consistent performance across 17 races.
• The series began in February 1970 at Phoenix International Raceway, setting the stage for a season that spanned nearly nine months.
• Races were held in California, Arizona, Washington, and Nevada, emphasizing the regional focus of the Winston West Series.
• Geoff Bodine drove a 1970 Ford Torino fielded by the Howard Beach Racing team, a car that became iconic in regional racing circles.
• The final race of the season took place in October 1970 at Riverside International Raceway, a 2.5-mile road course known for its challenging layout.

How It Works

The NASCAR Winston West Series operated as a regional touring series, functioning as a developmental circuit for drivers aiming to compete in NASCAR's national series. It followed a points-based championship format similar to the Grand National Series but on a smaller scale.

• Championship Format: Drivers earned points based on race finishes, with the highest cumulative total at season’s end winning the title; consistency was key.
• Car Specifications: Competitors used full-size stock cars from manufacturers like Ford, Chevrolet, and Plymouth, modified to meet NASCAR technical regulations.
• Race Length: Events ranged from 100 to 300 miles, depending on the track, with most races lasting under two hours.
• Driver Eligibility: Open to licensed NASCAR drivers, including veterans and up-and-comers, many of whom also raced on the national circuit.
• Points System: NASCAR used a scale from 180 points for a win down to 30 for lower finishes, with additional bonuses for leading laps.
• Sponsorship: The series was known as the Winston West Series due to sponsorship from R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, which began in the late 1960s.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1970 NASCAR Winston West Series with the national NASCAR Grand National Series:

The comparison underscores the Winston West Series’ role as a regional counterpart to the national tour. While it shared sponsorship and technical standards, its scale and geographic reach were more limited, making it ideal for developing talent and regional fan bases.

Why It Matters

The 1970 NASCAR Winston West Series played a crucial role in shaping the future of stock car racing by providing a proving ground for drivers, teams, and manufacturers. Its success helped solidify NASCAR’s presence beyond the southeastern U.S.

• The series served as a stepping stone for drivers like Geoff Bodine, who later achieved fame in the NASCAR Cup Series.
• It demonstrated the viability of regional NASCAR circuits, influencing the creation of the ARCA Menards Series West.
• Teams used the series to test new setups and strategies in lower-pressure environments before national events.
• Sponsorship from Winston helped fund operations and increased media coverage, boosting the sport’s profile.
• The series contributed to diversifying NASCAR’s geographic footprint, attracting fans in the western states.
• It preserved short-track racing traditions while adapting to the growing commercialization of motorsports in the 1970s.

Overall, the 1970 season exemplified how regional series could complement national racing, fostering talent and expanding NASCAR’s reach during a transformative era.