What Is 1978 NASCAR Winston West Series

Overview

The 1978 NASCAR Winston West Series marked the 20th season of what was then NASCAR’s premier regional racing circuit on the West Coast. As a developmental series, it served as a proving ground for drivers aiming to compete in NASCAR’s national series, including the Winston Cup Series.

This season featured a mix of asphalt ovals and short tracks across California, Arizona, and Washington. The competition was fierce, with seasoned veterans and rising talents battling for points and recognition under the Winston sponsorship umbrella.

• Jack McCoy won the 1978 championship, securing his only title in the series after a consistent season with 14 top-ten finishes in 18 races.
• The season kicked off on March 5, 1978, at Tucson Raceway Park, a 0.5-mile paved oval in Tucson, Arizona, drawing a strong regional field.
• There were 18 official races on the schedule, with events held from early spring through late fall, culminating in November.
• Butch Gilliland, father of future NASCAR driver Kurt Gilliland, was among the top contenders, finishing second in the final standings.
• The series operated under the Winston sponsorship, aligning it with NASCAR’s national series branding and increasing its visibility and prize funds.

How It Works

The NASCAR Winston West Series operated as a regional touring series, functioning similarly to the national Winston Cup Series but focused on the western United States. Points were awarded based on finishing position, with consistency being key to championship success.

• Championship Format: Drivers earned points based on race finishes, with 175 points for a win and decreasing values down to 34th place. Bonus points were awarded for leading laps and winning stages.
• Car Specifications: Competitors used full-bodied stock cars built to NASCAR’s regional rules, typically featuring V8 engines and modified chassis for oval track racing.
• Race Length: Most races were between 100 and 200 miles, with some events extending to 250 miles, testing both speed and endurance.
• Driver Eligibility: Open to licensed NASCAR drivers, though many were aspiring professionals or veterans transitioning from local short tracks.
• Track Types: The series raced primarily on paved ovals, including short tracks like All-American Speedway and larger 1-mile tracks such as Ontario Motor Speedway.
• Sponsorship Model: R.J. Reynolds’ Winston brand sponsored the series, providing financial support and aligning regional events with national NASCAR marketing efforts.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1978 Winston West Series with the national-level 1978 NASCAR Winston Cup Series:

The table highlights key differences in scale and competition level. While both series shared the Winston branding and similar rules, the Winston Cup Series attracted larger teams, higher speeds, and national media coverage. The Winston West Series remained a critical stepping stone for drivers seeking entry into the national spotlight.

Why It Matters

The 1978 NASCAR Winston West Series played a vital role in shaping the careers of future NASCAR stars and maintaining regional motorsport culture. It provided a structured, competitive environment where drivers could develop skills and gain recognition.

• Jack McCoy’s championship win demonstrated that consistency could triumph over individual race victories in the points format.
• The series helped launch the careers of drivers like Geoff Bodine, who later moved to the Winston Cup Series.
• Winston sponsorship elevated the series’ profile, increasing prize money and media coverage across western markets.
• Tracks like Phoenix International Raceway and Stateline Speedway gained national exposure through televised events.
• The series preserved regional racing traditions while aligning with NASCAR’s broader national expansion goals in the late 1970s.
• Historically, the 1978 season is remembered for its competitive depth, with no single driver dominating the entire schedule.

Overall, the 1978 season exemplified the importance of regional circuits in nurturing talent and expanding NASCAR’s footprint across America.