What Is 1979 NASCAR Winston West Series

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1979 NASCAR Winston West Series was the 21st season of the regional stock car racing series, featuring 14 events across the western United States. Jack McCoy won the championship, securing his third consecutive title.

Key Facts

1979 marked the 21st season of the NASCAR Winston West Series
Jack McCoy won his third consecutive championship
The season consisted of 14 total races
The series was sponsored by R.J. Reynolds under the Winston brand
Races were held primarily in California, Arizona, and Washington

Overview

The 1979 NASCAR Winston West Series was a pivotal season in the history of regional stock car racing in the United States. As the 21st season of the series, it continued to serve as a developmental circuit for future NASCAR Cup Series stars, offering competitive racing across the western states.

This season highlighted the dominance of veteran driver Jack McCoy, who claimed his third straight championship. The series maintained its reputation for close competition and grassroots appeal, drawing regional fans and sponsors alike.

14 races were held during the 1979 season, beginning in March and concluding in November, primarily across California, Arizona, and Washington.
Jack McCoy won the championship with consistent finishes, including three race victories, solidifying his status as the series’ most dominant driver of the era.
The series operated under the Winston sponsorship as part of NASCAR’s broader partnership with R.J. Reynolds, aligning it with the national Winston Cup Series.
Races were held on a mix of oval tracks and road courses, including notable venues like Riverside International Raceway and Phoenix International Raceway.
The Winston West Series served as a crucial feeder series, helping drivers like Geoff Bodine and Larry Cook gain experience before moving to national NASCAR competition.

How It Works

The NASCAR Winston West Series operated as a regional touring series under the NASCAR sanctioning body, featuring modified stock cars racing on paved ovals and road courses. Each race followed NASCAR regulations, with points awarded based on finishing position to determine the season champion.

Championship Format: Drivers earned points based on race finishes, with the highest cumulative total at season’s end winning the title. Consistency and durability were key to success.
Car Specifications: Vehicles were full-size, V8-powered stock cars built to NASCAR’s regional series standards, featuring bodies resembling production models from Chevrolet, Ford, and Dodge.
Race Length: Events typically ranged from 100 to 200 miles, depending on the track, with some races exceeding 200 laps on shorter ovals.
Driver Eligibility: Competitors needed a NASCAR license and had to meet safety and technical inspection requirements before each event.
Points System: The system awarded 175 points for a win, decreasing incrementally for lower positions, with additional points for leading laps and top-ten finishes.
Sponsorship Model: Teams were primarily funded by local and regional sponsors, with R.J. Reynolds providing title sponsorship through its Winston brand.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1979 Winston West Series compared to other NASCAR series of the era:

Series	Races in 1979	Champion	Car Type	Sponsor
Winston West Series	14	Jack McCoy	Stock Cars (Modified)	Winston
Winston Cup Series	31	Richard Petty	Full-Size Stock Cars	Winston
Busch Grand National	32	H.B. Bailey	Lower Horsepower Stock Cars	Busch Beer
ARCA Series	22	Bob Dotter	Similar to Winston West	ARCA
International Series	8	Neil Bonnett	Winston Cup Spec	Winston

The table illustrates that while the Winston West Series had fewer races than national series, it played a critical role in driver development. Its regional focus allowed lower-budget teams to compete, maintaining high-quality racing with tighter margins than the national circuit.

Why It Matters

The 1979 NASCAR Winston West Series was more than just a regional competition—it was a proving ground for talent and a reflection of NASCAR’s growing national structure. Its influence extended beyond race results, shaping the careers of drivers and crew members who later joined the sport’s top levels.

Jack McCoy’s three-peat established a benchmark for consistency in regional racing, a feat rarely matched in the series’ history.
The series helped expand NASCAR’s footprint in the western U.S., building fan bases in markets outside the traditional Southeastern base.
It provided a cost-effective entry point for drivers, with lower travel and operational costs compared to the Winston Cup Series.
Many Winston West alumni, such as Kenny Bernstein and Geoff Bodine, went on to achieve national fame, validating the series’ developmental role.
The Winston sponsorship linked the regional series to NASCAR’s marketing ecosystem, enhancing its credibility and visibility.
Historically, the 1979 season is remembered for its competitive balance, with multiple drivers winning races despite McCoy’s overall dominance.

Today, the legacy of the 1979 Winston West Series lives on in the ARCA Menards Series West, continuing its mission of nurturing the next generation of stock car racers.