1969 Sandlapper 200

Columbia Speedway was an oval racetrack located in Cayce, a suburb of Columbia, South Carolina. It was the site of auto races for NASCAR's top series from 1951 through 1971.[3] For most of its history, the racing surface was dirt. The races in April and August 1970 were two of the final three Grand National Series races ever held on a dirt track.[4]

The track was paved before hosting its last two Grand National races in 1971.

Bobby Isaac defeated Richard Petty by half a lap in front of a live audience of 6,500 NASCAR followers.[2][5][6] Notable crew chiefs that participated in the event were John Hill, Dick Hutcherson, Dale Inman and Harry Hyde.[7]

The first-place position of the race changed hands three times and the race lasted one hour and twenty-five minutes.[2][5][8] Only two caution flags were waved for 15 laps.[2][5] While Petty would qualify for the pole position with a top speed of 73.108 miles per hour (117.656 km/h) in qualifying, the average speed of the race winner would be 70.23 miles per hour (113.02 km/h).[2][5][6][8] The race was done on a dirt oval track and Isaac received $1,000 in prize winnings ($6,972 when adjusted for inflation).[2][5][8] There were 23 American-born drivers on the starting grid.[2]

Eldon Yarbrough, the brother of the late LeeRoy Yarbrough, would retire from NASCAR after this race with his only top ten finish in NASCAR history.[5] Wayne Gillette would withdraw from the race for reasons unknown and would finish the race in last place.[2][5][8] Johnny Halford would make his NASCAR debut here.[5]

Section reference: [2]

• Start of race: Richard Petty started the race with the pole position but was quickly overtaken by Bobby Isaac.
• Lap 3: Wayne Gillette quits the race due to personal reasons.
• Lap 4: Richard Petty retook the lead from Bobby Isaac.
• Lap 13: Ed Negre's transmission developed problems, forcing him out of the race.
• Lap 34: Paul Dean Holt's engine stopped working properly, ending his race weekend prematurely.
• Lap 45: The axle on Neil Castles' vehicle became problematic, ending his day on the track.
• Lap 82: David Pearson had a terminal crash, forcing him to withdraw from the event.
• Lap 108: Frank Warren's vehicle developed suspension problems, causing him to exit the race.
• Lap 135: Bobby Isaac took over the lead from Richard Petty.
• Finish: Bobby Isaac was officially declared the winner of the event.