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 ($8,574 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]