More than 75,000 race fans filed into Darlington (S.C.) Raceway on a typically hot and humid Labor Day Monday to witness the 1980 edition of the Southern 500. David Pearson, aboard Hoss Ellington’s Chevy, was the heavy favorite to win the 367-lap race at the track where had enjoyed incredible success. Pearson, who had fought his way back onto the lead lap, took control when the green flag reappeared. He also finished third behind Pearson and Elliott in the 1979 Southern 500. On lap 363, Parsons made a quick move to pull alongside Pearson, but had to back off in turn two, giving Earnhardt the outside momentum to get by Parsons. On lap 365, Earnhardt dove to the inside and took the lead for about 400 yards. Pearson, Earnhardt and Parsons lost control, sliding in the oil in unison and crashing into the wall.

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