1971 Winchester 400

The 1971 Winchester 400 motor race, the second annual (run yearly since 1970), was held as the "Dri-Power 400" under American Speed Association sanction on October 3, 1971, at the Winchester Speedway, in Indiana (USA).

Denny Miles of Muncie, Indiana lead 101 of the 400 laps and collected $2,128 in winning the Winchester 400. A late race accident with Jim Blount sent Miles to the pits on lap 321, but he returned to lead the final 56 laps as he streaked to an event-record eight-lap winning margin over runner-up Carl Sommers of Indianapolis, Indiana. __TOC__ Les Snow was fast-qualifier and started from the pole position, but it was Eldon Byler who led at the drop of the green flag. Snow moved to the front on lap four and showed the field the way until being passed by Jim Robinson on lap 43. Ron North took a turn in the lead on lap 68 and would hold the position until surrendering to Bill Clemons on lap 143. North would retake the top spot on lap 171 only to lose it again to Clemons on lap 264.

Miles would make his first appearance in the lead on lap 271 and would hold it until being involved in the accent 50 laps later. With Miles In the Pits, Sommers moved to the top spot until Miles retook the lead on lap 354 and cruised to the win. Following Miles and Sommers across the line were Snow (with relief from Jack Shanklin), Tom Galloway, and John Sommerville.

Table of results

Race statistics

• Average Speed:
• Margin of Victory: 8 laps
• Time of Race: Three hours, 11 minutes and 40.520 seconds
• Lead Changes: 9 among 7 drivers
• Lap Leaders: Eldon Byler 1-3; Les Snow 4-42; Jim Robinson 43-67; Ron North 68-142; Bill Clemons 143-170; North 171-263; Clemons 264-270; Denny Miles 271-320; Carl Sommers 321-344; Miles 345-400
• Entries: 67   Qualifiers: 64

External links

• Winchester Speedway website
• Official CRA Website