1980 Winston 500

The 1980 Winston 500 was a Winston Cup Series (now the NASCAR Cup Series) event held at Talladega Superspeedway on May 4, 1980. Buddy Baker won his second and final race of the year, ekking out points leader Dale Earnhardt by three feet. Earnhardt's lead expanded as well, now 148 markers on Cale Yarborough (6th).

Background
Talladega Superspeedway, originally known as Alabama International Motor Superspeedway (AIMS), is a motorsports complex located north of Talladega, Alabama. It is located on the former in the small city of Lincoln. The track is a Tri-oval and was constructed by International Speedway Corporation, a business controlled by the, in the 1960s. Talladega is most known for its steep banking and the unique location of the start/finish line - located just past the exit to pit road. The track currently hosts the NASCAR series such as the Sprint Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and the Camping World Truck Series. Talladega Superspeedway is the longest NASCAR oval with a length of 2.66 mi, and the track at its peak had a of 175,000 spectators.

Qualifying
David Pearson, making the first qualifying run of the day, edged Buddy Baker and captured the pole position for Sunday's $315,000 Winston 500 stock car race. Pearson toured the 2.66-mile Alabama International Motor Speedway in an Oldsmobile at an average speed of 197.704 mph. Baker, also in an Oldsmobile, turned in an average of 197.075 mph.