Who was at fault? David or Richard?

Question

Since playing the blame game is so popular on here, Who do you think was at fault at the 1976 Daytona 500? David Pearson who won or Richard Petty. Here is a recap

In a classic David Pearson-Richard Petty duel, the 1976 Daytona 500 produced one of the most incredible finishes in NASCAR history.

The showdown had been building for about 100 miles when Pearson, on the final lap, passed Petty on the Superstretch.

Exiting Turn 4, Petty had ducked low and passed Pearson but the two drivers touched and crashed. When both cars came to rest in the tri-oval grass, they still had not crossed the start/finish line.

Petty’s radiator was pushed back into the fan on the front of the engine and the car wouldn’t restart. But Pearson dumped the clutch and kept the car in neutral keeping it from stalling.

Pearson straightened out his damaged machine and slowly crossed the start/finish line to capture the only Daytona 500 victory of his career.

Answer 1

David

Answer 2

It was Richard's fault for moving up before he was clear of David. No, there weren't spotters back then. I think I remember Richard saying that it was his fault.

Answer 3

It was Earnhardt Sr.s fault!

You know he loved rattling cages!

Answer 4

I think it was David's fault.

Answer 5

If I remember correctly Petty said after wards that he came up too soon. He was man enough to admit mistakes and defeats, unlike some of the drivers of today. I watched that race on ABC's Wide World of Sports.

He was, and still is, a class act.

Answer 6

I love this one!

It's hard to say who's fault it was.  All I know is that if Kyle Busch was driving the 21, it would have been Kyle's fault.  If Kyle was driving the 43, it would have been Kyle's fault.

Answer 7

i think it was no ones fault

this was back when the drivers were allowed to race and bum and bang unlike today

racing incedent

Answer 8

It was interesting watching that! Thanks for the link. Looked to me like Petty deliberately went up to push Pearson into the wall. Petty had been pretty well able to hold a line on the other turns (or at least looked like it to me) so for him to "drift" up wouldn't make much sense. Great finish though!

Answer 9

I agree with papabill on this one, just one of those racing things, but #18's #1 fan, that's funny!

Answer 10

It was hard racing with 2 people going for the win and they were racing.

Answer 11

i'm sure someone on here will find a way to blame it on kyle, and i don't mean a petty ;-)  

(i know, take my own advice and "give it a rest," but i couldn't resist)

ps. buckshot... i may have beat you to the concept, but i bow to your answer in creativity.

Answer 12

lol # 18 # 1 fan