The 1974 Southern 500, the 25th running of the event, was a NASCAR Winston Cup Series racing event that occurred on September 2, 1974, at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, South Carolina. Jerry Schild would make his only "top-ten" finish at this event. Prior to this event, the 1974 NASCAR Winston Cup Series was dominated by three drivers: Richard Petty, Cale Yarborough, and David Pearson (who finished in an agonizing 25th place after the checkered flag). Had David Sisco had finished below third place at this event, his career would have been shortened due to financial reasons.