The 1971 1971 Motor Trend 500 was the first race in NASCAR's Winston Cup era (as it was sponsored by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company cigarette brand Winston), that saw Richard Petty finish first followed by Bobby Allison while Ray Elder finished last.
Defending NASCAR Grand National West series champion Ray Elder won the race; making it the first time that the 500-mile event at Riverside was won by a manufacturer other than Ford. 
Richard Petty competed in this race but failed to finish; he would end up in 20th after starting from the pole position. 
Finish: Ray Elder was officially declared the winner of the event. 
