Richard Lee Petty, nicknamed 'the King,' is an American former stock car racing driver who competed from 1958 to 1992 in the NASCAR Grand National and Winston Cup Series. He is renowned for driving the No. 43 Plymouth/Pontiac for Petty Enterprises. A key figure in the Petty racing family, Richard Petty was the first driver to win the Cup Series championship seven times and holds the record for the most race wins, totaling 200 victories. His achievements include winning the Daytona 500 a record seven times and securing a record 27 race wins in a single season (1967).
July 2, 1937: Birth of Richard Petty
Richard Lee Petty was born on July 2, 1937. He would go on to become a legendary stock car racing driver, famously known as 'The King'.
1955: Graduation from High School
In 1955, Richard Petty graduated from Randleman High School, where he was an All-Conference guard on the football team.
July 18, 1958: First NASCAR Race
On July 18, 1958, Richard Petty participated in his first NASCAR race at CNE Stadium in Toronto, Ontario.
1958: Debut in NASCAR
In 1958, Richard Petty began his NASCAR career, marking the start of a legendary journey in stock car racing.
1958: Marriage to Lynda Owens
In 1958, Richard Petty married Lynda Owens, beginning a lifelong partnership.
1959: NASCAR Rookie of the Year
In 1959, Richard Petty was named NASCAR Rookie of the Year, following an impressive debut season.
1959: First Daytona 500 Win by Lee Petty
In 1959, Richard Petty's father, Lee Petty, won the first Daytona 500, setting a precedent for the Petty family's racing success.
1960: First Career Win
In 1960, Richard Petty secured his first career win at the Charlotte Fairgrounds Speedway.
1963: Breakout Year
In 1963, Richard Petty had a breakout year, winning at tracks like Martinsville and Bridgehampton.
1964: First Daytona 500 Win
In 1964, driving a Plymouth with a new Hemi engine, Richard Petty won his first Daytona 500 and earned his first Grand National championship.
February 28, 1965: Drag Racing Accident
On February 28, 1965, Richard Petty was involved in a drag racing accident that resulted in the death of an eight-year-old boy and injuries to seven others.
February 27, 1966: Second Daytona 500 Win
On February 27, 1966, Richard Petty won his second Daytona 500, overcoming a two-lap deficit.
October 1, 1967: End of Record Win Streak
On October 1, 1967, Richard Petty concluded a record 10-win streak, part of his most dominant season.
1967: Record Season
In 1967, Richard Petty won a record 27 races in one season, showcasing his dominance in the sport.
1968: Win at Occoneechee Speedway
In 1968, Richard Petty won 16 races, including the last ever race at Occoneechee Speedway.
1969: Switch to Ford
In 1969, Richard Petty switched to driving Ford cars due to competitive reasons, marking a significant change in his racing career.
1970: Return to Plymouth
In 1970, Richard Petty returned to driving Plymouth cars, winning races with the new Superbird model.
1970: Win at Middle Georgia Raceway
In 1970, Richard Petty won his fourth race at Middle Georgia Raceway, despite being very ill before the race.
February 14, 1971: Petty Wins Third Daytona 500
On February 14, 1971, Richard Petty won his third Daytona 500, driving a Plymouth Road Runner. He beat Buddy Baker by a car length and made history as the first driver to win the race three times. This victory was part of a remarkable year where Petty won 20 more races and claimed his third Grand National Championship.
1971: Start of Consecutive Races Streak
In 1971, Richard Petty's streak of 513 consecutive starts began, highlighting his consistency and dedication to the sport.
1972: STP Sponsorship and End of Petty Blue Paint Job
In 1972, STP began a 28-year sponsorship with Richard Petty, marking the end of the all 'Petty Blue' paint job. The new orange and blue scheme became iconic. Petty also transitioned from racing Plymouths to Dodges mid-year, believing in their aero advantage, and won his fourth NASCAR Cup Series championship.
February 18, 1973: Petty Wins Fourth Daytona 500
On February 18, 1973, Richard Petty, driving a 1973 Dodge Charger, won his fourth Daytona 500. He managed to outlast Buddy Baker, whose engine failed with six laps to go, securing another significant victory in his career.
1974: Return to General Motors
In 1978, Richard Petty made a significant decision to return to racing a Chevrolet Monte Carlo, marking a shift from his longtime relationship with Chrysler. This move led to improved performance and set the stage for future successes.
1975: Death of Randy Owens
In 1975, Randy Owens, Lynda's brother and a member of Richard Petty's pit crew, was killed in a pit road accident during the Winston 500.
1975: First World 600 Win and Sixth Winston Cup
In 1975, Richard Petty won the World 600 for the first time and claimed his sixth Winston Cup. His 13 victories that year set a modern NASCAR record, which was later tied by Jeff Gordon in 1998.
1976: Famous Daytona 500 Finish with David Pearson
In 1976, Richard Petty was involved in a famous Daytona 500 finish. After a collision with David Pearson, Petty's car stalled just yards from the finish line. Pearson managed to pass him and win, while Petty was credited with second place.
1977: End of Exclusive Use of Dodge Charger
By the end of 1977, Richard Petty had exclusively used the 1973 Dodge Charger body style for his races. This marked the end of an era for the vehicle in Petty's racing career.
1978: Struggles with Dodge Magnum
In 1978, Richard Petty faced challenges with the Dodge Magnum, failing to win any races. Despite several top finishes, Petty switched to a Chevrolet Monte Carlo later in the season and saw improved results, finishing sixth in the final standings.
1978: Struggles with Dodge Magnum
In 1978, Richard Petty faced challenges with the Dodge Magnum, failing to win any races. Despite several top finishes, Petty switched to a Chevrolet Monte Carlo later in the season and saw improved results, finishing sixth in the final standings.
1978: Elected to Randolph County Commission
In 1978, Richard Petty was elected to the Randolph County Commission as a Republican, marking the beginning of his political career.
1979: Seventh NASCAR Championship
In 1979, Richard Petty won the Daytona 500 in an Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme and later secured his seventh and final NASCAR championship. This marked a high point in his illustrious racing career.
1979: Sixth Daytona 500 Victory
In 1979, Richard Petty won his sixth Daytona 500, ending a 45-race drought. The race, the first to be televised live flag-to-flag, became famous for a post-race fistfight and significantly boosted NASCAR's popularity.
1979: Seventh NASCAR Winston Cup Championship
In 1979, Richard Petty secured his seventh NASCAR Winston Cup Championship, holding off Darrell Waltrip in a closely contested season. This marked a pinnacle in his racing career.
1980: Petty's Promise to His Mother
In 1980, Richard Petty competed in the Busch Clash for the only time, adhering to a promise he made to his mother not to accept alcohol sponsorship. As a result, he never collected purses for the Bud Pole Award.
1980: Endorsed John Connally
In 1980, Richard Petty endorsed John Connally for the Republican nomination for president, citing Connally's personality and experience in Washington as key reasons for his support.
1980: Two Early Wins and a Crash at Pocono
In 1980, Richard Petty won two races early in the year at North Wilkesboro and Nashville. However, a violent crash at Pocono in July ended his championship hopes, and he finished fourth in points.
January 1981: Transition to New Downsized Cars
In January 1981, NASCAR mandated new downsized cars with a 110" wheelbase. Despite initial struggles with the Dodge Mirada, Richard Petty adapted to the changes and later secured his seventh Daytona 500 win.
January 17, 1981: Testing the 1981 Dodge Mirada
On January 17, 1981, Richard Petty tested the new 1981 Dodge Mirada at Daytona Speedway. Despite fan excitement, the car's performance was disappointing, leading Petty to switch to a Buick Regal for competitive races.
1981: Seventh and Final Daytona 500 Win
In 1981, Richard Petty won his seventh and final Daytona 500, using a strategic 'fuel only' pit stop to outmaneuver Bobby Allison. This victory marked a major change in Petty's racing team as his longtime crew chief, Dale Inman, left the team afterwards.
1981: Transition to Pontiac Grand Prix
In 1982, Richard Petty moved to the Pontiac Grand Prix after a disappointing 1981 season with the Regals. Despite initial struggles, the switch eventually led to a successful 1983 season.
1982: STP Orange/'Petty Blue' Scheme at Indianapolis 500
In 1982, the familiar STP orange/'Petty Blue' paint scheme was prominently featured in motorsport, notably during Gordon Johncock's win at the Indianapolis 500, showcasing the lasting impact of Petty's sponsorship deal.
1982: No Victories with Pontiac Grand Prix
In 1982, Richard Petty experienced a repeat of his 1978 struggles with no victories. The handling issues of the Pontiac Grand Prix were reminiscent of his earlier difficulties with the Dodge Magnum.
1982: Reelected to County Commission
In 1982, Richard Petty was reelected to the Randolph County Commission, demonstrating his sustained political influence in the community.
October 1983: Controversial Win at Charlotte
In October 1983, Richard Petty secured a controversial win at Charlotte, recognized by NASCAR as his 198th victory. This win was part of a successful season as Petty broke his winless streak and achieved several top finishes.
May 20, 1984: Petty's 200th Win Under Modern Rules
On May 20, 1984, Richard Petty won what under modern regulations is recognized as his 200th Cup class win at the Budweiser 500 at Dover International Speedway. This win was significant due to a technical dispute from 1971 regarding race classifications. Under current NASCAR rules, this win is acknowledged as his 200th official victory.
July 4, 1984: Petty's 200th Victory
On July 4, 1984, Richard Petty won his officially-recognized 200th race at the Firecracker 400 at Daytona International Speedway. This race, which turned out to be his final victory, was memorable for its dramatic finish and the attendance of President Ronald Reagan, the first sitting president to attend a NASCAR race.
1984: Dale Inman's Eighth Championship
In 1984, Dale Inman, Richard Petty's former crew chief, won his eighth championship with Terry Labonte. Inman had left Petty's team after their Daytona 500 victory in 1981.
1984: Driving for Mike Curb
In 1984, Richard Petty left the race team founded by his father and drove for Mike Curb. This marked a significant change in his career before returning to Petty Enterprises in 1986.
1986: Return to Petty Enterprises
In 1986, Richard Petty returned to Petty Enterprises after spending two years driving for Mike Curb. This marked a reunion with the team his father had founded.
1986: Reelected to County Commission Again
In 1986, Richard Petty secured another term on the Randolph County Commission, continuing his political service in the region.
1988: Promotion of NASCAR in Australia
In early 1988, Richard Petty traveled to Australia to help promote a NASCAR exhibition race at Calder Park Thunderdome, marking the first NASCAR race outside of North America. Although he did not compete in the race, his testing at the track set an unofficial lap record.
1989: End of Consecutive Races Streak
In 1989, Richard Petty's streak of 513 consecutive starts ended, marking the conclusion of a remarkable period in his career.
1990: Reelected to County Commission Once More
In 1990, Richard Petty was reelected to the Randolph County Commission, further extending his tenure in local politics.
October 1, 1991: Petty Announces Retirement
On October 1, 1991, Richard Petty announced he would retire after the 1992 season. He chose to run the entire 1992 season, participating in a year-long Fan Appreciation Tour, which included special events and fan meet-and-greets.
1992: Retirement Tour Parade Lap
During his 1992 retirement tour, Richard Petty took a parade lap before every race, except for the Southern 500 where Bill Clinton served as grand marshal.
1992: Petty's Final Race
In 1992, Richard Petty participated in his final race during the season-ending Hooters 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The race is hailed as one of the greatest in NASCAR history and marked the start of Jeff Gordon's career. Petty led the field on the pace lap in a salute to his fans and was celebrated by a record 160,000 spectators.
1992: Qualifying on Front Row at Pepsi 400
In the 1992 Pepsi 400 on July 4, Richard Petty qualified on the front row for the first time since 1986. Before the race, he was honored with a visit from President George H. W. Bush. Although he led the opening laps, the heat forced him to drop out after completing 84 laps.
1992: Retirement from Racing
Richard Petty retired from racing in 1992, concluding a storied career with numerous records and accolades.
1992: Closest Points Margin Until 1992
Richard Petty's seventh NASCAR championship in 1979 was won by an 11-point margin, the closest in NASCAR history until 1992, underscoring the competitiveness of the season.
August 18, 1993: NASCAR Tire Test at Indianapolis
On August 18, 1993, Richard Petty participated in a NASCAR tire test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He drove several laps and then donated his car to the Speedway's museum, contributing to preparations for the 1994 Brickyard 400.
1993: Formed Political Action Committee
In 1993, Richard Petty formed a political action committee to support Republican candidates, solidifying his role in political advocacy.
1995: Petty Joins CBS as Color Commentator
In 1995, Richard Petty transitioned to the television broadcast booth, joining CBS as a color commentator. This move marked a new chapter in his career post-racing.
1996: Republican Nominee for North Carolina Secretary of State
In 1996, Richard Petty was the Republican nominee for North Carolina Secretary of State but was defeated by Elaine Marshall in the general election. His campaign was sporadic, and he expressed regret for running after his loss.
1996: Winning Races with Crew Chief Robbie Loomis
In 1996, under the leadership of crew chief Robbie Loomis, Petty Enterprises won the Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix with Bobby Hamilton driving. This marked a successful phase in Petty's career as he helped develop Loomis's career.
1997: Winning Races with Crew Chief Robbie Loomis
In 1997, under the leadership of crew chief Robbie Loomis, Petty Enterprises won the ACDelco 400 at North Carolina Speedway with Bobby Hamilton driving. This was another significant achievement in Petty's career.
1999: Winning Races with Crew Chief Robbie Loomis
In 1999, under the leadership of crew chief Robbie Loomis, Petty Enterprises won the Goody's Body Pain 500 at Martinsville Speedway with John Andretti driving. Petty continued to influence the team's success.
May 12, 2000: Death of Adam Petty
On May 12, 2000, Richard Petty's grandson, Adam Petty, was killed in a practice crash at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
2003: Honoring Winston Cup Championships
In 2003, during the final race under the Winston banner at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Richard Petty took a solo lap to honor his seven Winston Cup Championships. This event was part of Winston's salute to the champions.
2006: Voice Role in Cars
In 2006, Richard Petty and his wife Lynda voiced characters in the Pixar film 'Cars', with Petty's car character based on his racing persona.
2008: Appeared in Swing Vote
In 2008, Richard Petty appeared as himself in the film 'Swing Vote,' allowing the protagonist to drive his famous '43' Plymouth, further cementing his legacy in popular culture.
2008: Petty Enterprises Bought by Gillett-Evernham Motorsports
In 2008, due to a lack of sponsorship, Petty Enterprises was bought out by Gillett-Evernham Motorsports. Originally, the name was to remain the same, but after Evernham left, it was renamed Richard Petty Motorsports.
2009: 25th Anniversary of Final Victory
In 2009, at the Coke Zero 400 in Daytona, Richard Petty celebrated the 25th anniversary of his final, 200th victory by driving one of his 1980s Pontiac racecars during the pace laps. He led the field for the first lap before pulling his car in.
November 2010: Sale of Richard Petty Motorsports
In November 2010, an investment group including Medallion Financial Corp., Douglas G. Bergeron, and Richard Petty signed and closed the sale on the racing assets of Richard Petty Motorsports. This sale marked a new phase in the team's history.
2010: Induction into NASCAR Hall of Fame
In 2010, Richard Petty was inducted into the inaugural class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the sport's greatest drivers.
May 2011: Grand Marshal for STP 400
In May 2011, Richard Petty was chosen to be the Grand Marshal for the 2011 STP 400 of the Sprint Cup Series, an honor reflecting his status in the racing community.
2013: Matt Kenseth Joins Petty in Milestone
In 2013, Matt Kenseth joined Richard Petty as the second driver to win in his 500th race start, a milestone Petty first achieved.
March 2014: Museum Relocation
In March 2014, the Richard Petty Museum moved back to its original location in Level Cross, North Carolina.
March 25, 2014: Death of Lynda Owens
On March 25, 2014, Richard Petty's wife, Lynda Owens, passed away from cancer at their home in Level Cross, North Carolina.
June 2016: Appearance with Donald Trump
In June 2016, Richard Petty made an appearance on stage with Donald Trump, showcasing his continued involvement in political endorsements.
2017: Leading Pace Laps at Southern 500
In 2017, at the Southern 500 at Darlington, Richard Petty led the field through several pace laps in his Plymouth Belvedere. He humorously stayed out a lap longer than expected and was black-flagged by the starter.