Richard Petty's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Richard Petty. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Richard Petty, "The King," is a legendary NASCAR driver who raced from 1958-1992. He holds the record for most Cup Series championships (7, tied with Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson) and race wins (200). Petty also boasts a record seven Daytona 500 victories and an unparalleled 27 wins in a single season (1967). Driving primarily the No. 43 for Petty Enterprises, he's considered one of the sport's all-time greats and a member of the famous Petty racing family.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1959: NASCAR Rookie of the Year

In 1959, Richard Petty was named NASCAR Rookie of the Year after achieving nine top-ten finishes, including six top-five finishes.

1963: Breakout Year

1963 marked a breakout year for Richard Petty, as he achieved victories at tracks such as Martinsville and Bridgehampton.

1964: First Daytona 500 Win

In 1964, Richard Petty won his first Daytona 500 driving a Plymouth with a Hemi engine. He led 184 of 200 laps, won nine races, earned over $114,000, and claimed his first Grand National championship.

February 27, 1966: Second Daytona 500 Win

On February 27, 1966, Richard Petty won his second Daytona 500 after overcoming a two-lap deficit. The race was stopped early due to a thunderstorm, making him the first driver to win the event twice.

October 1, 1967: Ten Consecutive Wins

Between August 12 and October 1, 1967, Richard Petty won a record ten consecutive races, contributing to his dominant season.

1967: Record-Breaking Season

In 1967, Richard Petty had a record-breaking season, winning 27 races, including the Daytona 500, and securing his second Grand National Championship.

1968: Occoneechee Speedway Victory

In 1968, Richard Petty won sixteen races, including the last-ever race held at Occoneechee Speedway.

1970: Win at Middle Georgia Raceway

In 1970, despite being ill, Richard Petty won a race at Middle Georgia Raceway, marking one of his four career wins at that track.

February 14, 1971: Third Daytona 500 Win

On February 14, 1971, Richard Petty won his third Daytona 500, driving a Plymouth Road Runner, and became the first driver to win the race three times. He also won twenty more races and claimed his third Grand National Championship.

1971: Consecutive Starts Record

In 1971, Richard Petty began a record of 513 consecutive starts in NASCAR races, which lasted until 1989.

1972: STP Sponsorship Begins

In 1972, STP began a 28-year sponsorship arrangement with Richard Petty, which led to the iconic STP orange/"Petty blue" paint scheme and his fourth NASCAR Cup Series championship.

February 18, 1973: Fourth Daytona 500 Win

On February 18, 1973, Richard Petty won his fourth Daytona 500 in a Dodge Charger after Buddy Baker's engine failed near the end of the race.

1973: Induction into North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame

In 1973, Richard Petty was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to sports in the state.

1975: World 600 Win

In 1975, Richard Petty won the World 600 for the first time and secured thirteen victories, leading to his sixth Winston Cup. This was also a modern-era record that was later tied by Jeff Gordon.

1979: Seventh NASCAR Championship

In 1979, Richard Petty won his seventh and final NASCAR championship after winning the Daytona 500 in an Oldsmobile and additional races in a Chevrolet.

1979: Sixth Daytona 500 Win

In 1979, Richard Petty won his sixth Daytona 500 after a 45-race drought. This race was the first to be televised live flag-to-flag and is known for a fistfight between competitors.

1981: Daytona 500 Win

In 1981, Richard Petty won another Daytona 500, further cementing his legacy.

October 1983: Controversial Win at Charlotte

In October 1983, Richard Petty had a controversial win at Charlotte, recognized by NASCAR as his 198th win. Following this victory, Petty left the race team founded by his father for the 1984 season.

May 20, 1984: Petty wins Budweiser 500

On May 20, 1984, Richard Petty won the Budweiser 500 at Dover International Speedway. This win would be recognized as his two-hundredth Cup class win under modern regulations, considering the Winston-Salem class win.

July 4, 1984: Petty Wins Firecracker 400

On July 4, 1984, Richard Petty won the Firecracker 400 at Daytona International Speedway, marking his officially recognized 200th and final victory. President Ronald Reagan attended the race and celebrated with Petty and his family.

1989: Sole Stock Car Representative in Motorsports Hall of Fame of America

In 1989, Richard Petty was the sole stock car representative in the first class inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, highlighting his exceptional contributions to stock car racing.

1992: Awarded Medal of Freedom

In 1992, Richard Petty was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President George Bush, marking the first time a motorsports athlete received this civilian honor from the United States.

1992: Statue Erected in Randleman, North Carolina

In 1992, a statue of Richard Petty was erected in Randleman, North Carolina, honoring his legacy and contributions to the sport.

1995: Prostate Cancer Surgery

In 1995, Richard Petty successfully underwent surgery for prostate cancer.

1997: Induction into International Motorsports Hall of Fame and North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame

In 1997, Richard Petty was inducted into both the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and became the first person inducted into the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame, marking significant recognition of his career achievements.

1998: Induction into National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame and Named One of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers

In 1998, Richard Petty was inducted into the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame. Also in 1998, he was honored as one of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers, further solidifying his legendary status in the sport.

2002: Induction into Automotive Hall of Fame

In 2002, Richard Petty was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame, recognizing his broader impact on the automotive industry.

2003: Secretary's Award from Department of Veterans Affairs

In 2003, Richard Petty was honored by The Department of Veterans Affairs being given the Secretary’s Award for his contributions to the organization.

2010: Inaugural Inductee into NASCAR Hall of Fame

In 2010, Richard Petty was an inaugural inductee into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, cementing his place as one of the sport's most important figures.

2010: Induction into NASCAR Hall of Fame

In 2010, Richard Petty was inducted into the inaugural class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, recognizing his accomplishments and contributions to the sport.

2014: Received Gregor Grant Award and Good Guy Award

In 2014, Richard Petty received the Gregor Grant Award from the Autosport Awards and the Good Guy Award from the American Legion for his contributions to the community.

March 31, 2015: Richard Petty Day in North Carolina

On March 31, 2015, Governor Pat McCrory declared "Richard Petty" day in the state of North Carolina, honoring Petty's contributions and legacy.

2015: Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports

In 2015, Richard Petty received the Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports, further recognizing his significant impact on the sport.

2016: Induction into North Carolina Drag Racing Hall of Fame

In 2016, Richard Petty was inducted into the North Carolina Drag Racing Hall of Fame, acknowledging his influence and contributions to drag racing in addition to stock car racing.

2017: Petersen Automotive Museum Lifetime Achievement Award

In 2017, Richard Petty received the Petersen Automotive Museum Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his enduring contributions to the automotive world.

2017: Bridge named in Petty's honor in Black Mountain, North Carolina

In 2017, a bridge in Black Mountain, North Carolina, was named in Richard Petty's honor, recognizing his contributions and legacy.

2018: NASCAR Legacy Award from The Sports Museum at TD Garden

In 2018, Richard Petty received the NASCAR legacy award from The Sports Museum at TD Garden, honoring his lasting impact on NASCAR.

2023: Named One of NASCAR's 75 Greatest Drivers

In 2023, Richard Petty was named one of NASCAR's 75 Greatest Drivers, further confirming his status as a legend in the sport.

2023: Richard Petty Tribute Park Dedicated in Randleman, North Carolina

In 2023, the Richard Petty Tribute Park in Randleman was dedicated in his honor, and a statue of Petty with his wife was unveiled, celebrating his life and career.