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 to 1992, primarily for Petty Enterprises. He holds the record for most Cup Series championships (7, tied with Jimmie Johnson) and most race wins (200), including seven Daytona 500 victories. In 1967, he achieved a record of 27 wins in a single season. A member of the renowned Petty racing family, he is considered one of NASCAR's greatest drivers.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1959: Named NASCAR Rookie of the Year

In 1959, Richard Petty was named NASCAR Rookie of the Year after achieving 9 top 10 finishes, including six Top 5 finishes.

1964: First Daytona 500 Win

In 1964, Richard Petty won his first Daytona 500, leading 184 of 200 laps. He drove a potent Plymouth with a Hemi engine, which contributed to his 9 victories and first Grand National championship that year.

February 27, 1966: Second Daytona 500 Win

On February 27, 1966, Richard Petty won his second Daytona 500, overcoming a 2-lap deficit when the race was stopped early due to a thunderstorm. He became the first driver to win the event twice.

October 1, 1967: End of 10-Race Win Streak

On October 1, 1967, Richard Petty's record 10-race win streak came to an end. The streak had started on August 12, 1967.

1967: Record Season

In 1967, Richard Petty had a record-breaking season, winning 27 races, which is the most races won in a single season. He also won a record of 10 races in a row during that season.

1968: Win at Occoneechee Speedway

In 1968, Richard Petty won 16 races, including the last ever race at Occoneechee Speedway.

1970: Win at Middle Georgia Raceway

In 1970, Richard Petty recorded one of his 4 wins at Middle Georgia Raceway. He drove the race while very ill.

February 14, 1971: Third Daytona 500 Win

On February 14, 1971, Richard Petty won his third Daytona 500, driving a Plymouth Road Runner and becoming the first driver to win the race 3 times. This win was part of an historic year in which he earned over $1 million and claimed his 3rd Grand National Championship.

1971: R. Petty

In 1971, R. Petty won an unspecified event.

1971: Consecutive Starts Record Begins

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

1972: R. Petty

In 1972, R. Petty won an unspecified event.

1972: STP Sponsorship and Fourth NASCAR Cup Series Championship

In 1972, STP began a 28-year sponsorship arrangement with Petty. Petty also won his 4th NASCAR Cup Series championship in 1972. In the middle of the year he drove a 1972 Dodge Charger.

February 18, 1973: Fourth Daytona 500 Win

On February 18, 1973, Richard Petty won his 4th Daytona 500, driving a Dodge Charger.

1974: R. Petty

In 1974, R. Petty won an unspecified event.

1975: R. Petty

In 1975, R. Petty won an unspecified event.

1975: Wins World 600 and Sixth Winston Cup

In 1975, Richard Petty won the World 600 for the first time and won his 6th Winston Cup with 13 victories, a modern NASCAR record tied in 1998.

1979: R. Petty

In 1979, R. Petty won an unspecified event.

1979: Seventh NASCAR Championship

In 1979, Richard Petty won his seventh and final NASCAR championship, driving an Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme and Chevrolet. He won the Daytona 500 and four additional races. The championship was won by only 11 points, the closest margin until 1992.

1979: Sixth Daytona 500 Win and Championship

In 1979, Richard Petty won his sixth Daytona 500, which was the first to be televised live flag-to-flag. Petty also won his seventh and final NASCAR Winston Cup Championship in 1979.

May 20, 1984: Petty wins the Budweiser 500

On May 20, 1984, Richard Petty won the Budweiser 500 at Dover International Speedway. Under modern NASCAR regulations, this would be recognized as his 200th Cup class win.

July 4, 1984: Petty wins his 200th race at the Firecracker 400

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

1992: Closest Points Margin

In 1992, Richard Petty's points margin of 11 points which won him the NASCAR championship in 1979 was the closest points margin in NASCAR history.

2010: Induction into NASCAR Hall of Fame

In 2010, Richard Petty was inducted into the inaugural class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. He is statistically the most accomplished driver in NASCAR history.