Biography of Richard Petty

Biography on the career of Richard Petty, NASCAR's King. Father of Kyle, and grandfather of Adam Petty, Richard started racing in 1958 taking after his father, Lee who also raced.

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Biography of Richard Petty

Ask any dedicated NASCAR fan who "The King" is and they'll be quick to let you know that it is none other than the one and only, Richard Petty, winner of more NASCAR races than any other driver. Driving the #43 car which was sponsored by STP for much of his racing career, Richard tallied up an incredible 200 wins between 1958 and his retirement in 1992.

"The King" is the second-generation race car driver in his family, as he pursued the same path that his father, Lee had. Later, Richard's own son, Kyle and his grandson Adam would both also eventually follow suit and become the third and forth generation drivers in the famous Petty family. Respected by other drivers and fans alike, Richard was chosen to win the Most Popular Driver award, an incredible nine times in his racing career.

Before he was even of legal age to drive, Richard loved working on his father Lee's race cars and it was also something that he was expected to do. At that time it was his dream to become the Chief Mechanic for his dad's race car team, as he himself had no desire to race. However, after getting his driver's license it did not take long for Richard to change his dream, he wanted to put the pedal to the medal and he wanted to race very badly! When first trying to bring the subject up to his father as to whether he could 'try his hand' at racing, he was promptly told "no" and to wait until he was 21 and then they would "talk about it".

Eventually Richard did "try his hand" at racing and he was then on his way to what would eventually lead to his winning the NASCAR Rookie of the year in 1959, which was only one of the first of many accomplishments in his racing career. Petty also won seven of the prestigious Dayton 500 races (which is every race car drivers dream to be able to do, even if only once in their racing career!) As for Winston Cup Championships, Richard also has won seven of those as well, proving that he is indeed a true champion. Petty conducts himself in true championship style off the track as well, as he graciously donates time to fundraising events to help those who are less fortunate than himself.

Though having retired from racing, Richard is still very much involved in the sport. He is owner of Petty Enterprises, which includes the teams of the #42, #43 and #44 Winston Cup cars along with the #45 Busch Series car and #50 Craftsman Series truck. Though no longer an active driver, to this day there is a mutual love and respect between Richard Petty and his fans. Often asked for his autograph, he gives it without hesitation (along with that famous Petty smile). Richard Petty certainly long ago proved himself to be worthy of the title "The King of NASCAR". 'sports

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