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acegear
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Joined: 22 Oct 2004
Posts: 973
Location: Enumclaw, WA
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 Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 3:56 pm Post subject: Classic Driver: Richard Petty |
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Even before he was old enough to drive Richard Petty worked on his dad, Lee’s, racecars. In fact at that point in his life, Richard had no desire to race, he just wanted to be his dad’s head mechanic. However, once he obtained his drivers license, that all changed. But 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 having that talk with his dad, Richard tryed his hand at racing, and as most know the rest is history. Richard earned the rookie of the year award in 1959 which would be the first of many accomplishments for him. Through out his storied career, Richard drove the #43 STP car to over 200 wins including seven Daytona 500’s that resulted in seven Cup championships.
Chosen nine times to receive the Most Popular Driver Award, Richard 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 he retired from racing in 1992, 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”.
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