by Lynette Alice

Created on: August 04, 2008   Last Updated: August 21, 2009

On June second 1937 "The King" was born and his name is Richard Petty. With a career starting on the old dirt tracks of North Carolina that led to the luxury Speedways of today there is nothing the man in the number forty three STP car did not do. On the track he was a legend among men, off the track he is a gentleman and the face behind King Enterprises. All told he is one of the most important driving forces behind the NASCAR we know today.

To truly get a grip on Petty it is best to start in the beginning. Petty was born in Level Cross North Carolina which served as the base of operations to his father Lee who won three Grand National titles (Now known as Winston Cups) which introduced him to the world of racing. Richard's brother Maurice chose to get involved behind the scenes working on engines while in 1958 Richard made his move to the track. Between 1960 when Petty racked up his first win at the old Charlotte Motor Speedway and 1992 when he ran his final race in Atlanta Petty put together an incomparable record of success that may never be matched.

Petty's greatest contribution to the sport may be his attitude which is an image that made NASCAR appealing to fans from all walks of life. Beneath his trademark hat and black shades Petty was rarely if ever seen not wearing a smile. His mantra has always been family and fans above wins although the wins make life nice. He has always put his best foot forward and his outgoing engaging attitude has made him one of if not the most beloved people in the sports history. His only flaw if it can be seen as such is a level of excellence impossible to match.

As Petty's racing days came to an end his involvement in the sport lived on. Via King Enterprises Richard sponsors teams in multiple areas of racing. In 2000 he was recognized along with son Kyle as "Sports Persons" of the year for ongoing charitable work including the annual Ride Across America, and works with the Make-A-Wish Foundation just to name a pair. After retiring Petty was honored with the Medal of Freedom in 1992, the highest award the U.S. bestows upon any civilian.

On the track the accomplishments Petty racked up are almost beyond comprehension. The most career wins record (200) may never be touched nor may his seven wins at the Daytona 500. He was the 1959 Rookie of the Year, nine time most popular driver, winner of better than one of every six races he entered, the sports first million dollar driver, 513 consecutive Winston Cup races completed, and an amazing ten wins in a row in 1967. In the world of NASCAR Petty did everything on the track that was possible during his thirty two year driving career.

Petty's true greatness however may be measured by the level of love and loyalty his fans shower upon him even today. While not as visible as he was in the winners circle which he visited often enough to qualify as a mailing address, Petty is still a major force behind the scenes. His celebrity is unquestioned and he still turns up wherever there are fast cars, even if it is the movie Cars which he lent his voice to. Accolades and victories are nice I'm sure Richard would say, but family, friends, and his fans are the real reward.

Learn more about this author, Lynette Alice.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.