Is Richard Petty in the Hall of Fame?

• Richard Petty is an American former stock car racing driver widely regarded as one of the greatest NASCAR drivers of all time
• The 85-year-old competed between 1958 and 1992 and won a record 200 races during his career
• Petty is a member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, International Motorsports Hall of Fame, NASCAR Hall of Fame and Diecast Hall of Fame. 

NASCAR stock car racing has produced more than its share of king-sized heroes, and Richard Petty happens to be one of them. Richard Petty is a member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, International Motorsports Hall of Fame, NASCAR Hall of Fame and Diecast Hall of Fame.

Tied with Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt for most NASCAR Cup Series Championships, there is no doubt that Richard Petty is one of the greatest stock car racing drivers of all time.

Richard Petty is an icon in the NASCAR racing world. Photo/ CBS Sports.

The 85-year-old competed between 1958 and 1992 and won a record 200 races during his career. He won the Daytona 500 a record seven times and holds the record for the most races won in a season, 27.

Besides being a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Richard Petty achieved more during his career and is one of the most respected figures in motorsports. Statistically, Petty is the most accomplished driver in the history of the sport.

He was NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver in 1962, 1964, 1968 and 1974 to 1978. The American holds the record for most consecutive NASCAR Cup Series wins (10 in 1967).

Richard Petty most notably drove the No. 43 Plymouth/ Pontiac for Petty Enterprises. He owns Richard Petty Motorsports and was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President George Bush in 1992.

Early Life 

Richard Petty is a second-generation driver who was born in Level Cross, Randolph County, North Carolina, on July 2, 1937. He is the son of Lee Petty, who was a three-time NASCAR champion and the winner of the first Daytona 500 in 1959.

Richard attended Randleman High School in Randleman, North Carolina. He was an All-Conference guard in the school’s football team.

After graduating in 1955, he joined Greensboro Junior College, where he took a business course. Afterwards, he began working for his father’s racing company, Petty Enterprises.

Career

NASCAR legend Richard Petty sitting next to his racing car. Photo/ Outsider.

Richard Petty began his 35-year racing career on July 18, 1958, after turning 21. His first race was at CNE Stadium in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

The following year, Petty was named NASCAR Rookie of the Year after he managed nine top-10 finishes. He competed in the inaugural Daytona 500, which was won by his father.

Richard got his first career win at the Charlotte Fairgrounds Speedway in 1960. He captured his first Daytona 500 in 1964 while driving Plymouth with a new Hemi engine.

The American went on to win several races and championships, establishing his name as one of the greatest NASCAR drivers in the history of the sport.

After Racing 

Richard Petty, a NASCAR Hall of Fame member, purchased a 90-acre (36-ha) ranch south of Jackson, Wyoming. He was chosen to be the Grand Marshal for the 2011 STP 400 of the Sprint Cup Series in May 2011.

The racing legend has been featured in several films and movies. He established a summer camp known as Victory Junction to give seriously ill children the experience of summer camp.

Richard Pretty. Photo/ The Business Journals.

FAQs 

Who is Richard Petty? 

Richard Petty is an American former stock car racing driver widely regarded as one of the greatest NASCAR drivers of all time.

Is Richard Petty in the Hall of Fame? 

Richard Petty is a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Diecast Hall of Fame, Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and International Motorsports Hall of Fame.

Why is Richard Petty called The King? 

Richard Petty is called The King for his achievements as a racing driver. The legend is tied for most championships (seven), has racked up the most Daytona 500 wins (seven), most wins (200), most wins in a season (27), most consecutive wins (10), most poles (123) and most starts (1,185).

What is Richard Petty’s net worth? 

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Richard Petty has a net worth of $65 million.

What was Richard Petty’s most famous car?

Richard Petty most notably drove the No. 43 Plymouth/ Pontiac for Petty Enterprises.