Richard Petty has confirmed the closure of his renowned performance shop, marking the end of an era for the racing legend’s street-legal car business in Randleman, North Carolina. As part of the Richard Petty garage closure and giveaway, Petty has announced a special event to send off Petty’s Garage by giving away a custom-built Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, personally signed by “The King.”
The shop, known for its cars bearing the unmistakable look of Petty’s No. 43, made its final project a HEMI-powered Charger Hellcat Widebody Redeye tailored with distinctive touches from Richard Petty. In his announcement, Petty explained the significance of the car and the moment.
“Now that Petty’s Garage has officially closed its doors, this car marks the end of an era. It’s a one-of-a-kind, custom-built supercharged Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody Redeye with The King’s personal touch,” Richard Petty wrote.—Richard Petty, NASCAR Hall of Fame Driver
Petty’s Garage, first rebranded from Petty Enterprises in 2008, built its reputation by offering custom street rods, full restoration projects, and high-performance daily vehicles. These efforts allowed enthusiasts to connect with the legendary spirit of its founder and his high-octane legacy in NASCAR. The final car will serve both as a farewell and a collector’s item tied directly to this racing heritage.
Richard Petty Criticizes Racing Challenges in the Current Cup Series
Beyond the closure of Petty’s Garage, Richard Petty has also drawn attention for voicing his frustrations with the current state of stock car racing. Reflecting on the recent Cup event at Dover Motor Speedway and the broader Next Gen Era, Petty lamented the lack of overtaking and strategic use of the track’s high line, a technique that was once critical for gaining speed and an advantage.
“Them cars just can’t pass each other and that just bugs the fire out of me. They don’t run high going in (the turn), and why they don’t I don’t know. To me the higher you go in, the quicker you can get on. What they do they go in and then they scrub the speed off as they go up the hill.”—Richard Petty, NASCAR Hall of Fame Driver
Petty’s comments reflect growing concerns among drivers and fans regarding the evolution of competition in NASCAR. As seen in the recent race, Chase Elliott led for an impressive 238 laps before Denny Hamlin took control in the closing stages, navigating a rain delay and multiple overtime restarts. Despite late-race challenges and pressure from teammate Chase Briscoe, Hamlin managed to secure victory in the #19 Toyota—marking his fourth win of the season and his second consecutive triumph at Dover.
This outcome further emphasizes how challenging it is to overtake in the new generation of racing, and positions Hamlin atop the season’s playoff standings, closely trailed by season leader Chase Elliott. The race at Dover, marked by late cautions, tested drivers’ strategy, teamwork, and adaptability under changing track conditions.
Significance of the Closure and the Last Giveaway
The closure of Petty’s Garage concludes a notable chapter for both the NASCAR community and car enthusiasts, symbolizing a shift in high-performance custom shops tied to racing legends. The giveaway of the final Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat ensures that Petty’s legacy remains present in the automotive world, placing a piece of “The King’s” legacy in the hands of a lucky fan or collector. This moment, along with Petty’s candid thoughts on the future of racing, highlights ongoing changes in both the sport and its culture.
As Richard Petty moves on from the day-to-day management of his performance shop, his perspective as a champion and advocate for racing will continue shaping conversations about the direction of NASCAR and the importance of competitive spirit on the track.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does Richard Petty have health issues?
A. Richard Petty shared that racing and competing define him, but he was surprised by the challenge of prostate cancer. As someone who survived the disease and now speaks for veterans, he believes it’s crucial to motivate veterans to discuss prostate cancer and reach out to family and friends for support.
Q. Why does Richard Petty always wear glasses?
A. Much like the hat, his sunglasses are a signature style. He started using sunglasses as a trademark. Petty mentioned that his sunglasses feel like his security blanket. He feels that by wearing both the hat and glasses, he can confidently express himself.
Q. Was Richard Petty a smoker?
A. Tobacco played a big role in Richard Petty’s life, just like stock cars. When he was young, he helped on his uncle’s tobacco farm in North Carolina. Richard used to chew tobacco, dip snuff, and smoke cigars, but he quit everything five years ago without any aids.
Thank you Mr.Petty for everything you’ve done for Nascar.