| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard Lee Petty |
| Birth Place | Level Cross, North Carolina, USA |
| Birth Date | July 2, 1937 |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) (approx.) |
| Weight | 185 lbs (84 kg) (approx.) |
| Parents | Lee Petty (father), Elizabeth Petty (mother) |
| Nationality | American |
| Net Worth | Estimated multi-million-dollar legacy (exact figure not publicly disclosed) |
| Salary | Not applicable (retired) |
| Relationship/Spouse | Married (spouse’s name not widely publicized) |
| Children | Kyle Petty (son), Adam Petty (grandson; deceased), other family in racing |
| Profession | Former Professional NASCAR Driver, Team Owner, Sport Ambassador |
| Team | Petty Enterprises / Richard Petty Motorsports (founder, former owner) |
Richard Petty
Richard Lee Petty, born July 2, 1937, in Level Cross, North Carolina, is regarded as the most successful and iconic driver in NASCAR history, earning the nickname “The King.” His NASCAR Cup Series records are legendary, including a record 200 race wins—the most by any driver—and seven Cup Series championships, a record he shares with Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson. Petty’s impact on stock car racing extends beyond his driving achievements, making him a cornerstone of the sport’s heritage.
Early Life and Background
Born into the famed Petty racing family, Richard Petty is the son of Lee Petty, a NASCAR pioneer and three-time champion. Growing up in Level Cross, he was immersed in racing culture from an early age. Petty started racing in NASCAR’s Grand National Series (now the Cup Series) in 1958, shortly after turning 21. He raced the No. 43 Plymouth and later Pontiac cars primarily for Petty Enterprises, the family team founded by his father.
Career
Petty’s driving career spanned 35 years from 1958 to 1992, during which he made 1,185 NASCAR starts, more than any other driver. He achieved 200 Cup Series wins, a record unmatched in NASCAR history. Notable highlights include winning a record seven Daytona 500 races (1964, 1966, 1971, 1973, 1974, 1979, 1981) and a record 27 wins in a single season in 1967, which included 10 consecutive victories. Over his career, Petty accumulated 123 pole positions, over 700 top-10 finishes, and led the most laps in Cup history. His first championship came in 1964, and he captured seven Cup championships during his career, with his last title in 1979. Petty’s final win was at the Firecracker 400 in 1984, witnessed by President Ronald Reagan. He retired in 1992 and was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992 by President George H. W. Bush.
Off-Track Ventures
After retiring from driving, Petty remained heavily involved in the sport through Petty Enterprises, which was a leading NASCAR team before merging to become Richard Petty Motorsports in 2009. Beyond team ownership and management, Petty is active as an ambassador of the sport. He founded Petty’s Garage, a car restoration business, and has been involved in various NASCAR cultural and promotional projects. Petty also lent his voice to the character Strip “The King” Weathers in Disney/Pixar’s animated movies Cars and Cars 3, embodying his legendary persona.
Net Worth
Estimated net worth of Richard Petty is $65 million.
Family Life
Petty comes from a racing dynasty; his father Lee Petty was a three-time NASCAR champion, and his family tradition continues with his son Kyle Petty and grandson Adam Petty, both of whom competed in NASCAR. Richard Petty has been married and is known to keep his personal life relatively private. Detailed public information about his parents beyond Lee Petty and immediate family members is consistent with his long-established NASCAR roots.
Recent Controversies
There are no widely reported recent controversies involving Richard Petty. His public image remains that of a respected pioneer and ambassador of NASCAR.
Key Highlights from Season 2024 and 2025
As a retired driver, Richard Petty does not compete in NASCAR races in 2024 or 2025. However, his legacy endures through Richard Petty Motorsports’ ongoing competition and his role as a sport ambassador. The team continues to participate in the NASCAR Cup Series, preserving Petty’s racing heritage and influence. Petty also participates in ceremonial roles and special appearances, celebrating his impact and keeping his presence felt in the sport.
