Race Rock - Richard "The King" Petty

Richard "The King" Petty

Richard Petty is arguably the most charismatic and recognizable personality in professional sports. His lanky frame, sunglasses, cowboy hat and boots, coupled with his down-to-earth sincerity and accessibility to his fans have made him a favorite among motorsports enthusiasts worldwide.

Petty's endless list of accomplishments on the race track earned him an extremely prestigious title -- "The King". During his 35 year career, he competed in 1,185 events, winning 200 and finishing second 158 times. In 1967, "The King" won an astounding 27 of 46 events, including a streak of ten consecutive victories. His record of seven Daytona 500 victories is one of the most impressive statistics in the history of the sport. The closest active pursuer of this record has won the race only twice.

Petty's efforts in leading the advancement of motorsports from a small "grass-roots" following to one of the fastest growing sports in the world also justify his noble title. Due in no small part to Petty's leadership, the sport of NASCAR Winston Cup racing (Petty holds a record seven championships) has grown from a southern regional sport to a multi-billion dollar business, involving many of the top Fortune 500 companies as sponsors.

Petty's tremendous successes on the race track have placed him among a distinguished class of leaders in the sports world. In fact, Sports Illustrated Magazine recognizes him as one of the top 40 sports figures of the century. His unique personality and skilled driving ability have attracted a wide range of fans that includes President Ronald Reagan, the first President ever to attend a NASCAR event. "The King" is also one of the few sports figures to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest U.S. civilian award.

Besides an illustrious career in motorsports, Richard Petty is a major contributor to a variety of charities. During his final year as an active driver, "The King" displayed unusually high levels of altruism, raising more than $300,000 for a charitable event known as the "Fan Appreciation Tour." He continues to host an annual golf tournament benefiting the North Carolina Burn Center. His successes both on and off the track unquestionably prove that Richard Petty is truly "The King".

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