The career of Richard Petty

Petty is NASCAR royalty who has thoroughly earned his nickname, 'The King'. His records were largely accomplished in the 1970s and many still stand to this day. A career spanning 35 years, 1184 races, 200 race wins and 123 pole positions; to name just a few. Born in 1937, Petty was on course to enter motor racing from a young age. His father Lee Petty, was an early pioneer of stock car racing who won the inaugural Daytona 500. Between 1958 to 1992, his racing had earned him 7 championships and $7.7 million, a huge sum for the era. Richard was also a charismatic and emblematic driver who was loved by the fans. He was easily identifiable by his hat as well as the numerous cars he drove. His most emblematic was the #43 blue 'Plymouth Superbird', with which he and Plymouth won the 1971 drivers' and manufacturers' championship. Petty continues to be an ambassador for the sport as well as owner of 'Richard Petty Motorsports', a team currently competing in the NASCAR cup series.