Stock car racing's greatest driver, Petty was born into the sport: His father, Lee, was national champion in 1954, 1958, and 1959.In his 34-year career, Petty won a record 200 NASCAR races, 95 more than Dave Pearson, who's in second place. He's the only driver to win the Daytona 500 seven times, in 1964, 1966, 1971, 1973, 1974, 1979, and 1981, the first driver to be a seven-time NASCAR champion, in 1964, 1967, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975, and 1979.Petty had 356 top-five finishes in addition to his victories. He was the first stock car driver to surpass $1 million in earnings and he ended his career with $7,755,409, which is only fourth on the all-time list because purses were smaller when he was in his prime.Idolized by fans and looked up to by other NASCAR drivers, Petty announced in October of 1991 that he would finish his career with a 29-race "Richard Petty Fan Appreciation Tour" in 1992. Wearing his trademark extra-wide sunglasses and feathered cowboy hat, Petty patiently autographed thousands of glossy photos for fans during his tour.Fellow driver Bill Elliott said of Petty, "He's been a role model for every driver and his sponsor and NASCAR. I've always tried to work hard and be understanding of people and the fans because that's what Richard has always done."Since retiring, Petty has concentrated on being a racing team owner. However, in 1995, he ran unsuccessfully for Secretary of State in North Carolina.Kyle, Richard's son, is now the chief driver for Team Petty. Kyle's son, Adam, was also a team driver until he died in a crash on May 12, 2000, while practicing at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway.The Number 43 car he drove for much of his career is now in the Smithsonian Institution. Petty also has his own museum in Level Cross, North Carolina.
