Who is this man that race fans call the King? And why is he called the King? Probably because his racing accomplishments and, as well as some of his records speak for themselves. Richard Petty is the man’s name.

That alone is one of the most famous names in all of motorsports. He and his famous STP number 43 blue and orange red race car have been synonymous with Nascar racing for over 40 years. This is the man who has 200 race wins. A record that will stand as one that will never be broken. Along with his 200 wins, are his astounding 7 Daytona 500 wins.

 So  this next season,as Daytona celebrates its 50th anniversary. Who better then to honor, then the King himself. In a day and age when most drivers only last 20 or 25 years. Petty piloted the # 43 for a remarkable 32 seasons. And pocketed a record tying 7 Winston cup championships. Between him and his dad Lee. They have combined for a total of 10 cup championships. Not bad for a father and a son to accomplish.

 Petty has also been in some of Nascar’s most exciting finishes. Who could forget the battle between him and David Pearson coming down to the line hitting and bumping for the Daytona win. To only see Pearson grag that one away from him. As far as his accomplishments. There are to many to list. A 13 race win season when only 30 races were run. 10 race wins in a row. 55 superspeedway wins. 27 race wins in a 48 race seson. 9 time most popular driver award including 5 in a row. He also had a 18 year streak of consecutive races. The list goes on and on. His hard style of driving and his will to win, and win he did. Earned him the nickname King.

 You could always find Petty at the track in his trademark cowboy hat and shades. Petty also had strong family values as well as a loyalty to his fans. He always said that it was his fans who gave him his long career. He always made time for them also. Stopping to talk to them as well as sign autographs. He raced during a time when, you not only drove, but you muscled that car around the track. None of the modern technology that is racing today. No computers to track how a car is handling.

 And as far as safe barriers and restrictor plates? There was none of that. Just good old fashioned hard nosed racing. Some of the more spectacular finishes as well as wrecks were evident of that. Petty would race you till the end. And sometimes even beyond that. He had his share of wrecks, as well as his share of on and off track scuffles. Petty was, what Jackie Robinson was to baseball in his day. And his day it was.

No other driver, besides his friend and rival on the track, David Pearson knew that better. There is alot more that can be said about the King. And we all know that actions speak louder then words. And Petty’s actions, are very well spoken. Im out.