NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series

The Petty Family: Words and Images

Photos and story © 2005 Dwight Drum
Web work by Gary Larsen

“I quit driving, I’m not retired. It’s not only my work, it’s my life.”

Whenever you are in the presence of Richard Petty you know you are in hollowed territory and usually that territory is at a racetrack. Petty draws a crowd there, but Petty also draws respect almost everywhere he goes and anywhere his name gets public. I’ve been fortunate to talk to Petty twice face-to-face and although two encounters wouldn’t be much evidence in any scientific measure, once with Richard Petty I believe is – plenty proof. A hardy handshake from Richard Petty is unforgettable; a respectful slap on the back is treasure – especially if you are media representative in a very hectic and popular sport like NASCAR.

Richard Petty is called “The King” for many reasons. The squeeze of his handshake, the gentile swipe of his friendly back slap say much about the man. Much will always be said about Richard Petty, and we’re proud to bring you just a few words that are all Petty and all quality.

It’s a measure that we believe is all treasure, but we don’t bring you these words just because Petty spoke. We bring you Petty, because he speaks so honestly.

Time: Pre Season 2005

Place: Daytona International Speedway

“No. That’s what my wife keeps talking to me about. When are you going to retire? I quit driving. I’m not retired. O.K.? I told her, I’ve been going to the racetrack since I was 11 years old. It’s just like the average guy getting up in the morning, brushing his teeth, combing his hair, eating breakfast and going to work. That is my work. It’s not only my work, it’s my life. “

“I guess it would be like a farmer. Farmers can’t retire either. He’s going to get up and if he’s not going to do anything else, he’s going to have a garden.

So it’s just my life. So when you are talking about your life, then you like to talk about it.

Thanks for making it your life, because it’s ours too.

Dwight also asked Richard Petty:

Do NASCAR champions have common traits and abilities?

"No. Everybody's got their own personality. Everybody approaches it different. You can't compare David Pearson with Jeff Gordon or a Richard Petty with Earnhardt or any of that stuff. You know what I mean? We came at different times under different circumstances under a different show. You know what I mean? Everybody faces it a little bit differently. What you see on the racetrack is the guy's true personality. Okay. When you talk to him it's his true personality. He tries to make it come out as good as he can, but that's really what he's got."

What do you think you've got that the average driver doesn't have?

"I'm older than they are."

More from the Petty family:

Dwight asked Kyle Petty and champion Bobby Labonte during a NASCAR teleconference:

Do you feel NASCAR champions have common traits and abilities, and if so, can you identify a few?

"Bobby is going to say they are all good looking since he's won the championship. That would be a better question for Bobby. You know, I think being around Richard Petty my whole life, being around David Pearson and Bobby Isaac and guys like that when I was younger, and then being around Tony Stewart and Bobby Labonte and Dale Jarrett, guys who have won in my time, you know, and basically almost two different generations. I think when you look at it, it's just obviously they have tons of talent, they have tons of ability and all that.

"But somewhere deep inside they have a desire that's just maybe a little bit different, maybe a little bit more intense, maybe a little bit more drive to get the job done. You know that when it gets down to the very end, they have got a little bit left in reserve where some other guys just don't have it, you're on the line all the time and they are running along right beside of you with a little bit left in reserve and they just reach down and grab a little bit deeper sometimes."

Richard Petty quit driving after his “Ride of a Lifetime” tour in 1992. Dwight Drum of Zoomster.com acquired an ESPN promotional poster describing that tour from a cable company retail outlet that year. Drum is not sure how many posters were distributed or how many remain, but the colorful poster does have significant racing history.

Drum donated that original 1992 “Ride of a Lifetime” ESPN two foot by three foot poster to Petty Enterprises for an auction benefiting Victory Junction Gang or for museum needs. Once the poster is signed by Richard Petty it will take on added value.

Kyle Petty graciously accepted the poster at the new garage area in Daytona International Speedway.

About Victory Junction Gang Camp:

The Victory Junction Gang Camp is a free camp for chronically ill children in a rolling terrain setting with several creeks and woodland streams. The camp provides fun and activities on 72 acres of land surrounded by hardwood forest in Randleman, North Carolina, approximately 15 minutes outside of Greensboro. The year-round facility has activity peaking during the summer months with the constant care of a full staff of medical professionals. The camp is dedicated to the memory of Adam Petty.

You may not have a rare poster to donate. You may not have treasures or high dollars to donate. That’s not the measure. Any contribution is big. We urge others to donate to a great cause from a great family.

Donation contact information.

The Victory Junction Gang Camp
4500 Adam’s Way
Randelman, NC 27317