Richard Petty, widely known as “The King” of NASCAR, is a legendary figure in motorsports history. With an extraordinary 200 career wins, seven Cup Series championships, and an enduring influence on the sport, Petty’s name is synonymous with racing excellence. Even decades after retiring, he remains a prominent figure in the industry, with an estimated net worth of $65 million as of 2025.
Beyond his racing career, Petty has built a successful business empire, made significant contributions to charity, and established himself as an ambassador for the sport. His journey from a small-town racer to an international motorsports icon is a story of dedication, skill, and unwavering passion.
Early Life and Entry into Racing
Born on July 2, 1937, in Level Cross, North Carolina, Richard Petty was destined for a life in racing. His father, Lee Petty, was one of NASCAR’s pioneers and a championship-winning driver. Growing up around race cars, Richard developed a passion for the sport early on.
Petty attended Randleman High School, where he was an All-Conference football player. After graduating, he briefly studied at Greensboro Junior College before fully committing to racing. He started working for his father’s racing company and, in 1958, at just 21 years old, made his NASCAR debut at CNE Stadium in Toronto. His natural talent was evident, and by the next year, he was named NASCAR Rookie of the Year.
Dominance in NASCAR
Richard Petty’s racing career spanned from 1958 to 1992, during which he set records that still stand today.
- 1960: Secured his first NASCAR win at Charlotte Fairgrounds Speedway.
- 1963: Achieved a breakthrough season with multiple wins, including at Martinsville and Bridgehampton.
- 1964: Won his first Daytona 500 and his first Grand National Championship.
- 1967: One of the most dominant seasons in NASCAR history—27 wins in 48 races, including a record 10 consecutive victories.
- 1971: Won his third Daytona 500 and fourth Cup Series championship.
- 1975: Captured his sixth championship with another historic season.
- 1979: Secured his seventh and final Cup Series championship, cementing his legacy.
- 1984: Earned his 200th and final career win at the Firecracker 400, with President Ronald Reagan in attendance.
Petty’s record of 200 career wins is still untouched, and his seven Cup Series championships were unmatched until Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson equaled the feat years later.
The Final Years on the Track
As Petty aged, the competitive landscape of NASCAR changed, and new drivers emerged. In the 1980s, he continued to win but saw a decline in dominance. A serious crash at Pocono in 1980 momentarily halted his momentum, but he made a comeback in 1981 by winning his seventh Daytona 500.
His final victory came in 1984, and after struggling through the early 1990s, he decided to retire. Petty’s farewell season in 1992 was a celebrated event, and his final race at the Hooters 500 in Atlanta was attended by 160,000 spectators, one of the largest NASCAR crowds in history.
Post-Racing Career and Business Ventures
Even after retiring from competitive racing, Petty remained deeply involved in NASCAR and built a successful business empire.
Richard Petty Motorsports
Following his retirement, Petty transitioned into team ownership, forming Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM). Over the years, RPM fielded competitive cars in NASCAR’s top series, featuring drivers like Aric Almirola and Bubba Wallace. While the team never replicated his personal success, it remained an integral part of NASCAR until its merger with GMS Racing in 2021 to form Legacy Motor Club.
Petty’s Garage
In addition to team ownership, Petty founded Petty’s Garage, a high-performance car customization and restoration shop. Based in Level Cross, North Carolina, Petty’s Garage builds specialty vehicles and offers high-end automotive modifications.
Endorsements and Business Deals
Petty became a brand ambassador for major companies such as Cheerios, Liberty Medical, Goody’s Headache Powder, and Nicorette. He also voiced the character Strip “The King” Weathers in Disney/Pixar’s Cars (2006), further expanding his cultural influence.
Philanthropy and Community Impact
Beyond racing and business, Petty is known for his charitable efforts. In 2004, he established Victory Junction, a summer camp for children with serious illnesses. The camp provides unique outdoor experiences, free of charge, to thousands of children each year.
Additionally, Petty has participated in numerous NASCAR-related charity events and fundraisers, using his legendary status to give back to the community.
Richard Petty’s Net Worth and Legacy
As of 2025, Richard Petty’s net worth is estimated at $65 million. His wealth comes from various sources, including:
- NASCAR career earnings
- Business ventures (Petty’s Garage, Richard Petty Motorsports)
- Endorsements and sponsorship deals
- TV appearances and speaking engagements
Despite retiring from racing more than three decades ago, Petty’s influence in NASCAR remains stronger than ever. His iconic No. 43 car, signature cowboy hat and sunglasses, and legendary achievements have left an indelible mark on the sport.
Personal Life and Family
Richard Petty married Lynda Owens in 1958, and the couple had four children: Kyle, Sharon, Lisa, and Rebecca. Sadly, Lynda passed away from cancer in 2014. His son Kyle Petty followed in his footsteps, becoming a NASCAR driver and commentator.
Petty still resides in Level Cross, North Carolina, where he manages his businesses and remains an active figure in the NASCAR community.