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Since retiring in 1992, Richard Petty has continuously expanded his influence both within and outside of the sport. Now at the age of 86, he is involved in various ventures, including a NASCAR team, a high-performance automotive shop, and a charitable foundation, among others.
Regarded as one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history, or perhaps the greatest, Richard Petty, known as “The King,” claimed seven Cup Series championships during his illustrious three-decade racing career, which ties him with Dale Earnhardt Sr. for the all-time record of championships.
What does life entail for Richard Petty after his illustrious racing career? Let’s explore.
Petty Enterprises
Richard Petty took ownership of Petty Enterprises, a racing team established by his father, Lee Petty, in 1949. The team featured drivers from the Petty family, including “The King” himself, his brother Maurice, and his son Kyle. Bobby Labonte also raced with the team for a period from 2006 to 2008.
Since 2009, the team underwent several ownership transitions, beginning with a merger with Gillett Evernham Motorsports. It operated as Richard Petty Motorsports for over ten years before ceasing operations in 2021, when Maurice J. Gallagher Jr., owner of GMS Racing, acquired the team.
<img class="lazy-img" width="6000" height="3916" data-img="https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/10/19356879-1728614557.jpeg" srcset="https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/10/19356879-1728614557.jpeg?w=190 190w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/10/19356879-1728614557.jpeg?w=720 720w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/10/19356879-1728614557.jpeg?w=640 640w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/10/19356879-1728614557.jpeg?w=1045 1045w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/10/19356879-1728614557.jpeg?w=1200 1200w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/10/19356879-1728614557.jpeg?w=1460 1460w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/10/19356879-1728614557.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/10/19356879-1728614557.jpeg 1920w" alt="Richard Petty and Jimmie Johnson (Source: Imagn)" data-img-low="https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/10/19356879-1728614557.jpeg?w=640" bad-src="data:image/svg+xml,<svg%20xmlns=%22http://www.w3.org/2000/svg%22%20viewBox=%220“`html
Petty Family Foundation
In 2008, the Petty family launched a charitable initiative known as the Petty Family Foundation, with Rebecca Petty-Moffitt, daughter of Richard Petty, stepping in as the executive director. The foundation primarily offers financial assistance to organizations that cater to veterans and children.
Nevertheless, the Petty Family Foundation emphasizes that its mission extends beyond just veterans and children. Among the various causes it has supported are Victory Junction, Randolph Community College, and the Foundation Fighting Blindness.
Currently, the organization is engaged in a project called Operation Appalachian Christmas. This initiative focuses on providing supplies and gifts to families impacted by Hurricane Helene during the Christmas season.
Films and TV
One of Petty’s most significant film contributions was his role in Pixar’s Cars, where he voiced the character Strip “The King” Weathers. This character, reminiscent of Petty himself, is a seven-time champion and is based on a Plymouth Superbird, the exact car Petty drove to victory 18 times in NASCAR races during 1970.
Although The King is no longer a regular presence in NASCAR broadcasts, he remains closely connected to the sport. In 2017, Petty received a black flag at Darlington Raceway for remaining too long on the track during a pre-race parade while serving as an honorary pace car driver.
Fans can stay updated with the seven-time champion by subscribing to the Petty Family Racing YouTube channel, which was launched about a year ago. The channel features Petty’s insights post-NASCAR races along with behind-the-scenes stories from the family.
