"He wanted me to stay": When Richard Petty's former crew chief opened up on his 'split' with 7-time NASCAR champion

Veteran crew chief Dale Inman once discussed parting ways after a formidable driver-crew chief partnership with NASCAR legend Richard Petty. Inman was not only a crew chief to the seven-time Cup Series champion Petty, but also a cousin, with whom he grew up playing.

Back in August 2021, Inman sat with fellow Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. and shed light on why he decided to part ways with 'the King' shortly after the duo's third Daytona 500 victory in 1981.

Speaking on an episode of Dale Jr. Download, Inman said:

"It was kind of a family thing. We didn't talk about it. Certainly wasn't the money and it certainly wasn't Richard. It was just what was happening in lot of families, I guess." [5:12]

"We [Dale Inman and Richard Petty] sat down and had a conversation about it and he wanted me to stay and at the point in time, I just didn't figure I could. And we never lost our friendship or none of that stuff and then it was a different experience. It put me out on a limb by myself."

Before splitting up, Inman and Petty racked up 198 wins and a record seven Cup Series titles. Inman then went on to win another Cup Series championship with Terry Labonte in 1984, making him the most successful individual ever in the history of NASCAR.

---

"I've always liked football": Richard Petty and Dale Inman answered fan-submitted questions

Earlier this month, Richard Petty sat down with his former crew chief Dale Inman, and answered interesting fan questions in a YouTube video.

After a three-decade-long career in NASCAR, Petty shared his interests outside of racing and highlighted his interest in football more than basketball. He said:

"You know, me, as I get older and stuff, I've always really liked football. College football, professional football. I've never been that big on baseball or basketball. I might like to watch the championship games, but [not] during the season" [3:25]

On the other hand, Inman stated that he watches more baseball and basketball, unlike Petty. He said:

"I enjoy football, also baseball. I watch the Braves and then I can watch the Hornets play basketball so it's certainly a different life as you get older and you got to judge what you can do and what you can't do."

After a storied career with primarily with Richard Petty, Dale Inman left the organization after 18 years and worked with Osterlund Racing. However, he returned for a brief period in 1986 before transitioning to a consultant role for Petty Enterprises.