NASCAR legend Richard Petty remembers brother Maurice Petty four years after his death

Legendary NASCAR driver Richard Petty is the first driver to win the Cup Series championship seven times. He recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to remember his brother Maurice Petty who passed away four years ago at 81, in July 2020.

The younger Petty is known for establishing Petty Enterprises with Richard and their father, Lee Petty. His racing career spanned four years from 1960 to 1964 during which he competed as a driver in 26 NASCAR Cup Series races across five seasons.

Transitioning from driving, Maurice later achieved success as an engine builder and occasionally took on the role of crew chief. Richard Petty shared a heartfelt photo of the two and captioned it:

"Thinking extra about Chief today. It’s been 4 years since we lost him. @BrothersPetty"

Fondly nicknamed "Chief," Maurice Petty was a titan on the NASCAR scene, famed for crafting fast and reliable engines that powered his father and brother to immense success. Together, they amassed 10 Cup Series championships and 254 race victories.

Maurice himself was behind the engines of 212 race-winning cars, not only for Lee and Richard but also for other Petty Enterprises drivers like Buddy Baker, Jim Paschal and Pete Hamilton. His achievements earned him an induction into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2011 and the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2014.

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Richard Petty has been named the Grand Marshal of the Richmond Truck race

Richard Petty, a legend in NASCAR, has been appointed as the Grand Marshal for the upcoming Clean Harbors 250 at Richmond Raceway in Virginia. The event will happen on August 10 and will coincide with the 75th anniversary of the Petty family's first involvement with NASCAR. Richmond Raceway announced the special role of "The King" on July 17, 2024.

Richmond Raceway President Lori Collier Waran stated:

"An event as significant as this deserves to have one of the most prominent figures in sports history give the command to start engines. We’re thrilled and honored to have “The King” Richard Petty serve as the Grand Marshal for the Clean Harbors 250 in what should be an electrifying race under the lights."

Richmond Raceway opened in 1946 and hosted its first NASCAR Cup Series race in 1953. It is one of the sport's most storied venues. Richard Petty has a rich history with Richmond, competing in 62 races there, claiming 13 victories, his first in 1961 and his last in 1975.

Over his career at Richmond, he secured 34 top-five and 41 top-10 finishes. Richard Childress Racing driver Kyle Busch currently holds the record for the highest average finish on the track, with a 5.0.