“The Pettys had to go up against that”: Kenny Wallace responses to a fan’s query on how to judge Richard Petty as a driver

Former NASCAR driver and reporter Kenny Wallace recently responded to a fan’s question about how to judge former seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Richard Petty’s driving prowess, giving the context of his legacy and era. Petty is widely considered a once-in-a-generation driver in NASCAR, often referred to as “The King” due to his record-breaking career.

On X, a fan questioned how to compare Richard Petty’s talent and career achievements as a driver, asking if he was really good in his prime or if he got a benefit from a Petty Enterprises’ car.

Addressing this question, Kenny Wallace shed light on how Petty shaped NASCAR’s identity and popularity. He also emphasized that how the 87-year-old Level Cross, North Carolina, native’s achievements weren’t just about winning on the track but also about his larger-than-life persona—the cowboy hat, his iconic character, and the way he carried himself.

“Fair thought. I would say that The Pettys deserves all the praise they get for putting @NASCAR on the map. Holman Moody was a big corporation and had factory drivers. The Pettys had to go up against that. Richard Petty is to be celebrated for being Richard Petty. The hat. The character.” Wallace wrote on X.

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A look into Richard Petty’s achievements and dominance as a NASCAR driver

Richard Petty is arguably the greatest NASCAR driver of all time, with first to win seven Cup championships, the most Daytona 500 wins (seven), and a dominance that set him apart from most other drivers in the sport's history. His success is a testament to his skill, determination, and the family’s dedication to the sport.

Petty, who competed over three decades, holds numerous NASCAR records, including the most career wins (200) and the most wins in a single season (27). These two records of him are almost impossible to break.

The former #43 Plymouth/Pontiac driver dominated in an era when consistency, endurance, and adaptability were everything and knew how to win, no matter the circumstances—be it on short tracks, superspeedways, or dirt tracks.

Petty was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2010 and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1997. He was named the NASCAR’s Most Popular driver in 1962, 1964, 1968, 1970, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, and 1978. His popularity and success significantly elevated NASCAR's profile and helped solidify its fan base.

Richard’s father, Lee Petty, was also a successful NASCAR driver, making him a second-generation racer.