“What may have been”: Fans remember Adam Petty as footage from 1998 battle with Jimmie Johnson resurfaces

Fans were thrilled when an old video of Adam Petty winning his first stock car race at I-70 Speedway, by edging out Jimmie Johnson, resurfaced on social media. In the clip, Jimmie Johnson was seen chatting with reporters inside his car just before the race takes off.

Adam Petty belonged to a legendary racing lineage. His grandfather, Richard Petty, was a seven-time Daytona 500 champion, and his father, Kyle Petty, not only had a successful NASCAR career but also became a well-known commentator for the sport. As a fourth-generation NASCAR racer, Adam Petty was looked at as the sport's promising future.

Tragically, his life was cut short at the age of 19 when he lost control of his car during a practice run at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, crashing into the wall and dying instantly. The loss deeply affected the racing community and his fans, who still remember him fondly today.

Like his father, Kyle Petty, Adam Petty won his first ARCA victory behind the wheel of the #45 Pontiac at Lowe's Motor Speedway. He then took on the NASCAR Busch Series full-time in 1999, piloting the #45 Chevy. His debut at Daytona saw him finish an impressive P6, and his best performance came with a P4 finish at Fontana. Despite his promising finishes that year he failed to qualify for three Busch races, ultimately finishing the 1999 season P20 in the points standings.

Fans, deeply moved while watching the young driver dominate the racetrack, fondly recalled memories of Richard Petty's grandson. One particularly touched fan mused,

"What may have been...." reflecting on the impact Adam Petty might have had on NASCAR had his life not been tragically cut short.

A few other comments on the post read:

"I was there can't believe that was 26 years ago," a fan said.

"I was one of the kids he signed for!" remembered a fan who was present at the event.

"Such a great loss for the future of Nascar! He was so much like his grandpa in so many ways!! Miss him..." commented one.

"Met Adam at Dover in 98, his grandfather Lee was also there. Great kid. Knew what he was given in life," reminisced another fan.

"I wish Adam could of went on to live out a full career..." one fan wished.

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Richard Petty revealed- "I was closer to Adam [Petty] than I ever was to Kyle”

Richard Petty, on an episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast in April, opened up about the unique bond he shared with his grandson, Adam Petty, compared to his relationship with his son, Kyle Petty. Richard Petty reflected on the closeness he felt with Adam Petty, especially during their time together at ASA races before Adam's untimely death.

Petty reminisced:

“I was more excited with Adam winning. I was closer to Adam than I ever was with Kyle because growing up and doing things I was so busy I just let him be his own man. When Adam came along I had a little more time to circulate around and be a buddy.”

Today, the dynamics within the Petty family have evolved. Richard and Kyle have grown closer, not only as family members but also as colleagues.