Kyle Petty posts heartfelt Father's Day message to 'The King' Richard Petty
There have been many father-son duos in NASCAR and one of the best has to be Kyle and Richard Petty, The King. For Father’s Day, Kyle got a little sentimental as he sent well wishes to his father online. The two have been through a lot over the years. Throughout their lives and careers, both of them have helped make NASCAR what it is today.
This is the off week for NASCAR but it is a big day for many drivers and their families. Richard Petty has always been a supporter of his son. Throughout the years the two have been a part of more than one iconic photo.
For this year’s Father’s Day post, Kyle dug deep and found an old photo of him and The King. Richard Petty has had so many different looks and iterations. It is amazing that this is the same guy that you see now in the big hat, sunglasses, and jewelry.
Speaking of looks, you can’t say that the Petty family doesn’t have a sense of style. Both Richard Petty and his son Kyle are known for being a little eccentric with their outfits. While The King has narrowed it down to one classic look, Kyle has never been afraid to switch things up.
When you consider Richard Petty himself was part of a father-son duo with his dad Lee, it speaks to the roots that the family has in NASCAR.
Are Richard Petty and Lee Petty the greatest father-son duo?
Out of all of the father-son duos in NASCAR, it is hard to really pinpoint the greatest. Kyle and Richard Petty are a good choice. But Kyle’s career on the track could have been better. Of course, there’s Dale Earnhardt and Dale Jr. But if we really go back, it is likely The King and his old man.
Before Richard became the winningest driver in Cup Series history, it was Lee Petty that led all winners. Granted, it didn’t take long for Richard to pick up 55 wins. His father’s 54 wins, the first came at 1949 Race No. 1 in Charlotte and the final being the 1961 Jacksonville race, were the most of any other driver.
Richard started racing in 1960. It only took him until May 13 of 1967 to surpass his father’s win total and become the winningest driver in Cup Series history. He never looked back, either. The King wasn’t The King in 67, but he was well on his way to becoming the legend we know today. Richard went on to win 20 more races that year, by the way.
If you want to go all-time, there is a good argument that Lee and Richard Petty are the best father-son duo to ever race a stock car.