Richard Petty Reveals the Ruthless Mindset Behind His NASCAR Dominance

Richard Petty is often deemed as one of the greatest talents to ever race in the history of NASCAR. The former legend has achieved seven championship wins in the Cup Series to his name. Petty raced at the pinnacle of stock racing from the 1958 season and never looked back, ultimately retire 1992 after a fruitful career in NASCAR. Now, the former star has opened up on the mental grit and mindset it took to reach the level of his success in the sport.

Richard Petty owns a unique look in the NASCAR paddock, even decades after his retirement. The iconic cowboy hat look is something that not only defines Petty as a person but also proves his ruggedness on the grid. The 88-year-old preferred to keep a no-nonsense attitude while racing on the grid back then and not be involved in controversial situations, but rather keep his head where it mattered.

Speaking on his dominant run back in the days in NASCAR, Richard Petty revealed what it really took to achieve such success in the sport. Petty recalled that simply winning a race on the grid wasn’t a big deal, as not many people congratulated him about it back then. Still, the entire community was close-knit amongst one another, and it was built on trust and respect.

Richard Petty recounted that drivers did not have the comfort of flying from one racing destination to another. Rather, multiple drivers had to sit behind the hauler truck and spend time with one another, no matter the bond they shared. The reporters used to come by in the haulers and take interviews of the drivers, thus making an awkward scene at times. Regardless, these situations made Petty an extremely seasoned and talented racer, one who relied on pure skills rather than mere luck.

I don’t think anybody ever congratulated us on winning a race. But no, it was just a closer-knit bunch of people at that time. The people didn’t have their buses or their airplanes or any of that kind of stuff. And when you go to the next race, you get up in the back of the truck, and it’d be three or four drivers sitting there, and they’d talk to you. Reporter come by [to] interview you [and] stuff. But it was just another week.

Richard Petty said via Petty Family Racing.

Richard Petty recalls his ’emotional’ final race in NASCAR

Richard Petty raced for over 35 years in the Cup Series before finally calling it quits in the 1992 season. The 88-year-old enjoyed intense moments of highs and suffered through extremely low points over his career as well. However, he stayed consistent with his performances and certainly wasn’t excited to call it quits in the sport after over three and a half decades.

Speaking on his retirement, Richard Petty recalled that the entire time was very emotional for him and his family. Petty pointed out that the last race was bound to be very emotional, and ending it on a high note was very crucial for him.

The seven-time champion recounted that it was crucial to finish the race rather than suffer from an accident and DNF. Notably, the legend finished in 35th position at the 1992 Hooters 500 at Atlanta, thus marking a perfect end to his 35th year in the pinnacle of stock racing.

It was probably the most emotional moment for me and my whole family because we knew it was going to be the last race. They told me, ‘Just be careful and finish,’ and the first thing you know, I get in a wreck. I was glad it was over, but on the other hand, I wished I had some more left in me.

Richard Petty noted.

Though Richard Petty’s career as a racing driver ended back then, he still remained one of the most relevant figures in NASCAR. Even today, Petty is considered a valuable pundit for matters regarding the sport, and his comments are taken to heart by many fans. The seven-time champion was definitely one of a kind and a rare talent witnessed in the history of sport.

Read More: Ryan Blaney Asserts NASCAR Playoffs Destroyed ‘Pure Racing and Respect’

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