NASCAR Legend Richard Petty Raises $10K for Veterans

NASCAR legend Richard Petty made a special appearance at Food City on Middlebrook Pike in Knoxville on Tuesday, giving fans the chance to meet him. Petty a seven-time NASCAR champion was there as a spokesperson for the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), an organization dedicated to ensuring veterans with disabilities receive the care they need and can pursue careers. The Food City location raised over $10,500 for the PVA during the event with many fans eager to meet “The King” and take photos with the racing icon.

Petty now 87 is widely regarded as the most accomplished driver in NASCAR history. Inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2010, he holds multiple records, including the most wins in NASCAR Cup Series history with 200 victories. He also boasts the most pole positions (123), and the record for the most wins in a season with 27 in 1967. Additionally, Petty has the longest winning streak (10 consecutive wins in 1967) and has made the most starts in NASCAR history with 1,185 races.

A native of Level Cross, North Carolina, Petty also holds the record for the most Daytona 500 wins with seven and the most overall wins at Daytona International Speedway (10). His seven championships tie him for the most in NASCAR history and he finished in the top-10 over 700 times during his 35-year career. Petty’s visit to Knoxville highlighted his continued support for veterans and underscored his lasting legacy as one of the greatest drivers in history.