Petty Enterprises announced the plans to celebrate “The King” Richard Petty’s 50th anniversary in NASCAR. The plan includes Petty getting back into a racecar and turning laps at Chicagoland Speedway. On July 12, 1958, Petty made his first NASCAR start in the old Convertible Division at Columbia Speedway in Cayce, South Carolina. On July 12, 2008, Petty Enterprises and the entire NASCAR community will celebrate the anniversary of that race at the Chicagoland Speedway, where the Sprint Cup Series is competing in the Life Lock 400.
Petty Enterprises will be marking the anniversary with numerous special events and promotions. The team has extended an invitation for the CEOs of their sponsors and partner companies to come to Chicago to help them commemorate the anniversary. As part of the activities, Petty will return to a racecar to give some of his special guests a ride around Chicagoland Speedway in a Richard Petty Driving Experience stockcar. As a tribute to Petty and the anniversary of his first race, the #43 and #45 will be featuring special throwback paint schemes for the Life Lock 400.
The paint schemes feature the Petty Blue color made famous by Petty and in a nod to the 60’s and 70’s, racing strips. Each will also carry the 50th anniversary commemorative logo on the hood of both cars. The 50th anniversary of Petty’s first race is an opportunity for Petty Enterprises, the NASCAR community, and all NASCAR fans to honor him for his achievements and for the countless contributions he has made to the sport.
- Dale Jr. to race Elvis scheme at Richmond
- MWR to run gold wheels in Daytona 500
- Richard Petty and Goody’s celebrate 30th anniversary
- Reutimann’s car to have both sponsors at Nextel Open
- Kahne gets LMS Charlotte golden broom
I can see it now. The special die cast car available only through Motorsport Authentics. It’s only $79.99 plus shipping and handling.
The 43 car looks good, I haven’t seen the 45 yet, but as a life long Petty fan I’d buy the die-casts even if they are $79.99 + S&H
I’ll probably get one too. So far, the wholesalers haven’t even approached me with this one. That’s a good thing. I’m still waiting for the Jr Retro Dew cars.
I might get one as well. I got the kings autograph in 1979 at North Wilkesboro and I still have it today. That car would be a great one for my collection.