Richard Petty: Images of the King

Ben Blake, with photography by Dick Conway. Although the late Dale Earnhardt matched Richard Petty's record of seven NASCAR points titles, no one-not Earnhardt nor, most likely, any racer in the future-will approach several of King Richard's career records: 200 NASCAR victories, seven Daytona 500 wins, victories in 10 straight races (1967), 1,184 races started and 712 Top 10 finishes. In a sport where competitors are idolized, no one before or since has enjoyed as much fame and popularity as Richard Petty. This photo-history focuses on Petty's remarkable career. The son of a North Carolina stock car racing pioneer, Richard Petty knew little beyond cars and racing. Despite a slow start to his racing career, he achieved unprecedented levels of success and took the sport with him into the national spotlight