“Got to Be Known as a Family Affair”: Richard Petty and Bobby Labonte Unmask the Days of Racing Families Sharing Championship Glory Among Themselves

Has NASCAR lost its core essence or traditional values, ones that elevated the sport to the greater heights it once was? The current stakeholders are trying their best to bring back those glory days, but their efforts have yet to bear any fruit. No doubt, NASCAR has to mold and redefine itself to stay true to the modern era. But somehow, in the process of it, they seem to have lost touch.

NASCAR used to be a family-inclusive sport in Richard Petty‘s days. The legendary driver even explained how NASCAR came to be known as a family sport because of its unique tradition.

Richard Petty and Bobby Labonte share the tales of perhaps the best days of NASCAR racing

The King and Labonte were together on a show presented by NASCAR before this weekend’s Talladega race. In conversation, both of them shared their experience of racing in NASCAR and how their families played a key role in their successful journey.

Richard Petty highlighted how the driver’s families were at the forefront of celebrating the drivers’ win back in the day. “Way back in the beginning of all the racing and stuff, the crews really didn’t come to the winner’s circle. It was just family, I think from that standpoint, NASCAR got to be known as a family affair. Because the winner was there with his family, that was where all the excitement was.”

Bobby Labonte then chimed in with his memorable win in Atlanta from the 1996 season. He and his brother, Terry Labonte, worked in tandem to reach their milestone. “As the race went on and it unfolded, I led some laps. Terry had asked me, he said, can I lead a lap or two so I can get the points? I’m like, yeah, sure. I always kept track of where Terry was during the race, and sure enough, towards the end, Jimmy Makar was like. We won the race and Terry finished, I think, sixth but won the points.”

During the conversation, reminiscing about one of the major highlights of his career, Richard Petty also spoke about his 200th win at Daytona and how that helped NASCAR garner nationwide recognition.

A special 200th win by “The King” in the presence of the U.S. President

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The 1984 Firecracker 400 was a big event, and with then-President Ronald Reagan being present, it was indeed a huge race for Richard Petty, who already had racked up 199 wins to his name. It was a photo finish, where Petty had to fight tooth and nail against Cale Yarborough coming to the checkered flag. Of all the massive achievements in his racing career, the 200th win holds a special place in his heart.

“The big deal, I guess, was really winning the 200th race in front of the President of the United States.” Richard further detailed the trickery and tactics he applied to get the better of Yarborough. “The reason I beat him basically was that I had him on the outside and the second groove down was shorter; it was just that much shorter, and that was enough to beat him.”

No doubt, Richard Petty was the superstar of his generation in NASCAR, and soon other drivers like Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, and Jimmie Johnson took center stage during their racing days. Unfortunately, the modern era of NASCAR racing has yet to produce its very own superstar.