To celebrate 75 years of the Petty family’s monumental contributions to NASCAR, the racing world has pulled out all the stops this year. From towering statues to specially commissioned designs, the tributes have been as iconic as Richard Petty himself—“The King” of stock car racing. But for Cassia Clark, a second-year student at Kennedy-King College in Chicago, the honor went beyond admiration. She got the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to design Chicago’s edition of Petty’s legendary hat.

For decades, Richard Petty’s hat has been a symbol of his legendary status in the NASCAR world. Always paired with his signature sunglasses, the cowboy hat—decorated with a raccoon bone—is as recognizable as his seven championship titles and over 200 career wins. This year, as part of the 75th-anniversary celebrations, NASCAR partnered with Kennedy-King College and City Colleges of Chicago to create a Chicago-themed rendition of the iconic hat.

From Concept to Creation: The Chicago Edition of ‘The King’s Hat’

Cassia’s excitement was palpable when the design contest was announced. “It was awesome,” she said, still marveling at how her concept came to life. But her journey from sketchpad to finished piece was anything but ordinary. When Cassia’s design was selected, it was clear her vision stood out.

She was tasked with incorporating elements that represented the Windy City while honoring the legacy of Richard Petty. Cassia recalled the guidance she received during the process: “They said, ‘Focus on things people will be familiar with—The Bean, Navy Pier, the skyline, the food that we’re known for.’”

The result? A stunning piece that encapsulates Chicago’s spirit. It featured nods to iconic landmarks like The Bean and Navy Pier, intertwined with bold references to the city’s famous cuisine and skyline. “It’s surreal,” Cassia admitted. “It’s still like, ‘This is cool. I like this.’” The hat was prominently displayed during the NASCAR Chicago Street Race weekend, where fans and attendees eagerly snapped photos with the piece.

Cassia reflected on the overwhelming experience of seeing her design take center stage, noting how the project pushed her creatively and professionally. “Being able to have an idea of where the design needs to go, and having someone guide me through the process, was amazing. This is a national race. People from all over the states were going to see it.”

Honoring the King in Dover: A hat with history

While Chicago celebrated Petty’s legacy in July, Dover Motor Speedway kicked off the year’s tributes in April. The famed “Monster Mile” hosted its own iteration of “The King’s Hat” monument during a NASCAR weekend. Standing six feet tall and weighing over 1,000 pounds, the fiberglass and concrete statue quickly became a fan-favorite photo spot.

This monument, situated near Dover’s iconic Monster Monument, was adorned with images of Richard and Kyle Petty’s racing milestones. Among these was a nod to Richard’s historic 199th career NASCAR Cup Series victory at Dover in May 1984. The design also highlighted Kyle’s final Cup Series win during Dover’s debut concrete weekend in 1995 and celebrated the contributions of their late family member, Adam Petty.

Richard Petty himself appeared at the event, accompanied by his longtime crew chief, Dale Inman, and NASCAR Hall of Famer Donnie Allison. For Petty, these monuments represented not just personal milestones but also a way to connect with fans. “This is really for the fans to enjoy something unique to our family, our history, and our contributions to the tracks and NASCAR,” he shared.

The statue also symbolized a broader collaboration across NASCAR tracks nationwide, spearheaded by LEGACY Motor Club, the racing team co-owned by fellow seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson. Each track designed a unique version of Petty’s famous hat, showcasing his enduring impact on the sport.

A legacy that transcends time

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Richard Petty’s connection to NASCAR goes far beyond his own 32-year racing career. His family’s racing journey began in 1949, when his father, Lee Petty, competed in NASCAR’s inaugural event. Over the decades, Petty’s legacy has grown into one of the sport’s most storied dynasties.

From his debut at Dover in 1969—where he won the track’s inaugural race by six laps—to his final victory in 1984, Petty’s accomplishments remain unparalleled. Even in retirement, his larger-than-life presence continues to draw admiration from fans and peers alike.

Whether it’s a towering statue in Dover or a Chicago-inspired hat on display, one thing is clear: Richard Petty’s legacy—and the unmistakable cowboy hat that symbolizes it—continues to inspire and captivate fans, old and new.