Richard Petty Shares Heartwarming 1987 Christmas Throwback With His Father & Grandsons

Richard Petty is renowned worldwide for being one of the greatest NASCAR drivers of all time, but it is seldom that fans get a glimpse into his family life. The Petty family, befitting of the title NASCAR royalty, has a storied career in stock car racing. Richard’s father, Lee, was a three-time NASCAR champion. His son, Kyle Petty, also made a significant name for himself in motorsports. However, when they are not racing, the Petty clan loves to spend time with one another, just like any other family.

Richard Petty twinned with his father on Christmas in 1987

The 80s were a special time for the Petty family, as was revealed by a recent picture shared on Instagram by Petty Brothers Racing. The photo captured a beautiful moment during the Petty family’s Christmas celebration in 1987. Lee Petty, his son Richard Petty, and Kyle Petty’s sons Adam and Austin, who were still toddlers, were presumably gathered around a television set as the oldest member of the group held the remote.

“1987 Christmas Day: Uncle Richard, Grandfather Petty, Adam & Austin Petty,” the caption to the picture read. Lee was seen sitting on his sofa wearing a red shirt while The King stood behind his father, sporting a sweater of the same color.

Out of the four featured in the nostalgia filled photograph, Austin was the only one who decided against making motorsport a full-time career. Though he tried his hand at it, it seems racing wasn’t actually his calling. Today, he is Emeritus Chairman and Founder of Victory Junction, a SeriousFun Children’s Network camp. The organization was founded after the family suffered one of its most tragic losses in 2000.

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The Petty family dealt with a horrific tragedy a little over a decade later

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2000 was a tough year for the Petty family. The great-grandfather of the family, Lee Petty, passed away on April 5 at the age of 86 due to an abdominal aortic aneurysm. While his family members may have expected his demise given his age and deteriorating health, nothing could have prepared them for what came after.

Five weeks after Lee’s passing, Adam Petty was at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the Busch 200 when tragedy struck. He was killed instantaneously after the car struck the outside wall almost head-on due to Petty’s throttle sticking wide open, heading into the track’s third corner. He suffered a basilar skull fracture and was just 19.

The Petty household has been through thick and thin over the years, and they have done it together. Knowing what they have been through, to see the whole family celebrate Christmas together was indeed heartwarming.

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