![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1018179224.jpg?width=600)
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BRISTOL, TN – AUGUST 17: Team owner, Richard Petty, stands on pit road during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 17, 2018 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1018179224.jpg?width=600)
via Getty
BRISTOL, TN – AUGUST 17: Team owner, Richard Petty, stands on pit road during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 17, 2018 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Richard Petty is often regarded as the King of NASCAR—and rightfully so. Petty won seven NASCAR Cup Series championships in an illustrious career spanning nearly four decades. Years later, the 85-year-old legend was recently seen on social media—albeit without his iconic hat—looking quite different than his on-track persona.
Petty’s son Kyle shared a few pictures over social media. In the pictures, the King is seen posing with the rest of his family. The whole Petty family seems to have gotten together to spend time and celebrate the Christmas festivities with each other. The tweet by Kyle read, “Our family Christmas gets bigger, louder, and crazier each year. Family is everything and I love all of mine more than they’ll ever know…“
Our family Christmas gets bigger, louder and crazier each year. Family is everything and I love all of mine more than they’ll ever know… pic.twitter.com/mkSK1cMFGN
— Kyle Petty (@kylepetty) December 22, 2022
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NASCAR fans react to Richard Petty and his family picture
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A large number of fans and loved ones sent the Pettys their best wishes for the festive season. Many were quick to notice that the king was without his crown, referring to the fact that Richard Petty is rarely seen not wearing his cowboy hat and sunglasses.
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LEVEL CRISS, NC – SEPTEMBER 13: Richard Petty, Kyle Petty, and Adam Petty pose for a photo on September 13, 1999, in Level Cross, North Carolina. (Photo by Sporting News via Getty Images via Getty Images)
One fan stated how they had seen Richard for the first time without his usual attire. Another fan mentioned that in his 32 years, he hasn’t seen Richard age a bit. Another fan added how the king still looked like he was in his 50s, further arguing that Petty could still go back to driving and beat some of the current drivers.
I think this is the 1st time I've ever seen your dad without a hat and sunglasses.
— Rick Stahl (@rickstahl3) December 22, 2022
As a life long fan of your father, i dont recall ever seeing as many lictures of him with out his cowboy hat and shades off.
— JeffC (@Max_D_Fan) December 22, 2022
Merry Christmas! I believe this is this 1st time I've seen your dad without sunglasses and cowboy hat! I'm 57 years old.
— Roy A. McClanahan (@Roymac28) December 22, 2022
The King without his crown. I had the pleasure to meet him once and got his autograph. Very gracious man.
— Todd Burton (@Toddiu76) December 22, 2022
I'm almost 32 and your dad has been the same age my entire life
— Jeff Snyder (@RealJeffSnyder) December 22, 2022
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Merry Christmas Kyle tell your DAD he still looks like he is 50 and could still wheel a car around Daytona better than some of the other CUP drivers.
— Timothy Meyers (@Timothy03726811) December 22, 2022
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Even at this age, Richard Petty looks healthy, hearty, and vibrant. It’s Christmas time, and we hope that the Pettys get to celebrate it well. Merry Christmas indeed to the King and his wonderful family.