Is Richard Petty Still Alive? Richard Petty Health, Bio, Career and more
by Kowsalya
Updated Oct 10, 2024

Is Richard Petty Still Alive?
Yes, Richard Petty is still alive! At 87 years old, he is a well-known figure in motorsport. Richard Petty, often called "The King," is famous for his successful career as a NASCAR driver. He has won many races and championships, making him a legend in the sport. Even now, he stays active in the racing community as a team ambassador for Legacy Motor Club.
Richard Petty Health
Richard Petty, the iconic NASCAR driver, is currently 87 years old. He underwent successful surgery for prostate cancer in 1995 and has been open about his health challenges since then.
Although Petty's racing career ended in 1992, he continues to be involved in the sport as a team owner and ambassador. In 1996, he ran for North Carolina's Secretary of State but did not win. Despite his past health issues, there is no public information regarding his current health status as of 2024.
Who is Richard Petty?
Richard Lee Petty, born on July 2, 1937, is an American former stock car racing driver, widely known as "The King." He raced in NASCAR from 1958 to 1992, primarily driving the iconic No. 43 Plymouth and Pontiac for Petty Enterprises.
Richard Petty is a legendary figure in motorsport, having won the NASCAR Cup Series championship seven times, a record he shares with Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson. He also holds the record for the most career wins in NASCAR, with 200 victories, including seven Daytona 500 wins and 27 races in a single season in 1967.
Inducted into the inaugural class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2010, Petty remains active in the racing community as a team ambassador for Legacy Motor Club and owns Petty's Garage, a car restoration shop in North Carolina. He is also known for voicing a character based on himself in Disney/Pixar's Cars films.
Full Name |
Richard Lee Petty |
Nickname |
The King |
Born |
July 2, 1937 (age 87) |
Birthplace |
Randleman, North Carolina, United States |
Career |
NASCAR driver (1958–1992) |
Notable Car |
No. 43 Plymouth/Pontiac |
Family |
Petty racing family |
Children |
Kyle Petty, Rebecca Petty Moffit, Lisa Petty Luck, Sharon Farlow |
Spouse |
Lynda Petty (m. 1959–2014) |
Siblings |
Maurice Petty |
Height |
1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) |
Richard Petty Career
Richard Petty, known as "The King," is a legendary stock car driver who competed from 1958 to 1992 in NASCAR. He was born on July 2, 1937, in Randleman, North Carolina. Petty's career took off in the 1960s when he won his first Daytona 500 in 1964, leading to his first Grand National championship. In 1967, he dominated the season, winning 27 out of 48 races and earning the nickname "King Richard."
Over the years, he won a total of seven Daytona 500s and seven NASCAR championships, making him one of the most successful drivers in history. Petty was known for his distinctive No. 43 car and his partnerships with major sponsors like STP. His influence helped popularize NASCAR, especially after the dramatic 1979 Daytona 500, which drew significant television attention. Richard Petty remains a celebrated figure in motorsports and is recognized for his contributions to the sport.
Richard Petty Age
Richard Lee Petty was born on July 2, 1937, making him 87 years old as of now. He hails from Level Cross, Randolph County, North Carolina. As a second-generation driver, Petty followed in the footsteps of his father, Lee Petty, a three-time NASCAR champion.
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