Richard Petty’s legacy is that of excellence. The man is a seven-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion. He’s won 200 races and had one season where he won 27 times.
Though his statistics will always be untouched, “The King” won an award that he had never won before on Thursday night. Petty was the recipient of the second-annual Cameron R. Artgetsinger Award.
Artgetsinger has been described as a visionary. Someone who made things happen and quickly became one of the most influential people in American motor history.
In 1948, Artgetsinger brought road racing to North America, specifically Watkins Glen. For five years, Artgetsinger drove on the famed streets of downtown Watkins Glen. Back in the day, that was the track the streets of the small village.
Artgetsinger has also driven in the U.S. Grand Prix for Formula 1. But more importantly, he was essential in promoting major auto racing events in North America.
Beginning in 2014, the International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC) has dedicated an award in honor of Artgetsinger. The first recipient of the award was NASCAR, IndyCar and IMSA team owner Chip Ganassi. This year, it was Ganassi inducting Petty with this prestigious award.
“It’s great to get any award,” said Petty. “This one is special because it has to do with the history of stuff and I’ve been around a long time. Just to be involved with these people is really great and makes you feel really good.”
The night was filled with plenty of reflecting, laughter and cheers. Some of the people who mean most to “The King” were there to cherish his acceptance of the Artgetsinger Award.
From legendary crew chief Dale Inman to his son Kyle Petty, IndyCar legend Bobby Rahal and the drivers who currently race for him Aric Almirola and Sam Hornish, Jr. it was a night to remember the legacy of the seven-time champion.
“When you see Richard Petty, you see the walking history of what NASCAR is,” said eight-time Cup Series winner, Kyle. “It is absolutely amazing. The reason he remembers everything is because he loves it. Richard Petty drove a racecar because of the passion. It wasn’t for this honor, or to be in the Hall of Fame. It was because he absolutely loved to drive a racecar. He has accomplished what motorsports is.”
An emotional heartwarming soliloquy is how Kyle spoke of his father. He was able to see first-hand how important NASCAR has been to “The King.” But he wasn’t the only one who could see it.
“You’ve really paved the way for guys like me to make a living in this sport,” said three-time Cup Series champion Tony Stewart in a video display. “Your legacy will live a long time after you’re gone.”
“Your contributions to NASCAR and motorsports in general are unmatched,” Jeff Gordon said. “This award is very well deserved and I appreciate everything that you’ve done to pave the way and make this sport better.”
The stories could go on forever. The amount of blood, sweat and tears that he has put into motor sports is unmatched. In the modern era, he is still at the track trying to improve his race team.
Almirola was telling a story of Petty and he discussing how to pass with the current aero packages. Speaking of which, Petty hates how in modern day NASCAR aerodynamics play such a key part to racing.
“He was showing me on a napkin how to pass cars,” Almirola said. Almirola continued to say if it were that easy, then everyone would do it.
“I don’t want to hear that crap,” Petty said back to Almirola and the crowd laughed.
That just shows that Petty is still a die-hard racer at heart and that he will go down in the history books as one of the best.
The IMRRC thought that Petty was the best eligible recipient of this award. IMRRC is based out of Watkins Glen and it supports the history of auto racing and has every record on hand in the center. It is described as a “library for racing,” and to honor an award at the famed Watkins Glen International is a true honor for any person in motorsports.
He didn’t get the nickname for just any reason. Petty has seen it all in the sport. He’s raced on fire. He’s had gut wrenching defeat, but in the end “The King” Richard Petty is atop the Mount Rushmore of NASCAR.
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