Thad Moffitt to become first-generation Petty to race at Franklin County Speedway

The driver of the No. 46 Empire Racing Group/Richard Petty Motorsports Development Team car is only in his first season of stock car racing, but has already turned heads in every race he’s completed. After completing eight Limited Late Model and two Late Model Stock races so far in 2016, he has spent almost 90 percent of the season in the top-10 of the running order.

For most rookies, the early part of the season brings many challenges as they attempt to gain experience. However, Moffitt finds himself able to rely on his team to get the car prepared to how he needs it every race. Moffitt believes his ability to explain what the car is doing is a strength of his early in his career. “I can give really good feedback and the team can set up my car just how I need it. All we need is about two practice sessions and the car is perfect.”

While the team is able to prepare the car for race conditions, Moffitt says he will be working to improve on his qualifying efforts as the season goes on, as it has been a weakness of his so far in his rookie season.

Franklin County Speedway will present new challenges for Moffitt, but he knows with his team behind him, they are prepared for a successful weekend. “I feel really, really confident in my team. We have really fast race cars and I’m confident we can have a great race,” said Moffitt.

Moffitt has already prepared himself for success, having already tested an ARCA Racing Series car at the track just recently. He felt the test was beneficial going into his race this weekend, “I enjoyed testing the ARCA car there. It had a lot more horsepower, so I didn’t get it to full speed, but I enjoyed making laps in it.”

The Empire Racing Group/Richard Petty Motorsports Development Team is behind Moffitt every step of the way as he builds his career in stock car racing. With his sights set next on making an ARCA Racing Series start by the end of 2016 or early 2017, Moffitt will continue to gain track time in every race he can. Coming off of a weekend of racing in three separate races at Hickory Speedway, he proves that track time is key in preparing for his next step up the racing ladder.

As for being the grandson of Richard Petty, Moffitt feels no added intimidation to perform, “I don’t feel any pressure. Grandpa has come to a couple of races so far and goes, ‘You’ve done good, buddy’ and no one has put any pressure on me. They let me do my own thing and race.”

Empire Racing PR