A Birthday Fit For A King

It's July 2nd and for a Nascar fan it still seems like too many days until this weekend race. This Tuesday isn't just another Tuesday though, it is the King Richard Petty's birthday.  The King is one of the most iconic drivers in Nascar History, in fact other then Dale Earnhardt, no one seems close if you take a look back. Many drivers come through Nascar and drive for different teams with different numbers but sometimes a man and a number come together.

The number 43 will always be linked with Richard Petty as will STP. You know you have made it
when a color isn't known on the car to be light blue, sky blue, or baby blue but rather "Petty" blue.  Richard Petty made an impact on the track and helped Nascar become as popular as it got. So in honor of the King and all he has done for the sport, let's take a look back at some of his achievements on this special day for him.





**Career stats, his 27 win 1967 season, and his 1971 season stats.**

Career		1967	1971
Seasons	35	1	1
Races	1185	48	46
Wins	200	27	21
Poles	127	19	9
Top 5's	55	38	38
Top 10's	712	40	41
Top 15's	807	41	42
Average Finish	11.3	5	4.2

The Kings 200th and last Cup Win. 1984

• First Win: Southern States Fairgrounds 2/28/1984
• Last Win: Firecracker 400 Daytona International Speedway 7/04/1984
• 7 Cup Championships (1964, 1967, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975, and 1979)
• All time Wins leader (200)
• All time Pole leader (127)
• Most Consecutive Win's (10 straight 1967)
• Lead Cup Series in Wins 7 times
• Daytona 500 Winner a record 7 times
• 2010 Inaugurall Hall of Fame Inductee

Lets take a quick look at some of his most successful tracks:

1. North Wilkesboro- 15 Wins in 67 Races
2. Martinsville- 15 Wins in 66 Races
3. Richmond 12 Wins in 62 Races
4. Rockingham- 11 Wins in 54 Races
5. Daytona- 10 Wins in 74 Races
6. Nashville Fairgrounds- 9 Wins in 39 Races

So as the King turns 76 today I think it is ok to say he can look back and be happy with the career he once had. I think what might be on his mind now though is getting one of his drivers in position to win a Title like he once did (7 times!). Happy Birthday the "King" Richard Petty!