Petty honored at Petersen Museum

Richard Petty's legacy goes far beyond being NASCAR's most successful driver. "The King," as Petty is affectionately called, also set the mark when it comes being a genuinely good person. He was and still is, a shining example of how a driver should connect with the fans.

Those were the most common compliments passed out Thursday night in Los Angeles as the Petersen Automotive Museum honored Petty. In addition to hosting an exhibit titled, "Tribute to the King," the museum bestowed Petty with the Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award.

"I looked around this room and see a lot of people I know, even a lot of people I probably don't know, but for me to stand up here 99.9 percent of you people out there made Richard Petty," he said after receiving the award.

"He couldn't have done it by himself, y'all was behind him whether you know it or not. You were able to push me and my team to the front. To all of you, I say thank you for doing it because I'm just a little bit lazy. The only reason I drove a racecar is I'd have to go to work for a living if I done anything else. I just wanted to tell you all that."

Guest-of-honor Petty was joined by Bobby and Donnie Allison, Rusty Wallace, and Jeff Gordon. Others from within the industry in attendance included NASCAR Vice Chairman Mike Helton; Executive Vice President and Chief Global Sales and Marketing Officer, Steve Phelps; Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Jill Gregory, just to name a few.

Throughout the night, Petty was serenaded with congratulations and well wishes ahead of his 80th birthday this coming July. He also helped raise money for both the Petersen Automotive Museum and the Petty Family Foundation through a live auction. One in which Petty included his signature cowboy hat right off his head.

"I'm just really, really pleased to be able to be here and see it, and even be a little part of it," said 1983 champion Bobby Allison, who feuded with Petty during the 1970s. "I never said this openly, and I don't want him to hear me say it now, but I really admired him back in the day. I couldn't let him know that because that was giving a little piece of competitiveness away.

"I always admired his driving, but also the way he handled himself with the fans. I saw the early drivers, they'd turn their backs on the fans so quickly like after an event they'd go hide in the truck or get in the car and leave, and Richard never did that. One other thing I admired, the guy could go do dirt or pavement or road course or big track or little track and do well."

As part of the festivities, Helton, Bobby Allison, Wallace, Gordon and Kyle Petty, Richard's son, participated in a panel discussion where each shared their favorite Richard Petty stories. President George H.W. Bush also sent a letter congratulating Petty, which was read aloud by Petty's daughter, Rebecca Petty Moffitt.

A video package also played where drivers like Martin Truex Jr. and Jamie McMurray, team owners Rick Hendrick and Roger Penske, as well as NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France and ISC CEO Lesa France Kennedy, spoke of how much Petty means to NASCAR.

"This is a neat deal for Richard tonight, and it's a real fitting place because I've always said California is a real car town, L.A. especially with all the great cars around here and all the hot rods and all that stuff," Wallace said.

"Somebody asked me earlier does it feel kind of strange Richard being honored here. I said, 'Strange? No, it seems fitting to me. We're at one of the coolest car museums on the planet and every time I look around I see some of the coolest cars. And he's a car guy, so it makes a lot of sense to me.'"

Petty's resume is one many quickly recite. A winner of 200 NASCAR Cup races and seven championships, Petty set the benchmark for generations to come. Making it no surprise when Petty was also named to the inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame class in 2010.

Today, he continues to be just as involved in the sport through Richard Petty Motorsports with constant travel and appearances. In the garage, Petty remains easy to spot with his signature hat, sunglasses, and mustache. And don't forget the fans who routinely flock to the man many were happy to celebrate with deep into the night.

"It's really cool," Kyle Petty said of his father being honored. "I love this museum. The Petersen is amazing. This is the museum. I know Indianapolis has one and I know we've got a Hall of Fame, and those are a different type. This is jamming ... He's packed a lot in 80 years, that's for sure. So, it's really cool."