In the roar of engines and the thrill of the race, it is easy to forget the deeper stories that shape our nation’s spirit. But even the brightest lights of NASCAR pause to honor those who paved the way for the freedoms we cherish. On the 81st anniversary of D-Day – the day that changed the course of history forever—Richard Petty, the king of NASCAR, paid a moving tribute to the brave men who stormed the beaches of Normandy. Reminding us all of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring power of remembrance.
It’s a moment of reflection and gratitude, a bridge between the adrenaline of the racetrack and the solemn bravery of a warrior who has passed. Through this heartfelt homage, the Petty family not only honored the history but also carried forward a legacy of respect and hope, connecting generations on and off the track.
NASCAR’s beloved legend, Richard Petty, took a moment to pay tribute to the brave souls on invasion day. Sharing a touching post on Instagram, Petty reflected on a deeply meaningful visit to the memorial in Bedford, Virginia- a place dedicated to remembering the courage and sacrifice of those young men who lost their lives.
His words carried the weight of gratitude and reverence. “Today we mark the 81st anniversary of the #DDay invasion of Normandy. We had the chance in 2022 to honor the sacrafices of all the men who fought and died to secure the freedom of the world when visiting the D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia.”
Not just King Petty, but NASCAR Nation has always been at the forefront in remembrance and gratitude for the fallen heroes. Only a couple of weeks ago, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth served as the grand marshal for the Coca-Cola 600. Every year, the Charlotte Motor Speedway offers military-focused events along with 600 miles of remembrance. A special tribute in which all 40 cars display the name of the fallen service member. And at the 200-mile mark, the race pauses for a moment of silence to honor the fallen and their family members.
Apart from the tribute to fallen soldiers, the Petty family has been with their contributions to society. In May 2025, Richard’s son, Kyle Petty, carried forward the spirit of honor and generosity by leading the 29th anniversary Kyle Petty charity ride across America. The annual motorcycle ride has grown into a beloved tradition, traveling thousands of miles to raise funds for Victory Junction—a camp dedicated to providing children with serious illnesses a place of joy, adventure, and healing. This year’s journey, called the tours of wonders, took riders through some of America’s most iconic landmarks, including Niagara Falls and the Henry Ford Museum.
Since its inception in 1995, the charity ride has raised more than $22 million, a testament to the Petty family’s commitment to making a difference beyond the racetrack. As NASCAR and the Petty family continue to honor the sacrifices of America’s fallen heroes, the actions remind us to pause and reflect—to remember the past with gratitude. Cherish the freedoms we enjoy today, and carry forward a legacy of hope and kindness for generations to come.
Richard Petty’s thoughts on the Petty vs. Pearson book
Very recently, Richard Petty took to Instagram and talked about the book Petty vs. Pearson and how it gave a fresh look at his rivalry with David Pearson. For Petty, the book wasn’t just about racing stats of winning—it was about two guys who lifted each other’s game on the track and strived for greatness.
The seven-time world champion goes on to say, “I thought it was pretty interesting. They had a lot of good quotes in the thing, talked to a lot of different people. It was one of the deals with Pearson had a portion of the Book, and we had a portion of the book. That never really sat down and compared what I’d done or what he’d done against each other. So yeah, I thought it was really interesting.”
David Pearson wasn’t just any driver; he was the Silver Fox of NASCAR, a master strategist on wheels who knew how to out-think and outmaneuver his competition. With 105 Cup series wins under his belt, including the iconic 1976 Daytona 500 championship to his name, Pearson carved out a legacy that still echoes through the racing world.
But what really made NASCAR history was his fierce rivalry with Richard Petty. These two legends battled tooth and nail for decades, crossing the finish line as first and second a jaw-dropping 63 times. Although Pearson didn’t have the 7 championships to compete against his rival, he sure came on top in the direct battle with 33 wins during those 1-2 finishes. But despite trading paint off each other’s doors during races, the two shared a deep respect for each other off the racetrack.
Dale Inman, Richard Petty’s crew chief, who was in this segment, shared his thoughts on the book while reflecting on the friendship between the two drivers. “I’ve skimmed through the book and everything, but so much of it I lived and seen. But it, Richard said, it come up with some interesting stuff on Pearson’s life, the way he come up and everything, and the way he looked at racing. And I hadn’t read the book page to page, but it was unreal how they raised each other, and the friendship they had. Even right to the very end for Pearson, you know.”
Their rivalry wasn’t just about wins and losses—it was about respect, determination, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. Richard Petty and David Pearson didn’t just race each other—they raised the bar for NASCAR and left a legacy that continues to inspire drivers and fans alike.
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