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One of the pioneers of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) and one of its first superstars, Lee Petty was the winner of three Winston Cup championships, in 1954, 1958, and 1959, and 54 races in 433 starts, including the first Daytona 500 in 1959.
Born near Randleman, NC, on March 14, 1914, Lee Petty was a star athlete in high school and attended King's Business College in Greensboro, NC. He always liked race car driving, but for many years did it only as a hobby. He was 35 years old when he entered his first official race, and he was quickly hooked. He involved his two sons in his racing, having them help with the cars and teaching them the sport.
In his best year, 1959, Petty finished 41 of 49 races and won 12 times, including the win at the new Daytona International Speedway in the inaugural Daytona 500. The race ended in a photo finish between Petty and driver Johnny Beauchamp. It was only three days later that Petty was officially declared the winner.
During a 100-mile qualifying race at Daytona the next year, Petty was seriously injured after his car collided with Beauchamp's and he was sent hurtling through the guardrail into the parking lot. Petty was hospitalized for four months, with injuries serious enough to end his driving career. He worked at managing Petty Enterprises, and assisted by sons Richard and Maurice, the company became NASCAR's most powerful and successful racing organization.
Petty died in 2000.
Last updated: June 21, 2004.
