Back in 1969 Richard Petty broke with tradition and abandoned his Plymouth to drive a Ford Talladega. Although the Petty Team currently races Fords that was the only year Richard drove a Ford. How well did he do? He finished second in points to Ford Talladega driver David Pearson.
Recently I took a trip to visit the Richard Petty Museum in Level Cross NC just a short drive south of Greensboro. Richard, The King, Petty has to be one of the most identifiable people in NASCAR. Even though he retired from racing in 1992 some 25 years ago everyone still knows who The King is. He also has to be one of the people with the most autographed items in the world! Not because of the money he receives for an autograph but because he loves his fans and he will also give one when asked. His love for the sport and race fans shows.
The Richard Petty Museum is not just the King. His father Lee, his son Kyle and Kyle’s son Adam also have their own places in the Museum. Even though the Petty’s are not known for their Ford’s it is a worth while place to visit.
The museum is not huge but it does contain a large treasure of items that help tell the story of the man not just the race car driver. There is an area for his gun collection, trophies, memorabilia and of course the race cars.
What really makes this Museum special to me is that it is located next to the house Richard was born in and the Museum is located in buildings that used to be the Petty race shops. The site is a museum!
I easily spent a couple of hours there. If you are a person who likes to read every description on every item plan on making it a day. There is no restaurant on site but you can purchase drinks there. The admission is very reasonable and Senior Rates are available as are discounts for children and military. There are also some very cool items in the gift shop.
Richard has been known to visit the Museum and speak with visitors but don’t count on that during race season he will likely be at the track. When you are ready to leave PLEASE remember to give a donation to the Victory Junction Gang!
