Kyle Petty - NASCAR Active - GoNascarGo.com
Kyle Petty
KYLE PETTY
As one of only a few third generation drivers in NASCAR, Kyle Petty has racked up his share of impressive statistics. His Winston Cup career began in 1979 and by 1981 he ran his first full season. He raced with Petty Enterprises until 1985 when he joined the Wood Brothers. He got his first victory in 1986 at Richmond.
In 1990 Petty joined the SABCO team and was with them until 1997 when he opened pe2. In 1998 Kyle moved the team back home under Petty Enterprises.
In a career over 20 years in the making, Kyle Petty holds the 29th position on the all time drivers list for most pole starts; 12th among active drivers. He also ranks 26th in the modern-era and 12th in active drivers for most victories (total of 8 career wins). He holds the 16th spot for all time money makers; 14th among active drivers and the 7th spot of active drivers to qualify the most times at a speed of over 200mph.
Petty currently races the #45 Georgia-Pacific Dodge and runs the day to day business at Petty Enterprises, one of the most successful organizations in motor sports.
Kyle Petty off the Track
Kyle Petty devotes much of his time and of himself to his business and to charity. Every year since 1995 Kyle Petty’s Charity Ride Across America earns money for children’s charities and had earned over $3 million dollars. In 1998 Petty founded the Race To End Hunger organization where people could bring canned goods to the souvenir table and receive a free t-shirt. He also works with the Make A Wish Foundation as well as the Boy Scouts of America.
In May of 2000 Kyle Petty lost his son Adam (the first fourth generation athlete) to a crash in a Busch Grand National practice run at Loudon. Since then Kyle had joined with actor Paul Newman, in his son Adam’s memory, to create Victory Junction Gang Camp. Working with Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Association, the Petty’s are creating a camp for children with chronic or life threatening illnesses.
