As the NASCAR series wraps up in a few weeks, the United States prepares for an even bigger event—its presidential election on November 5th, a pivotal moment in the nation’s history.
Recently, seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Richard Petty shared memories of his memorable encounter with former President Barack Obama and their warm exchange at the White House.
Meeting the president can be a nerve-wracking experience for most people.
It’s a mix of pride and a bit of uncertainty over how it might go.
The Petty family had the chance to visit President Obama at the White House, an event where Richard’s signature fashion sense also became a topic of conversation.
Richard Petty Recounts Being Called “The King” by President Obama
Known for his rustic style—complete with his classic hat and cowboy boots—”King” Petty was keen to keep his signature look, even for a visit to the White House.
This bold choice left his wife Lynda a bit concerned.
Richard said, “So I go over and put my boots on. She says you can’t go to the White House with cowboy boots on. I said, I am going to the Whitehouse and I am gonna wear my cotton pickin boots… Obama came by and told the guy, said, hey, you’re sitting with the king there, and the guy said, he’s not the king”.
But it’s this distinct style that makes Petty so unique and has become a staple of his persona.
Richard Petty earned his title, “The King,” after an extraordinary season that left fans in awe.
His record-breaking 27 wins in the 1967 NASCAR Cup Series still stands today.
Winning 56% of the races and finishing in the top 10 in 83% of them, Petty claimed his second of what would ultimately be seven Cup Series championships—a record matched only by Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson.
During an event at the White House, President Obama referred to Petty as “The King” before a crowd, introducing him as one of NASCAR’s greats.
“We’re also joined today by one of NASCAR’s all-time greats, ‘The King,’ Richard Petty. Sitting right here,” he said, receiving applause from the audience.
Honoring the Petty family’s legacy, he added, “The Pettys are about as close as you can get to a NASCAR dynasty.” Meeting the president was a remarkable moment, and Petty certainly made a lasting impression.
Richard Petty’s Take on Blaney’s Costly Mistakes at Homestead
Petty has been outspoken on recent NASCAR events, especially when it comes to on-track strategy.
At the Homestead-Miami Speedway, Ryan Blaney appeared set for a strong finish, only to see victory slip away.
In the final laps, a close battle with Denny Hamlin opened an opportunity for Tyler Reddick, who swept past them both with a last-lap overtake to claim the win.
“Petty highlighted the issues that contributed to Blaney’s loss. He said, “He thought he could run faster. In other words, when he went into that corner. This is the fastest groove for me. He didn’t get out of the way of the #45. He has done the very best that he knew, and he thought that groove would make him get through the corner quicker than the #45 car. It didn’t prove that way, but that #45 guy he went in that third corner faster than he’d ever went, I’ll put it that way”.
Blaney made a critical error by leaving the high line open for Reddick, which the 23XI Racing driver exploited to clinch the lead.
As a result, Blaney missed out on the checkered flag and now faces a must-win situation to advance to Phoenix.
With decades of experience, “King” Petty continues to share sharp insights, offering a valuable perspective on the current NASCAR landscape.
