In January 2025, former NASCAR driver and current NBC Sports racing analyst Kyle Petty shared a heartfelt moment from his family’s historic roots in Level Cross, North Carolina. Accompanied by his sister, Sharon, Petty posted a video on social media, playfully delivering a “weather report” amidst a picturesque snowfall at their grandparents’ former residence.
In the video, Petty remarked, “Just so you guys know, if you see that house right there, that’s where Sharon and I grew up, that’s my grandparents’ house, and we played and rode sleds all in this front yard when we were little and the road out front. Here we are again, back in our front yard, Level Cross, and it’s snowing.”
The Petty family’s legacy in NASCAR is unparalleled. Kyle’s grandfather, Lee Petty, was a pioneer in the sport, securing 54 career Cup Series victories and three championships. His father, Richard Petty, known as “The King,” holds the record for the most Cup Series wins at 200 and is tied for the most championships with seven. Kyle himself achieved eight Cup Series victories, with his last win in 1995 at Dover, and he retired from competitive racing in 2008.
Beyond racing, Kyle Petty has been deeply involved in charitable endeavors. Since 1995, he has hosted the “Kyle Petty Charity Ride,” an annual motorcycle event that has raised over $22 million for Victory Junction, a camp in North Carolina dedicated to children with chronic medical conditions.
The recent snowfall in Level Cross provided a nostalgic backdrop for Petty and his sister to reminisce about their childhood adventures. Their return to the family homestead, now adorned with a fresh blanket of snow, offered a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy and deep-rooted connections that the Petty family maintains with their hometown.
For a deeper insight into the Petty family’s history and Kyle’s reflections on growing up within this
Kyle Petty’s nostalgic reflections on his family’s legacy in Level Cross, North Carolina, highlight the roots of the Petty family’s racing dynasty. In a touching moment shared during a snowy day, Petty’s connection to the past serves as a testament to the profound influence his family has had on NASCAR’s history.
The Petty family home in Level Cross stands as a symbol of that legacy. Petty described playing and sledding in the yard as a child, memories that hold even greater weight when considering the Petty family’s monumental contributions to stock car racing. His grandfather, Lee Petty, and his father, Richard “The King” Petty, laid the foundation for the family’s dominance in the sport. Kyle himself carried on the tradition, carving his path in NASCAR and becoming a beloved figure on and off the track.
This moment wasn’t just about the weather; it was about celebrating the past and its connection to the future. Level Cross, the birthplace of the Petty racing empire, continues to resonate as an integral piece of NASCAR’s story. Whether through their racing achievements or charitable efforts like Victory Junction, the Petty family’s legacy remains inseparable from their roots.
