Published 01/08/2023, 5:45 AM EST
The 1992 Hooters 500 in Atlanta was an iconic event in NASCAR history. It was the day we had the king of the sport step down and the time when a young driver with a mullet and a mustache showed up. We are of course talking about a young Jeff Gordon. That was the race where he debuted in the Cup Series. However, the race for him did not go as masterfully as he would have initially planned. Instead of impressing everyone on the field, he managed to crash out on lap 168 of the race. Thereby ending his day by finishing 31st.
Petty suffered a similar fate to that of Jeff Gordon
However, it wasn’t just Gordon whose day went poorly. On the other end of the spectrum was Richard Petty. This race would mark the final race in his remarkable 25-year-long career. However, as much as he would have wanted to finish the race in a spectacular fashion. Instead on lap 95 of the race, following a multi-car wreck, Petty’s front end was heavily damaged. This led to massive damage to the oil cooler, which eventually started a fire on his way to the pits. However, he had to stop and yell at his crew to bring the fire extinguisher. That was it for the king of NASCAR. That was how his final race in the sport ended.
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Years later, while seated in an interview along with Jeff Gordon, The king revealed what impression he had of the young Gordon during the 1992 Hooters 500.
Petty said, “But I remember Jeff showing up. Had this little mustache and stuff. Looked like he was about 10 or 12. Trying to look like he was 14 or 15.”
What did the final race look like for Richard Petty?
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Since Petty retired early on the result was already decided for him. However, his team decided to send his car back out again during the final two laps. Of course not to compete but rather just to make sure that he finished the race running. Who wants to end their illustrious career going out as DNF?
DAYTONA BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 20, 1983:Nascar Driver Richard Petty in action in the STP #43 car during the Nascar Winston Cup Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, FL. Petty finished 38th in the race. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
After the checkered flag flew, Petty took a lap around the track, soaking in the cheers of the crowd one last time. It was a fitting end to a career that had spanned five decades and cemented his place as one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history.
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As he climbed from his car for the final time, Petty was greeted with a hero’s welcome. His fellow drivers lined up to pay their respects, and the crowd erupted in a thunderous ovation. And while Richard Petty may have hung up his helmet for the final time on that November day in 1992, his impact on NASCAR will be felt for generations to come.