In the thunderous world of motorsports, where speed reigns supreme and adrenaline is the fuel that drives champions, one name stands tall above the rest: Richard Petty.
Endorsing Christian Castelli
via WFMY News 2
Richard Petty had endorsed Christian Castelli in the 2022 election for North Carolina’s 6th Congressional District but not for the 2024 primary race.
Recirculated Petty’s endorsement
via WFMY News 2
After Castelli’s campaign recirculated Petty’s endorsement video from 2022, Petty’s family clarified he had not endorsed anyone in the 2024 primary.
‘Petty has not endorsed’
via WFMY News 2
“Richard Petty has not endorsed any candidate for the 2024 Republican Primary,” Rebecca Petty Moffitt said. “Richard is a life-long conservative and has always been heavily involved in Republican politics but he has not made any primary endorsements in this election.”
Multiple endorsements pulled
via WFMY News 2
Multiple Republican endorsements have been pulled or clarified in the contentious race between Castelli and former Rep. Mark Walker.
Causing confusion
via WFMY News 2
Castelli accused Walker of influencing the Petty family’s statement and suggested past support for Walker caused confusion, while Walker denied involvement.
‘A lot of handlers’
via WFMY News 2
“Richard Petty has a lot of handlers,” Castelli said. “They’re probably feeling pressure from the Mark Walker camp. They probably supported him in the past. This was not an issue when I was the Republican nominee.”
Mischaracterized
via Fox Business
“This has only become an issue in the last two weeks when people started paying attention to the primary,” Castelli said. “And this happens to be a very contentious primary here in NC06. I don’t want to be mischaracterized or anybody to make implications that I have lied or I’m presenting endorsements that I don’t have. That’s not what I do. That’s what Mark Walker does.”
Influence
via Fox Business
Petty is influential in Republican politics in North Carolina and withdrawing his endorsement could hurt Castelli.
Renew his endorsement
via Fox Business
“He was the first person that I asked to renew his endorsement and the answer I got was yes, but it was many months ago, and I don’t think quite honestly that they realized we were in primary season,” Castelli said. “As soon as the last general was over we were in primary season again, and I asked them very early on at that event.”
Close to the primary
via NASCAR
“The response I got was, ‘This close to the primary, Richard would prefer not to do it,’” Castelli said. “And I thought, ‘OK, what’s going on here?’”
Born 1937
via NASCAR
Born on July 2, 1937, in Level Cross, North Carolina, Richard Lee Petty was destined for greatness on the asphalt. His father, Lee Petty, was a pioneer in NASCAR, laying the groundwork for his son’s illustrious career.
Immersed in racing
via NASCAR
From an early age, Richard was immersed in the world of racing, learning the craft from his father and honing his skills on dirt tracks across the South.
Journey to greatness
via NASCAR
Petty’s journey to greatness was not without its hurdles. In the early years of his career, he faced stiff competition and numerous setbacks. But it was his unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence that set him apart.
NASCAR Grand National Series
via NASCAR
In 1964, Petty claimed his first NASCAR Grand National Series championship, marking the beginning of a dynasty that would forever etch his name in the annals of racing history.
Petty dominated the NASCAR
via NASCAR
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Petty dominated the NASCAR circuit with an iron grip, amassing an unprecedented number of wins and championships. His iconic No. 43 Plymouth became synonymous with victory, streaking across finish lines and leaving a trail of awe-inspired fans in its wake.
Most enduring quality
via NASCAR
But perhaps Petty’s most enduring quality was his ability to connect with fans on a personal level. With his trademark cowboy hat and sunglasses, he became a larger-than-life figure, beloved by millions for his humility and down-to-earth demeanor.
True spirit of sportsmanship
via NASCAR
Whether signing autographs for eager spectators or engaging in spirited banter with fellow drivers, Petty epitomized the true spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
