NASCAR Hall of Fame today unveiled “The King’s Hat,” a nearly 1,000-pound, six-foot handcrafted cowboy hat specially designed with images reflecting the deep connection between “The King” of NASCAR Richard Petty, the Petty family, and the NASCAR Hall. The Petty family is synonymous with racing, and the Charlie 1 Horse cowboy hat is synonymous with Richard Petty, making a cowboy hat the perfect icon to acknowledge the Pettys’ accomplishments and influence over the past 75 years. Thirty members of the Petty family were present for the unveiling.
“The NASCAR Hall of Fame is proud to serve as the recognized home for honoring NASCAR’s legends, evolving history, celebrated heritage and family-oriented traditions,” said Winston Kelley, Executive Director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. “The Petty family’s impact on NASCAR is incalculable and goes far beyond their remarkable accomplishments on the racetrack. We are honored to add The King’s Hat to our celebration of their unparalleled legacy, marking their 75 years of success and leadership in NASCAR.”
The Petty family has been closely involved with the NASCAR Hall of Fame since its inception and throughout our more than 14 years of operation. The first artifact announced for display at the Hall was Richard’s iconic 1967 Plymouth that won a record 36 races over a two-year span. Since opening in 2010, four family members have been inducted: Richard Petty, Inaugural Class of 2010; Lee Petty, Class of 2011; Dale Inman (cousin), 2012; and Maurice Petty, 2014. The accomplishments of these “Forever Legends” are enshrined for generations of NASCAR fans and guests to honor and celebrate.
“It’s been a family affair,” Richard Petty said. “Our family has expanded all over the United States because of the people that built parts for us to make it all work. Petty Enterprises put it together. We’re just proud that the family is still working, and we look forward to a lot more years.”
The Pettys have generously loaned vehicles and artifacts to the NASCAR Hall which allows the museum to tell parallel histories of NASCAR and the Petty family. Two cars associated with the family are currently on display as part of the “Glory Road: 75 Years” exhibit reflecting NASCAR’s rich, deep and wide 75-year history: Richard Petty’s No. 43 Dodge Charger (1973) and Adam Petty’s No. 45 Chevrolet Monte Carlo (2000). Glory Road is the extraordinary, banked display of historic cars at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Numerous other artifacts from the Petty family and their iconic team, Petty Enterprises, are prevalent throughout the Hall.
The larger-than-life signature hat symbolizes the Pettys’ indelible NASCAR legacy through momentous photography and the iconic Petty blue. The art installation will be on display for fans and guests to enjoy as another way to honor Richard Petty’s legacy as a hero and ambassador in the sport, which contributed to his inaugural Hall of Famer status. The King’s Hat is part of celebrations in 2024 to mark 75 years of the Petty family’s success in NASCAR. The initiative includes 28 unique versions of The King’s Hat at racetracks across the country and the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
NASCAR Hall of Fame PR
