Knoxville had the chance to meet “The King” on Tuesday.
Seven times Richard Petty, NASCAR champion made more than a stop at Food City as a spokesperson for the Paralyzed Veterans of America. The Food City of Middlebrook Pike raised more than $10,500 for the PVA, which helps ensure disabled veterans receive the specialized care they need and are able to pursue careers.
Fans lined up and waited patiently to take a photo with Petty.
Petty, 87, was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2010. He is statistically the most accomplished driver in NASCAR history. Petty is the all-time leader in NASCAR Cup Series wins (200), all-time leader in poles (123), holds the record for most wins in a season (27 in 1967), most most consecutive victories (10 in 1967) and most starts (1,185).
Petty, a native of Level Cross, North Carolina, also holds the record for most Daytona 500 victories (seven) and all-time victories at Daytona International Speedway (10). Petty’s seven championships are tied for most in NASCAR history. He recorded more than 700 top-10 finishes during his 35-year career.
This article originally appeared on the Knoxville News Sentinel: NASCAR legend Richard ‘The King’ Petty stops in Knoxville
