The Guy With the Pony-tail on Trackside

by: PattyKay Lilley

In my last column, I mentioned a quote on Tim Richmond by Kyle Petty. After that, a conversation began with one of my long-time friends and reader of my columns, about Kyle and how much we each appreciate his no-nonsense take on most things. It occurs to me now that most of our younger fans have never seen Kyle race or perhaps don't even know that he did... and so much more! He's not always been the guy with the pony-tail that you see on Trackside or RaceDay. Oh no! Kyle, or KP as many have come to call him, has quite a history and one worth knowing.

Kyle was born to racing, much the same way that Bonnie Prince Charlie was born to Royalty.  It was simply in his blood. His grandfather was Lee Petty, one of those rough-hewn originals in NASCAR racing, who holds three Grand National (The forerunner of any sort of Cup) Championships. Kyle's Daddy needs no introduction.  He is "King" Richard Petty, whose seven championships have only been equaled by the late, great Dale Earnhardt, and whose200 wins will never be challenged.