On August 5, 1979 - on his 3rd attempt - Kyle Petty finally made his Winston Cup debut in the Talladega 500.
After winning his first professional race in the ARCA 200 in February 1979, everyone figured the kid was a natural. The Petty team held off on having Kyle make his first Cup start until the 1979 World 600. However, in a test session for the race, Kyle tore up the whole back end of his Magnum. He was forced to wait for another race to make his debut.
Jerry Bushmire shot these 2 photos on a trip to Petty Enterprises shortly after the 600.
His 1st start was re-scheduled for the Firecracker 400 at Daytona. But once again, Kyle wadded up the family Dodge. At least the 2nd time, he used up the nose vs. the tail.
Finally, on his 3rd attempt, Kyle did right well in in the Talladega 500 with a 9th place finish.
It was a double-chicken money day for the team as Richard finished 4th.
And from there, a 30 year or so Cup career began.
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Schaefer: It's not just for racing anymore.
updated by @tmc-chase: 08/05/18 02:10:25PM
