Tell the Story

Behind this photograph

From what I know at high level, Richard thumped the wall during practice for the 1986 World 600 and destroyed his 43 Pontiac. Petty Enterprises didn't have a backup car available - at the track or apparently back at the shop. For reasons I don't full understand or remember, teams apparently weren't permitted to bring backups to the track back then. Seems like the funding was there - but just not permitted. Maybe it was an attempt by NASCAR to conserve costs. But I digress.

So RP worked out a deal with D.K. Ulrich to rent his ride for the weekend. Again, its only at this high level that I'm familiar with the story. I'm sure there is more to it as to how Richard and D.K. got together to make the deal.

Looking back, its a wonder Richard was permitted to race. As I understand it, he rung his bell good - most probably if not definitively a concussion.

I knew you had this one Chase. I have heard DK tell the story, but do not remember any more details.

Two more photos from TMC Archives - though the quality of the scans isn't very good.

Wow! And he was standing there sporting that famous smile in the first photo...you know he had to have a headache.

I think wrecks like those are one reason why the King has worn dark shades for so many years. I've got to believe he showed up on race morning with his eyes crossed after some of the licks he took.

No doubt.

D.K. is still a member here, right? If only we could get him to chime in with his memories of that weekend.

As I said back in April of this year, lol.......:

Reply by Dave Fulton on April 6, 2012 at 6:07pm
How many of you remember The King driving the DK Ulrich #6 in the 1986 World 600 at Charlotte? When Richard crashed his car in practice he cut a deal with DK to drive the #6. The incident led to the "Backup car rule" in NASCAR.

Interesting how many current NASCAR rules are a direct result of an incident involving Richard Petty, i.e. Past Champion's Provisional, also.

Under any circumstances, I think this might qualify as the ugliest STP car ever driven by Richard Petty. DK must have copied the garish green from the Hylton car!

Can't recall - but have we done an "ugliest car" thread? If not, might be fun to poke fun at some rides of the past as we await the new racing season.