The King's 500th start does have a bit of confusion around it - even controversy if you will. NASCAR's records show Richard started 1,185 GN/Cup races. Yet he only participated in 1,184 of them.
Petty qualified quickest for the August 25, 1965, race at Beltsville Speedway in Maryland. But he blew an engine in a subsequent practice session. As a result, he couldn't start the race and forfeited the pole to Ned Jarrett who went on to win the race. Richard was credited with 20th and last position. Even though his car was never put on the starting grid, he was credited with an official start for the race.
So techhhhhhnically, Trenton was NOT his 500th start. Instead, the 1970 Volunteer 500 at Bristol - the race AFTER Trenton - where the 43 finished 5th was. But hey, NASCAR says he "started" the race at Beltsville - so who am I to question it I guess? Plus, if his 500th start is challenged then that means his 1,000th start at Michigan on Father's Day in 1986 was race too early as well.
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Schaefer: It's not just for racing anymore.
