success and popularity of the Mopar brand but also can be attributed to the quality of cars and special guests on site each year. This year’s event, July 6-8 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, will continue the tradition of high end guests with “The King,” Richard Petty spending his Sunday at Carlisle.
Due to the NASCAR race being in Daytona Beach, Florida on Saturday night of Chrysler weekend, Petty will appear on Sunday, July 8 only and is scheduled for autographs between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. An autograph and/or photo opportunity will be free with a paid admission, but due to the anticipated high demand for the session, a limited number of Petty autographs will be available. Carlisle Events and representatives from Petty’s camp will work closely to assure that as many people as possible can mingle with one of NASCAR’s most iconic figures.
Petty’s popularity spans both pop culture and the automotive world, having competed on the NASCAR circuit from 1958-1992. During his time on the track, Petty amassed 200 wins, the first of which came in 1960, as well as seven series championships, formerly known as the Winston Cup. Petty’s accomplishments on the track led him to becoming part of the inaugural class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2010. Throughout his career, Petty was the long time pitchman for STP; a sponsor that was on the side of his #43 stock car from 1972 until his retirement in 1992. Further, Petty’s role as a car owner saw the partnership continue through 2000, meaning that STP and Richard Petty were tied together for nearly 40 years.
Petty has also appeared in many automotive based films, often credited as himself. Along with NASCAR themed projects, Petty has appeared on screen with Elvis Presley and Bill Bixby (Speedway), Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman (Days of Thunder), Burt Reynolds and Loni Anderson (Stroker Ace) and more recently, as “The King” in Disney Pixar’s 2006 release, Cars, starring Larry the Cable Guy, Owen Wilson and Paul Newman.
Upon retirement, Petty became a car owner and ambassador for NASCAR. He can still be found at the track each weekend between February and November donning his trademark cowboy hat and “talking shop” with drivers and enthusiasts alike. Petty also assists with his son Kyle’s non-profit organization, the Victory Junction Gang Camp.
By attending the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, you’re walking into a true Mopar-lover’s paradise. With over 2,200 vehicles from all eras of the Chrysler brand - classics, muscle cars, high-performance new models and more - you won’t want to miss the enormous showfield organized by year, make and model as well as fantastic indoor displays. In addition, there are a slew of kids’ activities, industry guests, car and engine giveaways as well as NHRA drag racing. Whether you prefer the A, B or E body style – this show has it all!
