One may think that after 1,184 races that spanned three decades, “The King” would bow out and retire quietly.

But that’s just not Petty’s style. Today, he is as busy as ever and serves as an ambassador for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, the NASCAR Cup Series team that still fields the iconic No. 43 and No. 42.

Off the track, Petty’s legacy continues to shine bright. He was a member of the inaugural class inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and has also been inducted into the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame, International Motorsports Hall of Fame, North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame, and the North Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame, among countless other Hall of Fames.

It’s hard to miss Petty in his signature cowboy hat and sunglasses, whether he’s signing autographs for fans or lending a helping hand. He’s also a leader in philanthropic efforts. Petty was instrumental in the development of Victory Junction, donating 84 acres of his own land to build the camp, which opened in 2004. In 2024, on the camp’s 20th anniversary, the Petty Family donated additional acreage, bringing the total land owned by Victory Junction to 343 acres. He remains actively involved in the camp’s mission to provide life-changing experiences to children with serious illnesses. He also co-founded the Petty Family Foundation, which supports a variety of charitable causes.

Even today, Richard Petty continues to play a visible and active role in the sport he helped define. He regularly attends NASCAR races, makes sponsor appearances, and meets with business partners and fans alike. He also stops by the Petty Museum, signing fan mail and autographs that are sent in from around the world. Whether it’s representing his family’s legacy, supporting causes close to his heart, or just being present at the track, “The King” remains a powerful figure in both racing and the broader community.