There are many families who have been in NASCAR for a long time. There are two families, however, that stand out in it's history as having been influential in the sport.
The Frances and the Pettys are two families that have been a part of racing for several generations. They have played very different roles within the sport but have both helped it become what it is today.
"Big Bill" France, Sr. formed NASCAR in 1948. He ran a gas station, raced cars on the side, and dreamt of making racing a true sport with rules, regulations, and a governing body. Bill, Sr. successfully ran the nation's largest stock car association until he handed over the reigns to his son, Bill France, Jr., in 1972.
Bill, Jr. made the North American Stock Car Association into a national pastime with sound business decisions and a little luck. Brian France, third generation, took over the helm in 2003 and the sport has grown by leaps and bounds since then.
Brian has made some major changes, the Chase for the Cup being the most daring change, but all of the changes have served only to increase racing's popularity and widen its fan base. And the sport's popularity doesn't only extend to watching the races. People are buying NASCAR collectibles, NASCAR diecast, and NASCAR merchandise like never before.
The Petty dynasty began with Lee Petty who raced in the very first race ever organized by Bill France, Sr. It was actually his son, Richard "The King" Petty, who has made the Petty family well known to the public.
Richard Petty impresses fans with his gentle manner and his devotion to his family. Richard's son Kyle has proven himself on the track and is now the CEO of Petty Enterprises.
The careers and lives of Lee, Richard, and Kyle inspired Kyle's son Adam to follow in their footsteps. Adam Petty was a promising up and coming driver but in 2000, during a practice run, his car crashed into a wall and he was killed. Adam's legacy lives on through the charitable foundations created by his family in his memory.
The Pettys are loyal to NASCAR. Not only has it provided the Pettys with financial success but careers that they love and are proud of.
There are many more families who have impacted racing in their own ways. The France's and the Petty's longstanding presence in the sport has lent constancy and strength throughout the years. We hope these two families are around for generations to come.
Written by: David Stargel
Nascar Merchandise
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Dale Earnhardt Jr. Grill Cover List Price: $24.99 Sale Price: $24.99 |
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Your grill has never looked as good as it will in this Dale Earnhardt Jr Grill Cover that will keep it protected from all the elements and display your racing loyalty for all to see. Features full color logo. |
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NFL Arizona Cardinals Melamine Serving Tray List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $19.29 |
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Dale Jr.: Shifting Gears List Price: $19.95 Sale Price: $9.00 |
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Never before has one man?s decision been met with such speculation, change and expectations. In a season of unprecedented change, Hammerhead Entertainment and ESPN let viewers into Dale Earnhardt Jr.?s world as he transitioned from the company his father created to his new Sprint Cup ride at Hendrick Motorsports in the No... |
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NASCAR - Dale Earnhardt Jr. - Any Given Day List Price: $14.95 Sale Price: $2.99 |
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Dale Earnhardt Jr: Any Given Day is a whirlwind trip through a small slice in the frantic life of NASCAR's most electric name. Get to know his friends and crew as he takes us behind doors that cameras have never before dared to open... |
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NASCAR: Chase for the Cup 2008 List Price: $59.95 Sale Price: $34.78 |
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Fans can now relive every race of the 2008 season with this NASCAR? My Race Chase for the Sprint Cup? 6-DVD Collector's Set. Watch the broadcast and hear the in-car of your favorite NASCAR? driver & crew... |
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Nascar Sunglass Cases - Dale Jr, Tony Stewart, Dale Sr - Officially Licensed Nascar Merchandise & Apparel |
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The Team Source is your source for overstocked licensed apparel and accessories. Free shipping on all orders of $30 or more! |
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Nascar Lighter - #8 Car Top Finish Line (Dale Earnhardt Jr.) List Price: $38.95 Sale Price: $25.97 |
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High polish chrome finished lighter with top of the #8 car and finish line. |
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New Zippo 24234 Nascar Lighter Dale Jr. Slim Scroll Dale Earnhardt Jr. Reasonable Price List Price: $35.98 Sale Price: $26.49 |
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This item has high quality with reasonable price. |
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NFL Tool Belt 31160 Pittsburgh Steelers List Price: $54.99 Sale Price: $43.93 |
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You can build a shelf for your football collectibles with the help of this NFL(r) team tool belt from Fantasia. The 600D polyester tool belt features an adjustable quick-release buckle, 4 large nail pockets, a metal hammer loop, a tape measure holder and 2 pen/pencil/screw driver organizers... |
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