Richard Petty Honored with “King’s Hat” Statue at Dover Motor Speedway
Dover Motor Speedway has unveiled a unique tribute to NASCAR legend Richard Petty, known affectionately as “The King.” The new “King’s Hat” statue, a six-foot-tall, 1,000-pound monument, celebrates Petty’s incredible contributions to the sport and his family’s enduring legacy in racing. This statue, made of fiberglass and concrete, is adorned with a collection of photos of Richard Petty and his son Kyle, capturing memorable moments at Dover, including Petty’s 199th career NASCAR Cup Series victory in May 1984
The “King’s Hat” statue is strategically placed near the Monster Monument, making it a central gathering point for fans and a prime photo opportunity during race weekends. This statue is part of a series of one-of-a-kind sculptures being created at various NASCAR tracks across the country, each featuring Petty’s famous cowboy hat. These tributes are intended to honor the Petty family’s racing history, which began when Richard’s father, Lee Petty, entered the first NASCAR-sanctioned event in Charlotte in June 1949.
Richard Petty expressed his gratitude for the statue, emphasizing its significance for fans: “This is really for the fans to enjoy something unique to our family, our history, and our contributions to the tracks and NASCAR. It took a lot of people, time, and effort to make this happen, and our family is honored by that”
The unveiling of the statue was part of a weekend filled with festivities at Dover Motor Speedway, where Petty, his longtime crew chief Dale Inman, and fellow NASCAR Hall of Famer Donnie Allison made appearances. Fans had the opportunity to meet these legends and take photos with them, adding to the celebratory atmosphere
The “King’s Hat” statues are crafted by TivoliToo, Inc., the same company that created the Charles Schulz Peanuts character tribute in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. Fans visiting the statue at Dover are encouraged to use the hashtag #PETTY75 when sharing their photos on social media, celebrating Petty’s 75th anniversary in racing
This tribute at Dover Motor Speedway not only commemorates Richard Petty’s remarkable achievements but also reinforces his lasting impact on NASCAR and its fans. The statue serves as a symbol of Petty’s enduring legacy, bridging the past and future of the sport.
