Richard Petty

July 2, 2009

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Profile America — Thursday, July 2nd. Only the very best at what they do earn the nickname “The King.” In stock car racing, it’s Richard Petty, who turns 72 years old today. He was born in the town of Level Cross, North Carolina, where he still lives. He was seven times national champion of NASCAR, a feat matched only by Dale Earnhardt. Petty won 200 races during his active career, a record not apt to be matched anytime soon. He started 1,184 races during 35 years, and placed among the top 10 712 times. Each year, more than 12.5 million fans travel to at least one race of the NASCAR season to see their favorite driver. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.

Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2009, p. 343
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2009, t. 1206
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2009edition.html