Honoring a Racing Legend
A special ceremony is set to recognize NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty with a commemorative plaque at Ona Speedway in North Carolina, celebrating his iconic 1970 triumph at the historic track.
Petty, widely known as “The King,” amassed 200 victories in the Cup Series between 1958 and 1992, a record that still defines an era of American stock car racing. His three wins at Ona Speedway — including the 1970 race that was run under darkness when the lights went out — cemented his connection to the venue.
The upcoming event will coincide with the 55th anniversary of the final NASCAR race held at Ona Speedway on August 8, 1971, a date that marks both the end of competition at the track and the culmination of Petty’s dominance there.
Track historian Steve Chapman recently uncovered that the original trophy from Petty’s 1970 win was missing its plaque, prompting the creation of a new award that will be presented to Petty during the ceremony.
The presentation will take place at the Richard Petty Museum in Randleman, North Carolina, where the new plaque will be displayed alongside memorabilia that chronicles Petty’s career. The ceremony will be streamed live on Ona Speedway’s Facebook page, allowing fans worldwide to share in the tribute.
Beyond the plaque, the occasion serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of a driver whose name remains synonymous with excellence in motorsports, and it underscores the continued reverence for the tracks that shaped his legend.