Maurice Petty
Age: 85
Maurice Petty (born March 27, 1939) is a former American NASCAR crew chief and engine builder for Petty Enterprises, of which he was part owner. In 2011, he was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in Talladega, Alabama, in recognition of his career as a team owner, engine builder, crew chief, and driver. In 2013, Petty was nominated for the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Personal background
Petty was born on March 27, 1939. He is the son of Lee Petty, the brother of Richard Petty, the uncle of Kyle Petty and Trent Owens, and the great uncle of Adam Petty.
Petty Enterprises
Petty Enterprises was founded by Lee Petty and his two sons. The Petty family, working together as a team, corporately won over 250 races. Maurice primarily served the organization as engine builder and crew chief. He raced for the organization in 26 competitions from 1960 to 1964. As a driver, his best finish was third place at the Piedmont Interstate Fairgrounds in Spartanburg, South Carolina in 1961. In 1970, Petty was the crew chief for Pete Hamilton, who won three races for Petty Enterprises, including the 1970 Daytona 500 and both races at Talladega Superspeedway. As an engine builder, Maurice built the motors that helped his brother win a record 200 victories, along with seven Cup Series championships.
Honors and awards
- 2011: International Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee
- 2013: NASCAR Hall of Fame nominee
- 2014: NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2014