Turned a lot of heads with the third-fastest speed in January testing at Daytona, a performance that had to be gratifying after a simply horrid season in 1998. Petty has moved his operation back to the family compound in Level Cross and is looking to virtually start over after three straight seasons without a victory.
Career
Spent four seasons with the Wood Brothers and the last eight seasons with Felix Sabates before returning to Petty Enterprises.
The last eight years with owner Felix Sabates brought some success,
but more stress for Petty. Having his own team to run last year was big
relief and more than moderate success. "I didn't pay much attention to it
being hard because I was having fun," Petty said. "By the end of this year,
we want to be a top 10 team and we'd like to win a race. That wasn't even
on our agenda last year, it was just to finish. This year, our goals can be
a little bit loftier."
Stood 27th in points after 10 races in 1997, then steadily improved
until reaching 15th at season's end. Had nine top-10 finishes overall and
was 12th or better in six of the final eight races. Won $984,314 and,
perhaps most notably, made every race in PE2 team's first year.
Was winless in 1996 for the second time in the '90s. Missed two races in 1996 because of injuries sustained in Brickyard 400 crash. Finished 27th in driver points standings.
In 1997, he stood 27th in points after 10 races, then steadily improved
until reaching 15th at season's end. Had nine top-10 finishes overall and
was 12th or better in six of the final eight races. Won $984,314 and,
perhaps most notably, made every race in PE2 team's first year.
Won ARCA 200 at Daytona in 1979, his first race on a closed course. First win
came in 170th start, 1986 Miller High Life 400 at Richmond. First pole came in 277th attempt, 1990 Goodwrench 500 at Rockingham. By the end of 1994, he had 411 Winston Cup starts, seven wins, eight poles, and $6,488,824 in career winnings (14th on all-time list, needs $1,266,585 to surpass his father, Richard, who is in 10th place).
First third-generation driver to win Winston Cup race. Grandfather, Lee, won first in '49, Richard won first in '60. Kyle was the first Petty to win $1 million or more in a season, 1992.
Career-best fifth in '92 and '93 Winston Cup points, but slid to 15th in '94 with two top-five finishes. Then with a disappointing season in 1995, Kyle ended 30th with five top-10 finishes including a win at Dover. Failed to qualify for second Bristol race which was the first time with a SABCO car since he began driving for Sabates seven years ago.
The most flamboyant, fashion-conscious driver on the Winston Cup circuit. Once dabbled in a country-music career. Probably could succeed in standup comedy career. Enjoys shopping, the beach, playing golf and riding his Harley. Spouse: Patti. Children: Adam (7/10/80), Austin (3/24/82), Montgomery Lee (12/17/85).
Sources: NASCAR Press Guides, Star and News staff reports.
