Richard Petty pays tribute to late ‘first lady of | Sports News

Just weeks after participating in Donald Trump’s inauguration parade, seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Richard Petty, 87, shared a tweet and wished his late wife Lynda a happy birthday on the date she would have turned 83.

The pair were married for 55 years after first becoming high school sweethearts – the couple wed when Lynda was just 17 and had four children together. Lynda nee Owens was diagnosed with cancer in 2010 and bravely fought the disease before succumbing to it four years later at the age of 72.

Petty, a hero on and off the track, competed in the sport over four decades from the 1950s until the 1990s – a period during which he won seven Daytona 500 races. His wife kept the family home in order and was by his side regularly during the racing season as his biggest supporter.

Richard’s father, Lee Petty, his son Kyle and his late grandson Adam also raced in the NASCAR Cup Series. Tragically, Adam died on May 12, 2000, in a practice session for the Busch 200 race which led to the sport instituting new safety measures. He was 19-years-old.

The memory of Adam inspired his father Kyle and the family to start a camp for sick children which began in 2004. Money is also raised for the cause in an annual charity ride. The sport is a big part of the Petty family’s life and by extension, it was a big part of Lynda’s existance as well – leading to the moniker ‘the first lady of NASCAR.’

Lynda, a beloved figure in the racing world and her community died at the family’s home in North Carolina in 2014. She served on the Randolph County School Board for 16 years – She was active in organizations like the Red Cross and Randolph County Hospice. She also co-founded the Racing Wives Auxiliary, a charitable organization supporting the families of NASCAR drivers.

Lynda lent her voice to a character in Pixar’s Cars movie series alongside Richard – reflecting their iconic status in NASCAR. And just as in real life – the films portrayed the pair as a couple. At the time of her death, NASCAR Chairman Brian France released a statement offering his condolences.

He said: “Through the years, Lynda became an integral part of the NASCAR landscape. We have lost a true friend, who will be missed each and every day. Our thoughts and prayers will be with the Pettys throughout this difficult time.”