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Richard Petty Endorses Trump in North Carolina

2026-10-24 · Richard Petty · Player Focus

NASCAR icon Richard Petty made a high-profile political appearance this week, endorsing former President Donald Trump at a rally in Greenville, North Carolina. The seven-time champion used a racing metaphor to frame his support, telling the crowd on October 20 that Trump is "the best driver we've ever had." This event capped a week where Petty and former rival Danica Patrick both campaigned for Trump.

Petty's Political Pitch in a Key Senate Race

Petty's appearance at Pitt-Greenville Airport was strategically timed for the approaching midterm elections. He flew aboard Air Force One with Trump before taking the stage. His endorsement aimed to boost Republican turnout in a critical North Carolina Senate race, where Trump's preferred candidate, Michael Whatley, is facing former Democratic governor Roy Cooper. Petty, a Randolph County native, framed the election as a team effort with Trump steering the nation. "I'm going to use him as the driver," Petty said, directly applying his racing expertise to the political arena.

A Surprising Truce with Danica Patrick

Petty's rally came just one day after former driver Danica Patrick appeared with Trump at a separate event in Park City, Kansas, on October 19. The back-to-back appearances are notable given the pair's longstanding public feud, which began over a decade ago when Petty criticized Patrick's racing talent. Despite their differences, both have consistently aligned with the Republican Party. Patrick, introduced by Trump as "unbelievably brave," traveled on Air Force One for her rally.

Petty's Blunt Take on What Wins Championships

Away from the campaign trail, Petty recently offered a candid assessment of what it takes to win a NASCAR title. On his family's racing channel, he argued that a driver gets too much credit for a championship. "He's probably not even half of what it takes to win a championship," Petty stated. He pointed to the essential role of team, car, and engineering, using examples like Kyle Busch's winless streak at Richard Childress Racing from 2024 to 2026 and Jimmie Johnson's 130-race drought to illustrate how even elite talent struggles without the right equipment.

  • Key Takeaways: Richard Petty endorsed Donald Trump in North Carolina on October 20, calling him the nation's best "driver." He and Danica Patrick, despite a past feud, both campaigned for Trump on consecutive days. Petty also believes a driver is responsible for less than half of a championship team's success.

Petty's week shows a figure seamlessly blending his legendary status in NASCAR with active political advocacy. His comments on championships reflect a lifetime of experience watching teams succeed and fail, while his rally appearance shows his deep connection to North Carolina politics. At 89, The King remains a vocal and influential presence, whether discussing the mechanics of victory or shaping a political race.

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