Petty 75: How Petty Blue Became The Most Famous Color In NASCAR
Learn about the origins of the iconic 'Petty Blue' paint scheme in NASCAR and how it almost changed to all-red.
The Birth of Petty Blue
Richard Petty needed his car painted for a race, but there wasn't enough blue or white paint to cover the entire car. As a last-minute solution, they mixed the two colors together, creating the light blue shade that would become synonymous with Richard Petty and his NASCAR career.
Often referred to as 'Carolina Blue,' this color became a key part of Petty's racing identity, along with his renowned No. 43. Despite its humble origins, the Petty Blue paint scheme would leave a lasting impact on the sport.
The Sponsorship Dilemma
In 1972, Richard Petty was offered a sponsorship deal by Andy Granatelli, who wanted an all-red car featuring his STP oil treatment brand. However, Petty was unwilling to give up the Petty Blue that had become his trademark.
A compromise was eventually reached between the sponsor and driver. The familiar blue-and-red livery was agreed upon, and it became the iconic color scheme that defined Petty's cars for years to come.
Celebrating 75 Years of NASCAR Racing
2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the Petty family's involvement in NASCAR racing. Throughout the year, the Petty family will be celebrating this milestone with various events and activities.
Autoweek will be joining in the festivities with a series of 'Petty 75' stories written by reporters who have been covering the Petty family for over 50 years. The series will provide unique insights into the history and legacy of the Petty racing dynasty.
