Rivalry and respect

The 1976 Daytona 500, is remembered for the late-race duel and accident between David Pearson and Richard Petty (picture above). Many fans consider this finish to be the greatest in the history of NASCAR.

Indeed, late in the race, Richard Petty (in his famous #43 STP- sponsored Dodge) and David Pearson (in the red and white #21 Purolator Mercury) were nose-to-tail, two laps ahead of all other competitors.

On the final lap, Pearson passed Petty on the backstretch, and Petty attempted to re-pass in turn 3. Petty did not completely clear Pearson and the two cars made contact with each other and the wall, sending them spinning into the infield grass, just yards from the finish.

Petty’s car stalled and would not re-start. Pearson instead succeeded to get his car going and crossed the line to win, while Petty, with the help of a push-start from his crew, crossed the line and took second place.

Richard Petty: “I have always been asked who my toughest competitor in my career was. The answer has always been David Pearson. It wasn’t a rivalry, but more mutual respect. David is a driver who made me better. He pushed me just as much as I pushed him. We were close on and off the track.”