Richard Petty Museum facts for kids
The Richard Petty Museum is a special place that celebrates the amazing racing history of the Petty family. It's located in Level Cross, North Carolina, which is the family's hometown. The museum first opened in 1998. It helps visitors learn all about the life and career of Richard Petty, who is a famous NASCAR driver.
Inside the museum, you can see many cool things from the Petty family's own collections. This includes old race cars, like a very rare Plymouth Superbird. There's even a fun "pit stop" area for kids where they can pretend to design their own race cars!
Where is the Petty Museum Located?
The museum has moved a few times! It started in Level Cross. Then, in 2003, it moved to a nearby town called Randleman, North Carolina. This happened because the Petty Enterprises racing team needed the space where the museum was. Randleman was a good choice because it was close by. It's also where Richard Petty and his wife, Lynda, went to high school.
But don't worry, the museum is back home now! In March 2014, it moved back to its original spot in Level Cross. This new museum area is right next to the Petty Garage and Richard Petty's home.
What Can You See at the Museum?
The new museum complex has some really historic buildings. One is called the "A-Frame Building." This was the very first home of Petty Engineering, which was the family's racing business. You can also see the "Lee Petty House." This is the house where Richard Petty and his brother, Maurice Petty, were born!
The museum shows off exhibits about four members of the Petty family who are in the NASCAR Hall of Fame. These include Lee Petty (Richard's father), Richard Petty himself, Maurice Petty, and Dale Inman (Richard's cousin and crew chief).
There are even plans to make the museum bigger! They want to add more about Lee Petty's amazing racing story. They also plan to include the "Reaper Shed." This is the exact spot where Lee Petty first started Petty Engineering.
