19-Year-Old Baby-Faced Michael Jordan’s Photo With NASCAR Legend Richard Petty Unearthed Out of Nowhere

Ahead of the much-awaited Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, NASCAR fans got to see a lesser-known moment “The King” Richard Petty shared with the NBA great Michael Jordan. While fans were surprised to see a young MJ alongside one of the greatest racers in the sport, thrilled fans took the opportunity to express their delight at seeing the future 23Xl Racing co-owner in a NASCAR setting so early on in his life.

A popular racing page, NASCARMAN on Twitter, shared a throwback photo of the legendary racer alongside the basketball great. And this has the entire racing community delighted, seeing both legends together in the same frame ahead of the then-iconic World 600.

Michael Jordan and Richard Petty Share a Moment as Fans Cherish the Old Photograph

From 1982 till now, a lot has changed. Countless innovations and developments took over the world of NASCAR and the NBA. However, memories and moments are some things in life that retain their beauty even after years.

That certainly is the case this week as fans saw a young and upcoming MJ alongside NASCAR’s great, Richard Petty. In the photograph, we can see ‘The King’ conversing with the young talent while he is in the iconic cowboy hat, smoking a cigar.

It seems the 1982 conversation with Petty influenced a young Michael Jordan to himself step into the NASCAR Arena after years. Moreover, the experience had a long-lasting effect on Jordan as he went on to dominate the court just like the King has done here.

Both distinguished gentlemen were fans of each other’s work, as MJ was an eager fan who followed the sport regularly. And alongside the old photograph is Tyler Reddick’s #45 car with a special Jordan Air livery.

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Fans Relish the Iconic Photograph as They Display Their Delight as Comments

From being a freshman on North Carolina’s basketball team to being one of the greatest athletes on the court, while also owning a NASCAR team, Michael Jordan’s journey is certainly an epic tale. While Jordan’s fame and reputation intimidate many, it’s his failures and his perseverance that got him to the grandest stages of them all.

On the other hand, Richard Petty was born in a racing family. His father was a great influence on the young driver as it eventually got him to racing. Much like MJ, Petty also had to prove the man in himself before lighting the track on fire. Even after 40 years, King’s accolades and achievements still stand to this day unfazed.

Fans also got on the fun as they commented their thoughts.

“MJ is the real deal, saw him play AAA baseball many years ago after his basketball success because he loved the game. We are fortunate to have him in NASCAR!”

While other fans praised Jordan for his iconic sneaker lineup,

“As a sneakerhead I love these Jordan brand cars.”

“Damn that is saweeet!”

“I might actually have to pull for this car now, for a weekend at least”

Whereas another fan revealed his hate for Jordan’s co-owner and NASCAR veteran, Denny Hamlin.

“That’s awesome.. too bad he’s doing it with Hamlin. Nobody likes him.”

WATCH THIS STORY: What makes the Coca-Cola 600 so special? 

At the end of the day, people are defined by their actions and actions reveal the person inside. Being from the southern part of the country in a time when the sport was confined to the localities, both Jordan and Petty rose up the ranks through sheer determination and will to lift both sports to be the giant million-dollar promotions they are.