The Petty family name has stood as NASCAR royalty for over seven decades. Richard “The King” Petty set the standard with 200 Cup Series wins and seven championships, while his father Lee Petty laid the foundation before him. Today, the challenge of extending that legacy has fallen to younger blood, Richard Petty’s eldest grandson Thad Moffitt. Thad has been carrying the banner through the ARCA Menards Series and brief Truck Series stints. As the 23-year-old gears up for a full-time ARCA campaign with Nitro Motorsports in 2025, attention around his future has just extended beyond the track.

Moffitt himself has long acknowledged the weight of his lineage. In interviews, he has often said, “I may not have the last name ‘Petty,’ but I’m as Petty as they come.” That statement captures both his ambition and awareness of the legacy tied to his career. The Petty name carries with it the expectation of winning, but also of leadership and stability. As Moffitt has entered a critical point professionally, what he does in his personal life certainly holds symbolic importance for NASCAR’s first family. In fact, just as his career enters a rebuilding phase, he has chosen to begin a new chapter that reshapes how the Petty legacy will grow from here.

A new chapter for the Petty family

On September 6, 2025, Moffitt and longtime partner Lauren Welborn got married in Randleman, North Carolina, the Petty family’s hometown. The couple confirmed the occasion with a heartfelt Instagram post only days later, declaring “Mr. And Mrs. Moffitt. The best day of our lives. 09.06.25.” The ceremony took place at 5 p.m. ET, according to the couple’s wedding registry on The Knot. Choosing Randleman as the venue tied the personal moment back to the roots of NASCAR’s most enduring dynasty. This was a symbolic gesture that linked the Petty past with its future.

The announcement drew immediate support from across the racing community. Rising driver Thomas Annunziata commented beneath the Instagram post, “No way let’s go man congrats.” His excitement reflected the generational connection between up-and-coming drivers and one of stock car racing’s most storied families. For Moffitt, this marriage represents more than a personal milestone. It comes at a time when he is looking to stabilize his career in ARCA after a challenging Truck Series run. That connection between personal growth and professional performance is one the Pettys know all too well.

The union also highlights how NASCAR’s first family continues to evolve. Richard Petty is now in his mid-80s. And his direct children have largely retired from racing. Now, being the eldest grandson, the responsibility of carrying the family’s influence rests on Thad’s shoulders. By starting his own family, he not only strengthens the Petty name but also ensures that NASCAR’s royal bloodline grows alongside his career. It sets the stage for a season where fans will watch not only how he performs in the Nitro Motorsports No. 43 ARCA entry but also how he embraces the dual role of racer and husband.

As Thad Moffitt begins this new chapter, the Petty story widens once again. The milestone has marked a personal turning point. It has also highlighted the lasting influence of the Petty name in NASCAR.

With the family’s legacy firmly in the spotlight, conversations now turn to how the sport itself has evolved. Modern racing continues to challenge even the legends who helped build it. This has set the stage for Richard Petty’s recent reflections on stage racing and the playoff system.

Richard Petty criticizes NASCAR stage racing playoff system

NASCAR legend Richard Petty, 88, remains outspoken about the direction of modern stock car racing. In a recent interview, he expressed concern over the current points system and postseason format. He spoke about how changes aimed at increasing competition may have diluted the sport’s clarity and fan appeal. Petty emphasized that the championship should reward consistent performance across the full season rather than hinge on a winner-take-all playoff finale.

Petty explained his stance clearly, drawing a parallel with football. “That should be the same way in NASCAR racing. I don’t care if you lead 499 laps of a 500-lap race. If you get beat, then you’re not the winner, and you shouldn’t have any [extra] points.” He also criticized the allocation of stage points, calling it “a bunch of crap,” and expressed frustration with what he sees as the lack of standout stars in the current Cup Series.

The seven-time Cup champion’s comments echo the views of other racing figures. This includes Mark Martin, Chase Elliott, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. All these icons have expressed a preference for a traditional full-season points championship. While NASCAR leadership has indicated that the playoff format could be updated as soon as next year, it is expected to remain in some form.

Petty also noted that NASCAR’s efforts to modernize have not fully restored its peak popularity from the early 2000s. “Right now, there’s too big of a crowd. We’ve got no leaders,” he said. “We’ve had, what, 15 different winners this year? That does not create a following. No matter what happens, you need a fox out front. We don’t have any leader. Whether he’s good, bad or indifferent.” His remarks show a wider debate about how to balance tradition, entertainment, and competition in today’s NASCAR.