With the racing world advancing every day to greater heights, drivers are well-equipped with every small detail. In addition to mastering minute technical details about their cars, drivers are also expected to gain control over tire management. But back in the 1970s, things were quite relaxed and different. However, that does not mean that the drivers were lacking in experience and knowledge, but the technical aspects were not completely flown into.

When hearing about the ’70s NASCAR, one name that pops into everyone’s mind is bound to be ‘King’ Richard Petty. Recently, Richard Petty opened up about the 70’s management. Here’s what he said.

This is how Richard Petty used to manage his tires

Richard Petty was joined by his primary crew chief, Dale Inman, in an interview with renowned NASCAR insider Bob Pockrass. Pockrass asked a question on the fans’ behalf about how good his tire management was. He asked the same question about Petty’s tire management to Inman. The question sent both veterans into laughter. However, King Petty made a shocking revelation.

Petty said, “You know, I don’t know if I was good at tire management. I do know that a lot of times, you put on brand new tires and the cars would run quicker. A lot of times we didn’t run as hard as some of the rest of the people did. So that we didn’t wear the new tire off the tires.” He added, “We have done everything we could to try to do tire management, and that was a different groove on the race track. Maintaining your speed early and let the guys wear their tires out before you started racing with them.”

Inman, who also possesses significant knowledge of these, thanks to his vast career as a crew chief, answers the same question, a bit more technically. Other than Richard Petty, Inman has served as the crew chief of many other greats. The list includes Maurice Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and Jimmie Johnson (with Legacy MC) in his illustrious career.

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He said, “We know that the tires were gonna give up, but not wear out. So, if you didn’t abuse them too much to start with, and he was good at it. And we talked about it prior to the race, different tracks and everything. But he was really good at it, and then heat was the big thing we had to fight back, along with not as much tire wear.” 

The King’s astonishment over the Bristol Motor Speedway track

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In a recent revelation, Petty shared his astonishment following the Food City Dirt Race at Bristol Motor Speedway. This event marked Bristol’s transition back to its original concrete surface after a stint as a dirt track. The race witnessed extreme tire wear, resulting in a fiercely competitive and demanding short-track battle. Petty, renowned for his tire management expertise, found himself surprised by the intensity of the competition.

The event featured strategic duels between drivers and crew chiefs, with worn-out tires playing a pivotal role. Unlike previous races, aero tightness and unclean air were non-factors, creating an exhilarating and unpredictable experience. Joe Gibbs Racing star Denny Hamlin‘s #11 car had the last laugh, though, continuing the dominant streak of Toyota.

Richard Petty’s insights underscore that these surprising turns had fans eagerly perched on the edge of their seats. What further challenges are awaiting the COTA? Cannot wait to witness it.

NASCAR Legend Richard Petty Is Rendered Speechless After the Surprising Bristol Race