Thad Moffitt, the 23-year-old grandson of racing royalty Richard Petty, is set to make waves in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. As a promising force in the racing scene, Moffitt’s journey holds the promise of reviving the iconic Petty name after a 16-year hiatus. Two weeks ago, Moffitt received an early Christmas gift: being named the full-time Truck series driver for Faction46.
The announcement at Petty Garage is a monumental moment for NASCAR, marking the return of the iconic Petty family. Moffitt, despite a modest track record, showcases dedication with nine top-5 and 26 top-10 finishes in a slim 45 ARCA starts. Upon Christmas, the grandson of Richard Petty shared insights into the Petty family’s Christmas celebrations.
Speaking on his podcast, Moffitt shared a glimpse into the cherished Christmas traditions of the Petty family.
Holidays with the Petty family are usually pretty hectic.
Reflecting on a special Christmas gift from Grandpa Richard, he reminisces;
I don’t know if it was last year or the year before, he made like 40 copies of my grandmother’s cookbook.
This heartfelt gesture turned a cherished family recipe collection into a hardcover masterpiece—a sentimental keepsake for Thad and his relatives.
I display it in my kitchen because grandma was obviously a big part of my childhood and everything Petty up until 2014 when we lost her.
Thad Moffitt recognizes the weight of expectations come with being Richard Petty’s grandson
Further delving into the holiday traditions, Thad Moffitt shares the sentimentality embedded in the gifts from Grandpa Richard. “I’ve got more Richard Petty stuff from Richard Petty for Christmas than anything,” he reveals. This unique insight into the personal touch of the King himself adds a layer of warmth to the Petty family’s festivities. Thad’s kitchen, enriched by Grandma’s cookbook and Petty memorabilia, stands as a tribute to family and tradition.
As Moffitt gears up for a full-time stint in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, he carries the weight of a renowned surname. Acknowledging the expectations, he asserts;
If you are a Petty, you have to win. You have to be competitive.
The pressure to live up to the illustrious Petty name is a driving force in Thad’s racing journey, but he’s carving his path with Faction46, showcasing his capabilities beyond the family legacy.
With the iconic No. 46 Chevrolet Silverado, Moffitt, guided by veteran crew chief Doug George, aims to bring the Petty name back to the forefront. The strategic alliances and sponsorship support promise an exciting narrative in the competitive Truck Series, as Thad Moffitt emerges as a torchbearer for the legendary Petty legacy.
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