Unlike other sports, Nascar can see drivers compete well into their 50’s. While this allows for some pretty cool stories and added fan memories, it also can lend itself to some drivers staying active well past their prime.
With Jimmie Johnson being just the latest driver to announce his retirement from Nascar (effective the end of the 2020 season), I wanted to take a look at drivers who voluntarily retired from the sport to see if they hung on too long or left at just the right time (or maybe even a little too soon). By “voluntary retirement” that means I’m not including anyone who was killed or seriously injured while driving.
Instead of looking at EVERY driver (even though interest in an analysis of Wally Dallenbach’s latter years could be quite high) I’m limiting it to Hall of Fame inductees—for now.
(Drivers listed in order of their Hall of Fame induction)
NOTE: Those inducted primarily or exclusively for achievements outside of driving (team ownership, crew chiefing, etc.) will not be considered. Cup performance is all that’s considered for this piece. Also, the more modern term “Cup Series” will be used instead of Grand National, Winston Cup, etc.
Richard Petty
DRIVING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: “The King”. 200 Cup Series wins (most of all-time and likely never to be broken). Seven-time Cup Series champion (tied for most all-time). Seven-time Daytona 500 champion (most all-time). Most Cup Series poles all-time (123). Most Cup Series wins in a season (27) and in a row (10). Almost universally considered to be the benchmark for a Nascar superstar, both in on-track accomplishments and fan and sponsor relationships.
LAST HURRAH: After years of declining on-track results (his last championship was in 1979 and his last Daytona 500 win was in 1981), Petty left his family team to drive for Mike Curb in 1984, posting his 199th and 200th Cup Series wins. After a down year in 1985 he returned to Petty Enterprises in 1986, then would post his last top-ten points finish in 1987 (8th).
FINAL YEAR(S): Petty posted his last top-five race finish in 1988 but continued to race through his “Fan Appreciation Tour” in 1992. Four “Did Not Qualify”s in 1989 led to the implementation of the “Past Champion’s Provisional” starting spot. Petty finished out of the top-twenty in points his last five years and was rarely a threat to contend for race wins. Since retirement he has continued to own his race team with several different co-owners.
DID HE HANG ON TOO LONG?: Yes. As great as it was for younger fans (myself included) to see The King race, he likely would’ve been better off retiring after the 1987 or 88 season.