Pettys: Triumphs and Tragedies of Auto Racing's First Family

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Gr. 4-8. The Pettys' connection to racing dates back to the days patriarch Lee repaired cars for moonshiners who held secret competitions to see who had the fastest vehicles. Since NASCAR's first race in 1949, the Pettys, known as the First Family of Racing, have been have been competitors, role models, and icons. This appealingly formatted text is informative, filled with trivia and quotes from family members and racing rivals, and extended with enough black-and-white and color photographs to delight both diehard racing fans and the simply curious. The focus is on the track life, not the personal, and Stewart's text is reverent but not saccharine. His descriptions of family victories, tragic accidents (fatal accidents of two pit mechanics and young Adam Petty), and the family's enduring passion for the sport will inspire and excite readers. REVWR
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The tumultuous lives of four generations of championship racecar drivers are profiled in this fascinating biography of the Petty family. Lee Petty unknowingly began the family tradition when he developed a talent as an auto mechanic in the 1940s. Back then "moonshiners" would often race informally to determine whose car was the fastest. Lee joined these races and developed strategies that helped him to become known as one of the best drivers in North Carolina. His son Richard was born in 1937 and Maurice was born in 1938. Although both had an interest in racing, it was Richard who gained national acclaim as a champion driver. Richard's only son Kyle was born in 1960. As Kyle grew he developed an interest in the family business and by the age of nineteen he was winning races. Kyle's oldest son Adam was born in 1980 and he also gained fame for his success in racing cars. Unfortunately, twenty-year-old Adam died an untimely death. While practicing several days before a big race, his car crashed into a concrete wall and the racing world lost one its most promising young stars. This is an emotional story of the spirit, commitment and drive of the Petty family. Numerous photos help the reader to identify with the human qualities of this extraordinary family. 2001, Bittersweet, $24.90. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Denise Daley


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