Two of the most iconic drivers in NASCAR, Richard Petty and Bill Elliott are going to drive two pace cars which will lead the field for the Southern 500 on September 3rd during the Labour Day.
Both legendary drivers managed during their remarkable career to tame Darlington Raceway at least once. Richard Petty came with a win in 1966, and swept both races in the 1967 season, a year when he was crowned Champion for the first time conquering 27 races. Elliott on his own was less dominant than Petty but reached the Victory Lane 4 times: twice in 1985, 1988 and for the final time in 1992.
This honorary news came just after Richard Petty 80th Birthday on July 2nd and showed his happiness remembering the dominant win in 1967: “The 1967 Southern 500 was a great win. To be able to win at Darlington, especially in those days, was really special. The Southern 500 was and still is, one of the great races in our sport,” Petty said. He led 345 laps out of 364 that day.
They will honor the manufacturers of the iconic cars used during that time. Petty will field his 1967 Plymouth used during that season while Bill Elliott will jump in Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang pace car, the who leads the race to the green flag.
This iconic moment will be part of NASCAR Throwback day marking the Southern 500 of 2017. Both Drivers are already in the Hall of Fame When Petty has been elected in 2010, Elliott came up with the list five years laters in 2015.
With them back on track it surely will be a fantastic weekend in Darlington.