In 1986, Richard Petty’s Career Numbers Came Under Question

NASCAR has its share of historians and statisticians — almost from the first day of its existence, in fact — and they don’t always agree on the numbers or records. There have always been controversies and disagreements over the facts and figures logged in the NASCAR record book, largely because of debate over the circumstances under which they were compiled.

There was, perhaps, the perfect example of this during the 1986 season, when it was announced that Richard Petty, easily NASCAR’s most enduring and recognizable superstar, would be making his 1,000^th Winston Cup (formerly Grand National) start in the June 15 Miller American 400 at Michigan International Speedway, the 14^th race of the season.

This was big news. In fact, it was so big that media attention to NASCAR was nationwide instead of limited to regional coverage. Petty’s achievement was unprecedented and likely would never be equaled. In NASCAR country, primarily located in the south at the time, the coverage was widespread. It was reported and broadcast numerous times well before the Michigan race itself.

Then came the problem.

Questions arose about authenticity. Someone had run the numbers and questioned whether the start at Michigan was really Petty’s 1000^th.

From 1958 through 1982, the NASCAR record book credited Petty with 21 starts in 1959, his second year of Grand National competition. But in 1983, the number of Petty’s starts in the ’59 season was increased from 21 to 22. The change came 24 years after Petty’s first season. Only the number of starts was altered. His money winnings did not change at all.

The question was: why? Why was only the number of starts changed and nothing else? It didn’t add up.

Historians and statisticians set out to solve the mystery. They got some unexpected assistance. Petty’s longtime sponsor, STP, announced it would resolve the issue. It’s hard to imagine any of today’s team supporters becoming so involved, but the Petty-STP relationship was enduring and ironclad. It lasted decades — and included a lifetime contract for Petty.

STP’s research concluded that the missing 1959 event was a 100-mile Convertible Division race held at Daytona on February 20, 1959.

That didn’t seem to be the difference. Convertibles were not part of the Grand National circuit; they raced in their own league in 1959. Petty finished third in that race. But according to NASCAR statistics, the finish didn’t count on his Grand National record. He…