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Kris Johnson: Would a change in role alter Petty's impact in sport?
By Kris Johnson - Associate Editor
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
COMMENTARY
Kyle Petty is back.
For one week, anyway.
Petty returns to drive the No. 45 Petty Enterprises Dodge this weekend at Watkins Glen.
It’s been close to three calendar months since Petty competed in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte. The question going forward: How much longer will he continue to do so?
Most weekends, you need to look far back in the pack to track the progress of the No. 45 Dodge regardless of who is driving it. Performance, though, is often viewed as a secondary consideration when Petty is in the car (even though anybody involved with the team would never accept that).
The undeniable fact is Petty can’t race for victories anymore, but he wins every week by driving to honor the memory of his late son, Adam. And in doing so, he has a vehicle (pardon the pun) to keep the family’s Victory Junction Gang Camp in the public consciousness.
Athletes often have a difficult time stepping away, the twin tugs of competition and camaraderie being too great to overcome in retirement. Given Petty’s situation, there’s an entirely different dynamic at work. If he’s not driving, can he still help continue Adam’s legacy?
NASCAR’s first family has a tradition unlike any other in the sport, but it is not immune from the fiscal realities that govern the sport. With Boston Ventures in the ownership mix now, Petty Enterprises needs to become more competitive.
Kyle Petty may or may not have a role in that future development. Whether Petty runs a partial schedule next year or retires from full-time competition at season’s end, well, that should be a decision he makes as long as there is sponsorship to support his desired involvement.
Like recently retired Dale Jarrett, Petty is well-received in the broadcast booth. He can still be successful in NASCAR – with a microphone in his hand. Petty could land a full-time TV gig, and working in television will keep him directly involved in the sport. He can still be a great ambassador for Victory Junction and perhaps even send a stronger message from the booth than by finishing in the middle or back of the pack. Most important, Petty will also maintain a direct link to the people and companies involved in the sport that support the camp.
Staying in the car that was meant for Adam to continue the family’s legacy in the sport? It’s impossible to criticize the father, who probably feels closer to his son while he’s in that driver’s seat than anywhere else. But Adam’s legacy is, of course, inextricably intertwined with Victory Junction. Adam Petty displayed great talent and potential as a driver, but he is remembered most for his smile and kindness to others.
The long-term success of Victory Junction Gang Camp – and not the No. 45 Dodge – will pay the largest tribute to a son taken all too soon.
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Comments
7 responses to "Kris Johnson: Would a change in role alter Petty's impact in sport? ". Post a Comment.
Nancy Hall said:
Aug 5, 2008 at 11:54 AMI agree, Kyly Petty need to do TV and get out of the 45.
Ron Kokofsky said:
Aug 5, 2008 at 12:54 PMI agree and don't agree. Being an ex-racer, I know how hard it is to hang up your helmet. I feel Kyle still can get the job done. Problem is---the car. Petty's for years have let their program slide downhill and now it's going to take time and big bucks to get competitive. Give Kyle the car he deserves, also Bobby, and look out. Kyle still has the fire in his eyes and the determination. He races, not for the money but the love of the sport. Ron Kokofsky #27
mike stalling said:
Aug 5, 2008 at 12:57 PMkyle is great in the broadcast booth. he may not be the driver he used to be but he is still the fan favorite. as for announcing, let him take over for darrell (mr. boogity, boogity, boogity). just how stupid is that. sounds like he wants to cater to the 10 year olds. good luck in whatever you do kyle. you are a great spokesman for nascar.
Tim the Fan said:
Aug 5, 2008 at 3:55 PMI think all the Petty's will be remembered for their smiles and their kindness to others. What better legacy to leave? As for Kyle's abilities? I do think they've deminished in recent years, but his expertise in the broadcast booth is funominal. Of all the past racers in the booths he is by far the best. Only Dale Jarrett even holds a candle to him. Darrel and Rusty just don't cut it. Kyle, God bless you and what you have done in your son's memory, go forward and enjoy a long broadcasting career......
Carol said:
Aug 5, 2008 at 6:19 PMNicely written piece, Kris - you've made some good points; that "Petty is well-received in the broadcast booth" is, in MY opinion, an understatement! He is knowledgeable, articulate, entertaining and charming - and, while his desire to honour his son's memory is most commendable, he is already doing that with his efforts in the charitable field. In the end, however, to quote Virginia Woolf: "When an arguer argues dispassionately he thinks only of the argument." We are thinking of the argument; Kyle is thinking of his heart.
Paul Jerome said:
Aug 6, 2008 at 8:17 AMTim, I have to disagree. The best ex-racer in the booth was and will ever be Benny Parsons.
William Olson said:
Aug 6, 2008 at 10:15 AMBenny and Ned in the booth..... there was no better team!!!