Richard Petty Announces Formation of New NASCAR Team for 2026 Season
CONCORD, N.C. — In a move that has taken the racing world by surprise, Richard Petty has officially announced the creation of a new NASCAR Cup Series team that will make its debut in the 2026 season. The seven-time Cup Series champion, widely regarded as the face of NASCAR’s golden era, revealed the plan during a press conference Tuesday afternoon at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, describing the project as a return to the core values that built the sport he helped define.
Petty, now 88, spoke with his familiar calm confidence as he outlined his vision for the new venture. He said the team would be independently operated under the Petty family name and headquartered in North Carolina, with a focus on developing young American talent and restoring what he called “the spirit of competition that made stock car racing what it is.”
“This sport has given me everything,” Petty said to a packed room of reporters and longtime NASCAR insiders. “I’ve seen it change and I’ve seen it grow, but I’ve always believed there’s room to get back to what made people fall in love with racing in the first place. We’re starting something that’s about hard work, pride, and a passion for winning. That’s what NASCAR has always been about.”
According to Petty, the new organization will field one full-time entry in 2026, with discussions already underway regarding manufacturer alliances and sponsorship partners. While Petty did not disclose specific details about the driver lineup, he said the team’s focus will be on giving a promising young racer the opportunity to compete at the highest level. Several industry sources suggest that early conversations have taken place with multiple rising talents from the Xfinity and Truck Series.
Petty’s new team will operate separately from Legacy Motor Club, the organization that currently carries the Petty name but has undergone structural changes in recent years. When asked about how this new venture differs from his previous ownership roles, Petty emphasized independence and vision. “This time it’s about doing it our way,” he said. “I want to build a team that reflects the values we had when I was racing — good people, strong cars, and a lot of heart. We’re not chasing trends. We’re building something to last.”
The announcement quickly drew reaction from across the NASCAR community. Former champions, team owners, and drivers expressed both excitement and admiration for Petty’s renewed involvement. Dale Earnhardt Jr. wrote on social media that seeing Richard Petty back in the ownership game was “a huge win for the sport,” while several current drivers commented that the presence of such a historic name would be an inspiration to the next generation.
Industry analysts also view the move as a potential boost for NASCAR’s ongoing efforts to balance heritage with modernization. The arrival of a new Petty-led team could bring added attention from longtime fans who have felt disconnected in recent years as technology and team consolidation have transformed the racing landscape.
Petty acknowledged those shifts while expressing confidence that the sport’s foundation remains strong. “NASCAR has changed, and it’s supposed to,” he said. “Every generation brings something new. But there’s still that same fire in the fans, that same thrill when the green flag drops. That’s what we want to celebrate and carry forward.”
When asked if this project marks a final chapter in his legendary career, Petty smiled and shook his head. “I don’t know about final chapters,” he said. “As long as I can wake up and be around the racetrack, I’ll keep finding ways to be part of it. Racing isn’t just what I did. It’s who I am.”
As the press conference concluded, Petty posed for photos beside a simple logo featuring the iconic number 43 and the word “Heritage,” believed to be the working name of the new team. No official announcements regarding team partners or driver signings have been scheduled, though insiders expect updates in early 2025 as the organization begins assembling its leadership group.
For a sport built on tradition, few names carry the weight of Richard Petty. His return to the ownership ranks serves as a reminder of NASCAR’s deep roots and enduring appeal. With a familiar grin, Petty summed it up in one final line before leaving the podium: “The King’s still here — and we’re not done racing yet.”