Richard Petty Makes a Nearly $100K Investment Backing Jimmie Johnson Supported Sponsor for the Team

Richard Petty and Jimmie Johnson know what it takes to succeed. With 14 Cup Series championships between the two, few have experienced the level of success as both the Hall of Fame drivers. As NASCAR steers away from practice sessions, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, teams have been forced to use alternate means to acclimatize their drivers with the rigors of the racetrack. Knowing fully well that being pushed to the limits is the only way to achieve victories, it’s no surprise that Petty and Johnson are big advocates for simulators.

In a bid to help the next generation of motorsports drivers, NASCAR legend Richard Petty has invested almost $100,000 to make a state-of-the-art racing simulator accessible to enthusiasts and aspiring racers. Is this the future of stock car racing?

Richard Petty’s investment is geared towards future superstars

It’s not easy to become a motorsports driver. Apart from the staggering costs, sponsorships, luck, and infrastructure have a lot to do with the development of an aspiring racer. However, simulators level the playing field to a large extent, giving enthusiasts a taste of what it’s like to compete on some of the most iconic tracks in the world. Technology has come such a long way that track conditions, weather, and feedback can accurately be replicated, giving drivers unparalleled realism and performance.

In a bid to make simulation racing more accessible, Richard Petty has made a significant investment in Simcraft’s APEX GT model. A post uploaded by Petty’s Garage on Instagram read, “Ready to feel the thrill of the track without leaving the garage? @pettysgarage now has a @simcraft in the house! With over 50 customizable settings, you can fine-tune your virtual racing experience to match the real deal. Whether you’re a beginner getting into racing or a professional driver perfecting your craft, the SimCraft, paired with professional coaching, is your ultimate tool for taking your performance to the next level.”

Featuring cutting-edge motion technology, the APEX GT is accessible for racing enthusiasts for just $150 per hour or $250 with professional coaching. Many professional NASCAR drivers rely on simulators to excel at the racetrack, and practice can make all the difference in a sport that is defined by fine margins. While Richard Petty may not have used racing simulators during his 70s and 80s, his initiative of making such technology accessible to the future generation is a step in the right direction for aspiring racing drivers.

Meanwhile, Jimmie Johnson is a known user and advocate for simulators. The Legacy Motor Club co-owner said, “After experiencing the SimCraft APEX6, I was amazed by its realistic feel and immediately knew I was hooked. I was even left wondering how such authenticity was achieved, given that nothing else I’ve tried can match the real-world vehicle experience, regardless of price.” The 49-year-old is a brand ambassador for Simcraft, which may have motivated Richard Petty to make the investment after getting Johnson’s glowing endorsement.

Petty’s iconic 1970 Plymouth Superbird heads to auction

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While simulators have their place in giving drivers some much-needed practice, most drivers will claim that nothing replaces the feel of being in a real car. In Richard Petty’s case, the 87-year-old will certainly agree with the sentiment, having competed in an era where technology and motorsport didn’t overlap much. The seven-time championship winner will be seeing his personal 1970 Plymouth Superbird go for sale at the Mecum Kissimmee 2025 auction, which will grab the attention of collectors and fans alike.

Richard Petty is known for taking care of his cars. That’s why it should come as no surprise that his Superbird features a factory original 440 V8 engine featuring an automatic transmission. The car was restored by Petty’s Garage in 2014 and features alpine white paint, a black vinyl roof, and detailed graphics, all in pristine condition. If that’s not all, the North Carolina native’s signature is also on the trunk lid while featuring a personal message on the dash which reads, “Take care of my car!”

To make this car even more unique, the Superbird comes with a signed letter by Richard Petty himself, verifying that it’s the only such car he has ever owned. The vehicle has been featured in several TV shows in the past, such as Jay Leno’s Garage, giving the car celebrity status. The 1970 Plymouth will get quite a lot of attention when it finally goes for auction next year, with plenty of motorsport enthusiasts trying to get their hands on the iconic piece of history from a NASCAR legend’s collection.