Adam Petty was the first fourth-generation driver in NASCAR's top series, carrying the sport's most famous name as the son of Kyle and grandson of Richard. After success in lower series, he was making his Cup debut in 2000, and the garage buzzed with excitement about the Petty legacy continuing.
During practice for a Busch Series race at Loudon, Adam's throttle stuck and his car hit the wall nearly head-on. He died at 19. Eight weeks later, Kenny Irwin died in a nearly identical crash at the same track, forcing NASCAR to mandate restrictor plates and kill switches at Loudon.
At a Glance
- Born: July 10, 1980, Level Cross, North Carolina
- Died: May 12, 2000, Loudon, New Hampshire
- Age: 19
- Cause of death: Head injuries from a practice crash at New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Final Resting Place
Level Cross United Methodist Church Cemetery, Randleman, North Carolina.
From the Book
This profile is adapted from Legends at Rest: NASCAR Legends by Howard Wear.
Portrait: from the Legends at Rest: NASCAR Legends book files.