Petty vs. Pearson: The Rivalry that Shaped NASCAR

Get the detailed inside story on the legendary rivalry that helped propel NASCAR from regional curiosity to national phenomenon. Written by award-winning motorsports journalist Mike Hembree Petty vs. Pearson is the only book to examine this storied relationship, beginning with their pre-Winston Cup careers.

The Rivalry that Shaped NASCAR

Eric Estepp, host of the NASCAR-themed YouTube channel Out of the Groove, talks about Petty vs. Pearson: The Rivalry that Shaped NASCAR, by Mike Hembree.

Petty Vs. Pearson: The Rivalry That Shaped NASCAR OUT NOW!

Bryan Aguiar May 23, 2025

The book Petty Versus Pearson is officially out, and host Rick Houston sits down with author Mike Henry to dive deep into how this long-awaited project came to life. Initially conceived as a solo biography of David Pearson, the book evolved into a dual profile once the publisher proposed adding Richard Petty. The result is a gripping account of NASCAR’s most legendary rivalry, told through decades of personal interviews, archive digging, and firsthand experience.

What made David Pearson one of racing history’s most mysterious and misunderstood figures?
Why has Richard Petty’s public presence endured far beyond his driving days?
How did Mike Henry gain such rare access to both men, including family and team members?
What unforgettable moment at the 1976 Daytona 500 still gives goosebumps to those who witnessed it?

With stories ranging from snowmobiling in Wyoming with the Petty family to awkward but endearing early interviews with Pearson, Henry shares why this rivalry was more than just on-track drama, but also about legacy, personality, and the evolution of NASCAR itself. Whether you’re Team Petty or Team Pearson, this conversation will give you new insight and fresh appreciation for both icons. Don’t miss this look behind the curtain, and don’t forget to grab Petty Versus Pearson at Barnes & Noble or online today.

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What’s Happening?

Before Stewart and Gordon, Earnhardt and Bodine, or even Keselowski and Edwards took center stage in NASCAR, Richard Petty and David Pearson stood as the sport’s premier on-track rivalry. Now, veteran NASCAR writer Mike Hembree’s new book, Petty vs. Pearson: The Rivalry That Shaped NASCAR, breaks down this rivalry and its impact on NASCAR.

Throughout their storied careers, both Petty and Pearson had iconic moments and drove iconic cars. The two drivers combined for eight Daytona 500 victories, ten NASCAR Cup Series Championships, and 305 race wins.

In an interview with Rick Houston of The Scene Vault Podcast, Hembree revealed that this book initially began as a David Pearson biography, eventually evolving into the story of both drivers’ careers.

With interviews and insight, this book covers all the great moments the two shared on the track during their 551 simultaneous starts, alongside their friendship off the track. Hembree also explores how the two NASCAR Hall of Famers made their way to NASCAR and handled key changes in the sport during their careers.

NASCAR fans may recognize Mike Hembree for his work with Autoweek, the SPEED Channel, and the NASCAR Scene. Hembree, a seven-time National Motorsports Press Association Writer of the Year recipient, has also written an assortment of eye-catching NASCAR books similar to Petty vs. Pearson.

A hardcover version of the 240-page Petty vs. Pearson is already available for purchase and retails for $29.99. You can purchase a physical or ebook version of Petty vs. Pearson via the Barnes & Noble website.

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The 1-2 Finishes of NASCAR Icons David Pearson and Richard Petty

Bryan Aguiar May 29, 2025

They came to the white flag side by side, two legends with nothing left to prove—except to each other. David Pearson and Richard Petty tangled in one of the most dramatic finishes in NASCAR history. A black flag. A white flag. A final lap with smoke, chaos, and glory. And then, they wrecked. Both of them. Spinning, sliding, slamming the wall. And somehow, Pearson still won. Barely.

Why was David Pearson shown the black flag, and why didn’t he come in?
What happened when both Petty and Pearson wrecked with the finish line in sight?
How did Pearson manage to win with a destroyed race car?
What did Petty say afterward about the wreck and the finish?

Their rivalry was a war between titans. From wild pit strategy and car troubles to the most jaw-dropping final lap NASCAR may ever see, the 1976 Daytona 500 ended with an explosion of controversy, pride, and pure racing grit. If you’ve ever wanted to understand why Pearson and Petty are talked about with such reverence, this is the race that defines it. The final lap alone is enough to give you chills.

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Petty Vs. Pearson: The Rivalry That Shaped NASCAR OUT NOW!