The Time David Pearson KO’ed Tim Richmond With ONE Punch

July 4th, 1984 — the day Ronald Reagan called Richard Petty to Victory Lane for his 200th win. Fireworks on the track, history in the books… and a knockout blow in the garage. While the world watched Petty cross the line at Daytona, David Pearson was settling business the old-school way, with his fist. And the target? A young, brash Tim Richmond.

• What did Tim Richmond do that set David Pearson off?
• Why was Pearson so furious that he walked straight over after the checkered flag?
• Who had to physically pull Pearson away after the punch?
• And what was Richmond’s raw, immediate reaction inside the hauler?

It was a moment of earned respect in a garage where legends were still made by reputation, not just stats. And Pearson? He walked away like it was just another Wednesday. This is the untold garage-side drama of one of the most iconic days in NASCAR history. Watch the full story of the punch that put Pearson and Richmond on a collision course — and let us know in the comments if you think it was fair or foul.

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