NASCAR Fans and Race Enthusiasts Mourn the Loss of Lynda Petty

They say that behind every great man is a great woman. When it came to seven-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty, that was certainly the case. Not only did his wife Lynda Petty support his amazing race career, she also often played both mom and dad to the couple’s four children when Richard was off at the track. Without her, the Petty family would not have existed as it did.

On Tuesday March 25th, the matriarch of the Petty family passed away in her Level Cross, North Carolina home at the age of 72, after battling central nervous system lymphoma for years.

She was surrounded by her family at the time of her death and is said to have passed away peacefully.

As a tribute to the first lady of NASCAR, the organization put together the video above. Not only does it show Lynda’s undying devotion to her husband and family, but also the love and sense of security she brought to the entire Petty clan.

The Petty’s released the following statement about Lynda’s passing, according to NBC Sports.

Image: Chevy Talk

“We wish to sincerely thank everyone who has supported us and our family throughout the years and at this time. We will forever love and miss a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend.”

NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France released the following statement: “On behalf of the France Family and everyone at NASCAR, I want to offer sincere condolences to the Petty Family regarding the loss of their beloved matriarch, Lynda Petty. Through the years, Lynda became an integral part of the NASCAR landscape. We have lost a true friend, who will be missed each and every day. Our thoughts and prayers will be with the Pettys throughout this difficult time.”

A private memorial service will be held for the Petty family and friends in North Carolina in the near future, although a date has not been announced. No public memorial will be held, but contributions can be made in Lynda’s name to the Petty Family Foundation, which serves the community through programs like the Victory Junction camp for ill children.