{"product_id":"nascar-petty-vs-pearson-75-years-2-book-set","title":"NASCAR: Petty vs. Pearson \u0026 75 Years 2 Book Set","description":"\u003cb\u003eGet the detailed inside story on the legendary rivalry that helped propel NASCAR from regional curiosity to national phenomenon.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe battle for NASCAR dominance was never more pronounced than when Richard Petty and David Pearson met on the track. In 551 head-to-head races between 1960 and 1986, they finished one-two an astounding 63 times (Pearson won 33, Petty 30). Each showdown attracted more media attention and new fans, helping the sport to evolve evermore rapidly.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003ePetty vs. Pearson\u003c\/i\u003e is the only book to examine this storied relationship, beginning with their pre-Winston Cup careers. Award-winning motorsports journalist Mike Hembree details:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eThe drivers’ backgrounds\u003c\/b\u003e—Petty earning his way up through a racing dynasty led by his father Lee; Pearson honing his skills as a DIY racer on local South Carolina dirt tracks \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eTheir first meeting in a Cup event\u003c\/b\u003e, in 1960\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eThe memorable battles\u003c\/b\u003e, including their legendary wild finish at the 1976 Daytona 500\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eParallel careers that coincided with seismic changes to NASCAR\u003c\/b\u003e: the advent of superspeedways, the “aero wars,” the injection of corporate money, and a new generation of star drivers in the 1980s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhile their rivalry produced amazing finishes and tense moments, Petty and Pearson were friends throughout. \u003ci\u003ePetty vs. Pearson\u003c\/i\u003e examines that relationship, including their retirements in 1986 (Pearson) and 1992 (Petty) and their lives in NASCAR beyond the driver’s seat. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThroughout the riveting text, Hembree draws on \u003cb\u003eoriginal interviews with both drivers\u003c\/b\u003e (including interviews conducted with Petty in early 2024), those who witnessed the rivalry, and NASCAR figures who came later. The result is an entertaining and essential account of two storied drivers—and friends—who bridged NASCAR’s rollicking early years and the sophisticated entertainment concern it is today.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFeaturing a \u003cb\u003eforeword by Terry Labonte\u003c\/b\u003e, a legendary driver in his own right, \u003ci\u003ePetty vs. Pearson\u003c\/i\u003e is a must-have for every fan’s collection.\n\u003cb\u003eExplore the thrilling illustrated story of NASCAR stock car racing in America with this stunning celebration filled with evocative photography, legendary drivers, and a decade-by-decade history.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eNASCAR 75 Years \u003c\/i\u003ecaptures the\u003cb\u003e greatest moments \u003c\/b\u003ethroughout the decades: from the beaches of Daytona to the jaw-clenching competition, the mind-bending technology, the triumphs, the teamwork, and the high-speed thrills. \u003cb\u003eLarge-format photography\u003c\/b\u003e from throughout NASCAR history brings it all to life alongside\u003cb\u003e narratives\u003c\/b\u003e written by a roster of veteran NASCAR reporters and historians.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Follow NASCAR’s growth from a small, innovative family business to a \u003cb\u003eleader in sports entertainment\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003ewitnessed each week by millions\u003c\/b\u003e in person and on national television. The authors show the \u003cb\u003eevolution of the vehicles\u003c\/b\u003e—from modified family sedans to 700-horsepower race-built behemoths, all the way through the “Next Gen” cars that debuted in 2022—and celebrate \u003cb\u003ethe drivers \u003c\/b\u003ewho have piloted them around tracks like Daytona, Talladega, Darlington, Las Vegas, and more—\u003cb\u003elegendary heroes\u003c\/b\u003e with names including Flock, Weatherly, Petty, Allison, Yarborough, Earnhardt, Waltrip, Gordon, Stewart, Johnson, Busch, all battling wheel to wheel, week after week, across the United States.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This \u003cb\u003ebeautifully designed and extensively illustrated book\u003c\/b\u003e provides the ultimate history of the legendary series, celebrating the \u003cb\u003edrivers, crew chiefs, pit crews, owners, and tracks\u003c\/b\u003e, from the earliest days on Florida’s beaches right through to today’s superspeedways, short tracks, and road courses. Compiled by authors with a passion for motorsport, \u003ci\u003eNASCAR 75 Years\u003c\/i\u003e is a volume no fan can be without.","brand":"Midlife Classic Cars","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50001553621272,"sku":"KIT9780760393178\/9780760380055","price":55.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0057\/9813\/3831\/files\/kit97807603931789780760380055.jpg?v=1772258295","url":"https:\/\/www.midlifeclassiccars.com\/bs\/products\/nascar-petty-vs-pearson-75-years-2-book-set","provider":"MidlifeClassicCars.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}