‘We had Kentucky Fried Chicken’: Richard Petty recalls having lunch with ex-president Ronald Raegan after historic 200th NASCAR win

When Richard Petty earned his 200th victory in the Firecracker 400 at Daytona International Speedway, it wasn’t just another entry in the record books—it was an unparalleled milestone that remains unchallenged in NASCAR history. The victory took on added significance with President Ronald Reagan in attendance, marking the first time a sitting U.S. president attended a NASCAR race live.

The post-race festivities were just as memorable, featuring an informal meal that broke new ground: Petty and his fellow drivers shared Kentucky Fried Chicken with President Reagan. Recalling the event in an August 2023 interview with NASCAR, Petty, while looking at a photo of himself sitting next to Reagan, recalled:

“We had Kentucky Fried Chicken and it was taken while we were busy eating. They got Beanie Parsons in the back here, like here, here, me, President (Regan), Bobby Allison… I sat there and ate chicken…”

Petty continued, reflecting on lunch, “It was such a good deal to be with the president of the United States, having lunch with him, I don’t know, probably a thousand people. I don’t think he has lunch with that many people every day. I was so excited… I don’t know where I talked about what I talked about. We talked about family… I have no idea what the conversation was about.”

President Reagan, as Marshal, initiated the race with the traditional command, transmitted uniquely by rotary telephone from an altitude of 30,000 feet, while flying to Daytona Beach. Upon arrival, he headed to the radio booth to join Ned Jarrett, who called the race for the Motor Racing Network.

When President Reagan shared a sharp observation

After President Reagan was escorted to an upper-level suite above the Campbell bleachers and later to the stand, he shared a smart review. He PLEASE NOTE,

“I have already noticed one thing. I’ve only been here a short time, but I’ve noticed that if you try to look at the number on the car, you better look when they’re on the road. You won’t see him when they pass by.”

With a background as a sports announcer, Reagan noted to his relief that his announcing days involved mostly sports such as baseball and football, along with some swimming events. Reflecting on the frenetic pace on the circuit, he commented: “I had a lot of laps trying to figure out who was where.”