Bull riding is dangerous, but that didn’t stop NASCAR veteran and multifaceted personality Kyle Petty from engaging in the thrilling activity. His dangerous experience in the sport, which he described as “worse than a car crash,” almost cost him his life. Petty, 64, has a successful career that includes a stellar 30-year NASCAR career and eight Cup Series race victories, but his achievements are not limited to the racetrack; he is also a well-known author, singer, television personality, and philanthropist.
Petty is accustomed to taking chances and making bold ideas.
His family has a long history of taking risks and pushing the envelope. Lee Petty started the Petty family’s tradition of bravery in 1949 when he participated in his first NASCAR race. Kyle brought this fearless attitude with him when he decided to venture into the perilous realm of bull riding.
In November 2011, Petty intended to ride a motorcycle on the “Wall of Death” in Texas. He was unable to do so, but Eddie Gossage, the president of the Texas Motor Speedway at the time, arranged for Petty to ride a 1,700–2,000-pound bull in its stead. Instead of being saddled with a smaller, easier-to-handle calf, Petty was faced with a massive bull.
Despite the abrupt shift in the situation, Petty was all in.
He equipped himself with chaps, borrowed boots, a Kevlar jacket, and a helmet. However, nothing could get him ready for the tumultuous journey that was ahead. He described the encounter as “the most violent thing” he had ever done. He was thrown up in the air and slammed down in a matter of seconds during the intense, power-packed collision, which was like an extreme roller coaster ride.
A clown’s quick action diverted the bull from a possibly lethal situation when he saw six bulls racing in his direction.
After his near-death experience, he developed a greater respect for all bull riders, understanding the risk they willingly take to get the rush of adrenaline, similar to what NASCAR drivers do when driving 750 horsepower vehicles. Petty’s bravery and perseverance are not just found in sports; he had to prove himself to his own father, NASCAR superstar Richard Petty, who had to overcome his own obstacles despite winning seven championships and 200 Cups. Like his father before him, Richard taught Kyle the value of earning his place in society, and when Kyle was a teenager and declared he wanted to drive a race car, his father made sure he understood the ins and outs of the trade.
In his 2022 book Swerve or Die, Kyle writes about his father’s condition
which required him to work in every department of the shop for a year or more before he could even discuss his racing future. Kyle never shied away from hard work, even if the path ahead was challenging. He worked in the shop during his after-school hours and played football at the same time. His dedication earned him his first ARCA Menards Series victory in 1979 at the young age of 19, and his stories—from his daring bull riding exploits to his incredible NASCAR career—are as complex and exciting as the man himself. We look forward to hearing more amazing stories from this brave and accomplished veteran.
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