Richard Petty’s 200th win during the 1984 Firecracker 400 at Daytona International Speedway wasn’t just another entry in the record books. It was an unparalleled milestone that stands unchallenged in NASCAR history. The victory took on additional meaning as the race was attended by the then President, Ronald Reagan. It was the first time an incumbent U.S. President witnessed a NASCAR race live. And he stayed on for the post-race celebrations too.
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It featured an informal meal that broke new ground: Petty and his fellow drivers shared Kentucky Fried Chicken with President Reagan. Petty recalled the moments in an August 2023 interview with NASCAR, all while gazing at a photograph of himself seated next to Reagan.
“We had Kentucky Fried Chicken and this was taken while we was busy eating. They got Beanie Parsons way back here in the back like over here, this right here me, President (Reagan), Bobby Allison… We just sat there and ate chicken…,” said Petty.
July 4, 1984: Richard Petty wins his 200th race and hangs out with President Ronald Reagan. pic.twitter.com/4BVjqdexlm
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) July 4, 2018
Reflecting on the luncheon, Petty continued: “It was just such a neat deal to be with the president of the United States eating lunch with him with I don’t know probably a thousand people. I don’t think he eats lunch with that many people every day. I was so excited… I don’t know where what we talked about. We talked about family… I don’t have a clue of what the conversation was.”
President Reagan had served as the Grand Marshal for the race. He initiated the action with the traditional command, delivered uniquely via a rotary phone from an altitude of 30,000 feet as he flew to Daytona Beach. Upon arrival, he made his way to the radio broadcast booth to join Ned Jarrett, who was calling the race for the Motor Racing Network.
President Reagan also shared a keen observation
After President Reagan was escorted to an upper-tier suite above the Campbell grandstands, and subsequently to the booth, he shared an astute observation.
“I’ve noticed one thing already. I’ve been here only a short time, but I’ve noticed that if you’re trying to look at the number on the car, you better look when they’re down the track a ways. You’re not going to see it when they go by here,” Reagan had remarked.
The President had a background as a sports announcer. While reflecting on the frenetic pace at the racetrack, he expressed relief that his announcing days primarily involved baseball, football, and some swimming events. “I was having an awful lot of laps when I was trying to figure out who was where,” he said.
