Credit: Darrell Ingham/Getty Images

Even in death, Petty still touching many lives

Five years have passed, but somehow it's still startling, still difficult to fathom and impossible to accept. So much vibrancy lost. And gracious, the potential ...

Tough to believe it's been that long. Five years. It's been 1,825 days since we were last warmed by that smile, a once-in-a-lifetime grin as bright as a beacon to a wayward sailor and one equally as welcoming.

	MARTY SMITH •   E-mail Marty •   Opinion Archive •   Store: 'I Agree With Marty' tee

Adam Petty was a beacon.

A young man of faith, he enriched many lives spiritually without witnessing. He knew he was an example for others, and carried himself accordingly. Drivers 10 years older learned from that example.

He had certain intrinsic family values. He was proud to pave his own legacy while simultaneously augmenting the legacies of his great grandfather, grandfather and his dad.

And like his royal grandfather, The King, he had the X-factor, the engaging personality that, with little effort, makes complete strangers feel like old chums. He had a million fans and somehow made each one feel important.

That's a precious gift.

He had talent behind the wheel, too. It required refinement, yes, but the innate ability was obvious. He was heir to stock car racing's royal throne, and by all estimation was a worthy prince.

But five years ago today the storied possibility was abruptly, tragically cut short.

Five years ago today, Adam Petty died.

	Inside the Numbers Adam Petty's career statistics Series Races W T5 T10 Cup 1 0 0 0 Busch 43 0 3 4 Truck 2 0 0 1

With him went his father's heart, hopes and dreams.

In the aftermath Kyle Petty needed a release, a basin in which to pour the grief and sadness and mold it into a positive. He found it in the Victory Junction Gang Camp.

There was a special place in Adam's heart for sick children, and Kyle made it his mission to see his son's vision through. Not only have he and wife Pattie created a gorgeous facility for terminally ill children, a refuge for those that so often do without, they've also solidified their son's legacy.

NASCAR is a resilient industry, made up of resilient individuals who are well aware of the potential consequences of their chosen passion. But that doesn't make it any easier to explain or accept.

So today, please remember Kyle and Pattie, Austin and Montgomery Lee, Richard and Lynda.

And Adam.

I knew Adam Petty only as an acquaintance. The time I spent with him was mostly professional, an interview here and there at the racetrack.

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But he was a good friend to some of my friends, so I knew what he was about then and everything I've heard about Adam in the years since has reaffirmed that sentiment.

He was just a really good kid who loved the family business.

And I'd feel the same way had I never met him.

He had that affect on people.

The opinions listed here are solely those of the writer.