Lee Petty

Born: March 14, 1914
Died: April 5, 2000
Hometown: Randleman, N.C.
Competed: 1949-64
Starts: 427
Wins: 54
Poles: 18

Career Highlights
It took a while -- three whole days -- for officials to declare Lee Petty the winner of the first Daytona 500.

So in many ways, we have Petty to thank for the yearly spectacle that is the Great American Race. That's because he created the very first spectacle.

On the final lap, Petty and Johnny Beauchamp barreled toward the finish line in what would become one of the closest finishes in the prestigious race's history. So close, in fact, that race officials put a hold on the results for three days. A photo snapped at the finish line confirmed Petty's win, his first in another championship winning season.

But that first Daytona 500 is only one of many Petty accomplishments. His career was a long list of firsts and mosts. Along with winning the first Daytona 500, Petty was also the first driver to capture three championships in the Cup Series.

And up until the time his son Richard caught and passed him, Lee won more races than any other driver -- 54. That number still ranks ninth all-time.

But maybe his greatest legacy is his own name, and lineage. Petty, who started Petty Enterprises, is the father of Richard and the grandfather of Kyle Petty.