New family arrival a bright light as Pettys mark somber anniversary

“Today of all days,” wrote Austin Petty in a statement that could not ring more true.

On the 22-year anniversary of Adam Petty’s death in a racing accident, his brother, Austin, announced the birth Thursday of a child with wife Sarah — a girl, Ellington Montgomery Petty.

So on this day 22 years ago I lost my brother, today of all days I welcome my daughter Ellington Montgomery Petty to our crazy world. My heart couldn’t be more full. Wow what a day. pic.twitter.com/2uIEdXBeBi

— Austin Petty (@AustinPetty45) May 12, 2022

Adam Petty was the first-born son of Kyle Petty. He passed away at age 19 after a crash during practice at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on May 12, 2000. Kyle Petty had two other children from his first marriage — Austin, now 40, and 36-year-old Montgomery, who now shares a middle name with the Petty family’s newest addition.

Austin and Sarah Petty have two other children, boys Stonewall and Rhett.

Adam Petty’s memory lives on with the Victory Junction Camp founded near the Petty family’s hometown in Randleman, North Carolina. The multi-purpose facility opened its doors in June 2004, providing life-changing camp experiences for children with serious and chronic medical conditions and their families.