Throughout NASCAR’s rich history, the sport has produced unforgettable rivalries, personalities, and, most importantly, friendships. And one such friendship that has stood the test of time is that of NASCAR legend Richard Petty and his former crew chief, Dale Inman. 

Inman is one of the most successful crew chiefs in NASCAR history. He has eight Cup series championships to his name, out of which seven of them came with his cousin Richard Petty during his tenure at Petty Enterprises. He also holds the record for most wins with 193 wins to his name, and 188 of those were with Petty. Their best season was in 1967, when they won 27 races in the same season. 

While discussing their NASCAR Mount Rushmore on 'Door, Bumper, Clear', Bubba Wallace's veteran spotter, Freddie Kraft, talked about a couple of stories involving Dale Inman and Richard Petty, and how Inman was the only one who could just be completely unfiltered with Petty.

"Richard was going to an autograph session somewhere, and he was waiting on a golf cart, and he was like, "Where the hell they at?" And like he wasn't complaining about going, but like he was a little upset, and Dale just looks at me, says, 'I'm sorry I made you so famous'."

Recalling another time Inman mocked Petty after the latter fell down some stairs, Kraft said:

"There was another time you (Bubba Wallace) remember he fell out of the lounge into the shock machine. Richard falls down the stairs, and everybody jumps out of the lounge and go get him. Dale's just sitting on the couch. He's like 'That wouldn't happen if you weren't wearing them stupid boots'."

Post their retirement, both of them were inducted into NASCAR’s Hall of Fame. Petty was bestowed the honor in 2010, while Inman went in 2012. Richard Petty and Dale Inman also have a podcast called 'The Petty Show' where they discuss each NASCAR race weekend.

When Dale Inman Revealed Why He Stopped Working With Richard Petty

Petty and Inman built one of the most successful partnerships in NASCAR history. However, just as everything good must come to an end, so did their partnership. Decades after going their separate ways, the King’s crew chief opened up about how it all went down. 

During a 2021 interview with Dale Earnhardt Jr for his podcast "Dale Jr Download," Inman talked about parting ways with the seven-time champion, also his cousin. 

"It was kind of a family thing," said Inman. "We didn't talk about it. Certainly wasn't the money, and it certainly wasn't Richard. It was just what was happening in lot of families, I guess." 

"We sat down and had a conversation about it, and he wanted me to stay, and at the point in time, I just didn't figure I could. And we never lost our friendship or none of that stuff, and then it was a different experience. It put me out on a limb by myself," he added. 

After parting ways with Petty, he went on to join Terry Labonte. His tenure with Richard Petty made him the winningest crew chief in NASCAR.

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Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco

Edited by

Yash Kotak