Allmendinger to honor Petty with car at Dover

CONCORD, N.C. -- As a tribute to team owner and NASCAR legend Richard Petty, the No. 43 Richard Petty Motorsports Ford will adorn old familiar colors for the Cup Series event at Dover. The Ford driven by A.J. Allmendinger will bring back the "Petty Blue" and "Day-Glo Red" colors in honor of the King, who will be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame as part of the inaugural class on May 23.

Allmendinger

The throwback paint scheme will resemble the No. 43 machine Petty drove in 1984. That season, the driver collected his 199th career win at Dover. Petty holds the record for the most wins in NASCAR with 200.

"Obviously the No. 43 and Richard Petty are synonymous with NASCAR," Allmendinger said. "To run this special throwback paint scheme at Dover as he's being inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in the first class is really a pleasure. The people that are being inducted into the Hall of Fame this year, they are the ones who made NASCAR what it is. Just to be a part of it is awesome. To be Richard's driver, it's an honor."

Petty will serve as the grand marshal for the Autism Speaks 400 at Dover on May 16. The seven-time Cup Series champion won the inaugural race at Dover in 1969. He is also tied with Bobby Allison for the most wins at the 1-mile track with seven.