Only 8-Time Sprint Cup Winner Deserving of Recognition

Dale Inman shown here with Richard Petty. (Photo: Worth Canoy of VPS Motorimages)

Concord, N.C. (October 11, 2008) – Legendary Petty Enterprises crew chief Dale Inman was awarded the Smokey Yunick Award prior to the start of the Bank of America 500 at Lowe’s (N.C.) Motor Speedway. The award acknowledges outstanding achievement in the world of motorsports. Inman, the most decorated crew chief in NASCAR history, joined several of his colleagues with this recognition, including Glen and Leonard Wood, Ralph Moody and Bud Moore.

“It’s an honor to be associated with Smokey Yunick and all of the names that have won this award,” said Inman. “Smokey was a unique individual. I don’t think there has been, or will ever be, anyone like him in the garage area. His cars were always fast and he took a lot of pride in that.”

After completing his duty in the United States Army, Inman began working on the cars at Petty Enterprises. He was there with ‘The King’ Richard Petty on the night of his first NASCAR race on July 12, 1958 in Columbia, S.C. Inman would be involved in the sport for 40 years, retiring in 1998.

“I was able to work with a lot of smart and competitive people during my career, not the least of which was Richard,” continued Inman. “He made my job very easy at times. In all my years I never came across a more determined person behind the wheel of a racecar. We had some very good years, but our friendship is what means the most.”

While no driver has ever won more than Petty’s seven NASCAR Sprint Cup titles, Inman has won eight as a crew chief. All seven of Petty’s championships came under Inman’s watch, along with 198 of his 200 record-setting wins. He won his eighth and final championship with Terry Labonte in 1984.