A press conference for Petty Enterprises is scheduled at the Level Cross, N.C., shops at 10:30am, Wednesday, April 7, 1999( The Williams Co ), no idea what it’s about, special paint schemes?? — UPDATE 1: Petty will open the revamped shop in Level Cross, NC next Wednesday. Petty Enterprises is expected to announce the game plan for their 50th Anniversary celebration and debut the coordinating paint schemes Kyle Petty, John Andretti’s Cup cars, Adam Petty’s BGN car and Jimmy Hensley’s truck when they race at Indy in August( iRACE/SpeedVison/Sparky Plug ) — UPDATE 2: Petty Enterprises opened its newly expanded race shop to the public for the first time during a press conference in Level Cross, N.C., today. Announcements regarding plans for Pettys 50th anniversary celebration were also revealed. The 20,000 square foot addition to the existing race shop is the largest expansion in Petty Racing history. The addition includes new engine assembly rooms, offices and a spacious work area for the preparation of the Winston Cup race cars driven by John Andretti and Kyle Petty. Petty Racing was founded as Lee Petty Engineering in 1949. Petty Racing has totaled 268 wins and 10 championships in NASCARs premier series. The expanded engine room and race shop are but one facet of Petty Racings investment in its future. Also underway are major purchases of equipment -particularly high-tech engine and research and development software and hardware. As important is the investment in key personnel to take Petty Racing back to the pinnacle of the sport. A special paint scheme for all of the Petty Racing vehicles to be run in Indianapolis on August 5-7, 1999, will be unveiled at a May 27th press conference at the Lowes Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. In further celebration of the 50th anniversary, Petty Racing is planning a September event to honor all of the 41 former drivers of Petty Racing cars. Additional details regarding the event will be revealed in the next few months. Many of the key personnel at Petty Racing were present at Wednesdays press conference, including Lee, Richard, Kyle, Adam and Maurice Petty. Team manager Robbie Loomis appeared, as well as drivers John Andretti and Jimmy Hensley, and crew chief Doug Hewitt. Former team manager Dale Inman also played an important role. The event was emceed by ESPNs Bill Weber and longtime local sportscaster Charlie Harville also spoke at the announcement( The Williams Co ) Also more info and images can be seen at the Petty Racing site
