Having built a legend racing on ovals, Richard Petty understands that things eventually come full circle. That list will soon include cereal, as the seven-time NASCAR Winston Cup champion goes from having his face on the Breakfast of Champions to having his own breakfast. General Mills on Tuesday will introduce Richard Petty 43s, a sweet rice-and-corn cereal shaped in 4s and 3s in honor of his No. 43 stock car. “I’ve had my face on a Wheaties box, but this is a whole new ballgame for me,” Petty said. “It tastes pretty good, though I’m a little prejudiced.” The limited-edition cereal features two collectible metallic designs of NASCAR’s winningest driver (200 wins). One has Petty with his 1970 Plymouth Superbird, the other with his 1984 Pontiac Grand Prix. The packages form a mural of his storied career. General Mills also will donate $43,000 to the Petty family’s Victory Junction Gang Camp, due to open next year in North Carolina.( USA Today )(2-4-2003)
