Already one of the most popular attractions in Randolph [NC] County’s $6.3 million annual tourist trade, the Richard Petty Museum opened with little fanfare three weeks ago at its new location. All of the work should be completed there next month. Started in a storage room at the shop, the 15-year-old museum has grown into Randolph County’s answer to Elvis Presley’s Graceland. “We just needed a bigger place,” Richard Petty said, getting up off the floor where he helped workers position a heavy glass display case. “And we needed the room at the shop.” Petty said the 12,000 square feet looked a lot bigger when it was empty. He estimated that it would hold only about half of the family’s memorabilia. “We knew how much room we had; we just didn’t know we had this much stuff.” David Caughron, executive director of the Randleman Chamber of Commerce, has been so eager for the museum’s arrival that he spent several afternoons working there. He’s excited about the shot in the arm that the museum will give the city’s Oct. 18 fall street festival, NASCAR Day. Although the museum focuses primarily on Richard Petty’s 35-year career, exhibits include Lynda Petty’s doll collection and the 1998 Pontiac that the late Adam Petty drove when he won his first — and last — super speedway race. Don’t ask Doris Gammons, the museum’s executive director, how many items have been added to the museum. “We’re putting it out so fast, I can’t even tell,” she said.( News and Record ), more info on the museum at the Petty Racing site .(6-13-2003)
