NASCAR legend Richard ‘The King’ Petty makes stop in Knoxville

Knoxville had its chance to meet “The King” on Tuesday.

Seven-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty made more than a pit stop at Food City as a spokesperson for the Paralyzed Veterans of America. The Food City on Middlebrook Pike raised more than $10,500 for the PVA, which helps ensure veterans with disabilities receive the specialized care necessary and are able to pursue careers.

Fans lined and waited patiently to get a photo with Petty.

Petty, 87, was inducted to the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2010. He’s statistically the most accomplished driver in the history of NASCAR. Petty is the all-time wins leader in NASCAR Cup Series (200), the all-time poles leader (123), owns the record for most wins in a season (27 in 1967), most consecutive wins (10 in 1967) and most starts (1,185).

Petty, a Level Cross, North Carolina, native, also holds the record for most Daytona 500 wins (seven) and all-time wins at Daytona International Speedway (10). Petty’s seven championships are tied for most in NASCAR history. He recorded more than 700 top-10 finishes over his 35-year career.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: NASCAR legend Richard ‘The King’ Petty makes stop in Knoxville