Article: Richard Petty Breaks Silence on Shane van Gisbergen’s Dominance, Invokes Bubba Wallace in Shocking Remarks
In the high-octane world of NASCAR, where legends are forged on the asphalt and rivalries simmer beneath the surface, few voices carry as much weight as that of Richard Petty. Known eternally as “The King” for his record-breaking 200 Cup Series wins and seven championships, Petty has long been a figure of reverence and occasional controversy. But following Shane van Gisbergen’s commanding victory at the 2025 NASCAR Go Bowling at The Glen on August 10, Petty shattered his recent silence with comments that have sent shockwaves through the racing community—particularly when he drew an unexpected parallel to Bubba Wallace, the driver who once piloted Petty’s iconic No. 43 car.
Van Gisbergen, the New Zealand-born sensation driving the No. 88 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing, delivered a masterclass at Watkins Glen International. Leading 38 laps and pulling away from runner-up Christopher Bell by over 11 seconds, he notched his fourth consecutive road-course win of the season. This triumph not only solidified his playoff berth but also etched his name deeper into NASCAR history as a rookie phenom redefining dominance on twisting tracks. Yet, amid the celebrations, Petty’s candid remarks in a post-race interview have stolen the spotlight, blending admiration with pointed critique that left fans, drivers, and analysts reeling.
Speaking to reporters shortly after the checkered flag, Petty, now 88 and serving as an ambassador for Legacy Motor Club (the evolution of his family-owned Petty Enterprises), didn’t mince words. “Shane’s got that killer instinct on those road courses—something we don’t see every day in this sport,” Petty began, tipping his signature cowboy hat. But then came the twist: “It reminds me of Bubba [Wallace] when he was with us. Talented, no doubt, but you’ve got to earn every inch in NASCAR. Shane’s clinching spots left and right, but let’s see him do it on the ovals where the real grind happens. Bubba fought through hell and back without shortcuts, and that’s what makes a legend.”
The reference to Wallace was electric. Wallace, who drove for Richard Petty Motorsports from 2017 to 2020, has been a polarizing figure in NASCAR—breaking barriers as one of the sport’s few Black drivers while enduring racism, scrutiny, and immense pressure. Petty’s mentorship of Wallace was well-documented, with “The King” often defending him publicly. However, Petty’s recent history adds layers to this bombshell. Just weeks earlier, in July 2025, Petty had explained his decision not to congratulate Wallace after the latter’s Brickyard 400 win, stating bluntly, “No, I never congratulate anybody for doing their job.” That comment already stirred debate, with some viewing it as tough love from a bygone era and others as dismissive of modern drivers’ challenges.
Now, invoking Wallace in the context of van Gisbergen’s success has amplified the shock. Critics argue Petty’s words imply van Gisbergen’s road-course prowess is somehow “easier” or less legitimate, echoing earlier 2025 sentiments when Petty expressed displeasure over van Gisbergen clinching a playoff spot via his Chicago Street Race win in June. “He’s a road racer coming in and shaking things up, but NASCAR’s about the full package,” Petty had said then, per reports from Fox Sports. Tying this to Wallace, who finished a respectable eighth at Watkins Glen—his first top-10 there—feels like a double-edged sword: praising Wallace’s resilience while subtly questioning van Gisbergen’s versatility.
The racing world reacted swiftly. On social media, fans divided into camps. “Petty’s just salty because SVG is rewriting the book on road courses,” tweeted one user, while another defended him: “The King speaks truth—Bubba’s journey was pure grit, no handouts.” Wallace himself responded cryptically on X (formerly Twitter), posting, “Appreciate the nod, King, but we’re all out here grinding. Congrats to SVG—road or oval, a win’s a win.” Van Gisbergen, ever the composed Kiwi, shrugged it off in his victory lane press conference: “Richard’s a legend; I respect his opinion. I’ll let my driving do the talking.”
This isn’t the first time Petty’s forthright style has sparked controversy. His career, spanning from 1958 to 1992, was built on unyielding determination, including seven Daytona 500 victories. But in today’s NASCAR, where diversity, international talent, and specialized skills like van Gisbergen’s are celebrated, Petty’s comments highlight a generational clash. Wallace’s path, marked by advocacy against racism (including his role in banning the Confederate flag in 2020), contrasts sharply with van Gisbergen’s meteoric rise from Supercars to NASCAR stardom. Petty’s words could be seen as a nod to traditionalists who value oval-track battles over road-course finesse, but they risk alienating a new wave of global fans.
As the 2025 playoffs loom, this drama adds fuel to an already intense season. Van Gisbergen’s Watkins Glen win positions him as a title contender, while Wallace fights for consistency in the No. 23 Toyota for 23XI Racing. Petty, meanwhile, remains NASCAR’s elder statesman, his voice as potent as ever. Whether his remarks motivate or divide, one thing is clear: in a sport where silence is rare, “The King” still knows how to command the throne—and shock the kingdom.
