Thad Moffitt reveals how Richard Petty celebrates Christmas with his family

In 2024, Thad Moffitt is carrying on the Petty family legacy. Before that, he’s gotta get through Christmas with his grandfather, Richard Petty. 75 years of Petty racing in NASCAR – a testament to the traditions that they carry with them each generation.

Of course, this week we have Christmas coming up. Families and their holiday traditions vary. Some people can’t wait to get together with their loved ones, while others are likely dreading the big day. Regardless, tradition is at the heart of any celebration.

Richard Petty has quite a big family in the year 2023. Kids, grandkids, great-grandkids and all of the nephews, nieces, and others in between.

Thad Moffitt isn’t just taking on a full-time season in the Truck Series – he’s got a new podcast, too.

On the first episode of Made in Level Cross, Moffitt spilled the beans a bit about how The King celebrates Christmas.

“Holidays with the Petty family are usually pretty hectic,” Moffitt explained. “We usually get something pretty cool from Grandpa for Christmas, too. I think, I don’t know if it was last year or the year before, he made like 40 copies of my grandmother’s cookbook. And he made it into a hard copy book and he gave all of us my grandma’s cookbook, so it was like really cool. I display it in my kitchen because grandma was obviously a big part of my childhood and a big part of everything Petty up until 2014 when we lost her.

“Just cool stuff like that. I mean, I’ve got more Richard Petty stuff from Richard Petty for Christmas than anything.”

Christmas with the Petty family, in @thadmoffitt’s words. Hear about this and more on his new podcast, Made in Level Cross! https://t.co/YdShctrysY

— Faction46 (@TeamFaction46) December 23, 2023

I think that Thad Moffitt is hoping to earn himself one of those cowboy hats from Grandpa, if he manages to find Victory Lane, that is. It’s nice to know even Richard Petty is sentimental around the holidays, though.

Thad Moffitt carrying on the Richard Petty legacy

While no one will ever be Richard Petty besides the man himself, his family has done their best to live up to that name. Kyle, Adam, and now Thad – there’s a ton of pressure to succeed and not a lot of room for mistakes.

If you are a Petty, you have to win. You have to be competitive. Even for Kyle Petty – who was a winner eight times in the Cup Series – got flack for a career most drivers would die for. Let’s not forget, Kyle has three more starts to his name in the Cup Series than even Kevin Harvick has.

With Faction 46, Thad has his own thing going. He isn’t racing for Petty-GMS, Petty Enterprises or any of that. Heck, he doesn’t have the pressure of having the last name, either. But everyone will know.

Moffitt has slowly eased into this role. He raced in ARCA to some success. He’s raced Trans-Am cars with success. His starts in the Truck Series with Reaume Brothers and Young’s Motorsports don’t necessarily show what he’s capable of.

In 2024, the NASCAR world will see what Richard Petty’s grandson can do for a full season.