Why The King is not Racing at Bristol

Asked why seven-time champion Richard "The King" Petty isn't participating in Saturday's legends race at Bristol Motor Speedway, long-time crew chief Dale Inman said, "He knew better than to ask his wife." Inman wasn't the only person in the Sprint Cup garage at Bristol Motor Speedway who said Lynda Petty was the reason NASCAR’s all-time race winner isn't competing against the likes of Cale Yarborough, Harry Hyde and Junior Johnson. "He knew Lynda wouldn't let him," one source close to the situation said with a laugh. "But if you ask Richard he'll deny it." Petty isn't the only old-timer who declined to participate. David Pearson is out with a bad back and many, according to rumors, couldn't get the insurance necessary to compete in the 6 p.m. event. ESPN Insider