A rare survivor from the golden era of stock car racing, this steel NASCAR Xfinity wheel dates back to 1990 and was used by the legendary Team Petty. With “Team Petty” hand lettering across the lip, it represents a time when NASCAR was raw, gritty, and unfiltered; when every part on the car had to earn its keep.
Unlike modern designs, this wheel is made of heavy-duty stamped and welded steel, built to endure the brutal conditions of oval racing. At the time, the Busch Series (now Xfinity) operated as a crucial feeder series for NASCAR’s top-level Cup competition, but it was also fiercely competitive in its own right. Teams like Petty Enterprises often used the series to test new setups, train upcoming drivers, and keep their crew sharp. It wasn’t uncommon for parts, like this wheel, to cross over between series, making this piece potentially tied to more than one storyline in the Petty legacy.
Wheels like this were central to NASCAR’s identity: strong, serviceable, and unglamorous, yet mission-critical. Pit crews would handle dozens in a single race weekend, swapping them at blinding speed in four-tire stops that defined victory margins. The visible wear and patina on this wheel speak to that use. It was not a display piece. It raced.
Even more remarkable is where it was sourced; North Wilkesboro Speedway, one of NASCAR’s most storied short tracks. Known for its high elevation, tight layout, and raucous grandstands, North Wilkesboro hosted NASCAR events from 1949 until its closure in 1996. For decades, it sat abandoned; a fading memory of racing’s past. But in 2023, it was reborn. Thanks to grassroots support and renewed investment, the track was fully restored and reopened to tremendous fanfare, bringing NASCAR back to its roots in the most literal way.
This wheel, pulled directly from the grounds of North Wilkesboro, bridges generations. It speaks to the legacy of Team Petty, the culture of early stock car racing, and the rebirth of a track once thought lost. Both artifact and symbol, it’s a rare glimpse into a bygone chapter of American motorsport.
We’re all about celebrating the culture that makes this community so special. That’s why we’re proud to support Wilkesboro Speedway — a legendary track that’s come roaring back to life as one of North Carolina’s most iconic motorsport destinations. It’s more than just racing; it’s history, energy, and a gathering place for enthusiasts who live and breathe the automotive world."
And speaking of keeping the culture alive, Wilkesboro Speedway continues to play an important role. Its revival has made it a true gathering point again, blending deep racing history with the kind of energy today’s enthusiasts connect with. You can check out upcoming events and learn more at: https://www.wilkesborospeedway.com.