Richard Petty's grandson to make ARCA debut this weekend

Moffitt is the son of Brian and Rebecca Petty-Moffitt. Brian Moffitt is CEO of Richard Petty Motorsports and Rebecca is Richard Petty’s daughter.

Thad will drive the No. 46 Ford in Saturday’s Music City 200 as part of a partnership between RPM and Empire Racing Group.

“I love racing, being at the track and just learning and trying to get better each race,” Thad said. “The ERG team has been great and I've had a lot of fun with them in the late model. They have a good ARCA program and I really wanted to make my debut in this series.

“A lot of great drivers have raced in ARCA, and Uncle Kyle (Petty) and Adam (Petty) have both won in this series. It makes me really want to follow in their footsteps.”

Moffitt, the 2016 Southeast Limited Late Model Champion, has been racing a NASCAR late model with ERG this season. Before last Saturday’s race at Myrtle Beach (S.C.) Speedway, Moffitt tested an ARCA car in Nashville.

“He has won a championship in a limited late model and in just a few races in a NASCAR late model, he has shown his talents,” said Moffitt’s crew chief, Mike Cheek. “He did well during the ARCA test, and no matter the result, this will be great experience at a young age.”

Moffitt said he considers his ARCA debut part of a “learning process.”

“I'm excited and ready, but I have a lot to learn,” he said. “I just want to stay out of trouble and have a good race for everyone who supports me.”