Kyle Petty’s 1997 Hot Wheels Pontiac Grand Prix
Kyle Petty’s 1997 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season was a transitional and ultimately difficult year marked by both professional struggles and personal developments. Driving the newly renumbered No. 44 Hot Wheels Pontiac for SABCO Racing—a team he co-owned with Felix Sabates—Petty returned to full-time competition with high hopes after focusing more on team operations in previous seasons. The car, featuring a flashy Hot Wheels paint scheme, garnered attention off the track, but on-track performance was underwhelming.
Petty managed only one top-10 finish (a 9th place at Rockingham in the fall), failed to secure any wins or poles, and ended the season 31st in the points standings. The team faced persistent challenges with speed, mechanical reliability, and overall competitiveness, partly due to difficulties adapting to the Pontiac chassis. Despite the poor results, 1997 was significant for Petty in other ways: he continued to mentor his son Adam Petty, who was beginning his own racing career, and he laid further groundwork for his eventual transition from full-time driver to team leader and, later, broadcaster. While not a highlight in terms of performance, the season reflected the changing phase of Kyle Petty's career, emphasizing his growing role beyond the driver’s seat and his long-term investment in the future of his family and the sport.
The Hot Wheels paint scheme was instantly recognizable, featuring bright, colorful flames and bold graphics that stood out from other cars on the track. The car quickly became a fan favorite, especially among kids, and was heavily promoted through diecast models, toys, and merchandise. Petty’s Hot Wheels car was featured in video games, commercials, and Hot Wheels toy lines, making it a crossover success in both NASCAR and toy markets.
This paint scheme holds heavy inspiration from the original car from 1997, the scheme can be downloaded here.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyle_Petty
https://www.driveraverages.com/nascar/driveryear.php?drv_id=32&yr_id=1997#google_vignette
