Delmarva racing community loses a legend

The Delmarva racing community lost one of its links to NASCAR March 15, with the passing of the late-great William “Eddie” Pettyjohn.

Pettyjohn made his debut in the 1973 NASCAR Winston Cup Series at Dover International Speedway racing a Mercury for Donlavey Racing. The Miltonian earned the 29th starting position in his debut June 3, 1973. A crash ended his day early in the No. 90 car, but he managed to earn 22 points with his 40th-place finish.

Unfazed by the early exit, Pettyjohn bounced back three months later, Sept. 16, 1973, by earning the 14th spot to begin the race. This time Pettyjohn not only finished the race but claimed 10th and earned 82 points to give him 104 in the 1973 season.

Less than a year later, Pettyjohn was back at the Monster Mile for the Donlavey Racing team, this time in a Ford but still rocking the No. 90 on his panels. After starting the May 19, 1974 race in the 13th slot, Pettyjohn completed his first race of the year in 32nd at the spring race.

For the 1974 September race, Pettyjohn once again began in the 13th position. This time, he did something racing fans always dream of doing on his way to 24th place: Pettyjohn led all cars for one lap. 

Outside the NASCAR circuit, Pettyjohn collected 300 wins over the span of his racing career.

Pettyjohn’s racing legacy lives on through his family, like his son Mark Pettyjohn and grandson Cale Pettyjohn.

Last racing season, Cale was the top racer in the Southern Delaware Racing Club at Georgetown Speedway. He collected one win, two top five finishes, two top 10 finishes, and was featured once for a total of 195 points, 10 ahead of the second-place finisher.

For those wishing to celebrate the life of Pettyjohn, a celebration of life will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., Sunday, March 30, at Crossroad Community Church in Georgetown.