I always like to do a little something different on this special week due to the celebration of the birth of our country. Happy 249th America! I love the fourth of July and everything for which it stands. Besides, we’re all pretty much mailing it in at work this week anyway. Am I right? There have been some pretty incredible sporting events on July 4th. Here are some of the most memorable moments to me.

July 4, 1984 – Richard Petty won the 200th race of his legendary career at the Daytona Firecracker 400. As it turned out, it would also be the final victory for the racing icon. I’m not a NASCAR fan and never have been. The closest thing for me to actually watching a race was seeing the movie “Days of Thunder.” However, even in my vast ignorance, I know the name Richard Petty. I know the hat. I know the sunglasses and I absolutely know the pale blue 43 car. Petty is still The King.

Andy Graham is a regular columnist for The Outlook.