Q&A: Kyle Petty

Books review

- MEREDITH WOLF SCHIZER

Q-What are NASCAR's biggest challenges today?

A-The biggest challenge for any sport or business in today's world is to be proactive and not reactive; to lead and not follow; and to be willing to change to make things better. I believe NASCAR has always done a great job of adapting to the new while still upholding tradition.

Are electric vehicles viable for competitive racing? How can NASCAR become more "green"?

Yes. Since the beginning, if two automobiles were ever in the same place, you had the potential for a race. As the automobile market changes, that's the one thing I don't see changing no matter what type of automobile is made-as demonstrated by Formula E.

Of course, going "green" is a topic in practically every business on the planet at this point. People point their finger at motorsports for obvious reasons. I'm no expert on the subject, but I have faith that NASCAR has thoroughly considered and continues to consider its impact and will act accordingly, making changes for the better.

Diversity and inclusion have been hot topics for NASCAR. The Confederate Flag was banned at races in June 2020 after driver Bubba Wallace, driving for Richard Petty Motorsports, called for the ban. Does that decision signal deeper change in the sport? Like what?