In my mind, as a child, Reagan was there as a fan of Petty. It solidified his status as "The King" since even the president was wanting to be around him!
If Cale had won, it would not have been the same for Nascar or Reagan! Between Ned Jarrett doing the interview and Reagan and Petty hanging out like old friends, it vaulted all involved!
I remember this day! My Dad did business with Junior Johnson who I was able to secure Juniors pardon that he applied for under Jimmy Carter! I worked as a Fed in Detroit and got his pardon going again! I was at this race with Dad and had already knew President Reagan! It was quite a day! As a young man I was smitten with Sharon Petty! Every time I got near her my heart would race! Lol
I was never a big Regan fan back in that era, but one of the comments about him in the video was dead on - "it was his job to make those around him comfortable". The man had decorum and a calm presence.