Complex sentence: Richard Petty entered the race trying to become the first driver to win 4 consecutive races at North Wilkesboro, but experienced engine problems and lasted only 45 laps in the race.
Split into simpler sentences: Richard Petty entered the race in an attempt to become the first driver to win four consecutive races at North Wilkesboro. But he experienced engine problems and lasted only 45 laps into the race.