Legendary NASCAR driver Richard Petty to attend Festival of Speed
Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Richard Petty will attend all four days of the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July in a year that celebrates 75 years of the Petty family’s involvement with motorsport.
When Richard’s father Lee Petty began racing in NASCAR in 1949, it signalled the beginning of a motoring journey that would continue into the present day. The famous 1970 Plymouth Superbird that Petty drove to victory numerous times will be driven by his son Kyle up the Goodwood Hill across the weekend.
Plymouth Superbird at the 2015 Festival of Speed. Photo. by Jochen Van Cauwenberge
Petty’s American racing career - in what is now known as the NASCAR Cup Series - covered from 1958 - 1992 when he competed for Petty Enterprises, the team founded by his father. He won 200 races during his career, including seven wins in the Daytona 500 and a record 27 races in the 1967 season. Most notable for driving the No. 43 Plymouth Superbird, Petty is also known for being the first driver to win the NASCAR Cup Series championship seven times - a record now equalled by Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson.
Nicknamed “the King”, Petty remained involved in NASCAR as a team owner and ambassador for the sport in retirement. He was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President George Bush in 1992, the first motorsports athlete ever to be honoured with this award and was also inducted into the inaugural class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2010. Petty will be given a special Balcony Moment outside Goodwood House during the Festival of Speed in recognition of his legendary status.
Richard Petty: “This year marks the Petty Family's 75th Anniversary in motorsports. It is always an honour to be invited to the Goodwood Festival of Speed by The Duke of Richmond. It is such a prestigious event, and bringing the Superbird will make it even more special. My son, Kyle, will be driving, which adds another layer of significance. My family is looking forward to celebrating such a momentous occasion with the fans.”
The Duke of Richmond: “Richard has been an incredible supporter of the Festival of Speed and I am delighted he and his family are able to join us as the Petty dynasty marks 75 years in motorsport. We know fans will be eager to see the 1970 Plymouth Superbird take to the Goodwood Hill, and applaud Richard during his balcony moment at the weekend.”
Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place between Thursday 11 – Sunday 14 July 2024.
words: Mike Booth
pictures: Goodwood
video: NASCAR