Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion, Richard ‘The King’ Petty, is to be one of the star attractions at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed from 11-14 July.
While son Kyle guides The King’s most famous car – Petty’s 1970 Plymouth Superbird – up the Goodwood Hill, The King’s duties over four days at Goodwood will include a special ‘balcony moment’ when he greets his loyal subjects.
Petty’s career stats are incredible. Although now joined on seven titles by Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson, he was the first to hit the magic number in a racing life that included 200 wins, with seven Daytona 500s and a record 27 victories in a season (1967).
This year marks 75 years of the Petty family’s involvement with motorsport, with Richard’s father Lee Petty racing in NASCAR for the first time in 1949. He also founded the team for which The King raced for the better part of his career, which spanned the 1950s to the 1990s.
Petty said: ‘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 added: ‘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.’
