Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Richard Petty to attend Festival of Speed

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Festival of Speed | Press Article 24/04/24

Legendary NASCAR driver Richard Petty will attend all four days of the Festival of Speed this July.
Petty’s 1970 Plymouth Superbird to take to the Goodwood Hill.
Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place Thursday 11 – Sunday 14 July.
Tickets remain for Thursday at goodwood.com.

Goodwood is delighted to announce that Richard Petty, seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion, will attend this year’s Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard.

In a year that celebrates 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 - we are thrilled to welcome him back to the Festival of Speed this July. Petty will be joined by his famous 1970 Plymouth Superbird, driven by his son Kyle Petty, who will take to the Goodwood Hill across the weekend.

Nicknamed “the King”, Petty competed in the former NASCAR Grand National and Winston Cup Series - now better known as the NASCAR Cup Series - most notably behind the wheel of the No. 43 Plymouth Superbird. His American racing career spanned from the late 1950s to the early 1990s, during which he raced for the majority of his career with Petty Enterprises, the team founded by his father.

Petty is renowned for being the first driver to win the NASCAR Cup Series championship seven times - a record now tied with Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson - and for winning 200 races during his career, including the Daytona 500 seven times and a record 27 races in one season (1967). After retiring as a driver, he remained involved in NASCAR as a team owner and ambassador for the sport.

Attending across all four days, Petty will join motorsport icons, with a special ‘Balcony Moment’ taking place outside Goodwood House to celebrate “The King” and his extraordinary racing career with NASCAR.

Richard Petty, former NASCAR driver, 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 said: “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.”

Friday, Saturday and Sunday tickets are now sold out for the Festival of Speed, with Thursday tickets remaining. Customers can secure their place to see “The King” this July by visiting goodwood.com.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:

Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard, Thursday 11 – Sunday 14 July 2024.

Tickets
Friday, Saturday and Sunday tickets for the Festival of Speed are now sold out. Thursday tickets can be purchased at goodwood.com or by calling the Ticket Office on 01243 755055.

Hospitality
As well as tickets, Goodwood’s unrivalled hospitality packages are also now available to book for the 2024 Festival of Speed. Whether customers are looking for a great day out with friends, entertaining clients or celebrating something special, Goodwood’s hospitality provides the ultimate setting to enjoy the events. Email hospitality@goodwood.com or call 01243 755054.

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Contact
For more information about Goodwood’s motorsport events, please contact Katharine Morgan, PR Manager: Katharine.Morgan@goodwood.com

For all other press enquiries contact: media@goodwood.com

Imagery and news from Goodwood are available from our Press & Media Site.

Stay up to date with all future announcements and on-event action across our social channels:

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Accreditation
Media accreditation for the Festival of Speed is now open. Make your application here.

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About the Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard
First staged in 1993, the Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard is the world’s largest automotive garden party; set against the spectacular backdrop of Goodwood House in West Sussex, UK. Over 600 cars and motorcycles spanning the phenomenal history of motoring and motorsport take part along with legendary figures from the automotive world. Highlights include Future Lab presented by Randox, Electric Avenue, Forest Rally Stage, Supercar Paddock, Supercar Run, F1 Pit Lane presented by Sky, Drivers’ Club, GAS Arena, Cartier Style et Luxe Concours d’Elegance and Bonhams|Cars Auction.

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About Mastercard (NYSE: MA) www.mastercard.com
Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments and businesses realize their greatest potential. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all.