NASCAR legend Richard Petty to star at the 2024 Festival of Speed
Seven-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty will be attending the 2024 Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard, in what will be his first visit to Goodwood since 2019. His trademark Stetson will be a welcome sight during all four days of the event.
Statistically one of the most successful NASCAR drivers of all time, during a 35-year career Petty racked up seven championships, three Grand National Series and four Cup Series, a record he now shares with Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson. His record of 200 race wins from 1,184 starts, including a monumental 27 victories in the 1967 season, is unlikely to ever be matched. Jeff Gordon’s current tally of 95 wins is the highest among the drivers racing in 2024.
He’s perhaps most famous for driving his #43 Plymouth Superbird, a car that has garnered its own cult following, which will also be showcased at the Festival of Speed. Petty’s son Kyle will be taking it up the Hill throughout the weekend for a series of unmissable runs in what has to be the most iconic stock car of all time. We can’t wait to hear the sound of that 426ci V8 rumble around the Goodwood Estate once again.
This year marks 75 years since the Petty name first appeared in motorsport, an occasion that more than warrants the return of ‘King’ Richard Petty to Goodwood. Richard’s father Lee raced in NASCAR for the first time in 1949, and Richard made his debut in Toronto in 1958. He retired from racing at the end of the 1992 season but remained involved as owner of the Petty Enterprises team.
Richard Petty will be celebrated throughout the weekend, but his presence will be marked with a special balcony moment at Goodwood House to shine the spotlight on his innumerable achievements.
“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.” Petty said. “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.”
We can’t wait to welcome a true living legend back to Goodwood for all four days of the 2024 Festival of Speed.
Images courtesy of Motorsport Images.
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Gallery: Richard Petty's legendary 1970 Plymouth Superbird
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Richard Petty celebrated at the 2024 Festival of Speed
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Video: Petty's 200mph Superbird drives for first time since 1970
