NASCAR icon Richard Petty, known affectionately as “the King,” is set to make a special appearance at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, a highlight of the summer motorsport calendar. The event, which runs from Thursday, July 11, to Sunday, July 14, will also feature Petty’s legendary 1970 Plymouth Superbird, a car synonymous with his illustrious racing career.
This year’s festival is particularly significant as it marks the 75th anniversary of the Petty family’s involvement in motorsport. The legacy began with Richard’s father, Lee Petty, who made his NASCAR debut in 1949. To celebrate, Richard Petty will be at the festival for all four days, accompanied by the iconic Plymouth Superbird, which will be driven by his son, Kyle Petty.
Petty’s career highlights include winning the NASCAR Cup Series championship seven times—a record he shares with Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson—and achieving 200 career wins. This includes seven Daytona 500 victories and an unprecedented 27 wins in the 1967 season alone. Even after retiring from driving, Petty has continued to influence the sport as a team owner and ambassador.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed will honor Petty with a “Balcony Moment” outside Goodwood House, celebrating his contributions to NASCAR and his racing achievements. “It is always an honor to be invited to the Goodwood Festival of Speed,” said Petty. “Bringing the Superbird and having my son Kyle drive it adds to the significance of this occasion. We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with the fans.”
The Duke of Richmond, host of the festival, expressed his excitement about Petty’s participation: “Richard has been a tremendous supporter of the Festival of Speed, and it is fantastic that he can join us as we commemorate 75 years of the Petty family in motorsport.”
While tickets for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday have sold out, enthusiasts can still obtain tickets for Thursday’s events at goodwood.com, offering a unique opportunity to witness a living legend and a historic racing machine in action.
