AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall
Richard Petty, the winningest driver in the history of NASCAR's premier series, will be
reunited with his 1972 Dodge Charger race car next month in England in one of the largest and most diverse celebrations in motorsports -- the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Held on the grounds of historic Goodwood House in West Sussex and hosted by the Earl of March, the Goodwood Festival of Speed celebration (July 7 - 9) brings together the greatest competition cars and drivers from
all eras of motorsports.
Petty will drive his restored 1972 Dodge Charger in the Hillclimb competition on the 1.16-mile course, which is the principal attraction of the Festival of Speed. It's one of the '72 Dodge Chargers from Petty Enterprises that carried Petty to his fourth of seven series championships. In 31 starts in the car, Petty had eight wins along with 25 top-five and 28 top-10 finishes.
Known as "The King" in racing circles, Petty scored a record 200 victories in his career along with seven series titles. The number of wins almost doubles the tally of his nearest rival, David Pearson, with 105.
"It's an honor to represent Dodge at the Goodwood Festival of Speed," said Petty. "It's such a prestigious event and one that is popular worldwide. The names that have been a part of this Festival throughout the years are true champions. It's always special when you're invited to be a part of something as big as this.
"Goodwood is a celebration of motorsports, cars and drivers, and I look forward to driving my 1972 Dodge Charger there. Dodge has been a huge partner throughout my career, and I'm looking forward to getting back behind the wheel during this prestigious event."
Spectators will not only get to see Petty and his 1972 Dodge Charger in action, but will also see former Formula One driver Jochen Mass pilot a NASCAR Nextel Cup 2006 Dodge Charger up the hill at Goodwood.
"As Dodge expands internationally, showcasing the Charger at Goodwood Festival of Speed is a natural," said Mike Accavitti, Director -
Motorsports and SRT Product Planning and Marketing, Chrysler Group. "Goodwood attracts some of the most significant racing cars in
international motorsports, and Dodge is proud to take part with Richard Petty and his famous racing Charger -- along with a Charger race car that is making history this season."
"To have Richard Petty at the Festival is a dream come true," said Lord March. "It's always a great honor when a legendary driver agrees to visit Goodwood, and I know his fans in the UK will give him a special welcome."
Among other NASCAR legends who have participated in the event are former driver and team owner Junior Johnson and crew chief and innovative car creator Smokey Yunick.
Petty will be making exhibition runs in the '72 Dodge Charger all three days during the Festival.
For more information on the Goodwood Festival of Speed, visit
http://www.goodwood.co.uk .
For updates and media information on Petty's experience at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, visit
http://www.DodgeMotorsportsMedia.com
