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. “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.” 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. 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 www.goodwood.co.uk.(Clear!Blue PR)(6-28-2006)
