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NASCAR Legend Richard Petty Named Grand Marshal

They say the best relationships are formed over time, and two of the longest in NASCAR are the ones Richard Petty has formed with Goody’s® and Martinsville Speedway. The three will come together Oct. 26 as Petty has been named Grand Marshal of the Goody’s® Headache Relief Shot® 500.

Petty, whose 15 career Martinsville wins stand alone as the most all-time at the historic half-mile track, will say the most famous words in motorsports when he gives the command to start the engines.

“It always makes you feel good when someone wants to recognize you for something you’ve been a part of,” said Petty.  “And, I’ve been a part of Goody’s and Martinsville Speedway for a long, long time.  Goody’s has been with me for most of my life and have stuck with me through all the highs and lows.”

It’s those highs that make Petty the easy choice for Grand Marshal.

“Having Richard Petty serve as the Grand Marshal of the Goody’s® Headache Relief Shot® 500 at a historic track like Martinsville is a testament to his legendary career in NASCAR and his long-time partnership with the Goody’s brand,” said Joseph Juliano, Brand Director, Goody’s. “It is a true honor to be associated with the King of Speed, and we are extremely fortunate to have a living legend like Richard Petty on the Goody’s team.”

Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell knows the history that Petty, Goody’s and the racetrack share all too well.

“Some of my earliest memories here, and I’ve been here my whole life, involve Richard Petty and Goody’s,” said Campbell. “People of all ages recognize ‘The King’ and to be able to have him back and part of our race day again is great.” 

Martinsville, the longest running Sprint Cup track, is a natural fit to host a king.

“Petty Enterprises, myself and now Richard Petty Motorsports have been fortunate to have a lot of great moments at Martinsville Speedway,” Petty said. “It’s a track that’s close to my home and has been a part of NASCAR since its beginnings.  Martinsville Speedway, myself and Goody’s are, all together, a history book.  We’ll now just write another chapter together.”

That chapter will start at Martinsville, but Goody’s and Petty are already planning for the future.

In addition to the Goody’s® Headache Relief Shot® 500, Goody’s and Petty have teamed up for the Petty “Hot Pass to Fashion” Challenge, a fashion show where students in University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s Department of Consumer Apparel and Retail Studies (appropriately abbreviated CARS) will feature student designed “Petty-themed” clothing. That event is scheduled for Jan., 2015 at Petty Enterprises Historical Site. 

Advance ticket prices for the Goody’s® Headache Relief Shot® 500 begin at just $40.

Ticket prices increase the week of the race.

Tickets to the Goody’s® Headache Relief Shot® 500 on Oct. 26, the Kroger 200 on Oct. 25 and the Virginia Lottery Pole Day on Oct. 24 can be purchased by calling 1.877.RACE.TIX. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.martinsvillespeedway.com.

For more information on Goody’s longstanding relationships with both NASCAR and Richard Petty visit www.goodyspowder.com.