Ferrari and Jaguar battle in the RAC TT Celebration race at the Goodwood Revival
A stunning green classic Maserati Mistral Spyder takes centre stage at the Goodwood Revival motor show
Lady in a pink Cadillac wearing period 1950 costume enjoying the Goodwood Revival
Vintage petrol pumps are just one of the many delights to be found in the retail village at the Goodwood Revival
This stunning Gulf liveried Ford GT40 is just one of the amazing cars on display in the paddock at the Goodwood Revival
This amazing restored Vietnam HUEY helicopter is just one of the many classic aircraft that have been displayed at the Goodwood Revival
Goodwood motor racing circuit, part of the Goodwood estate situated at the foot of the South Downs in Sussex, really is the perfect location for a celebration of historic motor sport. In many ways it is the incredible feeling of being transported back to a bygone era that is Lord March’s greatest achievement, the track and buildings look just as they did in the 1950’s, vehicles all pre date 1966 (including the course cars and recovery vehicles) and visitors to the event are encouraged to dress in period costume although this is not compulsory.
What to see at the 2014 Goodwood Revival
Cars and stars
The Goodwood Revival is first and foremost a classic motor racing event and the list of cars and star drivers is a treat for any motor sport fan. From 1930’s Maserati, Bugatti and Talbot GP cars to 1960’s Lemans prototypes such as the Ford GT40, Lola T70 and mighty McLaren M1 driven by past and present star drivers from formula 1, sports cars, touring cars and rallying. Do not be fooled into thinking that the races are just track parades for pampered toys, all the cars are raced in anger and scrapes are common. Furthermore, devoid of cleaver aerodynamics and modern high performance tyres the skill of the drivers is only too apparent. For a real treat stand at St Mary’s and watch the likes of Peter Hardman, Anthony Reid or Justin Law hustling a big GT car through these bends sideways with smoke pouring from the rear tyres. Simply brilliant!
What is racing at the Goodwood Revival?
The event is held over 3 days and on Friday competitors take to the track for practice and qualifying (often just as spectacular as the races if you can only make the Friday) with the majority of the main races taking place on the Saturday and Sunday. Here are a few of the races that we will be looking forward to at this year’s event.
The RAC TT Celebration
One of the most fiercely contested races of the weekend features cars such as AC Cobras, Jaguar E Types, Ferrari 250 GTO’s and Aston Martin’s competing in a 1 hour race with 2 drivers and pit stops.
The ST Mary’s Trophy
Two races for saloon cars produced between 1950 and 1959. Vehicle owners partner with professional drivers in this twin race format that seems to have been invented for the saying “rubbing is racing”.
The Barry Sheen Memorial Trophy
Again a twin race format where owners of GP motor cycles from 1951-1954 pair up with professional riders with the winners decided on aggregate. The speed that these riders achieve on 60 year old machines and skinny treaded classic tyres is quite amazing.
Whitsun Trophy
This is the big one, a race for sports racing prototypes such as Ford GT40’s and Lola T70’s that competed between 1961 and 1966. Look out for Red Bull Racing chief designer Adrian Newey and his stunning white GT40; suffice to say that he is almost as skilled behind the wheel as he is with a drawing board.
The Shelby Cup
This year’s celebration event will be saloon car race marking 60 years of the small block V8. Do not miss the spectacle of iconic American muscle cars such as Ford Mustangs, Falcons, Plymouth Barracudas and Dodge Darts driven in anger around the Goodwood circuit. The noise will be something to behold.
Don’t rush off there is much more to the Goodwood Revival
There is much more to the Goodwood Revival than just motor racing and if you haven’t been for a few years you will be amazed at how much it has grown. Here are some further highlights to experience.
The paddock
A visit to the paddock is a must with unrestricted access to many of the cars, owners and drivers. This is also a great opportunity to spot the odd celebrity.
The Earls Court motor show
One of the former aircraft hangers plays host to a motor show at each Revival event, displaying a mixture of stunning new and vintage models from a variety of manufacturers. You can’t miss it as it is the building that looks like an exact replica of Earls Court!
Air displays
Goodwood circuit was formerly RAF Westhampnett, home to Spitfires in the Second World War. The Revival has played host to numerous spectacular period air displays over the years with the Spitfire, P51 Mustang and Lancaster bomber regular visitors. Notable highlights or recent years have included the amazing Vulcan, Canberra bomber and a beautifully restored ex Vietnam War Huey helicopter complete with side mounted machine guns.
Static aircraft display
Situated behind the paddock is the static air display where you will find an amazing display of historic planes and helicopters. Entrants are judged over the weekend with prizes awarded on the Sunday.
The retail village
The retail village is now practically a morning out on its own where everything from period costume to complete cars can be purchased. The village stays open each evening and is a great place to enjoy a drink and listen to live music in the sunshine while the traffic disperses from the car parks. Be sure to visit the Tesco store where you can buy groceries in authentic vintage packaging.
The pre 1966 car park
The area around the retail village is reserved for pre 1966 vehicles, creating something of a motor show in its self.
The Goodwood Revival is both a fantastic social and sporting event that attracts more than 185,000 visitors over the 3 days. It really is an amazing step back in time that somehow seems to improve each year. We think that the Goodwood Revival is simply unmissable and once you have experienced the thrill and atmosphere we think that you will too!