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09/09/2010
| THE GOODWOOD REVIVAL: A MAGICAL STEP BACK IN TIME | The Goodwood Revival came to life in the autumn of 1998 – a dream come true for the Earl of March, whose grandfather – the ninth Duke of Richmond – had first opened the motor circuit at Goodwood in 1948.
The aim of the event is to relive the glory days of Goodwood Motor Circuit, which – along with Silverstone – was Britain’s leading racing venue during its active years between 1948 and 1966. During this time it hosted contemporary racing of all kinds, including Formula One, the famous Goodwood Nine Hours race and the celebrated Tourist Trophy sports car race.
Now, for three late summer days each year, the circuit echoes to the spine-tingling bark of golden-age Grand Prix cars from the Fifties and Sixties, thundering sports and GT cars, as well as historic saloon cars, little-seen Formula Juniors and period motorcycles. Many of these important historic racing cars and bikes are driven or ridden by famous faces from motor sport past and present. Sir Stirling Moss, John Surtees, Sir Jack Brabham, Phil Hill, Derek Bell, David Coulthard, Damon Hill, Gerhard Berger, Johnny Herbert, Wayne Gardner, Giacomo Agostini and the late, great Barry Sheene have all taken part at the Revival.
But the Goodwood Revival is far more than a series of races for historic vehicles: it is a magical step back in time and a chance for visitors to revel in the romance of motor racing as it used to be. The lovingly restored circuit is unchanged from its heyday, and great lengths are taken to ensure that everything on the site is exactly as it was.
This means that no modern vehicles are allowed within the circuit perimeter throughout the weekend. Period vehicles provide all essential services and competitor support. The Revival’s Period Transport Corps supplies a unique taxi service for competitors and VIPs. In 2006 around 250 pre-1966 vehicles serviced the site, from fleets of WW2 Jeeps and 1950s trucks and vans to an array of classic passenger cars and Rolls-Royce limousines. A fleet of classic tractors tow passenger-carrying trailers around the perimeter road, taking visitors to the prime viewing locations all around the circuit. It’s a big operation.
It is not just the circuit and the vehicles that have an authentic period look. All circuit staff dress in appropriate period clothing from the 1940s and 1950s, and each year more spectators and competitors get into the effervescent Goodwood spirit by dressing the part, considering it all part of the fun. In the paddock you may even encounter all kinds of period characters, from ‘spivs’ selling nylons and watches from beneath their coats, to Mods and Rockers and even the Dad’s Army Home Guard. Bands play authentic 1950s music, the food outlets sell fish and chips wrapped in reprints of 1950s newspapers, and even the corn stooks on the circuit infield are made from a specially-grown crop with extra-long stalks for hand cutting rather than combine harvesting. Goodwood circuit is also unique for its planted borders, with around 4,000 hydrangeas bringing beautiful florid colour to the track. There are even flowers on the top of the chicane, just as there always used to be.
“The Revival is theatre,” says Lord March. “The circuit is literally dressed up like a huge film set, and that includes the competitors and spectators. Almost everyone is dressed to the nines in fantastic 1950s creations, and the efforts people go to are amazing. But equally it’s quite easy to look the part in just smart classical clothing – it depends how far you want to go.”
Aside from the intoxicating entertainment on the track, there is breathtaking action in the skies above this former Battle of Britain airfield as Spitfires, Hurricanes and Mustangs perform elaborate swoops and dives over the circuit. There are also flying demonstrations from a host of other period aircraft, making the Revival almost as revered for its glorious air shows as its thrilling motor racing. New for 2007 is the addition of the Freddie March Spirit of Aviation, a static concours d’elegance for around 30 pre-1966 private, commercial and military aircraft, most rarely seen in public.
The Goodwood Revival is the only event that places motor racing into a carefully choreographed historical backdrop. The result is a truly unforgettable experience, and an atmosphere unlike any other sporting event, which the Daily Telegraph described as ‘a weekend in Heaven’.
With attendance at records levels in 2006, and 2007 ticket sales already looking strong, entry into the Goodwood Revival will again be by advance ticket only, with absolutely no ticket sales on the day. This policy is designed to preserve the Revival’s unique relaxed atmosphere following a period of growth. Goodwood’s aim is to ensure that all visitors enjoy excellent views of the action and the best possible experience at the event.
To order advance tickets, please contact the Ticket Hotline:
Telephone: +44 1243 755055
Fax: +44 1243 755058
Email: bookings@goodwood.co.uk;
On-line via the Online Ticket section of the website: www.goodwood.co.uk
For media enquiries, please contact Gary Axon or Janet Bradley in the Goodwood Motor Sport Press Office:
Telephone: +44 1243 755109
Fax: +44 1243 755115
Email: speed@goodwood.co.uk.
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