For three days each September, visitors can leave the modern world behind and enjoy the spectacle of car and motorcycle racing from the 1950s and 1960s. The Goodwood Circuit was one of Britain’s premier racing venues between 1948 and 1966, and hosted Formula 1 races as well as the Tourist Trophy and the Goodwood Nine Hours race. The Goodwood Revival relives those halcyon days, and offers a unique opportunity to see vintage racing machines compete in thrilling open wheel action.
Tickets for this year’s Goodwood Revival, which will take place from September 13-15, must be purchased in advance and range from £80 for Friday viewing to £275 for a weekend package. Car parks are free and open at 7:00 and admission to the festival starts at 7:30. Children get in for free, and although not compulsory, most visitors don period dress for the event which adds to the step-back-in-time spectacle.
The festival puts vintage racing cars and motorcycles front and centre, but there are always other period machines on display as well. Vintage aircraft, including Spitfires are often spotted along with military vehicles and priceless antique cars. Every year automotive milestones and anniversaries are celebrated, and this year features a tribute to Jim Clark to mark the 50th anniversary of his first World Championship. Among those paying tribute to the legendary Scot will be Sir Jackie Stewart, Sir Stirling Moss, Tony Brooks and John Surtees. There will also be a celebration marking 100 years of the Tour de France.
While classic racing cars tend to hog the limelight at the Goodwood Revival, motorcycle fans should not feel left out. There are always a large number of classic and unique bikes on display from names such as Matchless, Velocette, AJS and BSA. Early Honda motorcycles can also be seen including the original Honda Cub and the kind of racing machines that Mike Hailwood rode to victory at the 1961 TT.
The highlight of the event for motorcycle enthusiasts is the Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy, which is a two part, two rider challenge that attracts exotic racing machinery from all over the world. Although dominated by British and Italian marques like Benelli, Ducati and Norton, there are also some Honda bikes representing the early years of Japanese motorcycle racing.
The circuit remains the same as it did in its heyday, and for three days in September, enthusiasts have the opportunity to see the sights, hear the sounds and relive the excitement of motor racing’s golden era.
