Each time I’m at Goodwood, the atmosphere is exclusive.
I’ve visited the gorgeous Chichester venue quite a few times over the past five years for various shows and events, but 2024 marked my first Goodwood Revival. I’ll admit, I had mixed feelings going into it.
Not due to the cars or racing, but as a consequence of the event’s commitment to the years between 1948 and 1966. Would this era-specific theme enhance the experience or add an unnecessary layer of fuss?
The post-war era was an exciting time for motorsport. Just take a look at the entry lists for the Revival’s racing categories – they’re stuffed with legendary makes and models.
Take the Stirling Moss Memorial Trophy, for instance. This race for pre-’63 GT cars is amongst essentially the most competitive and spectacular on the Revival – especially when it rains.
Aston Martin DB4 GTs jostled with Ferrari 250 SWBs alongside Shelby Cobras and Jaguar E-Varieties of various body styles. Dropheads, fixed-head coupés and semi-lightweights sang their straight-six songs at full throttle.
If you happen to think the drivers are merely there for show, re-evaluate. Take this pair of Ferrari 250s, which collided on the chicane exit onto the major straight. The owner of automotive #17 was not too glad concerning the contact.
For individuals who favour mid-engined cars, the Whitsun Trophy featured Ford GT40s battling early prototypes from Lola, McLaren, and Cooper. The #1 GT40 is an all-original race-proven example; the #5 automotive owned by Adrian Newey – former Red Bull Racing F1 Chief Technical Officer/recent Aston Martin F1 Managing Team Partner – is rumoured to have all kinds of modifications under the hood.
If you happen to’re into classic touring cars, the 2024 Revival had all the things from Ford Galaxies to Mini Coopers. You possibly can also catch tiny open-wheel racers and lunatics on pre-war motorcycles; there’s something for everybody at Revival, as long as you’re considering historic motorsport.
Beyond the cars’ eligibility to race, access to the paddocks and inner circuit requires period-correct attire. This is a component of the Duke of Richmond’s mission to relive the ‘good old days’ of racing, and I need to admit, I enjoyed it.
My initial reluctance to spend three days shooting motorsports in suit trousers and formal shoes quickly melted away as I joined the queue to enter. Visitors with pre-’66 cars park right by the doorway, and being surrounded by the era’s vehicles and attire put a smile on my face.
The Goodwood Revival provides an authentic experience by transporting the environment back in time. The period shops and ‘high street bank’ are fun, as are the ‘army barracks’, however the BMW Group’s takeover of the infield was exceptional.
You possibly can explore period-correct Rolls-Royce, Mini, BMW, and BMW Motorrad dealerships and garages – complete with vintage models. In any case, Goodwood is closely tied to Rolls-Royce, with the cars being manufactured just down the road from the circuit.
Efforts to look the part didn’t go unrewarded either, with the bravest participants entering the ‘Best Dressed’ competition. A panel of judges chosen their top three from everyone who embraced vintage fashion.
The prize for a standout outfit? A bouquet and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, together with the satisfaction of knowing you thrifted your solution to the highest.
The Settrington Cup – a likelihood for competitors’ children to race against each other in pedal cars – is a fantastic time too, and an actual crowd favourite.
Goodwood Revival 2024 blew me away. The dimensions and grandeur of the event, combined with among the most desirable cars ever made, offer loads of reasons to attend.
I feared the event might feel just a little staged, as even mechanics and kids are encouraged to wear period-correct outfits. I’m totally against ‘organised fun,’ and nothing is worse than being made to take part in an ‘enjoyable activity’ with a mandated dress code.
Yet, the Revival was removed from forced. The spectators loved every moment of the event, even within the rain, and the atmosphere was real. The place, the people, the cars – all the things got here together beautifully. I had an unforgettable time.
A lot in order that on Friday evening I set my cameras aside to benefit from the second half of the Sussex Trophy. Because the sun set, the Ferrari 250 TR’s V12 was singing and the #54 Lotus-Climax spat flames with every downshift into St Mary’s and Lavant.
I used to be in heaven, even when my vintage clothes and hat were drenched.
If tens of tens of millions of dollars price of vintage metal racing on a historic circuit and a nostalgic celebration of days passed by with fewer rules gets you going then the Goodwood Revival is the place to be.
I’m already taking a look at accommodation for 2025. Bring it on.
Mario Christou
Instagram: mcwpn, mariochristou.world
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This Article First Appeared At www.speedhunters.com
