This weekend there is an event that makes me very frustrated there are 48 states and a giant ocean between me and the UK. Between September 7-9, the Goodwood Revival will be the global highlight of vintage motorsports for the entire year. Incorporating the cars, motorcycles, airplanes, and fashions of the 40s, 50’s, and 60’s, the Goodwood Revival is the entire cultural experience from a bygone era. The tagline for the event is “A magical step back in time,” and though I haven’t been in person, that seems like a pretty darn accurate statement.
This year’s Goodwood Revival will continue the massive success and momentum of the last few Revivals. Again, the Duke of Richmond (formerly known as Lord March) will open up the Goodwood Estate to motosports enthusiasts of all kinds. With the right pedigree, some even get an invite into the house. And it’s not just a race anymore, the Revival has turned into a chance to revel in retro fashion and culture and truly live in the decade of your choosing (40’s, 50’s, or 60’s). Rides, drivers, mechanics, and spectators alike dress in period garb creating and event unlike it anywhere else. The cars and bikes on track are not only paraded (though they do that too), they are aggressively raced through the 7 turn Goodwood circuit, made out of a former RAF airfield dating back to WWII. Need proof? How about a Ferrari 250 GTO spinning out into the tire wall last year. Yes, this is real racing. There’s even a pedal car race for the kids, comprising of a grid of dozens of restored Austin J 40 pedal cars.
I have been following the Goodwood Revival for about a decade and it sits at the very top of my motosports Bucket List. Since it’s not happening for me this year, I will do what I have done the last few years and have the live YouTube feed playing in my house the entire weekend-the family will just have to understand. Join me on the Goodwood Revival Live Stream , it provides fantastic coverage of the event. Maybe 2019 will be the year I pull the tweed jacket and trilby hat out of the closet – I sure hope so.
-G. Trench
Check out some highlights from last year’s Goodwood Revival below, and go to Goodwood Revival’s website and check out the festivities.
(All photography courtesy of www.goodwood.com)