My first Goodwood Revival: PH Blog
Satorial SNAFU aside even the rain doesn't dampen Matt's first Goodwood
To wander round the Revival is to step back in time. Indeed, if it wasn't for the ludicrously expensive grub and smartphones you really could be back in the 50s. The attention to detail of costumes, stands and adverts is phenomenal, and the enthusiasm of everyone is infectious. There were people bopping in the street, others marching in full military regalia and a doubles tennis match going on with no racket or balls; all of it slightly mad but hugely endearing.
But anyway, the cars. First off, an apology. Despite a rather fetching tweed jacket, a tie and a flat cap, I wasn't allowed into the paddock because of wearing jeans. [Matt, you and Garlick need to talk... - Ed.] Suffice to say next year's outfit will be both so spectacularly retro and formal that it will make Lord March himself envious. But it means I have no pictures this year of a quintet of Ferrari 250s lined up together. Sorry.
However, I did endure one hell of a soaking to watch them race in the RAC TT Celebration. My tweed is ruined, but what a race! Seeing Cobras, Corvettes, E-Types, DB4s and Ferraris being driven with balls-out vigour is an astounding thing to witness. When the rain did come, you just had to watch in awe as the drivers battled with the conditions, feathering the throttle and catching oversteer out of every corner. It was an unbelievable spectacle, and you won't ever hear a better automotive noise anywhere.
A hearty well done to our man Chris Harris too, sharing the Lister with Anthony Reid. And you thought he was just good for drifting... More on this later from the man himself.
Though the TT of course stands out, the St Mary's Trophy was also a stunning race. It caters for production saloon racers built between 1960 and 1966, with 2013 being significant as it marks 50 years of the Mini Cooper S and Lotus Cortina. Both are great to watch too, the Mini scurrying its way round each bend and the Cortina three-wheel oversteering almost everywhere.
This year was the first time I've been to either the Festival of Speed or the Revival, so to have visited both is a real privilege. Whilst the Festival strikes me as more commercial, there's a real sense of community with the Revival, undoubtedly helped by the dress code and the activities off the circuit. Lord March describes it as 'racing the way it used to be' but the Revival is so much more than that, as I've now discovered. The tweed will dry out, I just need some proper strides now and I'll be set for next year...
Matt
Photos: LAT Photo
Everyone makes an effort and the general consensus is fun and enjoyment. I saw one or two gents dressed as Luftwaffe pilots, and thought that they were the most original outfits.
On the whole, so much to see and do that 1 day just isn't enough. Next time I will be more prepared.
I've been to a Festival but never a Revival. From here it's a fair old drive and I've never been because I've never been able to find a hotel/B&B within a few miles from the course.
It appears almost everywhere is repeat booked year in/year out for miles around. Bit of a bugger really, cos I would go.. I devour the vid's on Ytube etc and love the ITV programme, well Amanda Stretton anyway..
The photo's here are excellent, BUT would you'se not agree.. the children in their race cars look lovely.. just wonderful.
Thank you
Regards all
WF
I've been to a Festival but never a Revival. From here it's a fair old drive and I've never been because I've never been able to find a hotel/B&B within a few miles from the course.
1 day is never enough though, as someone above said you barely scratch the surface with so much to see.
My favourite vice at Goodwood is to have a wander through the ordinary public car parks. While the "classics" car park is great there are always some amazing "car spots and finds" to be made just running your eye across the ordinary car parks.
Yes, it is expensive. But, you do get to see stuff you'll never find anywhere else.
My top spot this year was a 1930's Stutz straight 8, casually parked next to the early 1900's A V Roe aircraft in a tent in the aviation park. I seem to remember reading one of the John Buchan books back when I was a nipper, where our hero Richard Hannay, mounted in a Vauxhall 30-98, is chasing the villain up the Great North Road (aka the A1) towards Scotland. The villain is driving the Stutz. 30 - something years I've been keeping an eye out for a Stutz & the Goodwood revival delivered the answer. That is why the tickets cost what they do.
Inshallah, we will be back next year; would not willingly miss it.
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