Historic racing is often more about celebrating the history than the actual competition. Which is hardly surprising when given the value of some of the cars in question - and the sometimes limited talents of those who can afford to buy and drive them. Against which, the Goodwood Revival stands out as a glorious exception.
Especially the St Mary's Trophy, a pro-am race for 60s tin tops that is always one of the hardest fought battles of the weekend, especially when the professionals drive. This year's field included Formula 1, sportscar and touring car drivers from past and present, with everybody fully aware that they've been invited to provide a show. The variety of cars, and the closeness of the racing, creates a spectacle every bit as compelling as any of the Revival's posher events.
Yet Saturday's Part One was still pretty exceptional, as Tom Kristensen took his aircraft carrier sized Ford Fairlane through the pack from the very back of the grid to claim victory. The car had broken during qualifying and so hadn't set a time, not something that was going to put 'Mr Le Mans' off his stride.
As Kristensen was monstering his way through the pack there was a spectacular three-way battle for the lead between the Cortinas being driven by Gordon Shedden and Andrew Jordan, and the gorgeous Alfa Romeo GTA being piloted by Frank Stippler. But once the big Ford caught up with them - oversteering around practically the whole circuit - resistance was futile. With hindsight it was a good job that Kristensen started from the back, with the pace of the Fairlane there wouldn't have been much contest if he'd put it on pole.
Brilliant racing, and brilliant entertainment. Although we'll have to wait until the TV broadcast to see the whole thing, the edited highlights are still pretty special...
Source and lead image: Goodwood Road and Racing via YouTube and Goodwood