How to "do Goodwood?"

[Zuman]

First of all, I'm not talking about this year...more likely 2023 or 2024.
Second, I'm an American, living in the Indianapolis area.
I was actually born in Bedford, lived in Flitwick until age 17, went to Bedford Modern School, and then moved to the United States with my family. That was back in late 1969, so yes, I'll be 70 this year.
But I've wanted to attend the Goodwood Festival of Speed for years, and now I'm retired I want to make it happen. I'd likely go with my wife and three or four other similarly-aged couples.
I last visited England in 2018 and made stops in both Gaydon and Newport Pagnell (I own an Aston Martin DB9). My mum was born in Rugby and her brother and sisters settled in Northamptonshire, so I have family in those areas.
But...where should I stay? How long should I plan to spend at the Festival? How should we manage transportation? What other tips can you offer?
We're not exactly jet-setters, but we're also not looking for a no-frills, bare-bones holiday. In other words, we want it to be special and we don't want the pain of the logistics to overwhelm the joy of the experience.
Suggestions?
Thanks!

Edited by Zuman on Tuesday 21st June 21:08

[Zuman]

Unreal said:

OP - are you set on the Festival or have you considered the Revival? They are very different and many people have quite a firm preference. Partners too. Mine has no interest in the Festival but enjoys the Revival.

Thanks. I think that the FoS is something I "have" to do, so that'll be first. But we might return the following year for the Revival!

[Zuman]

WhyOne said:

PS the Indy 500 is on my bucket list - any tips?!

I've been to the 500 many times. The way to approach it is to clearly have an idea of what you value the most before you make your plans.
As you might imagine, getting to and from the track is a bit more like going to a football game than anything else. It's a very, uh, "democratic" experience, with all kinds of people in all states of sobriety. 300,000 is a lot of humanity descending on one focused destination!
From where I live, it would normally take me about thirty minutes to drive to the track. On race day it would be three to four hours. Getting out again is similar. You can park in the "infield," which may still be a 20-minute walk to your seats, and things get interesting when there's a pop-up thunderstorm, which is not uncommon at that time of year. The coolest thing was one year when I was invited to join a police-escorted convoy to the track. I was driving my Aston Martin DB9 with the top down, and it was fun both zipping through the traffic lights in the suburbs and crawling through the crowds as we approached the track.
There are "glamping" options and people are always coming up with new ideas, but no matter what you choose you are likely always find yourself in the middle of a party (whether you're invited or not). Hotel rates, of course, soar through the roof for the race.
You should get a pass to get into the garage areas and down to the pits before the race.
I had the privilege of knowing Tony and Laura George, who used to be owners of the track before selling it to Roger Penske, so I watched from the Pagoda. Assuming you're not in a suite, you'll want to be prepared for high temperatures, lots of sun, and lots of noise.
My mother, a widow in her 80s, used to love the experience, however, and really fed off the energy. Think of the whole thing as an "event" rather than a race and you'll be fine...

[Zuman]

Thank you all for your very helpful comments. I'm especially intrigued by the SelectMotorRacing.com packages and I'll do a little more research on those.

[Zuman]

ngdragon said:

I suggest you give Kevin May a call to discuss your initial requirements. .

Thank you. Will do!