The Goodwood Revival (September 6th to 8th) is on the horizon and announcements are coming thick and fast on what’s set to feature at the legendary circuit. So far, we’ve had conformation of the 15-strong race list, and that each will be run on sustainable fuels, which will keep everything we love about Revival (sounds, sights and slides) just the way it’s always been, only now with a drastically smaller carbon footprint. Moreover, we now know what the first major celebration of the event will focus on: all-round motorsport legend John Surtees.
We all know why Surtees is as revered as he is, not only winning the Formula 1 drivers’ championship in 1964 with Ferrari, but also claiming a remarkable seven titles in top-tier motorcycle racing across 350cc and 500cc disciplines. He’d also go on to compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, finishing third during his F1 championship year, clinched a Can-Am title in 1966 and started his own Grand Prix team that, while uncompetitive, still managed a couple of podiums in its brief history. If anyone’s worth celebrating at the Goodwood Revival, it’s John Surtees.
The great news is that every part of Surtees’ eclectic racing career will be covered in style at Revival, from 250cc to 500cc Grand Prix motorcycles to some of his many F1-winning machines. Goodwood Circuit will also erupt to the sound of GT racers from his spell in endurance racing.
This year marks what would have been Surtees’ 90th birthday. Though he retired from professional racing in 1972, Surtees frequently appeared at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (which in 2024 takes place on July 11th to 14th) and became one of the first patrons in the event’s inaugural year in 1993. He also punctuated his retirement by taking part in the earlier Goodwood Revivals, including drives in 250 LMs and GTOs.
“As an eight-time World Champion and the only man to achieve the honour on both two and four wheels, John Surtees was not only a huge figure in the history of the Goodwood Motor Circuit, but also played a big part in the establishment of our modern events”, said the Duke of Richmond. “Along with Stirling Moss, John was a Patron of the Festival of Speed and was deeply involved from the very beginning. More than anything, he was an exceptional racer and a great friend.”
This year’s Revival is shaping up to be another belter, then - all the more reason to head to the link here to pick up your tickets. You’ll need to act fast, though: the Revival may be in September but tickets are selling fast so grab them while you can.
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