With all the excitement around Le Mans 24 last weekend and the Nurburgring's endurance spectacle next, Goodwood Festival of Speed's imminent approach has rather flown under the radar. The theme of this year's event is 'Speed Kings - Motorsport's Record Breakers', highlighting those drivers and machines who pushed the boundaries on two wheels and four.
The famous hillclimb's own record may even be under threat; Nick Heidfeld's 41.6 second time set in 1999 at the wheel of a McLaren MP4/13 now squarely in the sights of Volkswagen's ID.R. The EV is attending the festival fresh from its staggering Nurburgring success, and looking to improve on its all-conquering performance last year.
For those interested in a more traditional definition of performance, Le Mans legends Jacky Ickx and Jackie Oliver will be present, driving the Ford GT40 in which they won the 1969 running of the race. That was also the year in which Ickx took his famous stand against the dangers of the traditional sprint start - walking across the track to his car not being enough to keep him from victory.
And with 2019 marking Michael Schumacher's 50th birthday, as well as the 25th anniversary of his first Formula 1 world title, the FoS will also host a tribute to his record-breaking success. Expect to see a good selection of his Jordan, Benetton, Ferrari and Mercedes machines making their way up the hill at various points throughout the weekend.
Away from the racecars, there's never any shortage of road-going metal at Goodwood and this year will be no exception. The Supercar Paddock should benefit from its new location closer to the start line, with several exciting models set to make dynamic debuts in the Sussex sunshine. Its previous site has now been transformed into the first Live Action Arena, where spectators will be able to see drift displays and stunt driving demonstrations.
There are plenty of reasons to go, then, and the new layout should prove a refreshing change for veterans of the last few years. Tickets are still available for most days, but if you haven't bought yours yet you might want to take a look at today's Spotted, featuring tickets for both the Thursday and Friday - arguably the least crowded, most enjoyable days - as well as grandstand access. What's more, proceeds from the sale go to benefit the Eoin Henry Foundation, set up in memory of a young petrolhead who sadly lost his battle with cancer at just 20 years old.
The foundation organises various car-centric fundraising events, as well as an annual Memorial Cruise to celebrate Eoin's birthday. What could be a more fitting way to donate to a good cause, then, than attending the Festival of Speed?
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