The weather gods smiled on the 21st running of the Goodwood Festival of Speed as the whole weekend bathed in glorious sunshine with temperatures akin to the Mediterranean, rather than England’s south coast. From relative humble beginnings this event has become the “Circus Maximus” of the motoring and motor racing worlds, and an established blueprint that many have tried to emulate worldwide with varying degrees of success—often imitated, never duplicated. Those who have tried to copy the Goodwood formula have often failed as they ignore those formative years of development, which have witnessed it mature into a major global event that has now truly come of age. The Goodwood Festival of Speed wasn’t built in a day!
For the spectator, it has become difficult to take in all the experiences in one day. While many stay transfixed by the variety of drivers who strut their stuff in a conglomeration of vehicles—everything imaginable from Roman chariots to contemporary Formula One machinery—on the hill, the kingpin of the event, they tend to miss many other arenas of entertainment and exhibition. This year, the 20th Anniversary, Goodwood took on a reflective mood, inviting many of the vehicles, drivers and riders that have played a part in the success of the festival over the years. Lord March and his trusty team had their work cut out when the dates had to be changed due to the F1 Grand Prix calendar, as the event then clashed with major historic motor racing events at Brands Hatch and Dijon, France. It can be said by regular sojourners and purists that the Cathedral Paddock lacked a little sparkle, but for first-time or infrequent visitors it was probably mind-blowing. Nevertheless, there is a certain magic to those four words “Goodwood Festival of Speed” that conjure up a sell-out event many weeks before the gates open.
And so, to the event itself, where I’m sure the many drivers, riders and motoring celebrities use the occasion to catch up and socialize. Messrs Ickx, Arnoux, Ragnotti and Pescarolo huddled in the collection paddock prior to the sportscars going up the hill to do just that. In another corner, Riccardo Patrese and Steve Soper were reminiscing, while octogenarian Hans Herrmann held court aboard the iconic Porsche 917 resplendent in the Porsche Salzburg Austria red and white colors that gave him and Richard Attwood that memorable win at Le Mans in 1971. Indeed, Attwood, John Fitzpatrick, Guy Smith and other Le Mans luminaries were there too. That is the true magic of Goodwood. Where else could you see all these legendary drivers in such a confined space? Where else would Grand Prix drivers of today, like Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, meet Alain Prost and Nelson Piquet—stars of the 1980s—as well as the legendary Sir Stirling Moss and Tony Brooks, who were just two of the greats from the early days of the modern F1 World Championship.
Celebrations weren’t just confined to the event itself, Porsche was there center stage to mark 50 golden years of the 911. Indeed, sculptor Gerry Judah, who has become synonymous with installations erected on the lawn in front of Goodwood House, once again worked on a celebratory edifice that caused conversation among the throng. The 34-meter-high steel monocoque sculpture, a record height for Goodwood, formed three arrows and weighed some 25 tons (metric). Despite its obvious technical challenge and simplistic shape, many questioned its meaning, was it less is more in these times of austerity? Why two blue cars and one yellow? Why not black, red and yellow cars at the top, the colors of the German flag? Why not three golden cars? Why is it so tall and leaning to the right? Whatever, it did what most structures of that nature should do—cause conversation and controversy. McLaren also celebrated a half-century of existence, and in typical style used a quote from Bruce himself to underline the occasion: “Life is measured in achievements, not in years.” From one of the most successful teams over the last 50 years it was very apt, and I’m sure the founder looked down approvingly. A convoy of significant McLarens representing F1, Le Mans, the Indy 500 and other racing championships entered over the years made a striking display on the hill.
For the rally enthusiast, there was 40 years of the World Rally Championship, the inaugural event being won by Alpine Renault. Charles Reynolds drove his fine example of an A110 on Goodwood’s rally stage throughout the weekend. The iconic racing colors of Martini were on display too, occupying a massive square where models of racing machinery sporting the distinctive livery were exhibited as Martini, the brand, celebrated 150 years. One of the most eye-catching displays was the Land Speed Legends exhibit presented by Daytona International Speedway that included models such as Sir Malcolm Campbell’s 1933, 36.7-liter V12 Bluebird and Henry Seagrave’s 1922, aero-engined, Golden Arrow. Sand, palm trees, unusually hot weather and scantily clad ladies added to the ambiance, all of which made for one of Goodwood’s most exciting exhibits.
Despite the various celebrations, from a news point of view the Goodwood Festival was in danger of being swamped by Bonhams auctioning the ex-Fangio 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R Formula One racing car for an astonishing £17,500,000.
As the curtain fell on this Anniversary year the prize giving became the focal point with the presentation of trophies. Justin Law in the Silk Cut Jaguar XJR 8/9 took victory in the timed shootout with a run of 45.95 seconds, and the Cartier Style et Luxe, Best of Show went to the 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24S Spider entered by JD Classics, with other class wins for the 1929 Bugatti Type 41 Royale, 1938 Phantom Corsair, Aston Martin DB4 GT Jet, 1955 Ferrari 250 GT Special, 1957 Jaguar XKSS, 1997 McLaren F1, 1963 Porsche 901 and the Bertone Lancia Sibilo. There were many other winners, and by the amount of comments on various social network channels the public was pleased with the His Lordship’s offerings, as many hailed the weekend as a total success.
So, what can we expect from the Festival of Speed for the next 20 years? It would appear that Lord March has a unique modus operandi that seems to attract manufacturers, sponsors, celebrities from the various worlds of motor sport, owners of iconic vehicles and, last but not least, the paying public by the thousands year on year. Happy Anniversary M’Lord.
By Mike Jiggle
