Goodwood Revival

Last weekend, Goodwood Revival celebrated its 25th year and it was a fantastic event!

Racing On The Legendary Goodwood Circuit

In a historic first spanning the 75 years of the Circuit’s existence, an entire race was run at Revival using sustainable fuel. The 2023 Fordwater Trophy event took place at the iconic track this past Saturday afternoon, where a grid of 30 pre-1966 Porsche 911s competed. This race showcased an impressive lineup of classic cars and accomplished drivers, including Jenson Button, Tom Kristensen, Mark Webber, and Goodwood’s Earl of March and Kinara, Charlie March (Lord March). To mark the special occasion, Lord March himself took part in the race, driving car number 44. Ultimately, the coveted trophy was won by Andrew Jordan and Matthew Holme.

Goodwood also hosted the Rudge-Whitworth Cup, which paid tribute to the centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A grid featuring Alfa Romeos, Bentleys, and Bugattis took to the track, with Jacky Ickx serving as the Grand Marshal. Jacky actually waved the same French Tricolor flag that LeBron James used to get this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans started back in June. The Rudge-Whitworth Triennial Cup was on display throughout the weekend and, during the Sunday evening prize-giving ceremony, Ben Collings and Gareth Graham were presented with the cup.

Goodwood Revival Race Highlights

Revival featured many racing moments. One of note was the collection of pre-1966 motorcycles during the opening track parade. This celebrated several significant milestones such as 100 years of BMW Motorrad, 120 years of Harley-Davidson, 125 years of Norton Motorcycles, and 130 years of Royal Enfield. In addition to this, Revival marked the return of some much-loved races such as the Freddie March Memorial Trophy on Friday evening, the Lavant Cup, and the Royal Automobile Club TT Celebration, which gained an extra layer of excitement due to an unexpected spell of wet weather.

World Class Drivers

Goodwood Revival, as always, saw several former Formula 1 drivers, including the legendary Sir Jackie Stewart, commemorating the 50th anniversary of his third World Championship by taking a lap of the track in his iconic Tyrrell 006. Also at the event was 2009 World Champion Jenson Button, making his third consecutive appearance at Revival. Joining him was nine-time Formula 1 race winner Mark Webber, Formula 1 driver and Sky Sports presenter Karun Chandhok, and the Goodwood hillclimb record holder, Max Chilton.

The weekend’s star-studded lineup did not stop there though, as it featured many recognisable drivers and riders, including Rowan Atkinson, Derek Bell, Romain Dumas, Dario Franchitti, Johnny Herbert, Jacky Ickx, Tom Kristensen, John McGuinness, and many more, creating an unforgettable gathering of motorsport legends.

Celebrating Milestones

This year marks 50 years since the legend that is Sir Jackie Stewart won his third Formula 1 Championship back in 1973. To commemorate his remarkable career, he was reunited with the car that secured his championship, the Tyrrell-Cosworth 006.

As at the Festival of Speed earlier this year, Revival celebrated the 75th anniversary of Lotus. Part of this celebration included a parade of 75 cars from the rich history of the Lotus marque. Johnny Herbert also got behind the wheel of a 1965 Ford-Lotus 30 as part of the celebration.

Revival also commemorated what would have been the year that legendary driver, car manufacturer, and entrepreneur Carroll Shelby had his 100th birthday. The tribute featured a parade showcasing Shelby’s inaugural race-winning MG-TC and a grid filled with drivers sporting Stetson hats, in tribute to the iconic Shelby legacy.

Freddie March Spirit of Aviation

The Freddie March Spirit of Aviation, presented by Bonhams Cars, served as an assembly of some of the aviation world’s most elegant and seldom-seen aircraft. In the pre-1966 aircraft concours d’elegance, the 1936 Focke Wulf Stieglitz Red D-EMNN was crowned the ‘Best in Show,’ a decision made by the judging panel of television presenter Noel Edmonds, former Airline Captain Emma Henderson MBE, Squadron Leader Alan Jones (Director of Solent Sky Museum), Nick Mason (renowned drummer of Pink Floyd), Zara Rutherford (the youngest female pilot to undertake a solo flight around the world), Aaron Shelby (board member of Carroll Shelby International), and Peter Teichman (founder of Hangar 11 Collection).

Revive & Thrive At Goodwood Revival

This year, the Revive & Thrive Village made a welcomed return, alongside the introduction of new vintage fashion and heritage crafts areas. Featuring a packed schedule of talks, demonstrations, and workshops throughout the weekend, the Revive & Thrive areas hoped to inspire attendees to bring second-hand items back to life.

Headlining the Revive & Thrive craft content were TV presenter Micaela Sharp and Nerrisa Pratt, the founder of The Bargello Edit. They demonstrated techniques for sewing, stitching, and rescuing second-hand clothing. The Revive & Thrive Workshop, led by Dominic Chinea from The Repair Shop provided guidance on breathing new life into time-worn items using traditional upcycling methods.

Revival also saw Goodwood welcome back Dandy Wellington, the New York Jazz Bandleader and Style Activist, who shared his wisdom on vintage living and also led the panel of judges for the Best Dressed competition.

Auction

The Bonhams Cars Auction took place on Saturday and featured a diverse catalogue of vehicles, including the 1973 3-litre Martini Racing Works Team Porsche Carrera RSR ‘R7’ Endurance Racing Coupé, and the 1989 Lancia Delta Integrale, which underwent a restoration by TV presenter Richard Hammond. The sale of the Lancia raised £36,000 for charity.

More Than Just Racing

Beyond the racetrack, the festivities at Revival continued “Over The Road,” where visitors immersed themselves in a variety of activities. These included a vintage fairground experience and the Revival Cinema, presented by Sky Cinema, which featured ’60s classics like Grease, The Italian Job, and Willy Wonka.

A new addition to this year’s event, the Les Skuse Tattoo Parlour on Richmond Lawn, proved popular as visitors stepped back in time to when the rebellious spirit of the 1960s was brought to life through the art of tattoos. While the tattoos were permanent, they were offered free of charge to weekend attendees, alongside a selection of temporary transfers. As a surprise to visitors, the main entrance was transformed into a circus, with performers taking centre stage to celebrate the story of “The Greatest Show on Earth.”

Famous Faces At Goodwood Revival

Famous faces seen at Revival this year included Francis Bourgeois, Dominic Chinea, Noel Edmonds, Ruth Gemmell, David Gyasi, Alison Hammond, Jodie Kidd, Jason Momoa and Twiggy. 

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren collaborated with Revival, introducing unique and tailored initiatives throughout the weekend. Attendees were treated to an exclusive hospitality experience, set within the storied Race Control building, which offered the best views of the track’s start and finish line. The Race Control Building was outfitted with signature Ralph Lauren home furnishings, drawing inspiration from the world of automotive design.

Charity

This year’s Revival supported the Chichester Boys’ Club. Founded in 1923, the local charity supports and develops the skills of young people, adults and vulnerable members of the community. 

Goodwood Revival 2024

Next year’s Revival will take place Friday 6th- Sunday 8th September 2024. You can sign up for ticket alerts now at goodwood.com to be the first to hear when tickets go on sale.