Anyone into cars has probably heard of the Goodwood Festival of Speed. And if you've heard of it from personal attendees you've probably been told it's the greatest automotive event on the planet.
Well don't be fooled. It's not the greatest automotive event on the planet, but the greatest automotive event in the known universe. These people spreading the "planet" description are clearly jealous malcontents who can't give the Goodwood Festival of Speed its proper due. Losers.
But fear not. Inside Line's editors are here to give you the true lowdown on Lord March's personal speed fest. The history of Goodwood's Festival of Speed is pretty simple: wealthy British guy (and major automotive enthusiast) buys land steeped in British racing history, then invites friends over to race on what is essentially his driveway. Everyone has a blast and he expands the event beyond his personal friends. I may have left out a fact or two, but you've got the meat of it.
Anyway, it's been an annual event since 1993 and attracts everything from Formula One cars to NASCARs to rally cars. Actually, famous people are known to frequent the event, so The Cars (Rick Ocasek, Benjamin Orr, etc.) have probably shown up at some point, too. Motorcycles and airplanes also make an appearance, though the planes don't drive up the hill; they just do stunts several thousand feet above it.
I was fortunate enough to attend the event last weekend, and managed to snap a few shots without drooling (too much) on the exotic and vintage machinery. Check out the images after the jump.
And if you call yourself an automotive enthusiast, hear me now: Get ye to Goodwood!
rsholland says:
05:00 AM, 07/ 8/10
Yup, certainly should be on any gearhead's "bucket list." :)
sgude says:
09:23 AM, 07/ 8/10
My favorite moment (actually 41.6 seconds) from Goodwood:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYY-WkPnUbg
deagle13 says:
10:22 AM, 07/ 8/10
...and you call this work?!?
roadburner says:
12:05 PM, 07/ 8/10
I love the Warsteiner M3; a friend of mine built a street-legal replica. Very cool. I also met Steve Soper a couple of years ago. He's a great guy.
And yes, the Festival of Speed is definitely on my list-as is the Goodwood Revival:
http://www.goodwood.co.uk/revival/welcome.aspx
It features cars of the 40s, '50s, and '60s. You can't enter some areas unless you are driving a period-correct car and and/or wearing clothing to match.