Topic: Great motor venues and events; Goodwood

[lynxd67]

Well, you asked for it...........................

There are, in the world of classic car events, three pre-eminent meetings in the world; in order of importance I would rate Goodwood far and away above the others because of attention to detail, and behind it, but a very long way behind, Laguna Seca and Le Mans Classic, the latter being only a biennial event. Goodwood, or Westhampnett aerodrome to be strictly correct since the track was originally the perimeter road of a 2nd world war aerodrome, had it's glory years during the 1950's and 60's but then closed down as motor racing moved on to "bigger and better things". I suppose it is famous, or infamous, as being the track that ended the career of Stirling Moss, following his horrendous accident at the end of the Fordwater straight. In another thread here I've already written about the reopening of Goodwood, much against the wishes of local residents who bought a home next to a race track for "peace and quiet", and so let's move on to the style and substance of the racing and the sheer indulgence that it is. In indulgence I am in no way being derogatory but I can find no other word that sums up the incredible and intense feeling of pleasure that the Revival in September each year gives me.

Racing is over three days with free practice on the Friday and racing on the weekend. It is important to point out that in terms of winning there is but one prize for the whole weekend - a Rolex watch from the sponsor for the driver elected the best of the weekend. The rest content themselves with their winners wreaths because Goodwood isn't about money, it is about gentlemen drivers doing what they like to do because they want to, just like in the golden days of motoring.

The style of Goodwood is what sets this apart from other events although Le Mans have tried to copy to some extent, without much success. If I point out that Lord March has gone to such an extent that the post, during the event, is delivered in a Morris Minor Post Office red van exactly rebuilt as in the glory days of Goodwood does that serve to illustrate the attention to detail? The taxis which circulate the outside perimeter, taking the public and drivers about, are all classic cars. I've already posted one photo of a jeep full of "american soldiers" with machine gun and all to illustrate. They are but a club whose members participate and add to the style. Laurel and Hardy are there in their Model T Ford, an airline crew dressed in the costumes of the '50s, acapella USAF singers delightfully singing Glen Miller songs; shops not selling anything at all but a timewarp of a bygone age. A garage with a Bugatti type 35A in course of reconstruction; Spitfires on the infield with pilots (sitting near their MG TC) playing cards awaiting the telephone to ring for a scramble; a mock air battle with a Spitfire and a Hurricane seeing off a Messerschmidt 109. The "police" who circulate inside are a club, with Ford and Wolseley cars and Triumph Thunderbird motorcycles. A "car lot" with prices chalked on the screens of the cars; £250 for a Bugatti? £150 for an Aston Martin? These were the prices asked on many a bomb site at the time. It is all these pieces that go to make up the wonderful puzzle that is Goodwood.

Every mechaninc must wear white overalls, the senior crowd marshals wear bowler hats, and if you want to go into the paddock area you must be a member of Goodwood club and must wear a jacket and tie - no exceptions.

Did I forget to mention that they race there too? Well, let's leave that for another time and leave you to look at why the event is so different.

[lynxd67]

I can only post four photos at a time it seems

[lynxd67]

I could go on for ever but I'll let you all enjoy and comment

[Ultra]

Hope you don't mind that I moved the photos to the Feautre Photography section......

I am really enjoying your photography.  Making me long for the Goodwood experience even more than before, frankly.  Please keep them coming! 

[Rich]

More bikes please!

[Boxer2500]

Great stuff! One thing I've heard from some semi-pro photographer friends of mine is that digitally watermarking images is a good way to keep someone else from taking credit for your work. Of course, if you're just shooting for the fun of it, I guess it doesn't really matter.

Can I ask what kind of equipment you're using?

[lynxd67]

I use a Nikon D2X with various lenses but the majority you see here would be with the 70/200 f2.8 with or without either the 1.4 or 1.7 teleconverter. For close work I use the 17/55 f2.8 and an SB800 flash if needed. I do carry the 200/400 f4 lens but it depends on where I am going to be, and with press passes normally the 70/200 suffices, which is good news since it is a darn sight lighter than the other lens! Carry the full kit on your back for a day and you know it. Oh to be young again! For you americans I'll add a photo here of Goodwood 2005. That's my problem here really; you would probably prefer to see american cars and apart from the Barratt Jackson most photos I have a re of european cars.

[Ultra]

We can see American cars here.  I think you would find we would prefer to see European cars.

[Ultra]

'SPARK OF GENIUS - BREAKING RECORDS, PUSHING BOUNDARIES'

The theme of the fifteenth Goodwood Festival of Speed, due to be held over the weekend of 22 - 24 June 2007, will be 'Spark of Genius - Breaking Records, Pushing Boundaries.'


Through this theme, Goodwood will celebrate the glory of the individual competitors and engineering visionaries who took risks in their quest for victory. From the brave drivers and riders who campaigned in the first Brooklands and Isle of Man TT races 100 years ago, through to the land speed record breakers and the cream of the current F1 and World Rally Championship (WRC) competitors, all have made their mark and will be honoured at the 2007 Festival.


The 2007 theme promises to provide an exciting line-up of rarely-seen, pioneering competition and road machines, as well as legendary driving and riding heroes, past and present. Festival visitors can expect to see innovative racing cars that pioneered technical benefits now commonplace in many everyday family cars, including four-wheel-drive and turbo-charging, in addition to less conventional features, such as six-wheels and ground effects for improved traction.


The Centenary in 2007 of both the opening of Brooklands - the world's first purpose-built motor racing circuit - as well as the first of the gruelling Isle of Man TT motorcycle road races will be celebrated in style at the Festival of Speed. Iconic racing cars and bikes from the Brooklands era and TT will join other glamorous racing machinery in action up the challenging 1.16 mile Goodwood Park hillclimb. A veritable who's who of famous drivers will also gather together in the grounds of Goodwood House for this popular motor sport event, including many current F1 pilots.


At the top of the Goodwood hill, famous rally drivers will whirl up a storm on the Forest Rally Stage, purposely designed by rallying legend Hannu Mikkola. Everything from early 'standard saloons, sideways with spot lamps,' to the thunderous 500bhp Group B cars of the 1980s will be spitting gravel, along with many of the current WRC teams and drivers.


The Sunday Times 'InGear' Supercar run will also get pulses racing, as around 40 of the very latest supercars grace the Goodwood hill, some making their debut in action. On a more tranquil note, the Cartier 'Style et Luxe' automotive design competition will display 50 of the world's most beautiful and intriguing machines.


More mouth-watering machinery will be on view in the huge Exhibition areas, along with all-terrain driving action in the Activities Field. Younger visitors will not be overlooked either, with the Junior Festival of Speed providing a wide array of entertainment, from acrobatic BMX and skateboard champions, to karting and a circus workshop. The 2007 Festival of Speed really will have something for all the family. Watch this space for the latest news on this popular event.


As in previous years, admission to both the Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival (31 August - 2 September) will be strictly by advance ticket only.


For further information and to place an order, please contact the Ticket Hotline:

Telephone: +44 1243 755055

Fax: +44 1243 755058

E-mail: bookings@goodwood.co.uk

On-line via Online Ticket section of the www.goodwood.co.uk/motor sport/ website


For all Media enquires, please contact Gary Axon or Janet Bradley at the Goodwood Motor Sport Press Office:

Telephone: +44 1243 755109

Fax: +44 1243 755115

E-mail: speed@goodwood.co.uk or gaxon@goodwood.co.uk

[Otto Puzzell]

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