The 25th Goodwood Revival was nothing short of spectacular, packing the weekend with an amalgamation of old-school charm and futuristic initiatives. With an all-star cast of drivers like Jenson Button, Sir Jackie Stewart, and Mark Webber, the event was a playground for motorsport aficionados and luxury car enthusiasts alike.
At the heart of the weekend was the Fordwater Trophy, making history as the first fully sustainably-fueled race at Goodwood. Thirty pre-1966 Porsche 911s graced the track, including Goodwood’s own Earl of March and Kinara, Charlie March. Andrew Jordan and Matthew Holme clinched the coveted trophy, but the real winner in the race was sustainable motorsport, showing that classic cars and green initiatives can indeed coexist.
Another gem of the event was the Rudge-Whitworth Cup, paying homage to the centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A constellation of classic Alfa Romeos, Bentleys, and Bugattis sped across the track, with motorsport legend Jacky Ickx waving the starting flag. Beyond racing, the cup itself was on display, enriching the aura of heritage and prestige at Goodwood.
Yet, it wasn’t all four-wheeled splendors; two-wheelers had their moment in the sun too. A mesmerizing collection of pre-1966 motorcycles, commemorating significant milestones for BMW Motorrad, Harley-Davidson, Norton Motorcycles, and Royal Enfield, made the opening parade an affair to remember.
The high-octane weekend also celebrated individuals who’ve left an indelible mark on motorsport. Sir Jackie Stewart, celebrating the 50th anniversary of his third World Championship, took a lap in his championship-winning Tyrrell 006. Lotus’ 75th anniversary wasn’t far behind, with a parade of 75 Lotus cars spearheaded by Johnny Herbert. Carroll Shelby, the man synonymous with American muscle and speed, was honored on what would have been his 100th birthday with a Stetson-filled parade.
It wasn’t just about the cars and races; the aviation section was equally spellbinding. The Freddie March Spirit of Aviation presented rare pre-1966 aircraft, with a 1936 Focke Wulf Stieglitz taking ‘Best in Show’.
Between races, the Revive & Thrive Village offered an array of workshops aimed at upcycling and vintage living, including sessions by TV presenter Micaela Sharp and The Repair Shop’s Dominic Chinea. The Bonhams auction added an extra layer of excitement, featuring unique offerings like a 1973 Porsche Carrera RSR and a charity-raising 1989 Lancia Delta Integrale.
In a strategic move, Ralph Lauren partnered with Goodwood, blending the world of fashion with motorsports. As if that wasn’t enough, the event surprised attendees with a whimsical circus-themed entrance and free tattoos, capturing the rebellious spirit of the 1960s.
As the curtain closed on this 25th edition, one thing was clear: the Goodwood Revival isn’t just a nostalgic journey; it’s a roadmap to the future of motorsports, balancing past glories with present innovations.