Historic Goodwood

Join us as we embark on a journey of Goodwood through the ages, from it’s beginnings in 1948 to today’s revival themed celebration of motorsport.
The Goodwood Circuit as we know it today, was opened in September 1948 by the 9th Duke of Richmond. As the first permanent site of British motor racing since the Second World War, its opening ceremony and first meeting were met with great excitement and enthusiasm from the British public.
Like many British circuits, Goodwood started life as a military airfield, RAF Westhampnett, which aided war efforts during the Battle of Britain. This legacy is honoured through the tradition of air shows at Goodwood events including the Revival.
After several successful decades, the Goodwood circuit closed its gates to contemporary motor racing in 1966.

Goodwood Revival
A re-enactment of the opening ceremony was staged on the 18th of September 1998, exactly 50 years after the circuit first opened. The 9th Duke’s grandson, the Earl of March, took centre stage in the same Bristol 400 that his grandfather had used 50 years earlier.
This meeting, which followed a painstaking restoration of the Circuit to look exactly as it had during its heyday, became the very first Goodwood Revival.

Vintage Enchantment
The ideal way to experience the romance and glamour of motorsport as it used to be, Goodwood Revival is the only historic motor race to be staged entirely in a period theme.
For motor racing fans, the weekend provides an unrivalled chance to see priceless examples of vehicles such as the Aston Martin DB3S, Jaguar C-Type, or Alfa Romeo Giulietta, frequently accompanied by celebrities from the racing world or beyond.
Over the years, drivers have included Rowan Atkinson as Mr Bean, Sir Stirling Moss, Debbie McGee and Phill Hill.

What to expect from Goodwood in 2024
Goodwood Revival kicks off with a parade, showcasing a wide range of eclectic cars, in addition to traditional classics you would expect.
15 races take place over the three days of the festival, allowing guests to experience bumper-to-bumper driving in vehicles that would have raced during the original Goodwood era of 1948 to 1966. This includes sportscars, F1 grand prix cars, motorcycles, GT racers and even prototypes.
The flagship race for many is the RAC TT, a celebration of 60’s grand tourers (GTs). With the dominant soundtrack of mighty V8 and V12 engines, fans of the AC Cobra and Jaguar E-types won’t want to miss the spectacle of this race.
In addition to racing, a wide range of stalls, entertainment including period cinema, a funfair, a wide range of hospitality options, awards ceremonies and of course best-dressed competitions.
Are you looking for the ultimate Goodwood Revival experience, complete with luxury hospitality, an exclusive spa hotel and behind-the-scenes extras only available to a select few?