Goodwood & The Revival |
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Goodwood & The RevivalStory By Geoff WheatleyImages by "tim surman photography" In 1948 a new race track was opened in War Weary Britain named Goodwood. It was the first designed track in the post war world and drew a lot of attention from both sides of the Atlantic. Most of the world's top drivers raced at Goodwood in company with unique and certainly fast, post war cars. However by 1966 other modern race tracks had been established that attracted the latest design in both drivers and vehicles. Very little happened at Goodwood in the following years, it was used as a testing track, a training ground for would be race drivers and a few other vehicle enterprises that paid for the upkeep of the facility. 
I am not sure of the exact date but at some point over the past few years some truly brilliant and obviously keen car buff's suggested that Goodwood should be reopened as an exhibition of the glorious past and that events should be staged utilizing the post war history of Britain's contribution to auto racing. The name Goodwood Revival was suggested and accepted the theme being simple, to turn back the clock. From the first year that Goodwood was staged it has been an outstanding success and grows each year with more and more attractions. Pre 1966 race cars sweep around the track driven by such popular people like Rowan Atkinson, better known to many as Mr. Bean of both TV and movie fame, who is an excellent driver. Sir Sterling Moss, can still set the pace. Christian Horner, the team boss of the famous Red Bull Racing Team was present this year with American driver Dan Gurney who gave the crowds true value for their entry money. 
However it's not simply a race event however attractive that may be, it is truly a Revival in every sense of the word. Visitors dress in pre 1966 cloths. The RAC (Royal Automobile Club) are in attendance complete with motor cycle and sidecar, a regular feature in the 1950's, ready to change your wheel or start your car, assuming you were a fully paid up member. (If not it was a good way to get you to join when the car refused to oblige!) If you do not have the right cloths no problem, you can now rent an outfit at the event and of course many do. The choice is almost unlimited. If you want to look like you have just been shopping in swinging 1960's London, no trouble with bell bottom pants and/or a mini skirt. 
The range of available dress is quite impressive. As 2012 was the Queens Diamond Jubilee a new feature was presented called, Life on the Road comprising of vehicles that were available in 1952 including trucks and motorcycles. Another feature in 2012 was a total reconstructed Supermarket from the 1960's with the prices displayed in the old pound shillings and pence currency. In bold letters the public were told that Green Shield Stamps were offered with each purchase. (Remember them? Save up a book full and get an egg timer!) All the merchandise was featured in its original packaging. No motor gathering in Britain would be complete without a real pub selling real beer.
A North American P51 Mustang celebrating seventy years of service with a Republic P47 Thunderbolt as a companion reminded the visitors of both the war and post war co-operation between the two countries. Now gone but certainly not forgotten was examples of the famous Bunny Girls who looked like a million bunnies!! 
I never went but was told that a mile or two from Goodwood was a Pop up Hotel service in the form of a 16 foot bell tents at one price and following through to a 30 foot safari tent with king size beds and all modern cons! I think I would still settle for a Holiday Inn with a bar! Goodwood is a September event so you can almost be certain of decent weather unlike July or August when it usually rains! If you were truly adventures why not do Goodwood and Beaulieu both in the same month. A trip well worth contemplating and remember you can't take it with you!
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