Motor Racing
June 2015Goodwood Festival of Speed
A highlight of the motorsports calendar that attracts more than 150,000 people, Goodwood's Festival of Speed celebrates competition cars and legendary drivers from the 19th century to today.
The Ascot of the motor racing world, dubbed 'the garden party of the Gods', takes place in the scenic parkland surrounding Goodwood Park in West Sussex. Home to the Dukes of Richmond for more than three centuries and housing a renowned collection of paintings, porcelain and furniture, the estate is also famous as a horseracing venue.
It first saw hill-climbing and timed uphill sprints (often in vintage cars) in 1936, introduced by the 9th Duke. In 1993 his grandson, the current Earl of March, brought motorsports back to Goodwood in the form of a three-day hill climb and general celebration of car culture.
Motoring aficionados can, in addition to the hill climb, watch a 2.5-km (1.5-mile) loose-surface rally stage featuring around 30 historic vehicles, visit the Technology Pavilion with its displays on developments by car designers and manufacturers, and try out driving simulators and 4x4 driving.
The lawns of the house, given over to the elegant and innovative entrants in the Cartier 'Style et Luxe' design award, are a civilised place for a picnic, or there are numerous food outlets around the site, including Green's Restaurant offering seafood and champagne.
