Til next year, Arturo….we hope.
Story by Staff
Photos by Jonathan Sharp from the 2019 Festival of Speed
Goodwood: The showcase of our passion…
There is nothing like Goodwood in the world; in our humble opinion and that of our two veteran race correspondents, Jonathan Sharp and Hugues Vanhoolandt, Goodwood puts on the three (Member’s Meeting, Festival of Speed, and the Goodwood Revival) greatest classic motoring events on earth and supreme showcases for our passion.
…is in trouble…
Every year we take for granted the long list of famous drivers, spectacular cars, shows, displays and outstanding racing, and assume it will always be there, bigger and better. But that may not always be the case. Due to the cancellation of all three of this year’s events, Goodwood is facing serious financial difficulties. According to the Goodwood Supporters Association, “…social distancing has had a catastrophic impact on our ability to operate. It is a worrying time and we are doing what we can to salvage a future for our events. We rely on our headline events to generate all of our operating profit, their absence places not only future events but even the long-term future of the estate under considerable strain.”
Where else? The three World Championship winning cars of Sir Jackie Stewart, 1969 Matra Cosworth MS80, 1973 Tyrrell Coswoth 006 and the 1971 Tyrrell Cosworth 003.
Goodwood: Why it matters
While the loss of these events at Goodwood would be discouraging for older car enthusiasts, there is another reason to be concerned. Every year Goodwood’s two prime events, the Festival of Speed and the Revival, attracts thousands of people ages from 20 to 50, the very generation that needs to learn about historic and vintage automobiles. Hopefully, it is they who will inherit the cars and the passion that may keep motoring history alive after we are gone. A love of vintage cars is nurtured at Goodwood. Says Jonathan Sharp, “The Festival of Speed, because it covers all types of cars from Edwardian to contemporary and F1, attracts the younger audience. I would reckon the youngsters probably outnumber us older guys!”
Where else? Mercedes-Benz W165 warm-up
The Revival, held later in the year, is much more than just a race meeting. “The Revival is also a family day out for all ages from babies in 1950s Park Royal prams, to grandfathers teaching their grandsons history; thousands of younger people go just to be able to dress up, drink champagne and enjoy the whole period setting, a social event much like Royal Ascot or the Henley Regatta.” Says Hugues Vanhoolandt, who has covered every major vintage event in the world, “There are many young people at both events. They can have fun and there is something for everyone’s taste.” While a younger generation may attend Goodwood for the festivities and to experience the music and dress, they also are exposed vintage cars in action and in the car parks, and might learn what it was like to be a motorist when motoring was at its prime.
Where else? In celebration of Michael Schumacher’s 50th birthday, part of an impressive lineup of his Grand Prix cars, Benetton Ford B192,193 and 194.
That is why we need to recognize that Goodwood is more than Lords and Ladies, more than rich investors…it is in fact a lifeline for the future. Here is one way you can help; go to https://www.goodwood.com/gsa/, become a Goodwood Supporter, or ask how you can contribute to the cause.
And… Mercedes-Benz W125
A new event is announced
And, late last week Goodwood announced new event, Goodwood Speedweek. Here is the announcement:
“After much speculation, we’re pleased to reveal that Goodwood Speedweek presented by Mastercard will take place on 16-18 October 2020. The greatest elements of the Festival and Revival will be combined into one unmissable three-day extravaganza, staged behind closed doors at the Goodwood Motor Circuit. With no spectators, Speedweek will be optimised for broadcast and will be transmitted free of charge globally via our website, social channels and a range of broadcast partners.
Porsche 917 P/A and 917/30
Nothing like Speedweek has been seen before, as we bring more than a century of world class motorsport to life to celebrate the legendary feats of speed, courage and endurance that make it the most compelling sport on earth. On the track, the most valuable cars will do battle in the closest, most competitive historic racing in the world, driven by a glittering line-up of famous faces. Embracing the lack of spectators, a dramatic rally competition will see cars go on, over and even under the circuit, the inaugural ‘Goodwood Gymkhana’ will literally take over the venue, going to places that would normally be strictly out of bounds, and a never-to-be-repeated competition will see some of the fastest cars in motorsport history vying for honours in a winner-takes-all shoot-out over one lap.
Good article. Having been fortunate enough to have experienced the Festival of Speed and Revival about 20 years ago, I wholeheartedly agree that Goodwood puts on the best vintage car races in the world and hope they continue uninterrupted long after this pandemic has ended. Question: Who is Arturo?
David, good to hear from you! Arturo Merzario, long time Alfa pilot, who is a fixture at the FOS. He saved Niki Lauda but not sure we can do the same with Goodwood.
Arturo drove Factory Ferraris also. He won the 1972 Targa Florio with Sandro Munari in a Lone factory Ferrari 312PB beating a Four car Auto Delta Alfa Romero team…..
Although I am in my eighties now I have been a life time supporter of Goodwood.I remember going to the first ever meeting at the circuit with my Father in 1948.During my working career I spent a lot of time at Goodwood as a technician working on various cars when I worked for John Coombs.I was one of the founder Members of the GSA,and have been a member of the GRRC since its inception Membership no 612.Goodwood must survive and all of us who love Motor Sport must do all we can to help.
Disappointing that goodwood took 6 million profit from each year now says its broke very very saddened as a business owner. Have spent hundreds every year and now been begged to save it.
“Little Art” was also an ABARTH team driver.
One missed season and the entire estate is in peril ?
Hello, if you love cars, you have to go to Goodwood events. The cars, the people, the place is unique. At leas one on your life! Godspeed. Jaime I