Goodwood Revival

[nicanary]

I haven't completed the title of this thread with "2016" because I thought it could be used in future years for any AP member to post personal accounts or photos after their visit.

I went this year for the first time. I would have gone in past years, but I have to fly there, and the total cost this year including car hire, hotel and meals, the purchase of suitable period clothing, etc. came to over £900. I could have gone to the Caribbean for that! Not for nothing am I known as Scrooge by my associates.

I can't even provide decent photos. My only digital camera is a little pocket Sony with useless focal length and no shutter speed options. I was hoping to at least get pictures of interesting cars in the "village" area but the crowds were too dense. The optimum photo opportunity would be in the paddock, but access is not possible without being a GRRC member, for which there is a 6-year waiting list (and a charge of £210!), although I understand that threats of violence (seriously and sadly true) resulted in some spectators achieving this objective. Not my MO, what with me being a frail 65-year old.

Humidity on Friday meant I took off my cap and got sunburn, Saturday had unceasing rain which made standing by the rails an uncomfortable affair, and Sunday was scorching hot -  not really the right weather for a Tweed jacket. The whole event has now become a well-oiled operation, and my only niggles were that the car parks had no numbered/lettered posts so that it was difficult to find your car (senility rules!), collapsible chairs weren't available for hire or purchase, and grandstand seats which had not been previously sold, were not available to buy "on the day". These last two things are a case of Goodwood losing out on selling opportunities. There's cash to be made, and they're missing out.

The whole thing is simply wonderful. I'll be the first person to moan a bit about authenticity of some (or probably most) of the cars, and whether the events are really "period", and about the need for the attractions which are a bit naff - the 1966 World Cup celebration for example.Personally I think the meeting stands up by itself, and doesn't need all this extra stuff, but it probably entertains the visitors who come for the atmosphere and for the chance to dress up for the day. I saw 4 monks, a half-dozen adult schoolboys, a golfer in Argyle socks complete with a golf club (why???), but also some very attractive ladies who looked simply magnificent in their frocks and hats. I must have a mummy complex.......

I know that one of our members is on the "team" at Goodwood - I'm wondering whether we could get a party of AP members together to meet up for the weekend next year, and whether (whisper it quietly) that certain member could arrange for us to visit the paddock on the infield. Just a thought.......

If anyone else was there this year, feel free to post your thoughts and recollections. My biggest memory? - the sound of Joe Colasacco's Ferrari 1512 mixed in amongst the Climax and BRM engines. Holy Noise Abatement, Batman!

[Carnut]

Count me In for 2017!
I haven't been for many years but when I did go it was absolutely fantastic and I promised myself I would go as often as possible, a promise I have clearly broken!
Life is too short not to go!

[Allan L]

In period I always found Goodwood too far to go for the day so never went. The nearest I've got to the Revival was the first one, which truly was intended to be a Revival of the 1950s Goodwood meetings and as that included handicap races there was a real chance I'd be needed, as there was probably a need for two Handicappers.
In the event Robin Birchall had to cope on his own as it was still too far for a day trip!
I should probably make the effort as racing real cars that were designed to be raced is what I approve of - as David Black said to the inept commentator who'd asked if he was worried racing the historic car (Alfa Romeo P3) he'd just won a Silverstone race in "Of course not. It's what they're for. No use just sitting and looking at 'em, is it?"
Age and the tight-fistedness of Yorkshire ancestry will probably keep me away as there is too much dressing-up/out of period saloon cars/showmanship that I don't want to pay extra for.
Oh are there still a lot of the fancy-dressers in military uniforms? We who were young in the 1950s remember that our National Service mates (a) couldn't wait to get out of uniform when on leave and (b) were not supposed to wear uniform off-duty anyway (but usually did when hitch-hiking home to cash in on the sympathy of passing motorists).
Good job some of us don't share my disdain

[nicanary]

Don't worry Allan, I do share it - it's just still too much of a draw for me.

There was much less fancy-dress than I expected, but still too much. I don't mind WW2 RAF uniform because Lord March is happy enough for the occasion to reflect the history of the estate, but what the heck US Army outfits are doing there is beyond me. Ditto airline pilots, a group of men dressed as Tommy Cooper, someone dressed as Steve McQueen (or maybe he did race at Goodwood - I know he raced at Brands) and others I've previously mentioned.

I really don't even understand why the organisers feel the need for the actors in their rather embarassing guises as entertainment. I find it naff, and completely unnecessary. I suppose so many of the spectators are there simply for the outing and have little interest in watching the racing. It's what pays for the upkeep of the estate, when all is said and done, and to some extent we oldies could be accused of elitism, wishing it was just "for us" when we hear the visitors professing a complete lack of knowledge about what they're watching.

I believe the Silverstone Classic is more suited to enthusiasts, but somehow I quite liked donning my "sporting gentleman" attire and not looking out of place. Having said which, I agree that even those who had made an effort had misunderstood what people actually wore back then - the vast majority of men would have been in a plain white shirt and some grey bags, and the women would not have looked like they'd just come from the catwalk. Perhaps the organisers could print on the tickets that they reserve the right to decline entry if the ticketholder turns up looking like a pr*t!

As for the cars, I couldn't agree more. It's the difference between racing historic cars, and racing cars in the historic manner. How many did I see that were truly original and "in period"? Brian Redman's Red Rose E-type was there, driven by a very capable racer, but it was way down the field - in period it would only have been beaten by another E-type from Coombs or Sopwith. Some entrants want to win at all costs. (I see Adrian Newey wasn't there this year - I won't say any more for fear of litigation).

I would like to see a TT renactment as it used to be - classes for all types, with Porsche Carrera, Elite, Turner, MGA etc.. Some hope, because there are too many Cobras in the world. Plus a saloon car race on period wheels and suspension, with smaller cars being lapped rather than winning in improbable manner. Maybe an Edwardian handicap, with Kris Kringle driving a Mors!

Anyway, thanks for the input.  I share your general feelings, but couldn't keep away. Nor apparently, could many people from the Continent - I heard lots of German, Dutch, French and Italian spoken. I followed a German-registered Porsche 918 Spyder out of the carpark on the wet Saturday which had way too much power for the mud - that's a brave choice for visiting the UK. I also stood close to a couple of Eastern European thugs dressed in modern black clothing who looked so out-of-place it was painful. There was much breaking and entering on the campsites - I wonder who it could have been?

[Iluvatar]

The Revival is one of my dreams since I entered the classic car world. Every year the budget is too low, but I hope to be able to go there someday...

[Paul Jaray]

The Revival is one of my dreams since I entered the classic car world. Every year the budget is too low, but I hope to be able to go there someday...

+1

[nicanary]

The Revival is one of my dreams since I entered the classic car world. Every year the budget is too low, but I hope to be able to go there someday...

+1

It is indeed an expensive trip if you live on the Continent because of the travel costs. In addition, it's hardly worth coming over for one day, so there's the added cost of tickets for 3 days, and hotel bills unless you have friends to stay with.

It was the same for me. Living in Northern Ireland meant extensive travel - it's cheaper to fly and hire a car than use the ferry for my own car. Crazy. I just dusted down my wallet, tried to remember the combination for the lock, and bit the bullet. I could do it cheaper next time - I learned lessons the hard way this year.

The whole event is not always going to be to everyone's taste. Allan Lupton made some good points, and I agree with him on most of them, but all the same I can't think of anywhere else I'd rather waste my money. I tried women, and they were even more expensive! I really hope the meeting doesn't get any more commercialised than it now is, as it has already veered away from what I believe was first planned. At the end of the day, Lord March has to make it pay for itself, and if that means offering entertainment which mildly annoys purists like myself, then so be it. I accept that he has bills to pay.

Now, I wouldn't mind going to Laguna Seca, but that'd be a massive expense, and a lot of the cars would be restored "American Style" which isn't really to my taste. Goodwood is excellent, if you accept it for what it has to be.

[Allan L]

As those of us who meet in another place will have seen, there are some who live in Canada and the US who visit one or other of the Goodwood events and that'd be a lot of money.
I've just seen a bit of Goodwood on TV and we were shown the actors and their costume store which is another aspect I prefer not to have to pay for.  A perfectly respectible racing driver, Dario Franchetti, doing the presenting seemed to have been briefed to tell us every couple of minutes something about the huge "value" of the motorcars being raced.
Last night there was a TV programme on the history of the Goodwood estate and we saw clips of 1950s racing as well as recent stuff. The period footage showed how it looked then of course.

[nicanary]

There's a quite interesting post on another website, which I shall refer to as T** T**ths, which had me chiuckling. One point the poster made was that hiring guest drivers made for unequal driving standards. I'll be the first to admit that some of the gentleman owner/drivers are a bit dangerous with their lack of pace and spatial "unawareness", but fair does to them for showing us their lovely cars and risking them in that way. However, I also believe that some of the regular drivers at historic meetings are as good as, if not better, than many of the BTCC guys who turned up this year. They aren't interested in furthering their careers in more modern machinery, but anyone who saw Simon Hadfield in the Project Aston in the wet a couple of years ago, will know what I mean. Having professionals in a race doesn't automatically make them the best drivers in that race.

The other comment made in the post was the FB page of Goodwood and its video content, which apparently consists of all the crashes and near-misses. This is akin to BTCC racing and gives the wrong impression of the event, and might attract the wrong sort of spectator. Or so the comment implies. We all know who's in charge of PR at Goodwood  .

[Iluvatar]

The other comment made in the post was the FB page of Goodwood and its video content, which apparently consists of all the crashes and near-misses. This is akin to BTCC racing and gives the wrong impression of the event, and might attract the wrong sort of spectator. Or so the comment implies. We all know who's in charge of PR at Goodwood  .

I'm too disappointed by the view they are giving of the event, with a major focus on every single crash and damage... in the previous years I had the impression that on the live stream they used to hide the big crashes, now looks like they are trying to attract more people by highlighting the "bad" side of the event.
I approve and enjoy classic car racing, crashes are a normal "side effect", but they are not the most important think at all. Nobody wants them!

[Iluvatar]

There's a quite interesting post on another website, which I shall refer to as T** T**ths, which had me chiuckling. One point the poster made was that hiring guest drivers made for unequal driving standards. I'll be the first to admit that some of the gentleman owner/drivers are a bit dangerous with their lack of pace and spatial "unawareness", but fair does to them for showing us their lovely cars and risking them in that way. However, I also believe that some of the regular drivers at historic meetings are as good as, if not better, than many of the BTCC guys who turned up this year. They aren't interested in furthering their careers in more modern machinery, but anyone who saw Simon Hadfield in the Project Aston in the wet a couple of years ago, will know what I mean. Having professionals in a race doesn't automatically make them the best drivers in that race.

The different performances of cars and drivers is sometime disturbing, with the first bunch of cars passing the slower ones just after 2 or 3 laps... but there is no solution to this, someone wants to race, someone else just want to run in the Goodwood Revival... and we love to see a huge starting grid!

[nicanary]

I agree with your comments. The only solution would be for the organisers to persuade the owners of the invited cars to allow faster drivers to actually race in the event. I can't see many of them wanting to do this - they just enjoy the race even if they're lapped a few times.

As for the crash video - sadly the Revival has now become such a big occasion that it attracts all sorts of people who would not normally follow motor racing. I say "sadly" becuase I'm old-fashioned and would prefer the meeting to be restricted to spectators who are passionate about historic race cars. Thius cannot happen, because the huge crowds which attend the Revival and Festival of Speed ensure that Lord March can pay for the upkeep of the Goodwood Estate, and good luck to him. I think it's only fair. Thus the video is of the kind which will appeal to a mass audience, and maybe attract more of the same next year.

It's all a case of balance. The organisers have to provide a little bit of everything to cover all tastes.

[Carnut]

I have, in the past, jokingly suggested that there is a questionnaire at the entrance and if visitors don't score more than 90% they aren't allowed in...!
That was after I was standing next to a couple of blokes at the NEC Classic Car Show and one of them said to the other "I think that's a Dino; wasn't it made by Ferrari?" and the other one replied "Dunno"...  The event is packed and it's hard to really see much on some days, but it's not packed with enthusiasts, just Brummies having a day out!
You could say the same thing about the Revival, although I would have thought it's so expensive that only true enthusiasts would pay so much to attend..  And of course the organisers of all these events need every penny they can get.

[nicanary]

I have, in the past, jokingly suggested that there is a questionnaire at the entrance and if visitors don't score more than 90% they aren't allowed in...!
That was after I was standing next to a couple of blokes at the NEC Classic Car Show and one of them said to the other "I think that's a Dino; wasn't it made by Ferrari?" and the other one replied "Dunno"...  The event is packed and it's hard to really see much on some days, but it's not packed with enthusiasts, just Brummies having a day out!
You could say the same thing about the Revival, although I would have thought it's so expensive that only true enthusiasts would pay so much to attend..  And of course the organisers of all these events need every penny they can get.

Well observed.

It's my belief that attending the Revival has become part of "The Season"- that vague collection of events at which one must "be seen". Henley, Ascot, Wimbledon etc.. I'm not saying that everyone at Goodwood is not a fan of old racing cars, but I reckon about 10/15% of spectators are there for the social occasion. They are the ones dressed impeccably who wander all day around the Village and stands, frequenting the bars and refreshment stalls, and engaging in idle chit-chat with others of their ilk. They quite probably gain access to the paddock because they know Freddy March or one of the mega-wealthy car entrants, but they haven't a clue what they're looking at.

Like yourself, I'm not suggesting that this is a bad thing. All income for the Estate is welcome, and they're doing no harm. Having said that, the place is packed to capacity and it's so frustrating for real enthusiasts trying to get a decent look at the exhibits. I think most historic racing fans now look upon the Revival as a bit different from the other meetings in the UK and indeed in other countries. They accept that it's something that attracts "outsiders" - you either attend, or you don't. Personal choice. It's quite interesting to read the comments on other websites which cater for the historic brigade - it's clear that some still can't understand what has happened to the Revival, and want it back to what they consider to be acceptable. Others just "go with the flow".

I loved it, because although I was a "newbie" I knew what to expect. Whether or not we get a mass AP attendance next year, I'm having a word with "that certain AP member" about getting access to the paddock !

PS Actually I didn't mind too much about the hordes of poseurs strolling around the Village - some of the women were absolutely stunning! Is that a bit politically incorrect? If Sir Stirling can call them popsies, so can I........

[gilescooperuk]

I am going to Goodwood next year (gave it a miss this year).

For cheap accommodation get in touch with Chichester University cost £55 per night (in 2015) which wasn't bad - don't expect luxury but it is cheap and a good breakfast is served.

Secondly it only costs a little more (relatively) but get the roving grandstand tickets - after a day of exploring it is good to sit down...

Personally having been to both FoS and Revival I much prefer the revival as hill climbs are boring to watch!!!

[Oguerrerob]

Those who have been at the Goodwood Revival must have pictures of the event. The entrance monument I've seen in the web, built every year, looks very impressive. It would be nice for who hasn't gone there to watch them. At least, I'll thank you.

[nicanary]

Those who have been at the Goodwood Revival must have pictures of the event. The entrance monument I've seen in the web, built every year, looks very impressive. It would be nice for who hasn't gone there to watch them. At least, I'll thank you.

I think you are referring to the "car sculpture" built every year in the grounds of Goodwood House. This is erected for the Festival of Speed meeting, not the Revival. I've never attended this event, but maybe another AP member will have some images.

I'm afraid I also don't have any photos of the Revival. You need a fairly large camera and lens to obtain good images of the racing, and I don't want to have to carry those around with me. I get tired just standing and watching! As I have already posted, I took a pocket camera with me, but the crowds mean you don't get much of a chance to get a decent shot of the static exhibits.

[nicanary]

I am going to Goodwood next year (gave it a miss this year).

For cheap accommodation get in touch with Chichester University cost £55 per night (in 2015) which wasn't bad - don't expect luxury but it is cheap and a good breakfast is served.

Secondly it only costs a little more (relatively) but get the roving grandstand tickets - after a day of exploring it is good to sit down...

Personally having been to both FoS and Revival I much prefer the revival as hill climbs are boring to watch!!!

That's very useful information, thanks for that. I flew from Ulster to Southampton this year, and stayed at a hotel in the airport grounds, which was close to the motorway. I assumed that hotels nearer to Chichester would be very expensive and probably booked to capacity.

I think I'd better get this accomodation booked ASAP! I agree about the grandstand. It wasn't so much the weather that caused me problems, but fatigue from standing on my feet all day. Next year I'll tackle the whole thing with the knowledge of hindsight.

[gilescooperuk]

Well I would wait until the tickets go on sale before booking, I booked around January and didn't have a problem but I am on the notification list for this year.

The evening races are good as the grandstands are quiet (most people have gone) and it is easy to get a good seat...

[gilescooperuk]

http://www.chi.ac.uk/enterprise-and-employers/conference-services/offers-and-events

It looks like £53 per night is the current price

[gilescooperuk]

Just as an update, Chichester university are only selling a min of 2 nights accommodation and that is going quickly. If you want a single night it you have to go on a reserve list.

[nicanary]

Just as an update, Chichester university are only selling a min of 2 nights accommodation and that is going quickly. If you want a single night it you have to go on a reserve list.

Thanks for keeping us up to date. Much appreciated. (Mine's been booked for some time now!)

[nicanary]

I'm already sorted for this year, but just for the information of other members I would suggest they investigate Airbnb for possible accomodation.

My daughter and her fiance are coming with me this year, and we have booked a house in Havant for a grand total of £300 including charges, for 3 nights. Clearly the owner has no idea of the hotel prices for the Goodwood area during the Revival meeting.

Book early before the "hosts" wake up to their folly.

[nicanary]

I've just received a call-up for jury service for 4 weeks commencing Sept 3 2018. They can forget that!

I'm putting in an excuse for absence, and failing that I'll pay the £1000 fine. Inconsiderate b**tards.

[D-type]

I'm told that the best trick is to write saying something like "Although I am not a member of the National Front  (or other extremist party) I do sympathise with some of their views and I feel that I could not be totally unbiased if I were on the jury of a case with a "black" defendant.  Would it be possible to ensure that I am only allocated to cases with a white defendant?"  or  "I had a good friend who was killed in the London bombings (pick your atrocity) and I feel  . . . Muslim defendant"
Faced with that they can't risk a defence counsel getting hold of the letter.