As you read these lines, lucky João Faustino is on his way to the Goodwood Festival. He was responsible for the arduous task of representing Reason Automobile in this event. It was up to me the noble – but less fun… – mission to tell you all the experiences and photographs that João will provide us during these days. Rays! Next year I will also...
If you're reading this, instead of being in England covering your children's ears while passing a historic Formula 1 'screaming' at the top of their lungs, I'm sorry.
But while João arrives and does not arrive at Goodwood, it is worth remembering the importance and origins of this festival that takes place every year in the South of England, in the gardens of Lord March's estate (pictured).
We have to say this: this lord is a gem of a person. Not just anyone invites 150,000 people to spend a weekend on his property, burning rubber, stepping on grass and talking about cars. Well done sir!
The origin of the Festival
It was 1990 when this English lord decided to buy the House of Goodwood. A gigantic estate, where the track of the Goodwood Circuit rests. A place that in bygone times was the «Mecca» of English motorsport, the scene of Formula 1 racing and some tragedies, such as the death of Bruce Mclaren in 1970.
In Lord March's mind, even before the acquisition of the property, was the intention of bringing the roar of competition engines back to Goodwood. Unfortunately, and despite several attempts, Lord March never obtained the necessary permits to carry out sporting events at Goodwood.
With competition at Goodwood out of the question, Lord March devised another format. Instead of racing, Goodwood would now host an annual festival: the Goodwood Festival of Speed. It's been like that every year since 1993, between June and July.
A festival that in practice is a moving museum. Where the most historic and striking machines in world motorsport meet to shake the spider's webs of a whole year in captivity.
the festival itself
There's nothing that compares to the Goodwood Festival. If you're reading this, instead of being in England covering your children's ears while passing a historic Formula 1 'screaming', I'm sorry. I feel sorry for you, for your hypothetical puppies and for me who's here to write and who doesn't even have children – damn John! Next year I go to Goodwood…
Goodwood is one of those experiences that should be on the bucket list of any self-respecting petrolhead. In addition to bringing together, in one place, the main models from the most different disciplines – such as Formula 1, NASCAR, INDY, Endurance, Tourism, WRC – its main attraction is that the cars are in motion. The best, most expensive and rarest cars ever meet on a small 2km long road, between bales of straw and well-kept grass.
During these three days, Goodwood returns these machines to all their glory. Rescuing them from their lethargic state, from the confines of the most exotic garages and the most exclusive museums. Nowhere else in the world can we compare the sound of a historic Formula 1 with the sound of a modern Formula 1 on the same day; the sound of a Group B, with the sound of the latest WRC.
Even better. With any luck we can see historic riders again at the controls of their machines of the time. Can you imagine witnessing, live and in color, Niki Lauda driving the Ferrari that almost took her life at the Nurburgring? This of course, while covering your child's ears – I'm becoming a little obsessed with this, am I not? I had an otitis a short time ago, that's the reason.
And deep down, honestly – gnawing at me a little with envy – I didn't mind that João Faustino had a slight ear infection. I already know that when you come from there, nobody shuts you up. It would only be a preventive measure….
As for us – sick for not being there – it remains for us to cling to the Automobile Reason waiting for news. It's not that bad either, is it?
