Goodwood Revival 2025

Located in Chichester, Sussex, the Goodwood estate home of the Duke of Richmond turns back the clock each year to honor Britain’s glorious mechanical history. The Goodwood Revival first started in 1998 when Charles March (then merely the Earl of March) declared that racing would return to the historic Goodwood Motor Circuit for the first time since 1966. Back then, with racing speeds increasing the family was faced with a choice to modernize the circuit or discontinue racing: the latter was chosen, and things got very quiet for the next 30-odd years on the grand estate near Brighton.  Nostalgia is a funny thing though, tugging at our emotions in times of turmoil and change…the simplicity of the past, at least as seen through memory, can provide both comfort and clarity to appreciate our ancestors’ achievements and maybe, even our own youthful indiscretions. When faced with relentless technological change and political turmoil, a little indulgence in nostalgic fantasy is very satisfying, especially when done in the manner of the Goodwood Revival.

We’d booked our accommodation early in the year to ensure a place near the action.  We found a special place; The Pig in South Downs, near Arundel, just about 1 ½ hour from Heathrow Airport. Sumptuous and unpretentious, this gem of a lodge includes a restaurant with a 25-mile menu, for those who care about such comforts. The number of Bentleys, Aston Martins, Jensens and other fine British motorcars in the crushed stone drive lets you know right away, The Pig is a place of choice for the Bentley set, a premium experience and an indulgence for the legendary events at Goodwood.

Making our way to the nearby Goodwood property, my navigator and I soon found ourselves surrounded by an enormous array of classic cars and motorcycles in the grass parking lot. Not just a few classics, but thousands of them filled with people dressed in period clothing that reflects the seriousness with which they approach this weekend [the old joke: “I never went into Goodwood, I thought the parking lot was the event!” – ed.]. Over 150,000 people attended this year, with ninety percent suitably attired, and although the theme was “Summer of Love”, the vast majority of wore classic British fashion from the 1940s. 50’s and sixties. Speaking of fashion, burlesque icon Dita Von Teese and New Yorker Dandy Wellington led the charge and hosted the Revival Style Village where Revive and Thrive was the vibe.

With hundreds of vendors and classic amusement rides to thrill even the most jaded attendee, the food and spirits businesses were well-organized and top notch in keeping things moving. The British understand ‘queuing up’ and politeness was evident no matter whether you were shopping or waiting for the toilets; it’s just part of their culture. Despite the vast crowds, one never felt overwhelmed by it all, people seemed genuinely pleased to be there as part of the festivities.

Goodwood is first and foremost about racing, and this goes on no matter what the weather brings. In fact, a little rain makes it all the more exciting, with the added spice of danger. We made our way to the paddock post haste to meet with Alan Cathcart and his friends, Grand Prix champions Carlos Checa and Sammy Miller. Breathing deeply, we inhaled the unmistakable smell of Castol R, that magic elixir of lubrication for classic British racing vehicles. Norton Manx motorcycles, the greatest single-cylinder racer of their period made up the majority of the grid for the Barry Sheene Memorial, a pro-am race held on both days. Matchless G50s battled with BMWs as well. Bumping into Isle of Man TT legend John McGuiness was the highlight of my morning, the understated master of true road racing is a genial gent who was enjoying his time there, too.

Motorcycles are just part of the show and seriously expensive automobiles with top-ranked former F1 drivers such as Jenson Button mixed it up with LeMans 24 hour winner Tom Kristenson and even NASCAR star Jimmie Johnson. As with the two-wheelers, these racers let it all hang out to the delight of the crowd over the weekend. To win at Goodwood is as good as it gets in historic racing.

Goodwood Revival is a bucket-list item for many folks who want to step back in time and experience classic racing and the best of British culture in one weekend. Unlike many bucket-list items that are an ‘one and done’, this event leaves you longing for the next chance to visit. Cheers!