We can almost smell the Castrol R. Goodwood has announced Speedweek – a unique new event to thrill motor sport fans who have been left disappointed by the coronavirus-related cancellation of the 2020 Members’ Meeting, Festival of Speed and Revival.
Goodwood Speedweek will take place on October 16-18 on the historic motor racing circuit and will feature more than a century of cars in action.
“Speedweek will be a once-in-a-lifetime occasion —the fastest, most exciting and spectacular event we have ever staged,” says the Duke of Richmond.
However, it’s not all good news. The new Speedweek event won’t be open to the public. Instead, Goodwood has taken the difficult decision to hold it behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Fans will be able to follow it for free by watching live online via Goodwood Road and Racing’s website and social channels, and a range of to-be-announced broadcast partners. It won’t be the same without the smell of burning petrol, the unmistakable whiff of Catrol R and the aroma smoking tyres. But let’s face it – it’s better than nothing.
Alongside the classic racing action that we’ve come to expect from the Members’ Meeting and Revival there will be a new competition that will see modern supercars lapping the circuit for the first time. Expect the 55 year-old track record to be smashed in a series of winner-takes-all one lap shoot-outs.
Also new will be the first-ever Goodwood Gymkhana which is set to take over the estate, going to areas of the Duke’s country pile that have always previously been out-of-bounds.
Bonhams will hold a special online auction during the weekend. The details, along with driver line-up, and full programme of events will be released over the coming weeks. Stay tuned.
A Season Like No Other: Aston Martin disaster at Goodwood in 1959