The Racers Return

To visit Goodwood Motor Circuit on the weekend of the 18th, 19th and 20th of September was to take a step back in time, such was the attention to detail in recreating the atmosphere and the racing of the period from 1948 when the circuit first opened, to 1966 when it closed to racing.

At 9.05 on the morning of Friday 18th September Lord March drove his grandfather's Bristol saloon over the start line at Goodwood to officially open the circuit.

For the gathered spectators, may dressed in the styles of the 40s, 50s and 60s it was a magical moment as they watched thee Bristol tour the circuit whilst overhead two Spitfires reminded everyone of the origins of the race track as world war two fighter base.

As Lord March returned to the pits one of the Spitfires marked the re-opening of the circuit in stunning style. Approaching from the north the aircraft lined up on the pit straight to swoop between the spectator grandstand and the pits opposite. So low was the Spitfire that those in the commentary box on the top of the new pit complex were stunned to find themselves looking down on the aircraft.

The re-opening of the circuit to racing has been the culmination of five years work by Lord March and his team. They have managed to recreate not only the racing of the period but also the atmosphere by attention to the smallest detail. Entering the circuit it was immediately noticeable that the previously dilapidated buildings had been renovated and that a number of new road and pathways had been laid. The tunnel under the main straight had also been renovated and before entering this it was possible to get a glimpse of the new pit complex complete with the K.L.G. clock in the tower.

The paddock area has been transformed from its rather scruffy mixture of broken tarmac and grass. The entire area has been re-laid and individual covered parking bays built for the cars, the whole surrounded by a picket fence. Although access to the paddock was restricted to members of the Goodwood Racing Club, other spectators could view the cars and talk to the drivers and white overalled mechanics over the fence. Every bay had a sign above it detailing the car and the race in which it would be competing. The signs were double sided so that you could get the details from inside or outside the fence!

The intention to recreate times gone past was reflected in so many areas. At the exit to the paddock was a Morris minor fire tender. Period police cars and bikes were on display. Where it was necessary to put in modern facilities such as portable toilets, these were hidden behind wattle fencing or straw bales. At Lavant, corn had been planted earlier in the year and had been harvested and made into stooks, with the assistance the Weald and Downland Museum at Singleton. On the Sunday this corn was being threshed using period equipment, recreating a scene from the 50's. Along Lavant straight was a period funfair with traction engines.

Even as one walked around the circuit, modern rescue and recovery vehicles were tucked away behind earth banks wherever possible to maintain the illusion.

Those who thought that the Goodwood Revival Meeting would just be just be a series of demonstration races, had their illusions shattered when the first race for thirty-two years at the circuit got under way. The 3 litre formula 1 cars from the late 30's and 40's were fast, racing hard and looked positively dangerous to drive. They were lapping in the low 1 minute 30' which equates to some 90 M.P.H. average!

Amongst the names there were, Stirling Moss, Sir Jack Brabham and many others, still driving with their old skill and determination. Of drivers from the modern era Damon Hill and Martin Brundle found the challenge both irresistible and enjoyable. Damon seemed to particularly enjoy his bike race on a Manx Norton. Although he had had to start on the back of the grid, as he was unable to post a qualifying time, he finished a creditable 10th from 30 starters.

Perhaps the most poignant moment of the whole weekend occurred after many had left the circuit, at the awards ceremony held on the roof of the pits.

The final race of the day was named the Scott Gaze Memorial Handicap, in honour of a pilot who was killed in action during world war two operating out of Goodwood. His brother Tony Gaze, who also served at Goodwood during the war and who was the man who suggested Goodwood as a motor racing circuit to the late Freddie March, presented the Trophy.