Ivan Vicario Martin
That competition is the ideal testing ground for the automobile is well known. Less frequently, this can also be applied to classic car racing. That is exactly what is going to happen in 2024 in the Goodwood Revival, since the organization has announced that You can only run using sustainable fuel. A decision that could surprise, but that could be key for the future of this type of events.
In the 2023 edition of the Goodwood Revival ya the first tests were carried out in this sense. In fact, a 1925 Bentley Speed Model, driven by Ben Collings and Gareth Graham, was able to win its series using sustainable fuel. Furthermore, in the Fordwater Trophy 30 units participated Porsche 911 before 1966 that also used this type of gasoline, driven by names like Jenson Button, Tom Kristensen or Mark Webber.
We can't forget about the presence of four-time Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel in the Festival of Speed 2023. The German made the climb with two of the cars from his collection, a 14 Williams FW1992B ex Nigel Mansell and a 4 ex McLaren MP8/1993 Ayrton Senna. Both cars were powered by sustainable fuels within the “Race Without Trace” initiative.
CHANGE SO EVERYTHING REMAINS THE SAME
The idea promoted by the Duche of Richmond, the creator of the Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival, is that the gasoline in participating cars uses at least 70% sustainable components. It is not a measure imposed lightly, but one that has been carefully evaluated and always thinking about how to ensure the future of classics competitions.
Most important of all, is that The cars will not need to make any modifications to run normally, so that its originality is preserved. Furthermore, the new fuels will not affect the durability of the mechanical components or reduce their performance. Not even the sound changes. That is to say, facing the public, no one will notice any change with respect to the races that have been held until now.
As It has not yet been explained whether all types of sustainable gasoline will be admitted., that is, both those of organic origin or biofuels, like synthetics, with which we have been experimenting for a long time. A minor detail, since either of the two solutions will end up being admitted. What is really important is that, with this step, Goodwood is trying to safeguard the future of classic competitions and protect it from the electric fashion that we have upon us.
It must be remembered that the Goodwood Revival 2024 It will be held from September 6 to 8 and tickets are already on sale on the event's official website.
Photographs courtesy of Gema Bernaldo de Quiros.
