unai ona
“The greatest show on earth”, was the title of the theme of this edition of the Goodwood Revival 2023. And at least, as far as the classic motor world is concerned, the Duke circuit once again becomes just that, the greatest show in the world. Competition, atmosphere, parking, exhibitions and everything related to memorabilia, nothing is missing in the great festival of collectible motorsports.
Already at the main entrance, he welcomed us a circus tent with its entire circus repertoire of clowns, mountebanks and fakirs, of course, guarded by a huge seventies ERF Garnider 180 truck, with its circus barge included. Of course, one of the keys to the success of the Revival is that, although this year it was already 25 editions, never falls into monotony. Every year categories, anniversaries and tributes are renewed.
The best proof of its success is that a few weeks before the event all the tickets were already sold. Besides, More than a sporting event, it is a social event, in which, of course, by dressing in period clothing we really have the feeling of traveling to the past. We talk about complete families, with their baby strollers -classical or evoking the era-, groups of friends or older people with their typical shooting stick to spend hours watching the races.
ANOTHER WAY TO ENJOY
There are many visitors who They don't even get to step onto the grass to see a single car.. The Revival offers so many activities outside of the actual action on the track that one can spend the weekend dancing at the different musical group spots, participating in the dress contest, watching period films at the open-air cinema, visiting hundreds of stores…
It is so well recreated that, in the area inside the circuit, you can go get your makeup done or have your hair done. pin up, shine your shoes or watch performances of what life was like in the 60s. For long distances around the circuit, There are old Fordsons pulling trailers available to spectators, with its stalls with vintage canopies. For the little ones there is the fairground with its ferris wheels and the corresponding games from another era, bumper cars and all kinds of incentives to not get bored.
daily are made two air displays with three Spitfires, both at dawn and dusk. There is also an exhibition of combat and civilian aircraft, as well as military vehicles.
THE BEST OF GOODWOOD REVIVAL 2023
As far as competition is concerned, A total of 17 races made up the three-day plan, including the usual Barry Sheene Memorial, reserved for motorcycles, and the Settrington Cup for pedal cars in their small J40s. This year, among the grills different from the usual ones was the Lavant Cup, participating exclusively Ferrari high pompadour like 250 GTO, 250 LM, 250 SWB or the famous Breadvan. The Rudge Whitworth was a tribute to the 24 Le Mans hours, with the pioneers of the 20s. Finally, the Fordwater Trophy celebrated the 60th anniversary of the iconic Porsche 911 with thirty 2.0 on the track, and with the participation of Tom Kristensen and Mark Webber.
Because Another of the attractions of the revival is being able to see legendary pilots. The same one can find in the paddock with Arturo Merzario or cross paths among the genius with Jackie Stewart, Emerson Fittipaldi, Richard Atwood, Jacky Ickx, Jochen Mass, our Pedro de la Rosa or the well-known Rowan Atkinson, “Mr. Bean.”
The races are the protagonists. The circuit is short, so which cars are constantly passing wherever you are. Furthermore, visually it is very attractive, with its period pits, the classification panel, the piles of national flags, the countryside in the background and the public itself applauding and cheering for spins, starts and victories. The pilots know this and never disappoint.
GOOD PERFORMANCE BY FOLCH
To highlight the performance of Joaquin Folch, who returned to compete in up to three categories, starting with the Ford GT40 that was from the Montjuich Team. He also raced the Jaguar E-Type, a wheel that he was going to share with Peter of the Rose, but a defective tire caused vibrations that prevented them from competing.
Folch was able to compensate himself with the Lotus-Climax 16 with which he competed in the Gordon Trophy. He started on the second row of the grid, but a spin on the first lap caused him to fall to the back of the pack. After a furious comeback, he finished in an extraordinary 5th final position, in addition to being first among the front-engine cars. Bravo!
This year, the parades were about him Lotus 75th Anniversary, Sir Jackie Stewart, Queen Elizabeth II's Land Rovers, Carroll Shelby and motorcycles from 1900 to 1948 up to a total of approximately two hundred. Also the exhibition of Bonhams It is another essential. The auction house offered about 60 cars of all types, with a Porsche RSR 3 liters by Martini Racing like a big star. Also drawing attention was the Aston Martin Virage Coupe, neither more nor less than the prototype.
The classics parking lot is practically a living museum, as one can find hundreds and hundreds of pre-1966 classics. This year, there was additional parking for youngtimers.
THE WORST OF GOODWOOD REVIVAL 2023
The image that has taken over social networks has been that of Ferrari 250 GTO driven by Karun Chandhok on fire. Although there are some doubts about the originality of said unit, the truth is that seeing such a vehicle burn makes your hair stand on end. We were there to immortalize the image of the Indian driver as soon as he got out of the car.
Soon after, we learned that It was basically an engine failure., since it had a hole, which caused the crankcase to also break. The oil came into contact with the exhaust and caught fire, which gave way to the spectacular flares we saw. Fortunately, Karun Chandhok was able to get out of the car without any damage, while the fire extinguishers did their job, preventing the Ferrari 250 GTO from being consumed by fire.
Scary moment for @karunchandhok minutes ago @goodwoodrevival in the iconic GTO 🔥
Most importantly just really glad he's ok but I have to say that save, car control and presence of mind to quickly get it off circuit and onto the grass was IMPRESSIVE👏🏼🫡
We thought we were done… pic.twitter.com/vnPfK7KxGd
— Suhail Chandhok (@suhailchandhok) September 9, 2023
THE BEST IMAGES OF GOODWOOD REVIVAL 2023
Photographs by Unai Ona.
