Goodwood Revival 2012 Preview

Thousands of people are expected to flock to the area this weekend for the annual Goodwood Revival.

Three days of events are planned, including motor racing, special parades and air displays, on Friday (September 14), Saturday (September 15) and Sunday (September 16).

Motor racing at Goodwood began when the RAF closed the base after the Second World War with Britain’s first post-war motor sport meeting taking place at Goodwood on September 18, 1948.

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Over the next 18 years, the circuit became one of the most popular in the world before closing its doors in 1966.

Exactly 50 years after the first meeting, Goodwood Motor Circuit reopened with every detail recreated and Revival was born.

Drivers

This year, a host of familiar names and faces from a wide variety of motor sport disciplines are due to be in action, including Formula One stars, rally winners, endurance racing champions, tin top tearaways and top bikers. Friday is reserved for practice with official races taking place on Saturday and Sunday.

Touring car talent will include current Honda BTCC drivers Matt Neal and Gordon Sheddon alongside ex-Grand Prix stars Martin Brundle, Jochen Mass, Derek Bell, Rupert Keegan, and Richard Attwood, to name just a few.

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Spectators can also expect to see Red Bull F1 team principal Christian Horner and the team’s chief technical director Adrian Newey in action, along with drivers as diverse as Indy 500 winner Kenny Brack and ASCAR Champion Nicolas Minassian.

Motorcycling heroes will include Isle of Man TT stars Mick Grant and Charlie Williams.

American motor racing legend Dan Gurney will be the subject of Goodwood’s annual driver tribute this weekend, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of his maiden Grand Prix victory.

Goodwood will also be leading a Dan Gurney for President campaign, recalling the 1964 campaign by Car and Driver magazine in 1964.

Off-track

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Off the track, there will be the Freddie March Spirit of Aviation display, the Revival Car Show, The Revival High Street and Market and Bonhams Auction on Friday afternoon.

As a former WWII airfield and Spitfire base during the Battle of Britain, Goodwood has a strong aviation history and there will be displays throughout the weekend. There will also be the Earls Court Motor Show, an authentic recreation of the famous exhibition with its glamorous art-deco facade.

Visitors will entering the Revival spirit with fashion at the heart of the event, particularly on Ladies Day.

Some local road closures will be in place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Visitors should follow signs.

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