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The Festival of Speedis an ever-evolving extravaganza of motorsport and technology, past, present and future.
Each summer the 1.16-mile long drive to the Duke of Richmond’s home, the hallowed Goodwood House in West Sussex, becomes a showcase for the fastest, most exciting, record-breaking cars, bikes and drivers ever seen in one place, anywhere in the world.
Described as one of the biggest global green-field site builds, the quintessentially English estate transforms in a matter of weeks to become a Festival that welcomes more than 200,000 visitors over four days, and has been defined as “the de facto British motor show” by Top Gear’s Chris Harris and as “the modern way to show cars to people” by Dr Herbert Diess, Global CEO of the VW Group.
The theme for the 2019 Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard, which takes place from 4 to 7 July, will be ‘Speed Kings – Motorsport’s Record Breakers’ and will see Goodwood celebrate the people and machinery that set the benchmark or raised the bar.
The focus will not just be on the Land Speed Record, but on every area of record breaking in motorsport, from the most consecutive wins, to most championships, fastest laps, most poles set by a manufacturer and many more.
This year, the event is evolving into even more of a motoring mecca. Changes to the physical layout, with the relocation of the road car paddocks, will make way for an all-new live action arena guaranteed to thrill spectators, along with many other highlights:
Goodwood Festival of Speed 2019 Highlights
The Michelin Supercar Paddock
In a new location for 2019, this ever popular attraction is where you’ll find the most coveted supercars the world over, lined up ready to race up the hill.
The Arena
Brand new for 2019 will be a whole paddock dedicated to cars that travel best sideways: four-wheel drift cars, rally cars, rally cross and stunt vehicles will put on the noisiest, most tyre-shredding displays from Friday to Sunday.
Goodwood Action Sports
This adrenaline-fuelled arena moves to a more expansive site to include all aspects of the extreme sports scene. Visitors will be entertained by the most daring jumps and stunts and get hands-on with the newest and most thrilling in eGaming experiences.
Cartier Style et Luxe – Concours D’Elegance
The Cartier Lawn at the Festival of Speed is the place to see and be seen. Mill around on the manicured grass by the beautiful stable block, admiring the cream of the crop of rare and intriguing automotive design, with the overall winner being announced on the Sunday by a carefully selected panel of judges.
FoS Future Lab & First Glance Paddock
Now in its third year, an incredible, interactive display of what the future of cars, transport and technology looks like for all of us, from concept and autonomous cars, flying cars, electric planes, innovations in healthcare, jet pack travel, robotics and much more.
On top of these highlights, this year’s event will again include the cars and stars of the F1 teams, a breathtaking new sculpture in celebration of the Honoured Marque (still top secret) and an off-road arena for those who don’t mind being shaken up a little.
There are brilliant stands from an array of automotive tech and lifestyle brands with plenty for visitors to see and interact with; the Bonham’s auction where some of the most valuable cars in the world change hands each year; and helicopter flights for those who want to see all the action from the air, taking in the South Downs’ views in all their glory.
WAYS TO ENJOY THE FESTIVAL OF SPEED
Whether you are entertaining friends, family or business associates, there are hospitality packages at Goodwood fine-tuned to offer a variety of options. Choose from the finest British fare in the peaceful surroundings of the Duke and Duchess’s private garden, The Library Lawn, or the ultimate luxury of being right on the trackside in the Clark Pavilion, where you’ll watch first-hand the stars and their incredible cars tackle the famously tricky Molecombe Corner.
Throughout the Festival you’ll find food and drink offerings galore; from champagne and seafood outside Goodwood House to chilled Goodwood Ales and fish and chips on the cricket pitch. There is all manner of entertainment for families, too.
As F1’s Mark Webber said, “It’s the best event in the world and I don’t know who’s second, but it’s a long, long way behind.”
There are a full range of hospitality packages available; call 01243 755 054 to find out more.
