Picture special from glorious Goodwood
Celebs, racing stars and fans flock to the sun-kissed Festival of Speed
We joined over 200,000 sun-kissed petrolheads at this very British motorsport garden party over the weekend, to witness the planet’s greatest celebration of racing, past and present.
In one of the biggest turnouts of stars in Goodwood’s 25-year history, riders included Foggy, Agostini, Haga, Van Der Mark, Alex Lowes, Johnny Rea, Hutchy, Hillier, Corser, Mamola, Spencer, Parrish, Brookes and more. Fans were able to get close to their heroes in the paddock as well as see them fly up Goodwood’s famous 1.16-mile hillclimb. MCN also got to ride some very special machines, including Dan Linfoot’s BSB Blade, Brad Baker’s Indian FTR750 flat-tracker, John Hackett’s Ducati 888 Corsa, Bruce Anstey’s RC213V-S TT bike and a BMW HP4 Race.
Bikes have become an increasingly significant part of the festival, as Goodwood’s James Charman explained. “The Duke of Richmond is a huge bike fan and rides around the estate on a dirt bike to check on everything. Cars might be the main attraction, but for many the highlight is the bikes, like Rossi riding through the house in 2015 and the Dunlops last year.” The weekend was the 12th visit to the festival for MCN reader Mike Phillips. “If you’re a petrolhead this is the event of the year,” he said. “Every year they seem to find something different. It’s always a pleasure to come here and nice to be with other like-minded people. When Rossi came it was fantastic. The crowd was massive and the following spectacular. It was great to see him ride up the hill.” Twice WSB champ Troy Corser is also a regular. “I really look forward to seeing all the riders, drivers and old bikes. Hearing them go up the hill is fantastic.” GP legend Randy Mamola told MCN: “Goodwood is like dabbling your foot in heaven and just like everyone else I’m in awe of the stars and the wonderful people that drove and rode the cars and bikes in those eras.”
TT star James Hillier, was also mesmerised: “You can get so close to so many different vehicles. I’m not a massive car fan, but I find it intriguing. I look forward to it every year. It’s just so nice to come and ride in a safe, enjoyable environment.”
Riders included Foggy, Agostini, Haga and Spencer