THE UK’S MOST EXPENSIVE MOTORSPORT BATTLEGROUND
FULL PREVIEW FOR THE GOODWOOD REVIVAL MEETING
This year’s Goodwood Revival will include a spectacular recreation of one of the most important and dramatic races in the circuit’s history.
On September 5, 1959, the works Aston Martin team survived six hours of racing and a major pit fire to win the RAC Tourist Trophy.
This weekend, as many as 15 original cars from that race will take part in a high-speed
demonstration to mark the race’s 60th anniversary, with some typical Goodwood theatre promised.
The Revival will celebrate Aston Martin’s landmark anniversary along with honouring Sir Stirling Moss, the star of the race, who will reach his 90th birthday on September 17.
The 1959 RAC TT at Goodwood was the final race of the World Sportscar Championship season and Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin were battling for the prestigious title. Aston Martin brought three DBR1S for Stirling Moss/roy Salvadori, Carroll Shelby/jack Fairman and Maurice Trintignant/paul Frere.
The Moss/salvadori car sprinted off into an early lead but when Salvadori pitted for fuel the hose was knocked open too early and spilt fuel burst into flames. With his own car out, Moss leapt into the car of Shelby/fairman and set about making up for lost time. After a stunning drive, Moss finished a lap ahead of the leading Porsche to give Aston Martin the world championship.
The Duke of Richmond said: “The 1959 Tourist Trophy was without doubt the most momentous race that Goodwood staged in period, and it delivered a true landmark in British motoring when Aston Martin claimed the World Sportscar Championship.
“We shall be celebrating that performance to the fullest, as well as toasting the 90th birthday of
Sir Stirling Moss, by recapturing the entire spectacle of the occasion when we open the 2019 Goodwood Revival. I am sure that our visitors on Friday will be amazed.”