Goodwood Festival of Speed highlights
After a Covid-enforced hiatus, one of the great celebrations of motorsport returned – as did the loyal crowds – to honour the finest all-rounders
They say absence makes the heart grow fonder and that was indeed the case at the Goodwood Festival of Speed as capacity crowds desperate for a motorsport fix flocked to the event’s much anticipated return.
The four-day celebration of motorsport was cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic but, as restrictions begin to ease, the event was included as part of the UK government’s Event Research Programme, meaning that the passionate petrol-heads were back, bringing with them a rare sense of normality. The sight of fans returning to line the famous hillclimb in awe of the priceless collection of cars, bikes, drivers and riders on show was not lost on event founder Lord March, who also praised his team for ensuring that the Festival of Speed was prepared for its safe return. “We are absolutely thrilled it’s happened and the team have done a great job to get it ready in time,” he said. “It’s been fantastic, we have really loved it.”
This year’s theme was ‘The Maestros – Motorsports Great All-rounders’ and the brief was certainly met as Mario Andretti, Jacky Ickx, Emerson Fittipaldi, Jackie Stewart, Team Penske and Prodrive were all represented and honoured for their contribution to various disciplines.
Those all-rounders that are sadly no longer with us also featured as part of the celebrations, receiving fitting tributes. Since the last Festival of Speed the sport lost the great Stirling Moss, who enjoyed success in Formula 1, sportscars,
touring cars, rallying and more.
The famous 1955 Mille Miglia #722 Mercedes-benz 300SLR that Moss drove alongside Denis Jenkinson to victory was placed on a special plinth, with fans able to scan a QR code to sign an online book of condolences – a nice touch.
Murray Walker, the all-rounder of motorsport commentary who died in March, was given a memorable tribute as former F1 driver and close friend Damon Hill read an emotional tribute to the crowd, before Walker’s voice was heard blaring around the grounds as Goodwood remembered the voice of motorsport in the only possible way, by reliving his most famous moments. It was followed by a rousing applause in recognition of the great man.
Tributes aside, smiles were very much the order of the event as the Festival of Speed was back – and back with a bang.