The collision of endurance racing, Formula 1, and NASCAR takes center stage as competitors fiercely engage on the track. The tussle for the third position unfolds in the initial 25-minute saloon car race featuring vehicles that originally raced between 1950 and 1959. Tom Kristensen, a nine-time Le Mans victor, trails in a 1956 Austin A90, while Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR champion, steers a 1959 Austin A40. Jensen Button, the 2009 Formula 1 champion, seeks to maintain his lead in a 1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta TI.
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Though the contest serves mainly as a platform for boasting rights, the intensity is palpable. Drivers skillfully maneuver through bends, operating these venerable racers at their performance limits, and exploiting the full extent of the tarmac and occasionally even grazing the grass.
The Goodwood Revival event is a yearly September fixture at the historic Goodwood Motor Circuit in Southern England, erected on a former Spitfire airbase. The event is distinguished not only by its legendary racers and iconic cars but also by attendees who don period attire in tribute to the esteemed automobiles present.
2023 Goodwood Revival Highlights: A Michael Shaffer Photograph
From September 8-10, the 2023 Goodwood Revival showcased 16 races featuring cars dating from the 1930s to the 1960s. The event also honored icons like Carroll Shelby and Jackie Stewart while celebrating the 75th anniversaries of both Lotus and the track itself. Moreover, it featured a range of parades and exhibits, including displays of antique military aircraft.
The event was replete with memorable moments, both on and off the track. In the aforementioned saloon race, esteemed endurance racer Romain Dumas triumphed over a formidable lineup of professional and amateur drivers, leveraging his 7.0-liter V-8 powered 1959 Ford Thunderbird.
Another pinnacle was the Lavant cup, a gripping race featuring 19 Ferrari GT cars from the years 1960-1966 with an estimated total worth in the high hundreds of millions. Professional driver Rob Hall clinched victory in a 1964 Ferrari 250 LM, even after a tumultuous start and minor collisions.
Climactic Moments and Off-Track Sights
A race dedicated to grand prix cars from 1930-1951 culminated in a dramatic photo finish, underscoring the fervor with which these competitors participate. Inclement weather played a decisive role in the outcome of the Royal Automobile Club TT Celebration, which saw AC Cobras vying against Jaguar E-Types and featured several Corvette Stingrays. In dry conditions, the Cobras held sway, but the E-Types outperformed in the wet to claim victory.
Away from the racetrack, an abundance of vintage cars captivated attendees, providing an intimate view of these storied machines. The event’s parking facilities alone could rival Europe’s finest car shows, given the significant attendance of auto enthusiasts from across the continent.
An AutoMotorMart Perspective
AutoMotorMart was present to capture the event’s electrifying atmosphere and to document the staggering array of racing history assembled in one location. Each track vehicle boasts an illustrious lineage, and the parking area featured an array of classic cars, each with its own narrative.
Though the United States hosts its own array of remarkable vintage racing events and car shows, a visit to the Goodwood Revival in England provides a unique perspective into the rich tapestry of motorsport history, especially if one can witness the industry’s elite drivers compete solely for the love of the sport.
The accompanying photo collection includes some images captured personally, as well as professional shots courtesy of photographer Michael Shaffer, offering a glimpse into the essence of the Goodwood Revival event.
Travel and lodging expenses for AutoMotorMart’s coverage of this event were sponsored by Subaru.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about 2023 Goodwood Revival
What is the 2023 Goodwood Revival?
The 2023 Goodwood Revival is an annual motorsport event held at the historic Goodwood Motor Circuit in Southern England. The event features vintage cars and legendary drivers competing in various races and is a tribute to the golden era of motorsports.
Who are some of the notable participants in the 2023 Goodwood Revival?
Some of the notable participants include nine-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen, seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson, and 2009 Formula 1 champion Jensen Button. These seasoned drivers compete in classic cars that once raced between 1950 and 1959.
What types of races are featured at the event?
The event showcases a wide range of races, from saloon car races featuring vehicles from the 1950s to grand prix races with cars from 1930-1951. It also includes special cup races like the Lavant cup featuring Ferrari GT cars from 1960-1966.
What makes the Goodwood Revival unique?
The Goodwood Revival stands out for its vintage setting, legendary drivers, and iconic race cars. Attendees also often dress in period attire as a tribute to the event’s historical context. The event celebrates not just the vehicles but also the entire era that they represent.
Are there any other activities besides racing?
Yes, besides the races, the event features a variety of parades, exhibitions, and displays of antique military aircraft. It serves as a comprehensive celebration of motorsport history and a tribute to icons like Carroll Shelby and Jackie Stewart.
How can one attend the Goodwood Revival?
Tickets for the Goodwood Revival are generally made available through the event’s official website and often sell out well in advance due to high demand. The event also draws a significant number of international attendees.
Was the event affected by weather conditions?
Yes, weather played a role in the outcome of some races. For instance, the Royal Automobile Club TT Celebration saw AC Cobras competing against Jaguar E-Types, with wet conditions favoring the latter.
Who provided the photographs for the coverage?
The photographs accompanying the article were contributed by both a team member from AutoMotorMart as well as professional photographer Michael Shaffer.
Who sponsored the travel and lodging for the coverage?
The travel and lodging expenses for AutoMotorMart’s comprehensive coverage of the 2023 Goodwood Revival were sponsored by Subaru.
More about 2023 Goodwood Revival
- Goodwood Revival Official Website
- AutoMotorMart Website
- History of Goodwood Motor Circuit
- Profile of Tom Kristensen
- Profile of Jimmie Johnson
- Profile of Jensen Button
- Overview of Vintage Racing Cars
- Carroll Shelby’s Legacy
- Jackie Stewart’s Career
- The Importance of Vintage Motorsport Events
- Weather’s Impact on Motorsports
- Subaru Official Website