The Goodwood Festival of Speed is a unique motorsport event that stands out from the rest. It is a magnificent celebration of cars and motorsport, encompassing the past, present, and future. The festival, set to take place in 2024, promises to be an extraordinary experience. If you’re attending, here are 10 things you can look forward to:
1. The Festival of Speed hillclimb is an unparalleled spectacle in motorsport. It features a wide range of vehicles, including Formula 1 cars from different eras, supercars, sportscars, touring cars, and rally icons. The 1.16-mile hillclimb showcases the rich history of motorsport.
2. With 12 grandstands overlooking the hillside, fans have the perfect vantage point to witness the greatest race cars of all time. Professional drivers push these cars to their limits, providing an exhilarating show for the crowd.
3. The excitement reaches its peak during the ‘Sunday Shootout,’ where drivers compete to set the fastest time up the iconic hill. Previous winners include renowned names like Martin Brundle, Nick Heidfeld, Max Chilton, and Sebastien Loeb.
4. If you want to get up close to the stars and cars participating in the hillclimb, the FOS pitlane is the place to be. Here, you can witness F1 champions, legendary cars, and drivers preparing for their runs. Don’t forget to keep your phone handy for a chance to snap a selfie with your favorite heroes.
5. Williams is offering a special treat at the 2024 event. Four key figures from the Williams team will drive the iconic 1982 Williams FW08 up Goodwood Hill. Current F1 drivers Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant, as well as Lia Block, daughter of rally legend Ken Block, will also be present.
6. Each year, the Festival of Speed revolves around a specific theme. In 2024, the theme is ‘Horseless to Hybrid – Revolutions in Power.’ This celebration of 130 years of motorsport will showcase historic machines that introduced new technologies to the world of motorsport and automotive design.
7. The festival also looks towards the future, featuring debuts and thrilling hillclimb runs by the latest electric, hydrogen, hybrid, and sustainably fueled road and race cars. Additionally, the Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC), a race series for autonomous cars, will be showcased at Goodwood.
8. ‘Mad’ Mike Whiddett, an industry legend, will showcase his unique drift car built from a McLaren P1. This unconventional creation, born out of intense work at Mike’s ‘Mad Lab’ in New Zealand, promises to push boundaries and take drifting to new heights.
9. MG, the iconic British brand, will take center stage at the festival’s Central Feature to celebrate its centenary. This special art piece, set against the backdrop of Goodwood House, continues the tradition of showcasing renowned automotive brands in a spectacular aerial display.
10. Future Lab presented by Randox offers immersive experiences that educate attendees about the technologies of tomorrow. Expect mind-blowing innovations and engaging exhibitions, including robot dogs, mars rovers, and groundbreaking VR technologies.
Electric Avenue will feature an array of electric cars from major automotive manufacturers, providing insights into their evolution and suitability for different needs. Experts will be available throughout the day to answer any questions you may have.
Lastly, if you’re a fan of rallying, the Forest Rally Stage at Goodwood is a must-visit. This high-speed route through forests and trees offers a thrilling experience for both drivers and spectators. Modern WRC machines and beloved classics will showcase the excitement of rallying up close.
Only Thursday tickets are available, so make sure to secure your spot at the 2024 Festival of Speed before they sell out. For more information, visit the festival’s website.